Recurrent Loss-of-Function Mutations Reveal Costs to OAS1 Antiviral Activity in Primates (Cell Host & Microbe)

The antiviral enzyme OAS1 protects against viral infection but can be activated by host RNAs. Carey et al. examine OAS1 activity aided by a functional assay in yeast and discover that loss-of-function alleles are pervasive among non-human primates, providing a potential means to mitigate costs associated with OAS1/RNase L signaling.