OAS3

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 preferentially the dimerization of ATP to form 2'-5'-diadenylate (2-5A), but can also form the trimeric 2'-5'-oligoadenylate. The oligoadenylate then binds 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. Can mediate the antiviral effect via the classical RNase L-dependent pathway or an alternative antiviral pathway independent of RNase L. Displays antiviral activity against Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), Dengue virus, Sindbis virus (SINV) and Semliki forest virus (SFV)..

Function from UniProtKB (Q9Y6K5), read 2026-09-23. CC BY 4.0.