rlr

RLR is an acronym that most commonly denotes the RIG-I-like receptor family in vertebrate innate immunity. These cytosolic pattern recognition receptors detect viral RNA and initiate antiviral signaling.

Members of the RLR family include RIG-I (encoded by DDX58), MDA5 (IFIH1), and LGP2 (DHX58). In the presence of viral RNA, RLRs undergo conformational changes and interact with the mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein (MAVS), which anchors signaling on mitochondria and peroxisomes. Activation of MAVS leads to downstream signaling through transcription factors such as IRF3, IRF7, and NF-κB, culminating in the production of type I interferons and proinflammatory cytokines.

RLR pathways are essential for early antiviral defenses and shape subsequent adaptive responses. Mechanisms regulate sensitivity to self versus non-self RNA, and genetic variations in DDX58, IFIH1, or DHX58 can influence infection outcomes and susceptibility to autoinflammatory diseases.

Beyond immunology, RLR can be an acronym in other domains, depending on the context, and there is no single non-ambiguous definition. In literature and databases, RLR is typically defined by the field or expanded form to avoid confusion.