OAS1
Description
The OAS1 (2'-5'-oligoadenylate synthetase 1) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 12.
OAS1 is an enzyme encoded by the OAS1 gene in humans. It belongs to the 2-5A synthetase family, which comprises essential proteins involved in the innate immune response to viral infections. Interferons induce OAS1, which uses adenosine triphosphate to synthesize 2',5'-oligoadenylates (2-5As). These molecules activate latent RNase L, leading to the degradation of both viral and endogenous RNA, thereby inhibiting viral replication. The three known members of the OAS1 gene family are clustered on chromosome 12. Mutations in OAS1 have been linked to host susceptibility to viral infection, while gain-of-function variants can cause autoinflammatory immunodeficiency. Various isoforms of OAS1 are produced through alternative splicing.
OAS1 is an interferon-induced, dsRNA-activated antiviral enzyme that plays a key role in the innate immune response to viral infections. It synthesizes 2'-5'-oligoadenylates (2-5A) from ATP, which activate the latent RNase L enzyme. Activated RNase L degrades both viral and cellular RNA, ultimately inhibiting viral replication. OAS1 can mediate its antiviral effects through the classical RNase L-dependent pathway or an alternative pathway independent of RNase L. The secreted form of OAS1 exhibits antiviral activity against viruses like vesicular stomatitis virus, herpes simplex virus type 2, and encephalomyocarditis virus, activating the alternative antiviral pathway independent of RNase L.
OAS1 is also known as E18/E16, IFI-4, IMD100, OIAS, OIASI.
