Key innate sensor that recognizes and binds Z-RNA structures, which are produced by a number of viruses, such as herpesvirus, orthomyxovirus or flavivirus, and triggers different forms of cell death. Once activated upon Z-RNA-binding, ZBP1 interacts with RIPK3, inducing the complementary pathways of apoptosis, necroptosis and pyroptosis. Acts as a key activator of necroptosis, a programmed cell death process in response to death-inducing TNF-alpha family members: ZBP1-dependent necroptosis involves RIPK3 stimulation, which phosphorylates and activates MLKL, triggering execution of programmed necrosis.