scholarly journals Targeting SUMO Modification of the Non-Structural Protein 5 of Zika Virus as a Host-Targeting Antiviral Strategy

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 392 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zheng Zhu ◽  
Hin Chu ◽  
Lei Wen ◽  
Shuofeng Yuan ◽  
Kenn Chik ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Virus Replication ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Type I ◽  
Structural Protein ◽  
Post Translational Modification ◽  
Multiple Sequence ◽  
Sumo Modification ◽  
Cytopathic Effects ◽  
Modification Process

Post-translational modifications of host or viral proteins are key strategies exploited by viruses to support virus replication and counteract host immune response. SUMOylation is a post-translational modification process mediated by a family of ubiquitin-like proteins called small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) proteins. Multiple sequence alignment of 78 representative flaviviruses showed that most (72/78, 92.3%) have a putative SUMO-interacting motif (SIM) at their non-structural 5 (NS5) protein’s N-terminal domain. The putative SIM was highly conserved among 414 pre-epidemic and epidemic Zika virus (ZIKV) strains, with all of them having a putative SIM core amino acid sequence of VIDL (327/414, 79.0%) or VVDL (87/414, 21.0%). Molecular docking predicted that the hydrophobic SIM core residues bind to the β2 strand of the SUMO-1 protein, and the acidic residues flanking the core strengthen the binding through interactions with the basic surface of the SUMO protein. The SUMO inhibitor 2-D08 significantly reduced replication of flaviviruses and protected cells against ZIKV-induced cytopathic effects in vitro. A SIM-mutated ZIKV NS5 failed to efficiently suppress type I interferon signaling. Overall, these findings may suggest SUMO modification of the viral NS5 protein to be an evolutionarily conserved post-translational modification process among flaviviruses to enhance virus replication and suppress host antiviral response.

The P-MAPA immunomodulator partially prevents apoptosis induced by Zika virus infection in THP-1 cells

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Morganna C. Lima ◽  
Elisa A. N. Azevedo ◽  
Clarice N. L. de Morais ◽  
Larissa I. O. de Sousa ◽  
Bruno M. Carvalho ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Cell Death ◽  
Virus Infection ◽  
Virus Replication ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Caspase 3 ◽  
Neurological Complications ◽  
Zika Virus Infection

Background: Zika virus is an emerging arbovirus of global importance. ZIKV infection is associated with a range of neurological complications such as the Congenital Zika Syndrome and Guillain Barré Syndrome. Despite the magnitude of recent outbreaks, there is no specific therapy to prevent or to alleviate disease pathology. Objective: To investigate the role of P-MAPA immunomodulator in Zika-infected THP-1 cells. Methods: THP-1 cells were subjected at Zika virus infection (Multiplicity of Infection = 0.5) followed by treatment with P-MAPA for until 96 hours post-infection. After that, the cell death was analyzed by annexin+/ PI+ and caspase 3/ 7+ staining by flow cytometry. In addition, the virus replication and cell proliferation were accessed by RT-qPCR and Ki67 staining, respectively. Results: We demonstrate that P-MAPA in vitro treatment significantly reduces Zika virus-induced cell death and caspase-3/7 activation on THP-1 infected cells, albeit it has no role in virus replication and cell proliferation. Conclusions: Our study reveals that P-MAPA seems to be a satisfactory alternative to inhibits the effects of Zika virus infection in mammalian cells.

scholarly journals Autophagy Contributes to Host Immunity and Protection against Zika Virus Infection via Type I IFN Signaling

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuyi Huang ◽  
Yujie Wang ◽  
Shuhui Meng ◽  
Zhuohang Chen ◽  
Haifan Kong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Virus Infection ◽  
Cell Line ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Fetal Brain ◽  
Host Immunity ◽  
Type I ◽  
Type I Ifn ◽  
Zikv Infection

