This gene encodes a member of the 2-5A synthetase family, essential proteins involved in the innate immune response to viral infection. The encoded protein is induced by interferons and uses adenosine triphosphate in 2'-specific nucleotidyl transfer reactions to synthesize 2',5'-oligoadenylates (2-5As). These molecules activate latent RNase L, which results in viral RNA degradation and the inhibition of viral replication. The three known members of this gene family are located in a cluster on chromosome 12. Alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been described. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008].
Patil, Karpe: "Uncovering the Roles of miR-214 in Hepatitis E Virus Replication." in: Journal of molecular biology, Vol. 432, Issue 19, pp. 5322-5342, (2020) (PubMed).