Proteomics of herpes simplex virus replication compartments: association of cellular DNA replication, repair, recombination, and chromatin remodeling proteins with ICP8

Proliferating cell nuclear antigen inhibitors block distinct stages of herpes simplex virus infection

Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) forms a homotrimer that encircles replicating DNA and is bound by DNA polymerases to add processivity to cellular DNA synthesis. In addition, PCNA acts as a scaffold to recruit DNA repair and chromatin remodeling proteins to replicating DNA via its interdomain connecting loop (IDCL). Despite encoding a DNA polymerase processivity factor UL42, it was previously found that PCNA associates with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) replication forks and is necessary for productive HSV-1 infection. To define the role that PCNA plays during viral DNA replication or a replication-coupled process, we investigated the effects that two mechanistically distinct PCNA inhibitors, PCNA-I1 and T2AA, have on the HSV-1 infectious cycle. PCNA-I1 binds at the interface between PCNA monomers, stabilizes the homotrimer, and may interfere with protein-protein interactions. T2AA inhibits select protein-protein interactions within the PCNA IDCL. Here we demonstrate that PCNA-I1 treatment results in reduced HSV-1 DNA replication, late gene expression, and virus production, while T2AA treatment results in reduced late viral gene expression and infectious virus production. To pinpoint the mechanisms by which PCNA inhibitors affect viral processes and protein recruitment to replicated viral DNA, we performed accelerated native isolation of proteins on nascent DNA (aniPOND). Results indicate that T2AA inhibits recruitment of the viral uracil glycosylase UL2 and transcription regulatory factors to viral DNA, likely leading to a defect in viral base excision repair and the observed defect in late viral gene expression and infectious virus production. In addition, PCNA-I1 treatment results in decreased association of the viral DNA polymerase UL30 and known PCNA-interacting proteins with viral DNA, consistent with the observed block in viral DNA replication and subsequent processes. Together, we conclude that inhibitors of cellular PCNA block recruitment of key viral and cellular factors to viral DNA to inhibit viral DNA synthesis and coupled processes.

Suicidal Phenotype of Proofreading-Deficient Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Polymerase Mutants

Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) encodes a family B DNA polymerase (Pol) capable of exonucleolytic proofreading whose functions have been extensively studied in the past. Early studies on the in vitro activity of purified Pol protein found that the enzymatic functions of the holoenzyme are largely separate. Consequently, exonuclease activity can be reduced or abolished by certain point mutations within catalytically important regions, with no or only minor effects on polymerase activity. Despite unimpaired polymerase activity, the recovery of HSV-1 mutants with a catalytically inactive exonuclease has been so far unsuccessful. Hence, mutations such as D368A, which abolish exonuclease activity, are believed to be lethal. Here, we show that HSV-1 can be recovered in the absence of Pol intrinsic exonuclease activity and demonstrate that a lack of proofreading causes the rapid accumulation of likely detrimental mutations. Although mutations that abolish exonuclease activity do not appear to be lethal, the lack of proofreading yields viruses with a suicidal phenotype that cease to replicate within few passages following reconstitution. Hence, we conclude that high replication fidelity conferred by proofreading is essential to maintain HSV-1 genome integrity and that a lack of exonuclease activity produces an initially viable but rapidly suicidal phenotype. However, stably replicating viruses with reduced exonuclease activity and therefore elevated mutation rates can be generated by mutating a catalytically less important site located within a conserved exonuclease domain. IMPORTANCE Recovery of fully exonuclease-deficient herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) DNA polymerase mutants has been so far unsuccessful. However, exonuclease activity is not known to be directly essential for virus replication, and the lethal phenotype of certain HSV-1 polymerase mutants is thus attributed to factors other than exonuclease activity. Here, we showed that the recovery of a variety of exonuclease-deficient HSV-1 polymerase mutants is possible and that these mutants are initially replication competent. We, however, observed a progressive loss of mutant viability upon cell culture passaging, which coincided with the rapid accumulation of mutations in exonuclease-deficient viruses. We thus concluded that a lack of DNA proofreading in exonuclease-deficient viruses causes an initially viable but rapidly suicidal hypermutator phenotype and, consequently, the extinction of mutant viruses within few generations following recovery. This would make the absence of exonuclease activity the primary reason for the long-reported difficulties in culturing exonuclease-deficient HSV-1 mutants.

Borna disease virus 1 impairs DNA double-strand break repair through the ATR/Chk1 signalling pathway, resulting in learning and memory impairment in rats

Borna disease virus 1 (BoDV-1) is a highly neurotropic RNA virus that can establish persistent infection in the central nervous system and cause cognitive dysfunction in neonatally infected rats. However, the mechanisms that lead to this cognitive impairment remain unclear. DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and their repair are associated with brain development and cognition. If DNA repair in the brain is reduced or delayed and DNA damage accumulates, abnormal cognitive function may result. We generated a rat model of BoDV-1 infection during the neonatal period and assessed behavioural changes using the open field test and Morris water maze. The levels of DSBs were determined by immunofluorescence and comet assays. Western blotting assessed proteins associated with DNA repair pathways. The results showed that BoDV-1 downregulated the ATR/Chk1 signalling pathway in the brain, impairing DNA damage repair and increasing the number of DSBs, which ultimately leads to cognitive dysfunction. Our findings suggest a molecular mechanism by which BoDV-1 interferes with DNA damage repair to cause learning and memory impairment. This provides a theoretical basis for elucidating BoDV-1-induced neurodevelopmental impairment.

Mechanism of herpesvirus protein kinase UL13 in immune escape and viral replication

Upon infection, the herpes viruses create a cellular environment suitable for survival, but innate immunity plays a vital role in cellular resistance to viral infection. The UL13 protein of herpesviruses is conserved among all herpesviruses and is a serine/threonine protein kinase, which plays a vital role in escaping innate immunity and promoting viral replication. On the one hand, it can target various immune signaling pathways in vivo, such as the cGAS-STING pathway and the NF-κB pathway. On the other hand, it phosphorylates regulatory many cellular and viral proteins for promoting the lytic cycle. This paper reviews the research progress of the conserved herpesvirus protein kinase UL13 in immune escape and viral replication to provide a basis for elucidating the pathogenic mechanism of herpesviruses, as well as providing insights into the potential means of immune escape and viral replication of other herpesviruses that have not yet resolved the function of it.

