This gene encodes a member of the DExD/H-box helicase family of proteins, a subset of the super family 2 helicases. Members of the DExD/H-box helicase family share a conserved functional core comprised of two RecA-like globular domains. These domains contain conserved motifs that mediate ATP binding, ATP hydrolysis, nucleic acid binding, and RNA unwinding. In addition to functions in RNA metabolism, members of this family are involved in anti-viral immunity and act as cytosolic sensors of viral nucleic acids. The protein encoded by this gene has been shown to inhibit hepatitis C virus replication in response to interferon stimulation in cell culture. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants. [provided by RefSeq, Sep 2016].