CARD games between virus and host get a new player

Trends Immunol. 2006 Jan;27(1):1-4. doi: 10.1016/j.it.2005.11.004. Epub 2005 Nov 23.

Abstract

A growing family of cellular proteins encoding the caspase activation and recruitment domain (CARD) has a crucial role in immunity by sensing virus infection and signaling antiviral immune defenses. Four independent studies have identified a novel CARD-containing protein, variously called IPS-1, MAVS, VISA and Cardif, which is an essential signaling adaptor of the host defense mediating CARD-CARD interactions with retinoic acid inducible gene-I (RIG-I) and melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDAS), sensors of virus infection. Disruption of this novel signaling pathway by hepatitis C virus (HCV) might provide a foundation for viral persistence.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Caspases / metabolism*
  • Enzyme Activation
  • Humans
  • Mitochondria / metabolism
  • Models, Biological
  • Signal Transduction
  • Virus Diseases / enzymology*
  • Virus Diseases / virology*

Substances

  • Caspases