Antiviral protein

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Antiviral proteins are made by human or animal cells to stop viruses from copying themselves and spreading. Two well-studied examples are Pokeweed antiviral protein (PAP) and Zinc-finger antiviral protein (ZAP). PAP is a plant protein that inactivates ribosomes to defend against viruses and fungi; it has been engineered into other plants and studied as a potential treatment for diseases such as AIDS and cancer. ZAP, produced when interferon is present, helps fight several viruses, including influenza. Other antiviral factors include RNase L, IFITM3, and PKR. RNase L, activated by interferon, destroys RNA inside the cell, blocking viral replication. IFITM3 sits in cell membranes and prevents replication of many enveloped RNA viruses like influenza A, HIV, Ebola, and Dengue. PKR is activated by interferon and by double-stranded RNA and stops protein synthesis by phosphorylating eIF2α, hindering viral replication.