Replication Compartments of Eukaryotic and Bacterial DNA Viruses: Common Themes Between Different Domains of Host Cells

Subcellular organization is essential for life. Cells organize their functions into organelles to concentrate their machinery and supplies for optimal efficiency. Likewise, viruses organize their replication machinery into compartments or factories within their host cells for optimal replicative efficiency. In this review, we discuss how DNA viruses that infect both eukaryotic cells and bacteria assemble replication compartments for synthesis of progeny viral DNA and transcription of the viral genome. Eukaryotic DNA viruses assemble replication compartments in the nucleus of the host cell while DNA bacteriophages assemble compartments called phage nuclei in the bacterial cytoplasm. Thus, DNA viruses infecting host cells from different domains of life share common replication strategies.

Viral informatics: bioinformatics-based solution for managing viral infections

Several new viral infections have emerged in the human population and establishing as global pandemics. With advancements in translation research, the scientific community has developed potential therapeutics to eradicate or control certain viral infections, such as smallpox and polio, responsible for billions of disabilities and deaths in the past. Unfortunately, some viral infections, such as dengue virus (DENV) and human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1), are still prevailing due to a lack of specific therapeutics, while new pathogenic viral strains or variants are emerging because of high genetic recombination or cross-species transmission. Consequently, to combat the emerging viral infections, bioinformatics-based potential strategies have been developed for viral characterization and developing new effective therapeutics for their eradication or management. This review attempts to provide a single platform for the available wide range of bioinformatics-based approaches, including bioinformatics methods for the identification and management of emerging or evolved viral strains, genome analysis concerning the pathogenicity and epidemiological analysis, computational methods for designing the viral therapeutics, and consolidated information in the form of databases against the known pathogenic viruses. This enriched review of the generally applicable viral informatics approaches aims to provide an overview of available resources capable of carrying out the desired task and may be utilized to expand additional strategies to improve the quality of translation viral informatics research.

Replication Compartments-The Great Survival Strategy for Epstein-Barr Virus Lytic Replication

During Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) lytic replication, viral DNA synthesis is carried out in viral replication factories called replication compartments (RCs), which are located at discrete sites in the nucleus. Viral proteins constituting the viral replication machinery are accumulated in the RCs to amplify viral genomes. Newly synthesized viral DNA is stored in a subdomain of the RC termed the BMRF1-core, matured by host factors, and finally packed into assembled viral capsids. Late (L) genes are transcribed from DNA stored in the BMRF1-core through a process that is mainly dependent on the viral pre-initiation complex (vPIC). RC formation is a well-regulated system and strongly advantageous for EBV survival because of the following aspects: (1) RCs enable the spatial separation of newly synthesized viral DNA from the cellular chromosome for protection and maturation of viral DNA; (2) EBV-coded proteins and their interaction partners are recruited to RCs, which enhances the interactions among viral proteins, cellular proteins, and viral DNA; (3) the formation of RCs benefits continuous replication, leading to L gene transcription; and (4) DNA storage and maturation leads to efficient progeny viral production. Here, we review the state of knowledge of this important viral structure and discuss its roles in EBV survival.

Parvovirus nonstructural protein 2 interacts with chromatin-regulating cellular proteins

Autonomous parvoviruses encode at least two nonstructural proteins, NS1 and NS2. While NS1 is linked to important nuclear processes required for viral replication, much less is known about the role of NS2. Specifically, the function of canine parvovirus (CPV) NS2 has remained undefined. Here we have used proximity-dependent biotin identification (BioID) to screen for nuclear proteins that associate with CPV NS2. Many of these associations were seen both in noninfected and infected cells, however, the major type of interacting proteins shifted from nuclear envelope proteins to chromatin-associated proteins in infected cells. BioID interactions revealed a potential role for NS2 in DNA remodeling and damage response. Studies of mutant viral genomes with truncated forms of the NS2 protein suggested a change in host chromatin accessibility. Moreover, further studies with NS2 mutants indicated that NS2 performs functions that affect the quantity and distribution of proteins linked to DNA damage response. Notably, mutation in the splice donor site of the NS2 led to a preferred formation of small viral replication center foci instead of the large coalescent centers seen in wild-type infection. Collectively, our results provide insights into potential roles of CPV NS2 in controlling chromatin remodeling and DNA damage response during parvoviral replication.

Parvoviruses are small, nonenveloped DNA viruses, that besides being noteworthy pathogens in many animal species, including humans, are also being developed as vectors for gene and cancer therapy. Canine parvovirus is an autonomously replicating parvovirus that encodes two nonstructural proteins, NS1 and NS2. NS1 is required for viral DNA replication and packaging, as well as gene expression. However, very little is known about the function of NS2. Our studies indicate that NS2 serves a previously undefined important function in chromatin modification and DNA damage responses. Therefore, it appears that although both NS1 and NS2 are needed for a productive infection they play very different roles in the process.

The US3 Kinase of Herpes Simplex Virus Phosphorylates the RNA Sensor RIG-I To Suppress Innate Immunity

Recent studies have demonstrated that the signaling activity of the cytosolic pathogen sensor retinoic acid-inducible gene-I (RIG-I) is modulated by a variety of posttranslational modifications (PTMs) to fine-tune the antiviral type I interferon (IFN) response. Whereas K63-linked ubiquitination of the RIG-I caspase activation and recruitment domains (CARDs) catalyzed by TRIM25 or other E3 ligases activates RIG-I, phosphorylation of RIG-I at S8 and T170 represses RIG-I signal transduction by preventing the TRIM25-RIG-I interaction and subsequent RIG-I ubiquitination. While strategies to suppress RIG-I signaling by interfering with its K63-polyubiquitin-dependent activation have been identified for several viruses, evasion mechanisms that directly promote RIG-I phosphorylation to escape antiviral immunity are unknown. Here, we show that the serine/threonine (Ser/Thr) kinase US3 of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) binds to RIG-I and phosphorylates RIG-I specifically at S8. US3-mediated phosphorylation suppressed TRIM25-mediated RIG-I ubiquitination, RIG-I-MAVS binding, and type I IFN induction. We constructed a mutant HSV-1 encoding a catalytically-inactive US3 protein (K220A) and found that, in contrast to the parental virus, the US3 mutant HSV-1 was unable to phosphorylate RIG-I at S8 and elicited higher levels of type I IFNs, IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs), and proinflammatory cytokines in a RIG-I-dependent manner. Finally, we show that this RIG-I evasion mechanism is conserved among the alphaherpesvirus US3 kinase family. Collectively, our study reveals a novel immune evasion mechanism of herpesviruses in which their US3 kinases phosphorylate the sensor RIG-I to keep it in the signaling-repressed state. IMPORTANCE Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) establishes lifelong latency in the majority of the human population worldwide. HSV-1 occasionally reactivates to produce infectious virus and to facilitate dissemination. While often remaining subclinical, both primary infection and reactivation occasionally cause debilitating eye diseases, which can lead to blindness, as well as life-threatening encephalitis and newborn infections. To identify new therapeutic targets for HSV-1-induced diseases, it is important to understand the HSV-1-host interactions that may influence infection outcome and disease. Our work uncovered direct phosphorylation of the pathogen sensor RIG-I by alphaherpesvirus-encoded kinases as a novel viral immune escape strategy and also underscores the importance of RNA sensors in surveilling DNA virus infection.

