Summary information and primary citation

PDB-id
7tnx; SNAP-derived features in text and JSON formats; DNAproDB
Class
immune system-RNA
Method
cryo-EM (3.54 Å)
Summary
cryo-EM structure of rig-i in complex with p3dsrna
Reference
Wang W, Pyle AM (2022): "The RIG-I receptor adopts two different conformations for distinguishing host from viral RNA ligands." Mol.Cell, 82, 4131-4144.e6. doi: 10.1016/j.molcel.2022.09.029.
Abstract
RIG-I is an essential innate immune receptor for detecting and responding to infection by RNA viruses. RIG-I specifically recognizes the unique molecular features of viral RNA molecules and selectively distinguishes them from closely related RNAs abundant in host cells. The physical basis for this exquisite selectivity is revealed through a series of high-resolution cryo-EM structures of RIG-I in complex with host and viral RNA ligands. These studies demonstrate that RIG-I actively samples double-stranded RNAs in the cytoplasm and distinguishes them by adopting two different types of protein folds. Upon binding viral RNA, RIG-I adopts a high-affinity conformation that is conducive to signaling, while host RNA induces an autoinhibited conformation that stimulates RNA release. By coupling protein folding with RNA binding selectivity, RIG-I distinguishes RNA molecules that differ by as little as one phosphate group, thereby explaining the molecular basis for selective antiviral sensing and the induction of autoimmunity upon RIG-I dysregulation.

Cartoon-block schematics in six views (download the tarball)

PyMOL session file Download PDB file View in 3Dmol.js