The Many Faces of Oligoadenylate Synthetases

2 '-5 ' Oligoadenylate synthetases (OAS) are interferon-stimulated genes that are most well-known to protect hosts from viral infections. They are evolutionarily related to an ancient family of Nucleotidyltransferases, which are primarily involved in pathogen-sensing and innate immune response. Classical function of OAS proteins involves double-stranded RNA-stimulated polymerization of adenosine triphosphate in 2 '-5 ' oligoadenylates (2-5A), which can activate the latent RNase (RNase L) to degrade RNA. However, accumulated evidence over the years have suggested alternative mode of antiviral function of several OAS family proteins. Furthermore, recent studies have connected some OAS proteins with wider function beyond viral infection. Here, we review some of the canonical and noncanonical functions of OAS proteins and their mechanisms.

Automated summary

Oligoadenylate synthetases (OAS) are interferon-stimulated genes that play a crucial role in protecting hosts from viral infections. In addition to their well-known function of degrading viral RNA, recent studies have revealed alternative antiviral mechanisms of OAS proteins. Moreover, some OAS proteins have been linked to broader functions beyond viral infection.