LAUSR

Abstract Human LSm14A is a key component of processing body (P‐body) assembly that mediates interferon‐&bgr; (IFN‐&bgr;) production by sensing viral RNA or DNA. To the best of our knowledge, we are the first to report duck LSm14A (duLSm14A) cloning from duck embryo fibroblasts (DEFs). Full‐length duLSm14A encoded 461 amino acids and was highly homologous with chicken and swan goose sequences. More interestingly, the duLSm14A mRNA was extensively expressed in all the studied tissues. In DEFs, duLSm14A was localized in the cytoplasm as P‐body‐like dots. Expression of duLSm14A induced IFN‐&bgr; through the activation of interferon regulatory factor‐1 and nuclear factor‐&kgr;B in DEFs. Furthermore, knockdown of duLSm14A by small interfering RNA notably decreased poly(I:C)‐ or duck reovirus‐induced IFN‐&bgr; production. The present study results indicate that the duLSm14A is an essential sensor that mediates duck innate immunity against viral infections. HighlightsduLSm14A is extensively expressed in various duck tissues.duLSm14A contributes to the type I IFN induction via the activation of IRF1 and NF‐&kgr;B.The Sm‐like and DFEF domains of duLSm14A are essential for IFN‐&bgr; expression.