DAI protein kinase, also known as DNA-dependent activator of IFN-regulatory factors (DAI), is a cellular protein that plays a crucial role in the innate immune response against viral infections. It functions as a sensor of viral nucleic acids and initiates the activation of antiviral signaling pathways.
The DAI protein kinase is a member of the receptor protein kinase family and is primarily located in the cytoplasm of cells. It possesses multiple functional domains, including a DAI-associating domain, an ATP-binding domain, and an RNA helicase domain. These domains enable DAI to bind to viral DNA or RNA molecules and trigger downstream immune signaling.
Upon detecting viral nucleic acids, DAI protein kinase undergoes autophosphorylation, resulting in its activation. Activated DAI then interacts with and promotes the activation of various downstream signaling molecules, such as interferon regulatory factors (IRFs) and NF-κB, which ultimately induce the production of type I interferons (IFNs) and other antiviral genes. This leads to the establishment of an antiviral state in the infected cells and the subsequent elimination of viral pathogens.
The activation of DAI protein kinase is tightly regulated to prevent excessive immune responses. Various mechanisms, including post-translational modifications and interaction with other cellular proteins, modulate the activity of DAI in a precise manner.
Overall, DAI protein kinase acts as a crucial component of the innate immune system, recognizing viral nucleic acids and initiating an antiviral immune response, thus playing a pivotal role in protecting the host against viral infections.
