The innate immune system detects viral infection by recognizing various viral components and triggers antiviral responses. Like the toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3), the cytoplasmic helicase retinoic acid inducible gene protein 1 (RIG1 DDX58) recognizes double-stranded (ds) RNA, a molecular pattern associated with viral infection. Unlike TLR3 however, RIG1 DDX58 activates the kinases TBK1 and IKKe through the adaptor protein IPS1. These kinases then phosphorylate the transcription factors IRF3 and IRF7 which are essential for the expression of type-I interferons. RIG1 DDX58 is required for the production of interferons in response to RNA viruses including paramyxoviruses, influenza virus, and Japanese encephalitis virus.