Polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid potassium salt (CAS 31852-29-6)

Polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid potassium salt, often referred to as poly(I:C), is a synthetic analog of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) used extensively in molecular biology and immunology research. This compound is recognized for its ability to mimic viral infection, which makes it useful for studying the immune response to viral pathogens. Specifically, poly(I:C) is utilized to activate toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3), a component of the innate immune system that detects dsRNA from replicating viruses. The activation of TLR3 by poly(I:C) triggers downstream signaling cascades, leading to the production of type I interferons and other cytokines. This response is central to research on antiviral defense mechanisms and the development of vaccine adjuvants. Additionally, poly(I:C) is used in studies focusing on the cellular processes governing RNA interference, gene expression, and the role of dsRNA in the regulation of these pathways. Its use as a model compound in the study of dsRNA-protein interactions also contributes to the understanding of how cells recognize and respond to viral infections at the molecular level.