Pseudorabies Virus Infection Triggers NF-κB Activation via the DNA Damage Response but Actively Inhibits NF-κB-Dependent Gene Expression

The nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway is known to integrate signaling associated with very diverse intra- and extracellular stressors, including virus infections, and triggers a powerful (proinflammatory) response through the expression of NF-κB-regulated genes. Typically, the NF-κB pathway collects and transduces threatening signals at the cell surface or in the cytoplasm leading to nuclear import of activated NF-κB transcription factors. In the current work, we demonstrate that the swine alphaherpesvirus pseudorabies virus (PRV) induces a peculiar mode of NF-κB activation known as "inside-out" NF-κB activation. We show that PRV triggers the DNA damage response (DDR) and that this DDR response drives NF-κB activation since inhibition of the nuclear ataxia telangiectasia-mutated (ATM) kinase, a chief controller of DDR, abolished PRV-induced NF-κB activation. Initiation of the DDR-NF-κB signaling axis requires viral protein synthesis but occurs before active viral genome replication. In addition, the initiation of the DDR-NF-κB signaling axis is followed by a virus-induced complete shutoff of NF-κB-dependent gene expression that depends on viral DNA replication. In summary, the results presented in this study reveal that PRV infection triggers a noncanonical DDR-NF-κB activation signaling axis and that the virus actively inhibits the (potentially antiviral) consequences of this pathway, by inhibiting NF-κB-dependent gene expression. IMPORTANCE The NF-κB signaling pathway plays a critical role in coordination of innate immune responses that are of vital importance in the control of infections. The current report generates new insights into the interaction of the alphaherpesvirus pseudorabies virus (PRV) with the NF-κB pathway, as they reveal that (i) PRV infection leads to NF-κB activation via a peculiar "inside-out" nucleus-to-cytoplasm signal that is triggered via the DNA damage response (DDR), (ii) the DDR-NF-κB signaling axis requires expression of viral proteins but is initiated before active PRV replication, and (iii) late viral factor(s) allow PRV to actively and efficiently inhibit NF-κB-dependent (proinflammatory) gene expression. These data suggest that activation of the DDR-NF-κB during PRV infection is host driven and that its potential antiviral consequences are actively inhibited by the virus.

Virus-induced FoxO factor facilitates replication of human cytomegalovirus

Recently, it was reported that the forkhead box O (FoxO) transcription factor promotes human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) replication via direct binding to the promoters of the major immediate-early (MIE) genes, but how the FoxO factor impacts HCMV replication remains unknown. Here, it is reported that FoxO1 expression is strongly induced by HCMV infection in cells of fibroblast origin. Suppression of the FoxO1 gene by specific RNA interference significantly inhibited HCMV growth and replication, but viral DNA synthesis was not affected considerably. Interestingly, depletion or overexpression of FoxO1 had a significant effect on the expression of viral early/late transcripts. FoxO1 was found to colocalize with the pUL44 protein subunit of viral replication compartments without direct association with DNA. This study highlights how FoxO enhances HCMV gene transcription and viral replication to promote infection.

HSV-1 DNA Replication-Coordinated Regulation by Viral and Cellular Factors

DNA replication is an integral step in the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) life cycle that is coordinated with the cellular DNA damage response, repair and recombination of the viral genome, and viral gene transcription. HSV-1 encodes its own DNA replication machinery, including an origin binding protein (UL9), single-stranded DNA binding protein (ICP8), DNA polymerase (UL30), processivity factor (UL42), and a helicase/primase complex (UL5/UL8/UL52). In addition, HSV-1 utilizes a combination of accessory viral and cellular factors to coordinate viral DNA replication with other viral and cellular processes. The purpose of this review is to outline the roles of viral and cellular proteins in HSV-1 DNA replication and replication-coupled processes, and to highlight how HSV-1 may modify and adapt cellular proteins to facilitate productive infection.

A Review of the Multipronged Attack of Herpes Simplex Virus 1 on the Host Transcriptional Machinery

During lytic infection, herpes simplex virus (HSV) 1 induces a rapid shutoff of host RNA synthesis while redirecting transcriptional machinery to viral genes. In addition to being a major human pathogen, there is burgeoning clinical interest in HSV as a vector in gene delivery and oncolytic therapies, necessitating research into transcriptional control. This review summarizes the array of impacts that HSV has on RNA Polymerase (Pol) II, which transcribes all mRNA in infected cells. We discuss alterations in Pol II holoenzymes, post-translational modifications, and how viral proteins regulate specific activities such as promoter-proximal pausing, splicing, histone repositioning, and termination with respect to host genes. Recent technological innovations that have reshaped our understanding of previous observations are summarized in detail, along with specific research directions and technical considerations for future studies.

Mass spectrometry-based proteomics in basic and translational research of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus and its emerging mutants

Molecular diagnostics of the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) now mainly relies on the measurements of viral RNA by RT-PCR, or detection of anti-viral antibodies by immunoassays. In this review, we discussed the perspectives of mass spectrometry-based proteomics as an analytical technique to identify and quantify proteins of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and to enable basic research and clinical studies on COVID-19. While RT-PCR and RNA sequencing are indisputably powerful techniques for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 and identification of the emerging mutations, proteomics may provide confirmatory diagnostic information and complimentary biological knowledge on protein abundance, post-translational modifications, protein-protein interactions, and the functional impact of the emerging mutations. Pending advances in sensitivity and throughput of mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography, shotgun and targeted proteomic assays may find their niche for the differential quantification of viral proteins in clinical and environmental samples. Targeted proteomic assays in combination with immunoaffinity enrichments also provide orthogonal tools to evaluate cross-reactivity of serology tests and facilitate development of tests with the nearly perfect diagnostic specificity, this enabling reliable testing of broader populations for the acquired immunity. The coronavirus pandemic of 2019-2021 is another reminder that the future global pandemics may be inevitable, but their impact could be mitigated with the novel tools and assays, such as mass spectrometry-based proteomics, to enable continuous monitoring of emerging viruses, and to facilitate rapid response to novel infectious diseases.

Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Coinfection Modifies Adeno-associated Virus Genome End Recombination

Wild-type adeno-associated virus (AAV) can only replicate in the presence of helper factors, which can be provided by coinfecting helper viruses such as adenoviruses and herpesviruses. The AAV genome consists of a linear, single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), which is converted into different molecular structures within the host cell. Using high-throughput sequencing, we found that herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) coinfection leads to a shift in the type of AAV genome end recombination. In particular, open-end inverted terminal repeat (ITR) recombination was enhanced, whereas open-closed ITR recombination was reduced in the presence of HSV-1. We demonstrate that the HSV-1 protein ICP8 plays an essential role in HSV-1-mediated interference with AAV genome end recombination, indicating that the previously described ICP8-driven mechanism of HSV-1 genome recombination may be underlying the observed changes. We also provide evidence that additional factors, such as products of true late genes, are involved. Although HSV-1 coinfection significantly changed the type of AAV genome end recombination, no significant change in the amount of circular AAV genomes was identified. IMPORTANCE Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene therapy represents one of the most promising approaches for the treatment of genetic diseases. Currently, various GMP-compatible production methods can be applied to manufacture clinical-grade vector, including methods that employ helper factors derived from herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1). Yet, to date, we do not fully understand how HSV-1 interacts with AAV. We observed that HSV-1 modulates AAV genome ends similarly to the genome recombination events observed during HSV-1 replication and postulate that further improvements of the HSV-1 production platform may enhance packaging of the recombinant AAV particles.

Systematic profiling of protein complex dynamics reveals DNA-PK phosphorylation of IFI16 en route to herpesvirus immunity

Dynamically shifting protein-protein interactions (PPIs) regulate cellular responses to viruses and the resulting immune signaling. Here, we use thermal proximity coaggregation (TPCA) mass spectrometry to characterize the on-off behavior of PPIs during infection with herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1), a virus with an ancient history of coevolution with hosts. Advancing the TPCA analysis to infer associations de novo, we build a time-resolved portrait of thousands of host-host, virus-host, and virus-virus PPIs. We demonstrate that, early in infection, the DNA sensor IFI16 recruits the active DNA damage response kinase, DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK), to incoming viral DNA at the nuclear periphery. We establish IFI16 T149 as a substrate of DNA-PK upon viral infection or DNA damage. This phosphorylation promotes IFI16-driven cytokine responses. Together, we characterize the global dynamics of PPIs during HSV-1 infection, uncovering the co-regulation of IFI16 and DNA-PK functions as a missing link in immunity to herpesvirus infection.

Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Manipulates Host Cell Antiviral and Proviral DNA Damage Responses

Cells activate their DNA damage response (DDR) in response to DNA virus infection, including adenoviruses, papillomaviruses, polyomaviruses, and herpesviruses. In this study, we found that the DDR kinase pathways activated in normal human fibroblasts by herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) input genomic DNA, HSV-1 replicating DNA, and progeny DNA and in uninfected cells treated with etoposide are different. We also found using clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-Cas9 technology that different host gene products are required for the DDR in uninfected versus infected cells. Individual DDR components can be proviral or antiviral in that ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) and p53 promote and Mre11 restricts replication of ICP0-null HSV-1, but ICP0 expression eliminates these DDR effects. Thus, in total, these results argue that HSV-1 manipulates the host cell DDR to utilize specific components for its optimal replication while inactivating the antiviral aspects of the DDR.IMPORTANCE We investigated the relationship between the DNA damage response, a collection of vital cellular pathways that repair potentially lethal damage to the genome, and the DNA virus herpes simplex virus 1. We found that infection by the virus triggers the DNA damage response, and key proteins that mediate this response have opposing effects on the replication and production of progeny viruses. Our work provides novel insights into the relationship between DNA virus infection and the cellular response to the viral genome. We speculate that viral gene products modulate this response, providing potentially novel targets for therapeutic intervention against the virus.

Viral interactions with non-homologous end-joining: a game of hide-and-seek

There are extensive interactions between viruses and the host DNA damage response (DDR) machinery. The outcome of these interactions includes not only direct effects on viral nucleic acids and genome replication, but also the activation of host stress response signalling pathways that can have further, indirect effects on viral life cycles. The non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) pathway is responsible for the rapid and imprecise repair of DNA double-stranded breaks in the nucleus that would otherwise be highly toxic. Whilst directly repairing DNA, components of the NHEJ machinery, in particular the DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK), can activate a raft of downstream signalling events that activate antiviral, cell cycle checkpoint and apoptosis pathways. This combination of possible outcomes results in NHEJ being pro- or antiviral depending on the infection. In this review we will describe the broad range of interactions between NHEJ components and viruses and their consequences for both host and pathogen.

Modification of Nuclear Compartments and the 3D Genome in the Course of a Viral Infection

The review addresses the question of how the structural and functional compartmentalization of the cell nucleus and the 3D organization of the cellular genome are modified during the infection of cells with various viruses. Particular attention is paid to the role of the introduced changes in the implementation of the viral strategy to evade the antiviral defense systems and provide conditions for viral replication. The discussion focuses on viruses replicating in the cell nucleus. Cytoplasmic viruses are mentioned in cases when a significant reorganization of the nuclear compartments or the 3D genome structure occurs during an infection with these viruses.

Why COVID-19 Transmission Is More Efficient and Aggressive Than Viral Transmission in Previous Coronavirus Epidemics?

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is causing a pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The worldwide transmission of COVID-19 from human to human is spreading like wildfire, affecting almost every country in the world. In the past 100 years, the globe did not face a microbial pandemic similar in scale to COVID-19. Taken together, both previous outbreaks of other members of the coronavirus family (severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV) and middle east respiratory syndrome (MERS-CoV)) did not produce even 1% of the global harm already inflicted by COVID-19. There are also four other CoVs capable of infecting humans (HCoVs), which circulate continuously in the human population, but their phenotypes are generally mild, and these HCoVs received relatively little attention. These dramatic differences between infection with HCoVs, SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2 raise many questions, such as: Why is COVID-19 transmitted so quickly? Is it due to some specific features of the viral structure? Are there some specific human (host) factors? Are there some environmental factors? The aim of this review is to collect and concisely summarize the possible and logical answers to these questions.

MASS SPECTROMETRY IN VIROLOGICAL SCIENCES

Virology, as a branch of the life sciences, discovered mass spectrometry (MS) to be the pivotal tool around two decades ago. The technique unveiled the complex network of interactions between the living world of pro- and eukaryotes and viruses, which delivered "a piece of bad news wrapped in protein" as defined by Peter Medawar, Nobel Prize Laureate, in 1960. However, MS is constantly evolving, and novel approaches allow for a better understanding of interactions in this micro- and nanoworld. Currently, we can investigate the interplay between the virus and the cell by analyzing proteomes, interactomes, virus-cell interactions, and search for the compounds that build viral structures. In addition, by using MS, it is possible to look at the cell from the broader perspective and determine the role of viral infection on the scale of the organism, for example, monitoring the crosstalk between infected tissues and the immune system. In such a way, MS became one of the major tools for the modern virology, allowing us to see the infection in the context of the whole cell or the organism. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. Mass Spec Rev.

