MAVS gene

The MAVS gene encodes an intermediate protein that is required for the beta-interferon signaling pathways triggered by viruses. The protein is required for the activation of transcription factors that regulate the expression of beta-interferon and contributes to antiviral innate immunity.

The encoded protein acts as an adaptor for innate immune defense against viruses. The MAVS gene acts downstream of DHX33, RIGI and IFIH1/MDA5, which recognize intracellular dsRNA produced during viral replication to coordinate pathways leading to activation of NF-kappa-B, IRF3 and IRF7 and subsequent induction of antiviral cytokines such as interferon beta (IFNB) and RANTES(CCL5).

Peroxisomal (seeperoxisomes below) and mitochondrial MAVS act in sequence to create an antiviral cellular state (Dixit E et al. 2010). Upon viral infection, peroxisomal MAVS induces the rapid, interferon-independent expression of defense factors that provide short-term protection, while mitochondrial MAVS activates an interferon-dependent signaling pathway with delayed kinetics that amplifies and stabilizes the antiviral response (Choi YB et al. 2016). MAVS can activate the same signaling pathways upon detection of extracellular dsRNA by TLR3 and can protect cells from apoptosis (Seth RB 2005).

The MAVS protein is involved in the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome by mediating NLRP3 recruitment to mitochondria (Seth RB et al. 2005).

1. Seth RB et al. (2005) Identification and characterization of MAVS, a mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein that activates NF-kappaB and IRF 3. Cell 122:669-682.
2. Liu F et al. (2023) MAVS-loaded unanchored Lys63-linked polyubiquitin chains activate the RIG-I-MAVS signaling cascade. Cell Mol Immunol 20:1186-1202.
3. Choi YB et al. (2016) TAX1BP1 Restrains Virus-Induced Apoptosis by Facilitating Itch-Mediated Degradation of the Mitochondrial Adaptor MAVS. Mol Cell Biol 37:e00422-16.
4. Dixit E et al. (2010) Peroxisomes are signaling platforms for antiviral innate immunity. Cell 141:668-681
5. Seth RB et al. (2005) Identification and characterization of MAVS, a mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein that activates NF-kappaB and IRF 3. Cell 122:669-682.