Background
2’-5’-oligoadenylate synthetase 2 is an enzyme induced by type 1 interferon that plays a key role in the host antiviral innate immune response. The OAS family of proteins includes OAS1, OAS2, OAS3, and OASL in humans. OAS2 is activated by cytosolic dsRNA and its enzymatic activity generates the second messenger 2’-5’-linked oligoadenylate. These 2’-5’-linked oligoadenylates bind to the ribonuclease RNase L, which then degrades viral and cellular RNA in an effort to curb viral replication. Research studies have shown that components of the OAS-RNase L system, including OAS2, are highly upregulated in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection, suggesting a role for this antiviral pathway in the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2.
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