Abstract
Myxovirus resistant proteins are closely related to interferons and their metabolic effects. MxA protein has direct antiviral activity, it is effective against both nuclear and cytoplasmic viruses.
The localization of MxA in the cytoplasm and nucleus allows the targeting of viruses that can replicate in both compartments. Gene expression is strictly regulated exclusively by first and third type interferons. 76 kDa MxA belongs to the family of interferon-induced GTPases.
MxA is used as a marker of viral diseases, as its concentration increases significantly due to viral infection as early as 1.2 hours and peaks after 16 hours. Qualitative determination of MxA is performed by a point-of-care lateral flow immunoassay or quantitative by ELISA.
The clinical use of MxA has been described primarily in emergency departments and pediatrics, especially in patients with fever and symptoms of acute respiratory infection, including SARS-CoV-2. Determination of MxA protein in combination with CRP could be a valuable test for early diagnosis of viral infection and differentiation of bacterial infection.
Decision limits vary depending on the used analytical method and the biological material being investigated.