Jorn Stok

The contents of the cytosol are under constant scrutiny by receptors of the innate immune system to detect foreign molecules that indicate infection. We are particularly interested in the RIG-I-like receptor family, which detect viral RNA based on unique features that are uncommon for cellular RNAs. However, cellular RNAs sometimes possess features that resemble those found in viral RNA, like secondary structures or sequence motifs. Indeed, some cellular RNAs can bind to RIG-I-like receptors and affect their function. My research focuses on the identification of such cellular RNAs, and on their potential regulatory role in innate immune pathways.