As a pattern recognition receptor Pattern recognition receptors Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) are a part of the innate immune system used for recognizing invaders. In a viral infection, a
virus enters a cell, and it takes over the cell's machinery to self replicate. Once a virus has begun replication, the infected cell is no longer useful and potentially harmful to its host, and the host's immune system must be notified. RIG-I functions as a pattern recognition receptor and PRR's are the molecules that start the notification process. PRRs recognize specific
pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMP). It is important to note, however, that the ligands of RIG-I are still being investigated and are controversial. Also notable, is that RIG-I can work together with MDA5 against viruses that RIG-I itself may not create a significant enough response.
In vitro transcribed RNAs initiated with 5′-triphosphorylated adenosine generate significantly greater levels of highly immunogenic dsRNAs, compared to their 5′-triphosphorylated guanosine counterparts.
Type-1 interferon pathway RIG-I is a signaling molecule and is usually in a condensed resting state until it is activated. Once RIG-I is bound to its PAMP, molecules such as PACT and zinc antiviral protein short isoform (ZAPs), help keep RIG-I in an activated state which then keeps the
caspase activation and recruitment domains (CARDs) ready for binding. == Identification and naming ==