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PubMed1978

Relatedness of the double-stranded RNAs present in yeast virus-like particles.

The relatedness of several double-stranded RNAs (dsRNA's) present in the virus-like particles of yeast was examined by T1 fingerprint analysis. The dsRNA's examined were L, the dsRNA encoding the capsid polypeptide of yeast virus-like particles; M, which appears to code for a toxic polypeptide and for resistance to the effects of the toxin; and two S dsRNA's present in particles analogous to the defective interfering particles of animal viruses. S3, a dsRNA of 0.46 X 10(6) daltons, was derived entirely from M, a dsRNA of 1.2 X 10(6) daltons. S1, a dsRNA of 0.92 X 10(6) daltons, was a duplication of S3. This conclusion has also been reached independently by heteroduplex mapping techniques (H. M. Fried and G. R. Fink, personal communication). S1 and S3, at least in one yeast strain, were unstable in sequence, apparently due to the accumulation of sequence variants of the same molecular weight. L was a species of 3 X 10(6) daltons, unrelated in sequence to M, S1, or S3. S1, S3, and M had a 3' T1 dodecanucleotide in common.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed2002

The antiviral response to gamma interferon.

A role for alpha/beta interferon (IFN-alpha/beta) in the IFN-gamma antiviral response has long been suggested. Accordingly, possible roles for autocrine or double-stranded-RNA (dsRNA)-induced IFN-alpha/beta in the IFN-gamma response were investigated. Use was made of wild-type and a variety of mutant human fibrosarcoma cell lines, including mutant U5A cells, which lack a functional IFN-alpha/beta receptor and hence an IFN-alpha/beta response. IFN-gamma did not induce detectable levels of IFN-alpha/beta in any of the cell lines, nor was the IFN-gamma response per se dependent on autocrine IFN-alpha/beta. On the other hand, a number of responses to dsRNA [poly(I). poly(C)] and encephalomyocarditis virus were greatly enhanced by IFN-gamma pretreatment (priming) of wild-type cells or of mutant cells lacking an IFN-alpha/beta response; these include the primary induction of dsRNA-inducible mRNAs, including IFN-beta mRNA, and, to a lesser extent, the dsRNA-mediated activation of the p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase(s). IFN-gamma priming of mRNA induction by dsRNA is dependent on JAK1 and shows biphasic kinetics, with an initial rapid (<30-min) response being followed by a more substantial effect on overnight incubation. The IFN-gamma-primed dsRNA responses appear to be subject to modulation through the p38, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, and ERK1/ERK2 MAP kinase pathways. It can be concluded that despite efficient priming of IFN-beta production, the IFN-alpha/beta pathways play no significant role in the primary IFN-gamma antiviral response in these cell-virus systems. The observed IFN-gamma priming of dsRNA responses, on the other hand, will likely play a significant role in combating virus infection in vivo.

Antiviral Agents↗
PubMed2004

Role for bovine viral diarrhea virus Erns glycoprotein in the control of activation of beta interferon by double-stranded RNA.

Production of alpha/beta interferon in response to viral double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) produced during viral replication is a first line of defense against viral infections. Here we demonstrate that the Erns glycoprotein of the pestivirus bovine viral diarrhea virus can act as an inhibitor of dsRNA-induced responses of cells. This effect is seen whether Erns is constitutively expressed in cells or exogenously added to the culture medium. The Erns effect is specific to dsRNA since activation of NF-kappaB in cells infected with Semliki Forest virus or treated with tumor necrosis factor alpha was not affected. We also show that Erns contains a dsRNA-binding activity, and its RNase is active against dsRNA at a low pH. Both the dsRNA binding and RNase activities are required for the inhibition of dsRNA signaling, and we discuss here a model to account for these observations.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Interactions between double-stranded RNA regulators and the protein kinase DAI.