Recent studies have indicated that the Zika virus (ZIKV) has a significant impact on the fetal brain, and autophagy is contributing to host immune response and defense against virus infection. Here, we demonstrate that ZIKV infection triggered increased LC3 punctuation in mouse monocyte-macrophage cell line (RAW264.7), mouse microglial cell line (BV2), and hindbrain tissues, proving the occurrence of autophagy both in vitro and in vivo. Interestingly, manual intervention of autophagy, like deficiency inhibited by 3-MA, can reduce viral clearance in RAW264.7 cells upon ZIKV infection. Besides, specific siRNA strategy confirmed that autophagy can be activated through Atg7-Atg5 and type I IFN signaling pathway upon ZIKV infection, while knocking down of Atg7 and Atg5 effectively decreased the ZIKV clearance in phagocytes. Furthermore, we analyzed that type I IFN signaling could contribute to autophagic clearance of invaded ZIKV in phagocytes. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that ZIKV-induced autophagy is favorable to activate host immunity, particularly through type I IFN signaling, which participates in host protection and defense against ZIKV infection.

scholarly journals Structural Protein VP2 of African Horse Sickness Virus Is Not Essential for Virus Replication In Vitro

2016 ◽  
Vol 91 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
René G. P. van Gennip ◽  
Sandra G. P. van de Water ◽  
Christiaan A. Potgieter ◽  
Piet A. van Rijn
Keyword(s):  
Capsid Protein ◽  
Virus Replication ◽  
Hemorrhagic Disease ◽  
African Horse Sickness ◽  
Structural Protein ◽  
Outer Capsid Protein ◽  
African Horse Sickness Virus ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Outer Capsid

ABSTRACT The Reoviridae family consists of nonenveloped multilayered viruses with a double-stranded RNA genome consisting of 9 to 12 genome segments. The Orbivirus genus of the Reoviridae family contains African horse sickness virus (AHSV), bluetongue virus, and epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus, which cause notifiable diseases and are spread by biting Culicoides species. Here, we used reverse genetics for AHSV to study the role of outer capsid protein VP2, encoded by genome segment 2 (Seg-2). Expansion of a previously found deletion in Seg-2 indicates that structural protein VP2 of AHSV is not essential for virus replication in vitro. In addition, in-frame replacement of RNA sequences in Seg-2 by that of green fluorescence protein (GFP) resulted in AHSV expressing GFP, which further confirmed that VP2 is not essential for virus replication. In contrast to virus replication without VP2 expression in mammalian cells, virus replication in insect cells was strongly reduced, and virus release from insect cells was completely abolished. Further, the other outer capsid protein, VP5, was not copurified with virions for virus mutants without VP2 expression. AHSV without VP5 expression, however, could not be recovered, indicating that outer capsid protein VP5 is essential for virus replication in vitro. Our results demonstrate for the first time that a structural viral protein is not essential for orbivirus replication in vitro, which opens new possibilities for research on other members of the Reoviridae family. IMPORTANCE Members of the Reoviridae family cause major health problems worldwide, ranging from lethal diarrhea caused by rotavirus in humans to economic losses in livestock production caused by different orbiviruses. The Orbivirus genus contains many virus species, of which bluetongue virus, epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus, and African horse sickness virus (AHSV) cause notifiable diseases according to the World Organization of Animal Health. Recently, it has been shown that nonstructural proteins NS3/NS3a and NS4 are not essential for virus replication in vitro, whereas it is generally assumed that structural proteins VP1 to -7 of these nonenveloped, architecturally complex virus particles are essential. Here we demonstrate for the first time that structural protein VP2 of AHSV is not essential for virus replication in vitro. Our findings are very important for virologists working in the field of nonenveloped viruses, in particular reoviruses.

scholarly journals Akt Inhibitor Akt-IV Blocks Virus Replication through an Akt-Independent Mechanism

2009 ◽  
Vol 83 (22) ◽  
pp. 11665-11672 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ewan F. Dunn ◽  
Rachel Fearns ◽  
John H. Connor
Keyword(s):  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Virus Replication ◽  
Intracellular Signaling ◽  
Akt Pathway ◽  
Akt Inhibitor ◽  
Antiviral Compound ◽  
Intracellular Signaling Pathway ◽  
Cytopathic Effects ◽  
Syncytial Virus

