Caspase activation and recruitment domain found in RIG-I, first repeat.
Caspase activation and recruitment domain (CARD) found in RIG-I (Retinoic acid Inducible Gene I, also known as Ddx58), first repeat. RIG-I is a cytoplasmic RNA helicase that plays an important role in host antiviral response by sensing incoming viral RNA. RIG-I contains two N-terminal CARD domains and a C-terminal RNA helicase. Upon activation, the signal is transferred to downstream pathways via the adaptor molecule IPS-1 (MAVS, VISA, CARDIF), leading to the induction of type I interferons. Although very similar in sequence, RIG-I recognizes different sets of viruses compared to MDA5, a related RNA helicase. RIG-I associates with IPS-1 through a CARD-CARD interaction. In general, CARDs are death domains (DDs) found associated with caspases. They are known to be important in the signaling pathways for apoptosis, inflammation, and host-defense mechanisms. DDs are protein-protein interaction domains found in a variety of domain architectures. Their common feature is that they form homodimers by self-association or heterodimers by associating with other members of the DD superfamily including PYRIN and DED (Death Effector Domain). They serve as adaptors in signaling pathways and can recruit other proteins into signaling complexes.