The interferon-induced protein kinase DAI, the double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-activated inhibitor of translation, plays a key role in regulating protein synthesis in higher cells. Once activated, in a process that involves autophosphorylation, it phosphorylates the initiation factor eIF-2, leading to inhibition of polypeptide chain initiation. The activity of DAI is controlled by RNA regulators, including dsRNA activators and highly structured single-stranded RNAs which block activation by dsRNA. To elucidate the mechanism of activation, we studied the interaction of DAI with RNA duplexes of discrete sizes. Molecules shorter than 30 bp fail to bind stably and do not activate the enzyme, but at high concentrations they prevent activation by long dsRNA. Molecules longer than 30 bp bind and activate the enzyme, with an efficiency that increases with increasing chain length, reaching a maximum at about 85 bp. These dsRNAs fail to activate at high concentrations and also prevent activation by long dsRNA. Analysis of complexes between dsRNA and DAI suggests that at maximal packing the enzyme interacts with as little as a single helical turn of dsRNA (11 bp) but under conditions that allow activation the binding site protects about 80 bp of duplex. When the RNA-binding site is fully occupied with an RNA activator, the complex appears to undergo a conformational change.

Binding Sites↗
PubMed1998

Double-stranded RNA mycoviruses in species of Aspergillus sections Circumdati and Fumigati.

Isolates (178) belonging to Aspergillus sections Fumigati, Candidi, Clavati, and Circumdati were tested for the presence of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) genomes. Altogether, 5.6% of the Aspergillus strains examined were infected with dsRNAs. dsRNA segments indicative of mycovirus infection were observed for the first time in Neosartorya hiratsukae, Neosartorya quadricincta, Petromyces alliaceus, and Aspergillus clavatus strains. Correlation was not observed between ochratoxin production and dsRNA content of the strains. This is the first report on the detection of naturally occurring dsRNAs in Aspergillus species that are able to reproduce sexually. The detection of dsRNA in sexual aspergilli gave us a chance to examine the transmission of these segments through ascospores. A Neosartorya hiratsukae strain transmitted the dsRNAs efficiently through sexual spores, while the stromata embedding the asci in Petromyces alliaceus did not transmit one of the dsRNA segments. The 0.6-kb dsRNA segment that was present in the single-stromatal cultures was found to be located in the mitochondrial fraction of this strain. This observation indicates that some mechanisms exist in aspergilli to exclude cytoplasmically located dsRNA molecules from stromatal structures.

Antifungal Agents↗
PubMed2003

Double-stranded RNA activates a p38 MAPK-dependent cell survival program in biliary epithelia.

Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) is produced during replicative viral infection or genotoxic stress. Thus knowledge of the cellular response to dsRNA is necessary to understand the effects of DNA damage or viral infection in biliary epithelia. We assessed the effect of dsRNA on biliary epithelial cell proliferation and apoptosis and the role of the stress-activated p38 MAPK signaling pathway in these responses. dsRNA did not induce apoptosis or proliferation in Mz-ChA-1 human malignant cholangiocytes, but decreased cytotoxicity induced by camptothecin or tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis inducing ligand and decreased activity of caspases 3, 8, and 9. Furthermore, dsRNA increased p38 MAPK and JNK kinase active site phosphorylation but had no effect on either MAPK kinase (MEK)1/2 or protein kinase R phosphorylation. Inhibition of p38 MAPK with SB-203580 increased basal caspase activity. Thus dsRNA stimulates a p38 MAPK-dependent cell-survival pathway in biliary epithelial cells that may modulate the response of the biliary epithelia to dsRNA produced during genotoxic injury or virus infection.

Apoptosis↗
PubMed2004

The use of double-stranded RNA to knock down specific gene activity.

In many eukaryotes, the introduction of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) into cells triggers the degradation of cognate mRNAs through a posttranscriptional gene silencing mechanism. This phenomenon has been called RNA interference or RNAi. Several methods for delivering dsRNA into the model organism C. elegans are described; these methods include (1) microinjecting dsRNA synthesized in vitro into the body cavity of the worm, (2) soaking worms in a solution of dsRNA, (3) feeding worms dsRNA-expressing bacteria, and (4) engineering transgenic worm strains to express dsRNA in vivo. Variations of these methods may be used to perform RNAi in other species as well. The choice of which delivery method to use, along with other options (region to target, length of dsRNA) are also discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Double-stranded RNA regulates IL-4 expression.

