Dr. Silverman has investigated molecular pathways of antiviral innate immunity for the past 34 years. His studies are mainly focused on the 2’,5’-oligoadenylate (2-5A) synthetase (OAS)/RNase L system, a classical interferon-regulated, innate immune pathway that rapidly responds to PAMPs to produce a broadly active antiviral response. In prior studies, his lab purified and cloned RNase L, generated RNase L-deficient mice, established antiviral and apoptotic activities of RNase L in vivo, and determined that RNase L activation induces autophagy and initiates transcriptional signaling pathways. In current studies, he is investigating control of viral pathogenesis by regulating 2-5A turnover. His goal is to continue probing fundamental events and biologic endpoints that impact on viral replication cycles and cancer biology.