Adapter required for innate immune defense against viruses (     ). Acts downstream of DHX33, RIGI and IFIH1/MDA5, which detect intracellular dsRNA produced during viral replication, to coordinate pathways leading to the activation of NF-kappa-B, IRF3 and IRF7, and to the subsequent induction of antiviral cytokines such as IFNB and RANTES (CCL5) (      ). Peroxisomal and mitochondrial MAVS act sequentially to create an antiviral cellular state . Upon viral infection, peroxisomal MAVS induces the rapid interferon-independent expression of defense factors that provide short-term protection, whereas mitochondrial MAVS activates an interferon-dependent signaling pathway with delayed kinetics, which amplifies and stabilizes the antiviral response . May activate the same pathways following detection of extracellular dsRNA by TLR3 . May protect cells from apoptosis . Involved in NLRP3 inflammasome activation by mediating NLRP3 recruitment to mitochondria .
Subcellular locations: Mitochondrion outer membrane, Mitochondrion, Peroxisome
Present in T-cells, monocytes, epithelial cells and hepatocytes (at protein level). Ubiquitously expressed, with highest levels in heart, skeletal muscle, liver, placenta and peripheral blood leukocytes.