dsRNA, as genomic fragment, replicative intermediate, or stem and loop structure in cells infected by viruses, can act to signal the immune system of the presence of viral infections. Although most viral infections are associated with strong Th1 immune responses, Th2-type responses have also been observed. In this study, we characterize the effects of dsRNA on the induction of Th2 responses in human lymphocytes. We report that in addition to the well-known Th1-inducing capabilities of dsRNA, treatment of human lymphocytes with low concentrations of dsRNA (0.1-1 microg/ml) leads to the expression of the prototypic Th2 cytokine IL-4. This induction was accompanied with the concentration-dependent activation of NF-kappaB and NF-AT2 but not NF-AT1. In addition, dsRNA can directly activate an IL-4 promoter-driven chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter gene in transiently transfected Jurkat cells. These results are the first demonstration of a non-TCR-associated activator of NF-AT in human cells and suggest that dsRNA directly influences IL-4 gene expression through its effect on NF-AT activation. Our data provide support for the idea that dsRNA at low concentrations in vivo may induce a Th2-dominant response that is not optimal for protective immunity to the virus.

DNA-Binding Proteins↗
PubMed2006

Airway epithelial cells produce B cell-activating factor of TNF family by an IFN-beta-dependent mechanism.

Activation of B cells in the airways is now believed to be of great importance in immunity to pathogens, and it participates in the pathogenesis of airway diseases. However, little is known about the mechanisms of local activation of B cells in airway mucosa. We investigated the expression of members of the B cell-activating TNF superfamily (B cell-activating factor of TNF family (BAFF) and a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL)) in resting and TLR ligand-treated BEAS-2B cells and primary human bronchial epithelial cells (PBEC). In unstimulated cells, expression of BAFF and APRIL was minimal. However, BAFF mRNA was significantly up-regulated by TLR3 ligand (dsRNA), but not by other TLR ligands, in both BEAS-2B cells (376-fold) and PBEC (224-fold). APRIL mRNA was up-regulated by dsRNA in PBEC (7-fold), but not in BEAS-2B cells. Membrane-bound BAFF protein was detectable after stimulation with dsRNA. Soluble BAFF protein was also induced by dsRNA (> 200 pg/ml). The biological activity of the epithelial cell-produced BAFF was verified using a B cell survival assay. BAFF was also strongly induced by IFN-beta, a cytokine induced by dsRNA. Induction of BAFF by dsRNA was dependent upon protein synthesis and IFN-alphabeta receptor-JAK-STAT signaling, as indicated by studies with cycloheximide, the JAK inhibitor I, and small interfering RNA against STAT1 and IFN-alphabeta receptor 2. These results suggest that BAFF is induced by dsRNA in airway epithelial cells and that the response results via an autocrine pathway involving IFN-beta. The production of BAFF and APRIL by epithelial cells may contribute to local accumulation, activation, class switch recombination, and Ig synthesis by B cells in the airways.

B-Cell Activating Factor↗
PubMed2006

Role of MAPK in the regulation of double-stranded RNA- and encephalomyocarditis virus-induced cyclooxygenase-2 expression by macrophages.

In response to virus infection or treatment with dsRNA, macrophages express the inducible form of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and produce proinflammatory prostaglandins. Recently, we have shown that NF-kappaB is required for encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV)- and dsRNA-stimulated COX-2 expression in mouse macrophages. The dsRNA-dependent protein kinase R is not required for EMCV-stimulated COX-2 expression, suggesting the presence of protein kinase R-independent pathways in the regulation of this antiviral gene. In this study, the role of MAPK in the regulation of macrophage expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX)-2 in response to EMCV infection was examined. Treatment of mouse macrophages or RAW-264.7 cells with dsRNA or infection with EMCV stimulates the rapid activation of the MAPKs p38, JNK, and ERK. Inhibition of p38 and JNK activity results in attenuation while ERK inhibition does not modulate dsRNA- and EMCV-induced COX-2 expression and PGE2 production by macrophages. JNK and p38 appear to selectively regulate COX-2 expression, as inhibition of either kinase fails to prevent dsRNA- or EMCV-stimulated inducible NO synthase expression by macrophages. Using macrophages isolated from TLR3-deficient mice, we show that p38 and JNK activation and COX-2 expression in response to EMCV or poly(IC) does not require the presence the dsRNA receptor TLR3. These findings support a role for p38 and JNK in the selective regulation of COX-2 expression by macrophages in response to virus infection.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Cellular and enzymatic activities of a synthetic heteropolymer double-stranded RNA of defined size.

