Merck, MABE1134-100UL, Anti-dsRNA Antibody, clone rJ2

Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) is a viral product that induces innate immunity, leading to the production of interferon (IFN) alpha and beta, which can lead to the activation of hundreds of IFN-stimulated genes that confer resistance to viruses. dsRNA of more than 30-bp length are reported to be is a key activator of the innate immune response against viral infections. dsRNA is produced by positive-strand RNA viruses, dsRNA viruses, and DNA viruses. However, negative-strand RNA viruses are not shown to generate any significant dsRNA signals. The interaction of the host cell with dsRNA can occur in several ways. Mainly, specific receptors activate the synthesis of IFN alpha and beta, antiviral proteins, and dsRNA-activated enzymes that can block viral replication. dsRNA replication is shown to occur in the cytoplasm for all dsRNA viruses. This dsRNA-specific mouse monoclonal antibody specifically recognizes dsRNA of more than 40-bp length. Clone rJ2 has been used to detect dsRNA intermediates of multiple types of viruses, including Hepatitis C virus, Dengue virus, rhinovirus, Chikungunya virus, Rabies virus, and Polio virus in biological samples. It can be useful in understanding how anti-viral responses are initiated and what how viruses overcome and avoid these antiviral therapies.