Michaela Gack maps RIG-I and MDA5 RNA sensing and how viruses evade it
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In a 55-minute talk in the Global ImmunoTalks series, Michaela Gack laid out how the cytosolic RNA virus sensors RIG-I and MDA5 recognize distinct RNA patterns and converge on MAVS to trigger type I interferon responses. She described the 5S rRNA pseudogene RNA5SP141 acting as a RIG-I agonist during herpesvirus infection, and ISG15-mediated isgylation of the MDA5 CARD domain, a modification that SARS-CoV-2 PLpro removes to evade antiviral immunity. She argued that isgylation is an innate immunity node worth targeting therapeutically. The talk was presented on 2026-10-17 as part of the ImmunoTalks series.
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- youtube.comMichaela Gack explains RIG-I and MDA5 cytosolic RNA sensing and viral immune evasion at ImmunoTalks
Michaela Gack gave a 55-minute talk in the Global ImmunoTalks series on how the cytosolic RNA virus sensors RIG-I and MDA5 recognize distinct RNA patterns, converge on MAVS, and trigger type I interferon responses. She described the 5S rRNA pseudogene RNA5SP141 acting as a RIG-I agonist during herpesvirus infection, and ISG15-mediated isgylation of the MDA5 CARD domain, which SARS-CoV-2 PLpro removes to evade antiviral immunity. She argued that isgylation is an innate immunity node worth targeting.
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