IFIH1 (Interferon Induced With Helicase C Domain 1): IFIH1, also known as MDA5, is a gene that encodes a protein acting as an intracellular sensor for viral RNA. It plays a key role in innate immunity by detecting viral replication and triggering immune responses. Variations in IFIH1 have been linked to autoimmune conditions such as type I diabetes and systemic lupus erythematosus.