We have synthesized a novel heteropolymer double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecule of defined length and strandedness (dsRNA309) and evaluated its ability to induce cytokine gene expression, activate dsRNA-dependent enzymes, and inhibit both tumor cell growth and virus replication. Unlike the conventionally studied synthetic homopolymer dsRNAs, polyinosinic acid:polycytidylic acid (poly(I-C)) and its mismatched analogue polyinosinic:polycytidylic, uridylic acid (poly(I-C12,U), dsRNA309 possessed restricted biological activity. dsRNA309 was unable to inhibit tumor cell growth or efficiently induce cytokine (i.e. interferon-beta and interleukin-1 alpha) gene expression. However, dsRNA309 was able to inhibit virus replication and activate dsRNA-dependent intracellular enzymes, 2'-5' oligoadenylate synthetase (2'-5' A synthetase) and the dsRNA-activated inhibitor kinase in in vitro assay systems. Overall, dsRNA309 provided a means for examining the mechanisms governing the dsRNA-regulated antiviral and antiproliferative responses, and studies with dsRNA309 demonstrated that the ability of a synthetic dsRNA to activate dsRNA-dependent intracellular enzymes does not necessarily predict the same gene inducing capacity.

2',5'-Oligoadenylate Synthetase↗
PubMed2004

[Effects of RNA interference on epidermal growth factor receptor expression in SPC-A-1 cells].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether RNA interference (RNAi) induced by small interference RNA (siRNA) could suppress epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression in non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cells. METHODS: SPC-A-1 cells were transfected using chemically synthesized double stranded RNA (dsRNA) formulated with Lipofectamine 2000. The EGFR numbers were determined by both Western blot and flow cytometry. The antiproliferative effects of dsRNA-EGFR were assessed using cell counts and colony assay. Cell cycle analysis was carried out via flow cytometry. The chemosensitivity of transfected cells to cisplatin was determined by MTT. RESULTS: Sequence specific siRNAs targeting EGFR down-regulated EGFR expression significantly. Compared with the control group, dsRNA-EGFR reduced the cell numbers by 78.3% and decreased the colonies by 66.8%. Cell cycle analysis showed that dsRNA-EGFR induced accumulation of cells in G0-G1 phase by 17.48% with a significant decrease in the percentage of cells in S-phase by 19.20% relative to the control. Based on the value of IC50 obtained by Origin 6.0 software, we concluded that dsRNA-EGFR increased the sensitivity of SPC-A-1 to cisplatin by seven-fold. CONCLUSIONS: Sequence specific siRNAs targeting EGFR was capable of suppressing EGFR expression, and therefore, significantly inhibiting cellular proliferation and inducing cell cycle arrest. The finding from chemosensitivity assay further revealed that dsRNA-EGFR was associated with an addictive or synergistic effect on tumor growth inhibition when combined with cisplatin. The successful application of dsRNA-EGFR for inhibition of proliferation in EGFR overexpressing cells extends the list of available therapeutic modalities in the treatment of human cancer.

Antineoplastic Agents↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Interferon-inducing activity of liposome-incorporated double-stranded polynucleotides and the means for its enhancement].

Natural double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) incorporated into liposomes upon parenteral inoculation induces 4 times as much amounts of interferon as inoculation of the equal amount of dsRNA without liposomes. Oral administration of liposome-incorporated dsRNA induces in animals serum interferon in amounts similar to those induced by parenteral inoculation of dsRNA without liposomes (320-640 units/ml). When liposome-incorporated dsRNA is used, interferon induction is prolonged to 24 hours. The prolongation period increases to 5 days after preliminary treatment of animals with "empty" liposomes. In M-19 cell culture, 2-hour treatment with liposome-incorporated dsRNA in a dose of 5-10 micrograms/ml induces a yield of 640-1280 units/ml interferon and 100% antiviral effect. The L-929 culture is more sensitive to dsRNA in liposomes. Even its minimal amounts (0.1-1 microgram/ml) after 2-3-hour contact produce a 100% antiviral effect in the presence of low amounts of interferon in the culture fluid (20-40 units/ml) or in its complete absence.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

Augmented antitumor effect of combined human natural interferon-alpha and mismatched double-stranded RNA treatment against a human malignant melanoma xenograft.

