RNF123 Mediates Ubiquitination and Degradation of SOCS1 To Regulate Type I Interferon Production during Duck Tembusu Virus Infection

RING finger protein 122-like (RNF122L) negatively regulates antiviral immune response by targeting STING in common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)

Stimulator of interferon genes (STING), as an imperative adaptor protein in innate immune, responds to nucleic acid from invading pathogens to build antiviral responses in host cells. Aberrant activation of STING may trigger tissue damage and autoimmune diseases. Given the decisive role in initiating innate immune response, the activity of STING is intricately governed by several posttranslational modifications, including phosphorylation and ubiquitination. Here, we cloned and characterized a novel RNF122 homolog from common carp (named CcRNF122L). Expression analysis disclosed that the expression of CcRNF122L is up-regulated under spring viremia of carp virus (SVCV) stimulation in vivo and in vitro. Overexpression of CcRNF122L hampers SVCV- or poly(I:C)-mediated the expression of IFN-1 and ISGs in a dose-dependent way. Mechanistically, CcRNF122L interacts with STING and promotes the polyubiquitylation of STING. This polyubiquitylation event inhibits the aggregation of STING and the subsequent recruitment of TBK1 and IRF3 to the signaling complex. Additionally, the deletion of the TM domain abolishes the negative regulatory function of CcRNF122L. Collectively, our discoveries unveil a mechanism that governs the STING function and the precise adjustment of the innate immune response in teleost.

CDK5-mediated rearrangement of vimentin during Duck Tembusu virus infection inhibits viral replication

Duck Tembusu virus (DTMUV) is a newly emerging pathogen that causes massive economic losses to the poultry industry in China and neighbouring countries. Vimentin, an intermediate filament protein, has been demonstrated to be involved in viral replication during infection. However, the specific role of vimentin in DTMUV replication has not been determined. In this study, we found that overexpression of vimentin in BHK-21 cells can inhibit DTMUV replication. Moreover, DTMUV replication was enhanced after vimentin expression was reduced in BHK-21 cells via small interfering RNA (siRNA). Further research indicated that DTMUV infection had no effect on the transcription or expression of vimentin. However, we found that DTMUV infection induced vimentin rearrangement, and the rearrangement of vimentin was subsequently confirmed to negatively modulate viral replication through the use of a vimentin network disrupting agent. Vimentin rearrangement is closely associated with its phosphorylation. Our experiments revealed that the phosphorylation of vimentin at Ser56 was promoted in the early stage of DTMUV infection. In addition, by inhibiting the phosphorylation of vimentin at Ser56 with a CDK5 inhibitor, vimentin rearrangement was suppressed, and DTMUV replication was significantly enhanced. These results indicated that DTMUV infection induced vimentin phosphorylation and rearrangement through CDK5, resulting in the inhibition of DTMUV replication. In summary, our study reveals a role for vimentin as a negative factor in the process of DTMUV replication, which helps to elucidate the function of cellular proteins in regulating DTMUV replication.

Duck Tembusu virus infection activates the MKK3/6-p38 MAPK signaling pathway to promote virus replication

Duck Tembusu virus (DTMUV) infection poses a serious threat to ducks, chickens, and geese, causing a range of detrimental effects, including reduced egg production, growth retardation, and even death. These consequences lead to substantial economic losses for the Chinese poultry industry. Although it is established that various viral infections can trigger activation of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, the precise role and mechanisms underlying p38 MAPK activation in DTMUV infection remain poorly understood. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a study to investigate whether the replication of DTMUV necessitates the activation of p38 MAPK. We found that DTMUV infection stimulates activation of the MKK3/6-p38 MAPK pathway, and the activation of p38 MAPK increases with viral titer. Subsequently, the use of the small molecule inhibitor SB203580 significantly reduced DTMUV replication by inhibiting p38 MAPK activity. Furthermore, downregulation of p38 MAPK protein expression by siRNA also inhibited DTMUV replication, whereas transient transfection of p38 MAPK protein promoted DTMUV replication. Interestingly, we found that the DTMUV capsid protein activates p38 MAPK, and there is interaction between DTMUV capsid and p38 MAPK. Finally, we found that DTMUV infection induces elevated mRNA expression of IFN-α, IFN-β, IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-12, which is associated with p38 MAPK activity. These results indicated that virus hijacking of p38 activation is a crucial event for DTMUV replication, and that pharmacological blockade of p38 activation represents a potential anti-DTMUV strategy.

IRF7: role and regulation in immunity and autoimmunity

Interferon regulatory factor (IRF) 7 was originally identified as master transcriptional factor that produced IFN-I and regulated innate immune response, subsequent studies have revealed that IRF7 performs a multifaceted and versatile functions in multiple biological processes. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview on the current knowledge of the role of IRF7 in immunity and autoimmunity. We focus on the latest regulatory mechanisms of IRF7 in IFN-I, including signaling pathways, transcription, translation, and post-translational levels, the dimerization and nuclear translocation, and the role of IRF7 in IFN-III and COVID-19. In addition to antiviral immunity, we also discuss the role and mechanism of IRF7 in autoimmunity, and the further research will expand our understanding of IRF7.

Long Noncoding RNA Metastasis-Associated Lung Adenocarcinoma Transcript 1 Promotes HIV-1 Replication through Modulating microRNAs in Macrophages

Macrophages can serve as a reservoir for human immunodeficiency-1 (HIV-1) virus in host cells, constituting a barrier to eradication, even in patients who are receiving antiretroviral therapy. Although many noncoding RNAs have been characterized as regulators in HIV-1/AIDS-induced immune response and pathogenesis, only a few long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have demonstrated a close association with HIV-1 replication, and the molecular mechanisms remain unknown. In this study, we investigated how lncRNA metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1), related microRNAs, and key inflammatory genes alter HIV-1 replication in macrophages. Our data show that HIV-1 infection modulates the expression of miR-155 and miR-150-5p in a time-dependent manner, which is regulated by MALAT1. MALAT1 induced suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) expression by sponging miR-150-5p in HIV-1-infected macrophages and stimulated inflammatory mediators triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells/cold inducible RNA binding protein (TREM 1/CIRP) ligand/receptor. The RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay validated the direct interaction within the MALAT1/miR-150-5p/SOCS1 axis. HIV-1 infection-mediated upregulation of MALAT1, SOCS1, and HIV-1 Gag was attenuated by SN50 (an NF-кB p50 inhibitor). MALAT1 antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) suppressed HIV-1 p24 production and HIV-1 Gag gene expression and decreased expression of miR-155 and SOCS1, as well as the production of proinflammatory cytokines by HIV-1-infected macrophages. In conclusion, HIV-1 infection induces MALAT1, which attenuates miR-150-5p expression and increases SOCS1 expression, promoting HIV-1 replication and reactivation. These data provide new insights into how MALAT1 alters the macrophage microenvironment and subsequently promotes viral replication and suggest a potential role for targeting MALAT1 as a therapeutic approach to eliminate HIV-1 reservoirs. IMPORTANCE Viral reservoirs constitute an obstacle to curing HIV-1 diseases, despite antiretroviral therapy. Macrophages serve as viral reservoirs in HIV infection by promoting long-term replication and latency. Recent studies have shown that lncRNAs can modulate virus-host interactions, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, we demonstrate how lncRNA MALAT1 contributes to HIV-1 replication through modulation of the miR-150/SOCS1 axis in human macrophages. Our findings have the potential to identify new therapies for eliminating HIV-1 reservoirs in immune cells.