Negri bodies and other virus membrane-less replication compartments

Viruses reshape the organization of the cell interior to achieve different steps of their cellular cycle. Particularly, viral replication and assembly often take place in viral factories where specific viral and cellular proteins as well as nucleic acids concentrate. Viral factories can be either membrane-delimited or devoid of any cellular membranes. In the latter case, they are referred as membrane-less replication compartments. The most emblematic ones are the Negri bodies, which are inclusion bodies that constitute the hallmark of rabies virus infection. Interestingly, Negri bodies and several other viral replication compartments have been shown to arise from a liquid-liquid phase separation process and, thus, constitute a new class of liquid organelles. This is a paradigm shift in the field of virus replication. Here, we review the different aspects of membrane-less virus replication compartments with a focus on the Mononegavirales order and discuss their interactions with the host cell machineries and the cytoskeleton. We particularly examine the interplay between viral factories and the cellular innate immune response, of which several components also form membrane-less condensates in infected cells.

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Viral factories harbor essential steps of the viral cycle.

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Some viral factories are devoid of membranes and have liquid organelle properties.

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Liquid viral factories concentrate cellular factors required for replication.

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Innate immunity sensors and several ISGs are found in membrane-less condensates.

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A subtle interplay exists between liquid viral factories and innate immunity actors.

Replication Compartments of DNA Viruses in the Nucleus: Location, Location, Location

DNA viruses that replicate in the nucleus encompass a range of ubiquitous and clinically important viruses, from acute pathogens to persistent tumor viruses. These viruses must co-opt nuclear processes for the benefit of the virus, whilst evading host processes that would otherwise attenuate viral replication. Accordingly, DNA viruses induce the formation of membraneless assemblies termed viral replication compartments (VRCs). These compartments facilitate the spatial organization of viral processes and regulate virus–host interactions. Here, we review advances in our understanding of VRCs. We cover their initiation and formation, their function as the sites of viral processes, and aspects of their composition and organization. In doing so, we highlight ongoing and emerging areas of research highly pertinent to our understanding of nuclear-replicating DNA viruses.

Early Nuclear Events after Herpesviral Infection

Herpesviruses are important pathogens that can cause significant morbidity and mortality in the human population. Herpesviruses have a double-stranded DNA genome, and viral genome replication takes place inside the nucleus. Upon entering the nucleus, herpesviruses have to overcome the obstacle of cellular proteins in order to enable viral gene expression and genome replication. In this review, we want to highlight cellular proteins that sense incoming viral genomes of the DNA-damage repair (DDR) pathway and of PML-nuclear bodies (PML-NBs) that all can act as antiviral restriction factors within the first hours after the viral genome is released into the nucleus. We show the function and significance of both nuclear DNA sensors, the DDR and PML-NBs, and demonstrate for three human herpesviruses of the alpha-, beta- and gamma-subfamilies, HSV-1, HCMV and KSHV respectively, how viral tegument proteins antagonize these pathways.

Coalescing replication compartments provide the opportunity for recombination between coinfecting herpesviruses

Homologous recombination (HR) is considered a major driving force of evolution because it generates and expands genetic diversity. Evidence of HR between coinfecting herpesvirus DNA genomes can be found frequently both in vitro and in clinical isolates. Each herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) replication compartment (RC) derives from a single incoming genome and maintains a specific territory within the nucleus. This raises intriguing questions about where and when coinfecting viral genomes interact. To study the spatiotemporal requirements for intergenomic recombination, we developed an assay with dual-color FISH that enables detection of HR between different pairs of coinfecting HSV-1 genomes. Our results revealed that HR increases intermingling of RCs derived from different genomes. Furthermore, inhibition of RC movement reduces the rate of HR events among coinfecting viruses. Finally, we observed correlation between nuclear size and the number of RCs per nucleus. Our findings suggest that both viral replication and recombination are subject to nuclear spatial constraints. Other DNA viruses and cellular DNA are likely to encounter similar restrictions.-Tomer, E., Cohen, E. M., Drayman, N., Afriat, A., Weitzman, M. D., Zaritsky, A., Kobiler, O. Coalescing replication compartments provide the opportunity for recombination between coinfecting herpesviruses.

Experimental Analysis of Viral-Host Interactions

Viral and pathogen protein complexity is often limited by their relatively small genomes, thus critical functions are often accomplished by complexes of host and pathogen proteins. This requirement makes the study of host-pathogen interactions critical for the understanding of pathogenicity and virology. This review article discusses proteomic methods that offer an opportunity to experimentally identify and analyze the binding partners of a target protein and presents the representative studies performed with these methods. These methods divide into two classes: ex situ and in situ. Ex situ assays depend on bindings that occur outside of the normal cellular environment and include yeast two hybrids, pull-downs, and nucleic acid-programmable protein arrays (NAPPA). In situ assays depend on bindings that occur inside of host cells and include affinity purification (AP) and proximity dependent labeling (PDL). Either ex or in situ methods can be reliably used for generating protein-protein interactions networks but it is important to understand and recognize the limitations of the chosen methods when developing an interactomic network. In summary, proteomic methods can be extremely useful for interactomics but it is important to recognize the nature of the method when designing and analyzing an experiment.

Herpes simplex virus 1 ICP8 mutant lacking annealing activity is deficient for viral DNA replication

Most DNA viruses that use recombination-dependent mechanisms to replicate their DNA encode a single-strand annealing protein (SSAP). The herpes simplex virus (HSV) single-strand DNA binding protein (SSB), ICP8, is the central player in all stages of DNA replication. ICP8 is a classical replicative SSB and interacts physically and/or functionally with the other viral replication proteins. Additionally, ICP8 can promote efficient annealing of complementary ssDNA and is thus considered to be a member of the SSAP family. The role of annealing during HSV infection has been difficult to assess in part, because it has not been possible to distinguish between the role of ICP8 as an SSAP from its role as a replicative SSB during viral replication. In this paper, we have characterized an ICP8 mutant, Q706A/F707A (QF), that lacks annealing activity but retains many other functions characteristic of replicative SSBs. Like WT ICP8, the QF mutant protein forms filaments in vitro, binds ssDNA cooperatively, and stimulates the activities of other replication proteins including the viral polymerase, helicase-primase complex, and the origin binding protein. Interestingly, the QF mutant does not complement an ICP8-null virus for viral growth, replication compartment formation, or DNA replication. Thus, we have been able to separate the activities of ICP8 as a replicative SSB from its annealing activity. Taken together, our data indicate that the annealing activity of ICP8 is essential for viral DNA replication in the context of infection and support the notion that HSV-1 uses recombination-dependent mechanisms during DNA replication.

