OASL
Description
The OASL (2‘-5‘-oligoadenylate synthetase like) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 12.
OASL is a 59 kDa protein encoded by the OASL gene in humans. It belongs to the 2‘-5‘-oligoadenylate synthase family, which includes OAS1, OAS2, and OAS3. However, OASL lacks the motif required for oligomerization due to mutations in its OAS domain, preventing the synthesis of oligoadenylates. Like other members of this family, OASL is induced by interferons.
In RNA virus infection, OASL acts as a sensitiser of RIG-I, a sensor of viral genetic material, by binding to its caspase activation and recruitment domain and enhancing interferon production. However, in DNA virus infection, OASL exhibits a pro-viral role by binding to the viral DNA sensor cGAS, inhibiting its catalytic activity and preventing the secretion of interferons.
OASL is upregulated during various vacuolar and cytosolic bacterial infections. It can inhibit autophagic mechanisms and antimicrobial peptide secretion within the host cell, preventing pathogen clearance and creating a favorable intracellular environment for the pathogen. The exact mechanisms underlying this inhibition remain unclear.
OASL does not exhibit 2‘-5‘-oligoadenylate synthetase activity but binds double-stranded RNA. It demonstrates antiviral activity against encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) through a distinct antiviral pathway that doesn‘t rely on RNase L.
OASL is also known as OASL1, OASLd, TRIP-14, TRIP14, p59 OASL, p59-OASL, p59OASL.
