OAS1

Interferon-induced, dsRNA-activated antiviral enzyme which plays a critical role in cellular innate antiviral response. In addition, it may also play a role in other cellular processes such as apoptosis, cell growth, differentiation and gene regulation. Catalyzes the formation of 2'-5'-oligoadenylates (2-5A) from polymerization of ATP which then bind to the inactive monomeric form of ribonuclease L (RNase L) leading to its dimerization and subsequent activation. Activation of RNase L leads to degradation of cellular as well as viral RNA, resulting in the inhibition of protein synthesis, thus terminating viral replication. Involved in intercellular immune signaling that limits local spread of RNA virus infection and protects against tumorigenesis. Can generate high levels of 2',5'-oligoadenylates in transformed cells, targeting them to innate and adaptive immunesurveillance mechanisms. Can mediate the antiviral effect via the classical RNase L-dependent pathway or an alternative antiviral pathway independent of RNase L. The secreted form displays antiviral effect against vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), and encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) and stimulates the alternative antiviral pathway independent of RNase L..

Function from UniProtKB (P00973), read 2026-09-23. CC BY 4.0.