Recognition of copy-back defective interfering rabies virus genomes by RIG-I triggers efficient immune response against vaccine strains

Using next-generation sequencing (NGS) combined with bioinformatics tools, we characterized two major 5’copy-back defective interfering (5’cb DI) genomes generated during SAD replication. Furthermore, we identified a specific interaction of 5’cb DI genomes and RIG-I that correlated with a high stimulation of the type I IFN signaling Three biological replicates of RABV THA and SAD strains infected (MOI 0.5) HEK 293 ST_RLR cells were performed.