PKR (Protein Kinase-R) is a 68-kDa serine–threonine kinase that appears to play a primary role in mediating the antiviral activities of infected cells. PKR mediates apoptosis induced by many different stimuli, such as LPS (Lipopolysaccharides), TNF-Alpha (Tumour Necrosis Factor-Alpha), viral infection, or serum starvation. Viral infection leads to the increased expression and secretion of the cytokine IFN-Gamma (Interferon- Gamma) from host cells. IFN-gamma induces the dsRNA (Double-Stranded RNA)-dependent PKR. dsRNA, produced...
Wang H, Xu X, Fassett J, Kwak D, Liu X, Hu X, Falls TJ, Bell JC, Li H, Bitterman P, Bache RJ, Chen Y. Circulation. 2014 Apr 1;129(13):1397-406. doi: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.113.002209. Epub 2014 Jan 24.