Oligonucleotides bearing 5 triphosphate are recognized by RIG-I, leading to the induction of type I IFN production. Bacterial RNA also induces type I IFN production. 5 triphosphate oligonucleotides and bacterial RNA can be used for inducing an anti-viral response or an anti-bacterial response, in particular, type I IFN production, in vitro and in vivo and for treating various disorders and diseases including viral infections, bacterial infections, and tumors. Furthermore, oligonucleotides bearing 5 triphosphate can induce IL-18 and IL-1β production, and are thus useful in the treatment of various disorders and dieases such as allergies, autoimmune diseases, immunodeficiencies and immunosuppression.
