Tilapia dsRNA-activated protein kinase R (PKR): An interferon-induced antiviral effector with translation inhibition activity

The dsRNA-activated protein kinase R (PKR) is one of key antiviral effectors induced by interferons (IFNs), and its functions are largely unknown in tilapia, an important commercial fish species suffering from several viral infectious diseases. In the present study, a PKR gene named On-PKR was identified cloned Nile Oreochromis niloticus. constitutively expressed all tissues examined, with highest expression level observed head kidney liver, rapidly organs/tissues tested following stimulation poly(I:C). Importantly, group I II IFNs distinct induction kinetics vivo: IFN elicits relative delayed but sustained On-PKR, whereas triggers rapid transient On-PKR. Moreover, overexpression has been proven to inhibit translation virus replication cells. study thus contributes better understanding may provide clues for prevention therapy diseases fish.