Virus DNA Replication and the Host DNA Damage Response

Viral DNA genomes have limited coding capacity and therefore harness cellular factors to facilitate replication of their genomes and generate progeny virions. Studies of viruses and how they interact with cellular processes have historically provided seminal insights into basic biology and disease mechanisms. The replicative life cycles of many DNA viruses have been shown to engage components of the host DNA damage and repair machinery. Viruses have evolved numerous strategies to navigate the cellular DNA damage response. By hijacking and manipulating cellular replication and repair processes, DNA viruses can selectively harness or abrogate distinct components of the cellular machinery to complete their life cycles. Here, we highlight consequences for viral replication and host genome integrity during the dynamic interactions between virus and host.

Herpes ICP8 protein stimulates homologous recombination in human cells

Recombineering has transformed functional genomic analysis. Genome modification by recombineering using the phage lambda Red homologous recombination protein Beta in Escherichia coli has approached 100% efficiency. While highly efficient in E. coli, recombineering using the Red Synaptase/Exonuclease pair (SynExo) in other organisms declines in efficiency roughly correlating with phylogenetic distance from E. coli. SynExo recombinases are common to double-stranded DNA viruses infecting a variety of organisms, including humans. Human Herpes virus 1 (HHV1) encodes a SynExo comprised of ICP8 synaptase and UL12 exonuclease. In a previous study, the Herpes SynExo was reconstituted in vitro and shown to catalyze a model recombination reaction. Here we describe stimulation of gene targeting to edit a novel fluorescent protein gene in the human genome using ICP8 and compared its efficiency to that of a "humanized" version of Beta protein from phage λ. ICP8 significantly enhanced gene targeting rates in HEK 293T cells while Beta was not only unable to catalyze recombineering but inhibited gene targeting using endogenous recombination functions, despite both synaptases being well-expressed and localized to the nucleus. This proof of concept encourages developing species-specific SynExo recombinases for genome engineering.

Virus DNA Replication and the Host DNA Damage Response

Viral DNA genomes have limited coding capacity and therefore harness cellular factors to facilitate replication of their genomes and generate progeny virions. Studies of viruses and how they interact with cellular processes have historically provided seminal insights into basic biology and disease mechanisms. The replicative life cycles of many DNA viruses have been shown to engage components of the host DNA damage and repair machinery. Viruses have evolved numerous strategies to navigate the cellular DNA damage response. By hijacking and manipulating cellular replication and repair processes, DNA viruses can selectively harness or abrogate distinct components of the cellular machinery to complete their life cycles. Here, we highlight consequences for viral replication and host genome integrity during the dynamic interactions between virus and host.

Whole-genome sequence analysis reveals unique SNP profiles to distinguish vaccine and wild-type strains of bovine herpesvirus-1 (BoHV-1)

Bovine herpesvirus-1 (BoHV-1) is a major pathogen affecting cattle worldwide causing primarily respiratory illness referred to as infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), along with reproductive disorders including abortion and infertility in cattle. While modified live vaccines (MLVs) effectively induce immune response against BoHV-1, they are implicated in disease outbreaks in cattle. Current diagnostic methods cannot distinguish between MLVs and field strains of BoHV-1. We performed whole genome sequencing of 18 BoHV-1 isolates from Pennsylvania and Minnesota along with five BoHV-1 vaccine strains using the Illumina Miseq platform. Based on nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) the sequences were clustered into three groups with two different vaccine groups and one distinct cluster of field isolates. Using this information, we developed a novel SNP-based PCR assay that can allow differentiation of vaccine and clinical strains and help accurately determine the incidence of BoHV-1 and the association of MLVs with clinical disease in cattle.

Human Kinase/Phosphatase-Wide RNAi Screening Identified Checkpoint Kinase 2 as a Cellular Factor Facilitating Japanese Encephalitis Virus Infection

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), a mosquito-borne flavivirus, causes acute encephalitis in humans with high mortality. Not much is known about the interactions between viral and cellular factors that regulate JEV infection. By using a kinase/phosphatase-wide RNAi screening approach, we identified a cell cycle-regulating molecule, checkpoint kinase 2 (CHK2), that plays a role in regulating JEV replication. JEV infection induced G1 arrest and activated CHK2. Inactivation of CHK2 and its upstream ataxia-telangiectasia mutated kinase in JEV-infected cells by using inhibitors reduced virus replication. Likewise, JEV replication was significantly decreased by knockdown of CHK2 expression with shRNA-producing lentiviral transduction. We identified CHK2 as a cellular factor participating in JEV replication, for a new strategy in addressing JEV infection.

Quantitative proteomics of Bombyx mori after BmNPV challenge

The domesticated silkworm is an ideal and economic insect model that plays crucial roles in sericulture and bioreactor. Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) is not only an infectious pathogen to B. mori, but also an efficient vector expressing recombinant proteins. Although, the proteomics of silkworm and BmN cell membrane lipid raft towards BmNPV infection had been investigated, proteome results of BmN cells upon BmNPV challenge currently remain ambiguous. In order to explore the interaction between silkworm and BmNPV, we analyzed several pivotal processes of BmNPV infected BmN cell by quantitative mass spectrometry. Our study indicated that a total of 4205 identified proteins, among which 4194 were with quantitative level. Concretely, during BmNPV infection, several transcription factors and epigenetically modified proteins showed substantially different abundance levels. Especially, proteins with binding activity, displayed significant changes in their molecular functions. Disabled non-homologous end joining by BmNPV reflects irreversible breakage of DNA. Nevertheless, highly abundant superoxide dismutase suggests that the cellular defense system is persistently functional in maintaining biochemical homeostasis. Our comparative and quantitative proteomics will be helpful to unravel the dynamics of B.mori after BmNPV infection and could provide new insights to decipher the mechanism of interaction between BmN cell and BmNPV.

Proteomic Analysis of Secretomes of Oncolytic Herpes Simplex Virus-Infected Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells

Oncolytic herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) strain RH2 induced immunogenic cell death (ICD) with the release and surface exposure of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) SCCVII cells. The supernatants of RH2-infected SCCVII cells also exhibited antitumor ability by intratumoral administration in SCCVII tumor-bearing mice. The supernatants of RH2-infected cells and mock-infected cells were concentrated to produce Med24 and MedC for proteomic analyses. In Med24, the up- and down-regulated proteins were observed. Proteins including filamin, tubulin, t-complex protein 1 (TCP-1), and heat shock proteins (HSPs), were up-regulated, while extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins were markedly down-regulated. Viral proteins were detected in Med 24. These results indicate that HSV-1 RH2 infection increases the release of danger signal proteins and viral gene products, but decreases the release of ECM components. These changes may alter the tumor microenvironment (TME) and contribute to enhancement of anti-tumor immunity against SCC.

