Myxovirus Resistance Proteins (Mx proteins) are a group of dynamically regulated large GTPases that play a crucial role in the innate immune response against various viral infections in higher vertebrates, including humans. They are induced by interferons (IFNs), particularly IFN-α and IFN-β, as part of the early defense mechanism against invading pathogens. Mx proteins function by inhibiting the primary steps of viral replication inside the host cell, thereby preventing the spread of the infection. There are two main types of Mx proteins in humans, MxA and MxB, which differ in their antiviral spectra and intracellular localization. MxA is primarily localized in the cytoplasm and has a broad antiviral activity against several RNA and DNA viruses, while MxB is predominantly found in the nucleus and shows specificity towards certain retroviruses, including HIV-1. Overall, Myxovirus Resistance Proteins are essential components of the innate immune system, providing cell-autonomous protection against a wide range of viral pathogens.
Reglerproteiner som verkar som molekylära omkopplare. De reglerar ett stort antal biologiska processer, inklusive receptorsignallering, intracellulära signalöverföringsvägar och proteinsyntes. Deras verkan kontrolleras av faktorer som styr deras förmåga att binda till och hydrolysera GTP till GDP.