Interferon-induced, dsRNA-activated antiviral enzyme which plays a critical role in cellular innate antiviral response. Activated by detection of double stranded RNA (dsRNA): polymerizes higher oligomers of 2'-5'-oligoadenylates (2-5A) from ATP which then bind to the inactive monomeric form of ribonuclease L (RNASEL) leading to its dimerization and subsequent activation. Activation of RNASEL leads to degradation of cellular as well as viral RNA, resulting in the inhibition of protein synthesis, thus terminating viral replication. Can mediate the antiviral effect via the classical RNASEL-dependent pathway or an alternative antiviral pathway independent of RNASEL. In addition, it may also play a role in other cellular processes such as apoptosis, cell growth, differentiation and gene regulation. May act as a negative regulator of lactation, stopping lactation in virally infected mammary gland lobules, thereby preventing transmission of viruses to neonates. Non-infected lobules would not be affected, allowing efficient pup feeding during infection.
