Human Interleukin Enhancer-binding Factor 3, ILF3 ELI

RNA-binding protein that plays an essential role in the biogenesis of circular RNAs (circRNAs) which are produced by back-splicing circularization of pre-mRNAs.

Within the nucleus, promotes circRNAs processing by stabilizing the regulatory elements residing in the flanking introns of the circularized exons.

Plays thereby a role in the back-splicing of a subset of circRNAs (PubMed: 28625552).

As a consequence, participates in a wide range of transcriptional and post-transcriptional processes.

Binds to poly-U elements and AU-rich elements (AREs) in the 3'-UTR of target mRNAs (PubMed: 14731398).

Upon viral infection, ILF3 accumulates in the cytoplasm and participates in the innate antiviral response (PubMed: 21123651).

Mechanistically, ILF3 becomes phosphorylated and activated by the double-stranded RNA-activated protein kinase/PKR which releases ILF3 from cellular mature circRNAs.

In turn, unbound ILF3 molecules are able to interact with and thus inhibit viral mRNAs (PubMed: 21123651, PubMed: 28625552).