The Non-Homologous End Joining Protein PAXX Acts to Restrict HSV-1 Infection

Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) has extensive interactions with the host DNA damage response (DDR) machinery that can be either detrimental or beneficial to the virus. Proteins in the homologous recombination pathway are known to be required for efficient replication of the viral genome, while different members of the classical non-homologous end-joining (c-NHEJ) pathway have opposing effects on HSV-1 infection. Here, we have investigated the role of the recently-discovered c-NHEJ component, PAXX (Paralogue of XRCC4 and XLF), which we found to be excluded from the nucleus during HSV-1 infection. We have established that cells lacking PAXX have an intact innate immune response to HSV-1 but show a defect in viral genome replication efficiency. Counterintuitively, PAXX-/- cells were able to produce greater numbers of infectious virions, indicating that PAXX acts to restrict HSV-1 infection in a manner that is different from other c-NHEJ factors.

Localization of Double-Strand Break Repair Proteins to Viral Replication Compartments following Lytic Reactivation of Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus

Double-strand breaks (DSBs) in DNA are recognized by the Ku70/80 heterodimer and the MRE11-RAD50-NBS1 (MRN) complex and result in activation of the DNA-PK and ATM kinases, which play key roles in regulating the cellular DNA damage response (DDR). DNA tumor viruses such as Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) are known to interact extensively with the DDR during the course of their replicative cycles. Here we show that during lytic amplification of KSHV DNA, the Ku70/80 heterodimer and the MRN complex consistently colocalize with viral genomes in replication compartments (RCs), whereas other DSB repair proteins form foci outside RCs. Depletion of MRE11 and abrogation of its exonuclease activity negatively impact viral replication, while in contrast, knockdown of Ku80 and inhibition of the DNA-PK enzyme, which are involved in nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) repair, enhance amplification of viral DNA. Although the recruitment of DSB-sensing proteins to KSHV RCs is a consistent occurrence across multiple cell types, activation of the ATM-CHK2 pathway during viral replication is a cell line-specific event, indicating that recognition of viral DNA by the DDR does not necessarily result in activation of downstream signaling pathways. We have also observed that newly replicated viral DNA is not associated with cellular histones. Since the presence and modification of these DNA-packaging proteins provide a scaffold for docking of multiple DNA repair factors, the absence of histone deposition may allow the virus to evade localization of DSB repair proteins that would otherwise have a detrimental effect on viral replication.IMPORTANCE Tumor viruses are known to interact with machinery responsible for detection and repair of double-strand breaks (DSBs) in DNA, although detail concerning how Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) modulates these cellular pathways during its lytic replication phase was previously lacking. By undertaking a comprehensive assessment of the localization of DSB repair proteins during KSHV replication, we have determined that a DNA damage response (DDR) is directed to viral genomes but is distinct from the response to cellular DNA damage. We also demonstrate that although recruitment of the MRE11-RAD50-NBS1 (MRN) DSB-sensing complex to viral genomes and activation of the ATM kinase can promote KSHV replication, proteins involved in nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) repair restrict amplification of viral DNA. Overall, this study extends our understanding of the virus-host interactions that occur during lytic replication of KSHV and provides a deeper insight into how the DDR is manipulated during viral infection.

The Exonuclease Activity of Herpes Simplex Virus 1 UL12 Is Required for Production of Viral DNA That Can Be Packaged To Produce Infectious Virus

The herpes simplex virus (HSV) type I alkaline nuclease, UL12, has 5'-to-3' exonuclease activity and shares homology with nucleases from other members of the Herpesviridae family. We previously reported that a UL12-null virus exhibits a severe defect in viral growth. To determine whether the growth defect was a result of loss of nuclease activity or another function of UL12, we introduced an exonuclease-inactivating mutation into the viral genome. The recombinant virus, UL12 D340E (the D340E mutant), behaved identically to the null virus (AN-1) in virus yield experiments, exhibiting a 4-log decrease in the production of infectious virus. Furthermore, both viruses were severely defective in cell-to-cell spread and produced fewer DNA-containing capsids and more empty capsids than wild-type virus. In addition, DNA packaged by the viral mutants was aberrant, as determined by infectivity assays and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. We conclude that UL12 exonuclease activity is essential for the production of viral DNA that can be packaged to produce infectious virus. This conclusion was bolstered by experiments showing that a series of natural and synthetic α-hydroxytropolones recently reported to inhibit HSV replication also inhibit the nuclease activity of UL12. Taken together, our results demonstrate that the exonuclease activity of UL12 is essential for the production of infectious virus and may be considered a target for development of antiviral agents.IMPORTANCE Herpes simplex virus is a major pathogen, and although nucleoside analogs such as acyclovir are highly effective in controlling HSV-1 or -2 infections in immunocompetent individuals, their use in immunocompromised patients is complicated by the development of resistance. Identification of additional proteins essential for viral replication is necessary to develop improved therapies. In this communication, we confirm that the exonuclease activity of UL12 is essential for viral replication through the analysis of a nuclease-deficient viral mutant. We demonstrate that the exonuclease activity of UL12 is essential for the production of viral progeny and thus provides an attractive, druggable enzymatic target.

Identifying Host Factors Associated with DNA Replicated During Virus Infection

Viral DNA genomes replicating in cells encounter a myriad of host factors that facilitate or hinder viral replication. Viral proteins expressed early during infection modulate host factors interacting with viral genomes, recruiting proteins to promote viral replication, and limiting access to antiviral repressors. Although some host factors manipulated by viruses have been identified, we have limited knowledge of pathways exploited during infection and how these differ between viruses. To identify cellular processes manipulated during viral replication, we defined proteomes associated with viral genomes during infection with adenovirus, herpes simplex virus and vaccinia virus. We compared enrichment of host factors between virus proteomes and confirmed association with viral genomes and replication compartments. Using adenovirus as an illustrative example, we uncovered host factors deactivated by early viral proteins, and identified a subgroup of nucleolar proteins that aid virus replication. Our data sets provide valuable resources of virus-host interactions that affect proteins on viral genomes.

