LSm14A is a processing body-associated sensor of viral nucleic acids that initiates cellular antiviral response in the early phase of viral infection.

Recognition of viral nucleic acids by pattern recognition receptors initiates type 1 IFN induction and Innate antiviral Immune response. Here we show that LSm14A, a member of the LSm family Involved in RNA processing in the processing bodies, binds to synthetic or viral RNA and DNA and mediates IRF3 activation and IFN-β Induction. Knockdown of LSm14A Inhibits cytosollc RNA- and DNA-trlgger type I IFN production and cellular antiviral response. Moreover, LSm14A Is essential for early-phase Induction of IFN-β after either RNA or DNA virus infection. We further found that LSm14A-medlated IFN-β Induction requires RIG-l-VISA or MITA after RNA or DNA virus Infection, respectively, and viral Infection causes translocation of LSm14A to peroxisomes, where RIG-l, VISA, and MITA are located. These findings suggest that LSm14A Is a sensor for both viral RNA and DNA and plays an Important role In Initiating IFN-ßβinduction In the early phase of viral Infection [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]