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-apoptosis 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.

mitochondria Important parts of the biological cell, with each mitochondrion encased within a mitochondrial membrane. Mitochondria are best known for their role in energy production, earning them the nickname "the powerhouse of the cell". Mitochondria also participate in the detection of threats and the response to these threats. One of the responses to threats orchestrated by mitochondria is apoptosis, a cell suicide program used by cells when the threat can not be eliminated.

apoptosis a type of cell death in which a cell, in response to a threat, initiates a series of molecular steps that lead to its orderly death. This is one method the body uses to get rid of unneeded or abnormal cells. This form of cell suicide is also called programmed cell death.

mitochondria Important parts of the biological cell, with each mitochondrion encased within a mitochondrial membrane. Mitochondria are best known for their role in energy production, earning them the nickname "the powerhouse of the cell". Mitochondria also participate in the detection of threats and the response to these threats. One of the responses to threats orchestrated by mitochondria is apoptosis, a cell suicide program used by cells when the threat can not be eliminated.

membrane The word "membrane" can have different meanings in different fields of biology. In cell biology, a membrane is a layer of molecules that surround its contents. Examples of cell-biology membranes include the "cell membrane" that surrounds a cell, the "mitochondrial membranes" that form the outer layers of mitochondria, and the "viral envelope" that surrounds enveloped viruses. In anatomy or tissue biology, a membrane is a barrier formed by a layer of cells. Examples of anatomical membranes include the pleural membranes that surrounds the lungs, the pericardium which surrounds the heart, and some of the layers within the blood-brain barrier.

homeostasis the maintenance of stable internal biological conditions (e.g. body temperature) in a changable environmen