Triphosphate PPP-RNA
5'-Triphosphate (5'-ppp) RNA is an RNA molecule that retains the natural 5'-terminal triphosphate group generated during RNA synthesis. Unlike mature eukaryotic messenger RNA (mRNA), which is typically modified with a 5' cap structure (such as Cap 0, Cap 1, or Cap 2), many in vitro transcribed (IVT) RNAs, viral RNAs, and prokaryotic RNAs naturally possess a 5'-triphosphate terminus. This structural feature plays an important role in innate immune recognition and RNA biology.
One of the best-characterized functions of 5'-ppp RNA is its ability to activate the cytosolic pattern recognition receptor Retinoic Acid-Inducible Gene I (RIG-I). RIG-I specifically recognizes short double-stranded or structured RNAs bearing a 5'-triphosphate, triggering downstream signaling pathways that induce type I interferons and other antiviral immune responses. For this reason, 5'-ppp RNA has become an important research tool for investigating innate immunity and is being explored as a component of novel immunotherapies and vaccine adjuvants.
Compared with capped RNA, 5'-triphosphate RNA generally exhibits:
- Efficient recognition by RIG-I
- Potent activation of innate immune signaling
- Induction of type I interferon responses
- Utility for antiviral and immunology research
- Natural structure for many IVT and viral RNAs
Typical applications include:
- RIG-I activation studies
- Innate immune signaling research
- Antiviral research
- Immunotherapy development
- Cancer immunotherapy research
- Vaccine adjuvant studies
- Viral RNA biology
- In vitro transcription (IVT)
- RNA-protein interaction studies
- Functional genomics
Bio-Synthesis provides custom 5'-triphosphate RNA for research applications ranging from short synthetic RNAs to long IVT RNA constructs. RNA can be synthesized with defined sequences and may be combined with additional modifications such as 2'-fluoro, 2'-O-methyl, pseudouridine (Ψ), N1-methylpseudouridine (m¹Ψ), fluorescent dyes, biotin, amino modifiers, and other custom chemistries where compatible with the intended application.
Each RNA product is manufactured under stringent quality standards and is available with optional HPLC purification, PAGE purification, capillary electrophoresis, LC-MS (where applicable), and UV spectroscopic analysis to verify sequence integrity and product quality.
Because 5'-triphosphate RNA closely resembles naturally occurring viral and uncapped cellular RNAs, it serves as a valuable reagent for studies of innate immunity, RNA sensing, host-pathogen interactions, and the development of next-generation RNA-based therapeutics and immunomodulatory technologies.
| Property |
Typical Value |
| Modification |
5'-Triphosphate (5'-ppp) |
| Modification Type |
5' terminal phosphate modification |
| Terminal Structure |
5'-Triphosphate (ppp) |
| Natural Occurrence |
IVT RNA, viral RNA, prokaryotic RNA |
| Primary Biological Target |
RIG-I (DDX58) |
| Immune Activity |
Activates innate immune signaling |
| Compatible RNA |
Synthetic RNA, IVT RNA, dsRNA, structured RNA |
| Typical Applications |
RIG-I agonists, antiviral research, immunology, RNA biology, cancer immunotherapy |
Product Information
terminal cap, triphosphate
239.90 (100.0%), 241.90 (1.8%)
H, 1.26; O, 60.01; P, 38.73
-20°C To -70°C
Oligonucleotides are stable in solution at 4°C for up to 2 weeks. Properly reconstituted material stored at -20°C should be stable for at least 6 months. Dried DNA (when kept at -20°C) in a nuclease-free environment should be stable for years.
References/Citations:
-
Hornung V, et al.
5'-Triphosphate RNA is the ligand for RIG-I.
Science. 2006;314(5801):994-997.
-
Pichlmair A, et al.
RIG-I-mediated antiviral responses to single-stranded RNA bearing 5'-phosphates.
Science. 2006;314(5801):997-1001.
-
Schlee M.
Master sensors of pathogenic RNA—RIG-I like receptors.
Immunobiology. 2013;218(11):1322-1335.
-
Rehwinkel J, Gack MU.
RIG-I-like receptors: their regulation and roles in RNA sensing.
Nature Reviews Immunology. 2020;20:537-551.
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