The antitumor effect of combined natural human interferon-alpha (IFN) and mismatched double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) treatment against the human malignant melanoma cell line, BRO, was studied. In vitro results, using a tissue culture antiproliferative assay, indicated that these cells were moderately sensitive to IFN-alpha. In contrast, mismatched dsRNA had no antitumor effect, and a minimal stimulation of cell growth, over part of the concentration range tested, was observed. Mismatched dsRNA did not potentiate the antitumor effect of IFN-alpha in cells receiving combination treatment. Xenografts of BRO cells, inoculated subcutaneously into nude mice, were used to evaluate the antitumor effects of IFN-alpha and mismatched dsRNA. Growth of the primary tumor was inhibited by both drugs alone or in combination (p less than 0.001), but the combined treatment was most effective and appeared to be additive. The number of spontaneous lung metastases was also inhibited (p less than 0.02) in all treatment groups. Survival, however, was significantly increased only in the IFN-alpha/mismatched dsRNA group (p less than 0.02 compared to controls, p less than 0.05 compared to mismatched dsRNA alone). Determination of splenic natural killer (NK) cell activity against BRO cells demonstrated that significantly augmented NK activity to the same extent, but that the IFN-alpha alone had no effect. These results indicate that IFN-alpha worked through direct antiproliferative mechanisms while mismatched dsRNA stimulated host immunomodulatory effects. The increased tumor growth inhibition and survival in the dual treatment group appears to result from the combined direct antiproliferative and indirect immunomodulatory effects.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

Mechanism of interferon action. Purification and substrate specificities of the double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase from untreated and interferon-treated mouse fibroblasts.

The double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-dependent protein kinase which catalyzes the phosphorylation of ribosome-associated protein P1 and the alpha subunit of eukaryotic protein synthesis initiation factor 2 (eIF-2) was purified and characterized from mouse fibroblast L929 cells treated with either natural or recombinant interferon and from untreated cells. The dsRNA-dependent P1/eIF-2 alpha kinase was purified at least 1,500-fold from interferon-treated cells; the kinase activity that catalyzed the phosphorylation of eIF-2 alpha copurified with protein P1. The yield of P1/eIF-2 alpha protein kinase activity obtained following purification from cells treated with interferon was about 5-10 times greater than the yield from an equivalent number of untreated cells. The purified protein kinase remained dsRNA dependent. When P1 kinase was activated by dsRNA, a major phosphopeptide designated Xds was phosphorylated; Xds was not phosphorylated from P1 which had not been activated by dsRNA. The apparent native molecular weight of the purified mouse L929 dsRNA-dependent kinase as determined by sedimentation analysis was about 62,000, comparable to the molecular weight of 67,000 determined for denatured L929 phosphoprotein P1 by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The purified protein kinase was highly selective for the alpha subunit of protein synthesis initiation factor eIF-2 and endogenous protein P1. Kinase activity was dependent upon Mg2+, and the Km for ATP was determined to be 5 X 10(-6) M. Histones (H1, H2A-B, H3, and H4) and protein synthesis initiation factors other than eIF-2 (eIF-3, eIF-4A, eIF-4B, and eIF-5) were not substrates or were very poor substrates for the purified dsRNA-dependent protein kinase. N-Ethylmaleimide, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, AMP, pyrophosphate, spermine, spermidine, and high concentrations of potassium inhibited both P1 and eIF-2 alpha phosphorylation by the purified kinase, whereas ethylene glycol bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid and phenanthroline did not significantly affect the phosphorylation of either protein P1 or eIF-2 alpha.

Amnion↗
PubMed1984

Independent sensitivity of human tumor cell lines to interferon and double-stranded RNA.