ABSTRACT Many viruses activate the phosphatidylinositol 3′-kinase (PI3k)/Akt intracellular signaling pathway to promote viral replication. We have analyzed whether a rapidly replicating rhabdovirus, vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), requires the PI3k/Akt signaling pathway for its replication. Through the use of chemical inhibitors of PI3k and Akt, we show that VSV replication and cytopathic effects do not require activation of these kinases. Inhibitors that block the activating phosphorylations of Akt at threonine 308 (Thr308) and serine 473 (Ser473) did not inhibit VSV protein expression or the induction of the cytopathic effects of VSV. One compound, Akt inhibitor Akt-IV, inhibited the replication of VSV, respiratory syncytial virus, and vaccinia virus but increased the phosphorylation of Akt at positions Thr308 and Ser473 and did not inhibit Akt kinase activity in vitro. Together, our data suggest that the PI3k/Akt pathway is of limited relevance to the replication of VSV but that Akt inhibitor Akt-IV is a novel broad-spectrum antiviral compound with a mechanism differing from that of its previously reported effect on the PI3k/Akt pathway. Identification of other targets for this compound may define a new approach for blocking virus replication.

scholarly journals RIG-I Plays a Dominant Role in the Induction of Transcriptional Changes in Zika Virus-Infected Cells, which Protect from Virus-Induced Cell Death

Cells ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 1476 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mirjam Schilling ◽  
Anne Bridgeman ◽  
Nicki Gray ◽  
Jonny Hertzog ◽  
Philip Hublitz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Death ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Dominant Role ◽  
A549 Cells ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
Type I ◽  
Type I Ifn ◽  
Structural Protein ◽  
Induced Apoptosis ◽  
The Individual

The Zika virus (ZIKV) has received much attention due to an alarming increase in cases of neurological disorders including congenital Zika syndrome associated with infection. To date, there is no effective treatment available. An immediate response by the innate immune system is crucial for effective control of the virus. Using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockouts in A549 cells, we investigated the individual contributions of the RIG-I-like receptors MDA5 and RIG-I to ZIKV sensing and control of this virus by using a Brazilian ZIKV strain. We show that RIG-I is the main sensor for ZIKV in A549 cells. Surprisingly, we observed that loss of RIG-I and consecutive type I interferon (IFN) production led to virus-induced apoptosis. ZIKV non-structural protein NS5 was reported to interfere with type I IFN receptor signaling. Additionally, we show that ZIKV NS5 inhibits type I IFN induction. Overall, our study highlights the importance of RIG-I-dependent ZIKV sensing for the prevention of virus-induced cell death and shows that NS5 inhibits the production of type I IFN.

scholarly journals Cardiovirus leader proteins are functionally interchangeable and have evolved to adapt to virus replication fitness

2006 ◽  
Vol 87 (5) ◽  
pp. 1237-1246 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophie Paul ◽  
Thomas Michiels
Keyword(s):  
Virus Replication ◽  
Encephalomyocarditis Virus ◽  
Type I ◽  
Nucleocytoplasmic Trafficking ◽  
L Protein ◽  
Small Proteins ◽  
Mengo Virus ◽  
L Proteins ◽  
Replication Fitness

The leader (L) proteins encoded by picornaviruses of the genus Cardiovirus [Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) and Encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV)] are small proteins thought to exert important functions in virus–host interactions. The L protein of persistent TMEV strains was shown to be dispensable for virus replication in vitro, but crucial for long-term persistence of the virus in the central nervous system of the mouse. The phenotype of chimeric viruses generated by exchanging the L-coding regions was analysed and it was shown that the L proteins of neurovirulent and persistent TMEV strains are functionally interchangeable in vitro and in vivo, despite the fact that L is the second most divergent protein encoded by these viruses after the L* protein. The L protein encoded by EMCV and Mengo virus (an EMCV strain) shares about 35 % amino acid identity with that of TMEV. It differs from the latter by lacking a serine/threonine-rich C-terminal domain and by carrying phosphorylated residues not conserved in the TMEV L protein. Our data show that, in spite of these differences, the L protein of Mengo virus shares, with that of TMEV, the ability to inhibit the transcription of type I interferon, cytokine and chemokine genes and to interfere with nucleocytoplasmic trafficking of host-cell proteins. Interestingly, analysis of viral RNA replication of the recombinant viruses raised the hypothesis that L proteins of TMEV and EMCV diverged during evolution to adapt to the different replication fitness of these viruses.

