RNASEL

Ribonuclease L (RNASEL), also called 2-5A-dependent ribonuclease, is a key effector of the interferon-induced 2-5A system. Activated by 2',5'-oligoadenylates, it cleaves viral and cellular single-stranded RNA, inhibiting viral replication and regulating innate immune responses. It integrates into interferon-mediated antiviral pathways, linking cytokine signaling to RNA degradation for host defense.
Loss-of-function RNASEL mutations are associated with familial prostate cancer, as impaired activity disrupts immune surveillance and may promote oncogenesis. Preclinical research explores small-molecule modulators: agonists to enhance antiviral efficacy against RNA viruses like HIV, while inhibitors target contexts where hyperactivation causes cellular damage, though clinical development remains early.