The antiproliferative effect of human interferons (IFNs) and double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) was measured in eight human tumor cell lines, five of which were derived from carcinomas of the bladder. Dose-response curves were generated for a 72-hr treatment period. The concentration of interferon or dsRNA necessary to inhibit tumor cell growth 50% compared to untreated cells was generated by linear regression analysis of the dose-response data. In the seven of eight cell lines in which a direct comparison could be made, IFN-beta was a more potent inhibitor than IFN-alpha. Polyriboinosinic acid X polyribocytidylic acid consistently gave an increased antiproliferative response compared to its mismatched analogue, rln X r(C12,U)n. Correlations could not be made between either IFN-alpha or IFN-beta and the dsRNA effect. No correlation was seen between IFN or dsRNA sensitivity and cell type, ability to bind IFN, growth rate, or tumorigenicity in nude mice. The antiproliferative effect of dsRNA was studied in the presence of antibodies against IFN-beta in HT1080 Cl 4, a cell line sensitive to both IFN and dsRNA, and A2182, a cell line relatively resistant to IFN-beta but sensitive to dsRNA. In both cell lines, the anti-IFN-beta antibodies inhibited the antiproliferative effect of the dsRNAs. After treatment with a concentration of dsRNA necessary to inhibit tumor cell growth 50% compared to untreated cells, a concentration of IFN-beta necessary to inhibit tumor cell growth 50% was induced in the HT1080 Cl 4 cells; however, only a low level of IFN-beta was detected in the culture medium of the A2182 cells.

Cell Division↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Physicochemical and biological properties of double-stranded RNA--an interferon inducer].

Physico-chemical and biological properties of an interferon inducer, a natural double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) obtained from RNA-genome bacteriophage-infected E. coli are described. Three independent methods i.e. sedimentation analysis, gel chromatography, and direct measurement of electronograms, were used to determine an average length of dsRNA molecules which was found to correspond to about 432 nucleotide pairs. dsRNA melting temperature in 0.15 M NaCl is 103 degrees C, and the resistance to RNase A is above 85%. Additional purification of the preparation by the methods eliminating bacterial endotoxin and other possible admixtures does not decrease acute toxicity of dsRNA. The influence of dsRNA on the cytolytic activity of natural killers (NK) in normal subjects and patients with viral diseases of the liver was demonstrated. dsRNA enhances the activity of NK in normal subjects as well as in patients with acute virus hepatitis B in the abatement stage of the disease and in patients with chronic persisting hepatitis. At the peak of acute virus hepatitis B NK stimulation was detected in only 40 +/- 16% of the patients. In patients with chronic active liver diseases dsRNA enhanced NK activity in 50 +/- 22% of cases. A similar effect on NK cell activity is exerted by human leukocyte interferon.

Chemical Phenomena↗
PubMed1999

Synthetic influenza viral double-stranded RNA induces an acute-phase response in rabbits.

Numerous studies have characterized the physiological effects of synthetic, high-molecular-weight, homopolymeric, double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), particularly polyriboinosinic.polyribocytidylic acid [Carter and De Clercq (1974): Science 186:1172-1178], but limited information exists regarding the physiological effects of dsRNA of viral composition and size. In this report, we determined sleep and fever responses of rabbits to intracerebroventricular injection of different doses of synthetic viral dsRNA (either 108 base pairs or 661 base pairs) derived from the N-terminal sequence of gene segment 3 of the A/PR/8/34-H1N1 (PR8) influenza virus. Both the108-mer and the 661-mer dsRNAs increased nonrapid eye movement sleep, suppressed rapid eye movement sleep, and induced fever. The 661-mer dsRNA had more potent somnogenic and pyrogenic effects than the 108-mer dsRNA on the basis of weight. Neither single-stranded RNA from the corresponding sequences had significant effects on sleep or brain temperature. These results demonstrate for the first time that low-molecular-weight, viral dsRNA has the stability in vivo that is required to induce the fever and sleep changes found in natural viral infections, and the hypothesis is supported that virus-associated dsRNA may be responsible for initiating the acute-phase response during viral infections.

Acute-Phase Reaction↗