A MODEL OF TYPE I COLLAGEN FIBRILLOGENESIS BASED ON DIFFUSION LIMITED AGGREGATION

1995 ◽  
Vol 03 (04) ◽  
pp. 1033-1039
Author(s):  
JOHN PARKINSON ◽  
KARL E. KADLER ◽  
ANDY BRASS
Keyword(s):  
Type I Collagen ◽  
Unit Length ◽  
The Body ◽  
Biological Macromolecules ◽  
Type I ◽  
Structural Protein ◽  
Diffusion Limited Aggregation ◽  
Mass Unit ◽  
Diffusion Limited

The development of shape and form is intrinsic to the structure and function of many biological macromolecules including tubulin, actin and collagen. Type I collagen is a major structural protein in the body, providing mechanical strength for tissues such as bone and skin. It is present in the form of fibrils which display a regular banding pattern known as D-periodicity (where D = 67 nm). Type I collagen is a long rod-like molecule (300 nm ×1.5 nm) consisting of a triple helix formed from three polypeptide chains. In vivo and in vitro studies have shown that collagen molecules self-assemble in a regular D-staggered array to form striated fibrils. Further studies have shown that the process, termed fibrillogenesis, is entropy driven. A model based on diffusion limited aggregation was used to investigate the properties of rod self-assembly. This simple model reproduced several experimentally observed features of collagen fibril morphology including a linear mass/unit length profile and a preference for tip growth.

scholarly journals Mono-ADP-ribosylation by ARTD10 restricts Chikungunya virus replication by interfering with the proteolytic activity of nsP2

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Krieg ◽  
Fabian Pott ◽  
Laura Eckei ◽  
Maud Verheirstraeten ◽  
Mareike Bütepage ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Virus Replication ◽  
Protease Activity ◽  
Chikungunya Virus ◽  
Human Mobility ◽  
Life Quality ◽  
Type I Interferons ◽  
Type I ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Adp Ribosylation

AbstractA subset of intracellular mono-ADP-ribosyltransferases diphtheria toxin-like (ARTDs, aka mono-PARPs) is induced by type I interferons. Some of these mono-ARTDs feature antiviral activity while certain RNA viruses, including Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), encode mono-ADP-ribosylhydrolases, suggesting a role for mono-ADP-ribosylation (MARylation) in host-virus conflicts. CHIKV expresses four non-structural proteins (nsP1-nsP4), with nsP3 containing a macrodomain that hydrolyzes and thereby reverses protein MARylation in vitro and in cells. This de-MARylation activity is essential as hydrolase inactivating mutations result in replication defective virus. However, the substrates of MARylation during CHIKV infection are unknown and thus it is unclear how the macrodomain contributes to virus replication and how mono-ARTD-dependent MARylation confers antiviral immunity. We identified ARTD10 and ARTD12 as restriction factors for CHIKV replication in a catalytic activity-dependent manner. CHIKV replication requires processing of the non-structural polyprotein nsP1-4 by the nsP2-encoded protease and the assembly of the four individual nsPs into a functional replication complex. Expression of ARTD10 and ARTD12 resulted in a reduction of processed nsPs. Similarly, MAR hydrolase inactive CHIKV replicon mutants revealed a decrease in processed nsPs, comparable to an nsP2 protease defective mutant. This suggested that the macrodomain contributes to nsP2 protease activity. In support, a hydrolase-deficient virus was complemented by a protease-deficient virus. We hypothesized that MARylation regulates the proteolytic function of nsP2. Indeed, we found that nsP2 is MARylated by ARTD10. This inhibited nsP2 protease activity, thereby preventing polyprotein processing and consequently virus replication. This inhibition was antagonized by the MAR hydrolase activity of nsP3. Together, our findings provide a mechanistic explanation for the need of the viral MAR hydrolase for efficient replication of CHIKV.Author SummaryInfectious diseases still pose major health threats. Especially fast evolving viruses find ever new strategies to manipulate the immune response. With climate warming and increased human mobility vector-borne pathogens like Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) spread and cause world-wide epidemics. Beyond the acute phase, CHIKV patients regularly suffer from chronic rheumatism. This entails a decline in life quality and an economic burden. To date no drugs are approved and the mode of pathogenesis remains elusive. Here we describe a mechanistic function of the CHIKV nsP3 macrodomain. We found that the viral nsP2 is mono-ADP-ribosylated interfering with its auto-proteolytic function. The nsP3 macrodomain removes this modification and restores the protease activity that is essential for replication. Because macrodomains are highly conserved they might represent broad antiviral targets.

