Mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein

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Mitochondrial antiviral-signaling protein (MAVS) is a protein encoded by the MAVS gene. It mediates the activation of NFκB and IRFs and the induction of interferons in response to viral infection.

MAVS is also a pro-apoptosis molecule that triggers disruption of the mitochondrial membrane potential and activation of caspases.[1]

Many viruses evade the host innate immune response by cleaving MAVS from mitochondria. Coxsackievirus B3 cleaves MAVS protein to inhibit type I interferon induction.[2]

MAVS plays a role in maintaining intestinal homeostasis. MAVS knockout mice developed more severe mortality and morbidity than wild type mice in an experimental model of colitis.[3]

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