The article "Innate immune responses to RNA: sensing and signaling" by Xiaohan Luan, Lei Wang, Guangji Song, and Wen Zhou provides a comprehensive overview of the mechanisms and pathways involved in the innate immune response to RNA. The authors discuss the role of various RNA sensors, including TLR7/8, RIG-I, MDA5, PKR, and OASes, in detecting single-stranded (ssRNA) and double-stranded (dsRNA) RNAs. These sensors play crucial roles in viral infection, cellular stress, RNA metabolism, and immune homeostasis. The article highlights the structural and biochemical mechanisms of RNA sensing, the regulation of signaling pathways, and the importance of self/nonself discrimination. It also explores the evolution of RNA sensors and their role in antiviral and antitumor immunity. Additionally, the article delves into the specific mechanisms of RNA sensing by different sensors, such as the length-dependent activation of MDA5 and the role of ADAR1 in preventing MDA5-driven autoimmunity. The authors also discuss the involvement of RNA sensors in diseases, including autoimmune disorders and cancer, and the potential therapeutic applications of RNA vaccines. The article concludes by emphasizing the conserved nature of RNA-sensing immunity across different life forms and the importance of understanding these mechanisms for developing effective treatments.The article "Innate immune responses to RNA: sensing and signaling" by Xiaohan Luan, Lei Wang, Guangji Song, and Wen Zhou provides a comprehensive overview of the mechanisms and pathways involved in the innate immune response to RNA. The authors discuss the role of various RNA sensors, including TLR7/8, RIG-I, MDA5, PKR, and OASes, in detecting single-stranded (ssRNA) and double-stranded (dsRNA) RNAs. These sensors play crucial roles in viral infection, cellular stress, RNA metabolism, and immune homeostasis. The article highlights the structural and biochemical mechanisms of RNA sensing, the regulation of signaling pathways, and the importance of self/nonself discrimination. It also explores the evolution of RNA sensors and their role in antiviral and antitumor immunity. Additionally, the article delves into the specific mechanisms of RNA sensing by different sensors, such as the length-dependent activation of MDA5 and the role of ADAR1 in preventing MDA5-driven autoimmunity. The authors also discuss the involvement of RNA sensors in diseases, including autoimmune disorders and cancer, and the potential therapeutic applications of RNA vaccines. The article concludes by emphasizing the conserved nature of RNA-sensing immunity across different life forms and the importance of understanding these mechanisms for developing effective treatments.