Suppression of PACT-induced type I interferon production by herpes simplex virus 1 Us11 protein

J Virol. 2013 Dec;87(24):13141-9. doi: 10.1128/JVI.02564-13. Epub 2013 Sep 25.

Abstract

Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) Us11 protein is a double-stranded RNA-binding protein that suppresses type I interferon production through the inhibition of the cytoplasmic RNA sensor RIG-I. Whether additional cellular mediators are involved in this suppression remains to be determined. In this study, we report on the requirement of cellular double-stranded RNA-binding protein PACT for Us11-mediated perturbation of type I interferon production. Us11 associates with PACT tightly to prevent it from binding with and activating RIG-I. The Us11-deficient HSV-1 was indistinguishable from the Us11-proficient virus in the suppression of interferon production when PACT was compromised. More importantly, HSV-1-induced activation of interferon production was abrogated in PACT knockout murine embryonic fibroblasts. Our findings suggest a new mechanism for viral evasion of innate immunity through which a viral double-stranded RNA-binding protein interacts with PACT to circumvent type I interferon production. This mechanism might also be used by other PACT-binding viral interferon-antagonizing proteins such as Ebola virus VP35 and influenza A virus NS1.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Down-Regulation*
  • Herpes Simplex / genetics
  • Herpes Simplex / metabolism*
  • Herpes Simplex / virology
  • Herpesvirus 1, Human / genetics
  • Herpesvirus 1, Human / metabolism*
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions
  • Humans
  • Interferon-beta / genetics
  • Interferon-beta / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Protein Binding
  • RNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • RNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Receptors, Retinoic Acid / genetics
  • Receptors, Retinoic Acid / metabolism
  • Viral Proteins / genetics
  • Viral Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • PLAAT4 protein, human
  • PRKRA protein, human
  • RNA-Binding Proteins
  • Receptors, Retinoic Acid
  • US11 protein, herpesvirus
  • Viral Proteins
  • Interferon-beta