RNase L is activated by a large subset of viruses, including SARS‐CoV‐2 and Zika, but also has functions in the absence of infection, including anticancer and immune regulatory properties (such as activation of inflammation and inhibition of cell migration) (Banerjee et al. 2015; Casey et al. 2002; Lee et al. 2023; Li et al. 2021; Whelan et al. 2019). This evidence concerns the gene RNASEL and infection.