The Ramsey Lab is focused on elucidating the biophysical mechanisms underlying the ability of the RIG-I-like receptors (RLRs) to sense cytosolic double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) and initiate an innate immune response by studying this family of receptors from a variety of species including avian species and scavengers such as vulture and hyenas. This approach seeks to understand the fundamental biology of RLR function across species as a way to inform on future therapeutic design for humans and beyond.