IFIH1

IFIH1 is a human gene encoding melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5 (MDA5). This protein is a RIG-I-like receptor dsRNA helicase enzyme MDA5 is part of the RIG-I-like receptor (RLR) family, which also includes RIG-I and LGP2. it functions as innate immune receptor which acts as a cytoplasmic sensor of viral nucleic acids and plays a major role in sensing viral infection and in the activation of a cascade of antiviral responses including the induction of type I interferons and proinflammatory cytokines. Its ligands include mRNA lacking 2'-O-methylation at their 5' cap and long-dsRNA. Upon ligand binding it associates with mitochondria antiviral signaling protein (MAVS/IPS1) which activates the IKK-related kinases