Human DDX3 is a DEAD (Asp-Glu-Ala-Asp)-box RNA helicase that appears to be a prime target for viral manipulation. While two viruses that manifest major global health threats, HIV and HCV (hepatitis C virus), utilize DDX3 for their replication, other viruses inhibit DDX3's newly identified function in innate antiviral signalling. This review discusses the role of DDX3 in antiviral immunity and its inhibition or exploitation by different viruses.

Keywords:
DEAD-box helicase, innate immune signalling, type I interferon, viral host factor, viral immune evasion
© The Authors Journal compilation © 2011 Biochemical Society
2011
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