scholarly journals A natural polymorphism in Zika virus NS2A protein responsible of virulence in mice

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gines Ávila-Pérez ◽  
Aitor Nogales ◽  
Jun-Gyu Park ◽  
Silvia Márquez-Jurado ◽  
Francisco J. Iborra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acid ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Lethal Dose ◽  
Single Amino Acid ◽  
Sequencing Analysis ◽  
Structural Protein ◽  
Genetic Risk Assessment ◽  
Zikv Infection ◽  
Natural Polymorphism

AbstractZika virus (ZIKV) infection is currently one of the major concerns in human public health due to its association with neurological disorders. Intensive effort has been implemented for the treatment of ZIKV, however there are not currently approved vaccines or antivirals available to combat ZIKV infection. In this sense, the identification of virulence factors associated with changes in ZIKV virulence could help to develop safe and effective countermeasures to treat ZIKV or to prevent future outbreaks. Here, we have compared the virulence of two related ZIKV strains from the recent outbreak in Brazil (2015), Rio Grande do Norte Natal (RGN) and Paraiba. In spite of both viruses being identified in the same period of time and region, significant differences in virulence and replication were observed using a validated mouse model of ZIKV infection. While ZIKV-RGN has a 50% mouse lethal dose (MLD50) of ~105 focus forming units (FFUs), ZIKV-Paraiba infection resulted in 100% of lethality with less than 10 FFUs. Combining deep-sequencing analysis and our previously described infectious ZIKV-RGN cDNA clone, we identified a natural polymorphism in the non-structural protein 2 A (NS2A) that increase the virulence of ZIKV. Moreover, results demonstrate that the single amino acid alanine to valine substitution at position 117 (A117V) in the NS2A was sufficient to convert the attenuated rZIKV-RGN in a virulent Paraiba-like virus (MLD50 < 10 FFU). The mechanism of action was also evaluated and data indicate that substitution A117V in ZIKV NS2A protein reduces host innate immune responses and viral-induced apoptosis in vitro. Therefore, amino acid substitution A117V in ZIKV NS2A could be used as a genetic risk-assessment marker for future ZIKV outbreaks.

scholarly journals Autopsy and Postmortem Studies Are Concordant: Pathology of Zika Virus Infection Is Neurotropic in Fetuses and Infants With Microcephaly Following Transplacental Transmission

2016 ◽  
Vol 141 (1) ◽  
pp. 68-72 ◽  
Author(s):  
David A. Schwartz
Keyword(s):  
Virus Infection ◽  
Brain Damage ◽  
Vertical Transmission ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Cytopathic Effects ◽  
Zika Virus Infection ◽  
Postmortem Studies

Context.—Pathology studies have been important in concluding that Zika virus infection occurring in pregnant women can result in vertical transmission of the agent from mother to fetus. Fetal and infant autopsies have provided crucial direct evidence that Zika virus can infect an unborn child, resulting in microcephaly, other malformations, and, in some cases, death. Objective.—To better understand the etiologic role and mechanism(s) of Zika virus in causing birth defects such as microcephaly, this communication analyzes the spectrum of clinical and autopsy studies reported from fetuses and infants who developed intrauterine Zika virus infection, and compares these findings with experimental data related to Zika virus infection. Design.—Retrospective analysis of reported clinical, autopsy, pathology, and related postmortem studies from 9 fetuses and infants with intrauterine Zika virus infection and microcephaly. Results.—All fetuses and infants examined demonstrated an overlapping spectrum of gross and microscopic neuropathologic abnormalities. Direct cytopathic effects of infection by the Zika virus were confined to the brain; in cases where other organs were evaluated, no direct viral effects were identified. Conclusions.—There is concordance of the spectrum of brain damage, reinforcing previous data indicating that the Zika virus has a strong predilection for cells of the fetal central nervous system following vertical transmission. The occurrence of additional congenital abnormalities suggests that intrauterine brain damage from Zika virus interferes with normal fetal development, resulting in fetal akinesia. Experimental in vitro and in vivo studies of Zika virus infection corroborate the human autopsy findings of neural specificity.

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