Detection and quantification of MAVS aggregation via confocal microscopy

Abstract

During infection, the cytosolic detection of viral double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) leads to the oligomerization and activation of mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein (MAVS) and the subsequent production of type I interferon (IFN). Here, we describe a novel method of visualizing and quantifying the aggregation of MAVS in response to dsRNA stimulation or viral infection in vitro using confocal microscopy.