Structures of RIG-I-Like Receptors and Insights into Viral RNA Sensing

RIG-I-like receptors (RLRs) are an important family of pattern recognition receptors. They activate the immunological responses against viral infections by sensing RNAs in the cytoplasm. Recent studies provide significant insights into the activation and transduction mechanisms of RLRs family (members including RIG-I, MDA5, and LGP2). Here we review our current understanding of the structures of RLRs. Structural characterizations of RLRs family have revealed the mechanism of their actions at molecular level. The activation mechanisms of RIG-I and MDA5 are different, despite both of them have similar domain organizations and bind to dsRNA ligands. RIG-I, but not MDA5, adopts an auto-suppression conformation in the absence of RNA. In addition to ligand triggered receptor oligomerization, the activities of these receptors are also regulated by several posttranslational modifications, especially ubiquitination. Overall, these structural studies play critical roles in promoting the understanding of viral RNA recognition mechanisms by the host innate immune system, which also contribute to the designing of drugs for treatment of viral infection. However, much work remains to be done in studying the signaling pathway of MDA5 and LGP2, particularly by structural biology.