Mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein

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-apoptotic molecule that triggers disruption of the mitochondrial membrane potential and activation of caspases.

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

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.