Skip to main content
. 2009 Mar 7;4(5):e5466. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0005466

Figure 8. A proposed model for the dual functions of MAVS.

Figure 8

MAVS is engaged in two distinct host protective responses to viral infections. Upon activation by RNA viruses, MAVS initiates type 1 IFN signaling by activating the nuclear translocation of NF-κB and IRF3. In addition, host cells could mount apoptotic responses to viruses such as SeV via MAVS. Notably MAVS is targeted by viruses not only for abrogating IFN-I production but also inhibiting host apoptosis. For example, HCV NS3/4A and SARS-CoV NSP15 proteins abrogate MAVS-mediated apoptosis.