Purification of Viral DNA for the Identification of Associated Viral and Cellular Proteins

The goal of this protocol is to isolate herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) DNA from infected cells for the identification of associated viral and cellular proteins by mass spectrometry. Although proteins that interact with viral genomes play major roles in determining the outcome of infection, a comprehensive analysis of viral genome associated proteins was not previously feasible. Here we demonstrate a method that enables the direct purification of HSV-1 genomes from infected cells. Replicating viral DNA is selectively labeled with modified nucleotides that contain an alkyne functional group. Labeled DNA is then specifically and irreversibly tagged via the covalent attachment of biotin azide via a copper(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition or click reaction. Biotin-tagged DNA is purified on streptavidin-coated beads and associated proteins are eluted and identified by mass spectrometry. This method enables the selective targeting and isolation of HSV-1 replication forks or whole genomes from complex biological environments. Furthermore, adaptation of this approach will allow for the investigation of various aspects of herpesviral infection, as well as the examination of the genomes of other DNA viruses.

An Intrinsically Disordered Region of the DNA Repair Protein Nbs1 Is a Species-Specific Barrier to Herpes Simplex Virus 1 in Primates

Humans occasionally transmit herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) to captive primates, who reciprocally harbor alphaherpesviruses poised for zoonotic transmission to humans. To understand the basis for the species-specific restriction of HSV-1 in primates, we simulated what might happen during the cross-species transmission of HSV-1 and found that the DNA repair protein Nbs1 from only some primate species is able to promote HSV-1 infection. The Nbs1 homologs that promote HSV-1 infection also interact with the HSV-1 ICP0 protein. ICP0 interaction mapped to a region of structural disorder in the Nbs1 protein. Chimeras reversing patterns of disorder in Nbs1 reversed titers of HSV-1 produced in the cell. By extending this analysis to 1,237 virus-interacting mammalian proteins, we show that proteins that interact with viruses are highly enriched in disorder, suggesting that viruses commonly interact with host proteins through intrinsically disordered domains.

The Telomeric Response to Viral Infection

The ends of linear genomes, whether viral or cellular, can elicit potent DNA damage and innate immune signals. DNA viruses entering the nucleus share many features with telomeres in their ability to either suppress or co-opt these pathways. Here, we review some of the common mechanisms that viruses and telomeres use to manage the DNA damage and innate immune response pathways. We highlight recent studies on the role of the telomere repeat-containing RNA (TERRA) in response to viral infection. We discuss how TERRA can be activated through a p53-response element embedded in a retrotransposon-like repeat found in human subtelomeres. We consider how TERRA can function as a danger signal when secreted in extracellular vesicles to induce inflammatory cytokines in neighboring cells. These findings suggest that TERRA may be part of the innate immune response to viral infection, and support the hypothesis that telomeres and viruses utilize common mechanisms to maintain genome integrity and regulate innate immunity.

The herpes simplex virus 1 UL36USP deubiquitinase suppresses DNA repair in host cells via deubiquitination of proliferating cell nuclear antigen

Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) infection manipulates distinct host DNA-damage responses to facilitate virus proliferation, but the molecular mechanisms remain to be elucidated. One possible HSV-1 target might be DNA damage-tolerance mechanisms, such as the translesion synthesis (TLS) pathway. In TLS, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) is monoubiquitinated in response to DNA damage-caused replication fork stalling. Ubiquitinated PCNA then facilitates the error-prone DNA polymerase η (polη)-mediated TLS, allowing the fork to bypass damaged sites. Because of the involvement of PCNA ubiquitination in DNA-damage repair, we hypothesized that the function of PCNA might be altered by HSV-1. Here we show that PCNA is a substrate of the HSV-1 deubiquitinase UL36USP, which has previously been shown to be involved mainly in virus uptake and maturation. In HSV-1-infected cells, viral infection-associated UL36USP consistently reduced PCNA ubiquitination. The deubiquitination of PCNA inhibited the formation of polη foci and also increased cell sensitivity to DNA-damage agents. Moreover, the catalytically inactive mutant UL36C40A failed to deubiquitinate PCNA. Of note, the levels of virus marker genes increased strikingly in cells infected with wild-type HSV-1, but only moderately in UL36C40A mutant virus-infected cells, indicating that the UL36USP deubiquitinating activity supports HSV-1 virus replication during infection. These findings suggest a role of UL36USP in the DNA damage-response pathway.

Interaction between FMDV Lpro and transcription factor ADNP is required for optimal viral replication

The foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) leader protease (L^pro) inhibits host translation and transcription affecting the expression of several factors involved in innate immunity. In this study, we have identified the host transcription factor ADNP (activity dependent neuroprotective protein) as an L^pro interacting protein by mass spectrometry. We show that L^pro can bind to ADNP in vitro and in cell culture. RNAi of ADNP negatively affected virus replication and higher levels of interferon (IFN) and IFN-stimulated gene expression were detected. Importantly, infection with FMDV wild type but not with a virus lacking Lpro (leaderless), induced recruitment of ADNP to IFN-α promoter sites early during infection. Furthermore, we found that L^pro and ADNP are in a protein complex with the ubiquitous chromatin remodeling factor Brg-1. Our results uncover a novel role of FMDV L^pro in targeting ADNP and modulation of its transcription repressive function to decrease the expression of IFN and ISGs.

Epigenetic Landscape during Coronavirus Infection

Coronaviruses (CoV) comprise a large group of emerging human and animal pathogens, including the highly pathogenic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) strains. The molecular mechanisms regulating emerging coronavirus pathogenesis are complex and include virus–host interactions associated with entry, replication, egress and innate immune control. Epigenetics research investigates the genetic and non-genetic factors that regulate phenotypic variation, usually caused by external and environmental factors that alter host expression patterns and performance without any change in the underlying genotype. Epigenetic modifications, such as histone modifications, DNA methylation, chromatin remodeling, and non-coding RNAs, function as important regulators that remodel host chromatin, altering host expression patterns and networks in a highly flexible manner. For most of the past two and a half decades, research has focused on the molecular mechanisms by which RNA viruses antagonize the signaling and sensing components that regulate induction of the host innate immune and antiviral defense programs upon infection. More recently, a growing body of evidence supports the hypothesis that viruses, even lytic RNA viruses that replicate in the cytoplasm, have developed intricate, highly evolved, and well-coordinated processes that are designed to regulate the host epigenome, and control host innate immune antiviral defense processes, thereby promoting robust virus replication and pathogenesis. In this article, we discuss the strategies that are used to evaluate the mechanisms by which viruses regulate the host epigenome, especially focusing on highly pathogenic respiratory RNA virus infections as a model. By combining measures of epigenome reorganization with RNA and proteomic datasets, we articulate a spatial-temporal data integration approach to identify regulatory genomic clusters and regions that play a crucial role in the host’s innate immune response, thereby defining a new viral antagonism mechanism following emerging coronavirus infection.

Time-resolved Global and Chromatin Proteomics during Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1) Infection

Herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) lytic infection results in global changes to the host cell proteome and the proteins associated with host chromatin. We present a system level characterization of proteome dynamics during infection by performing a multi-dimensional analysis during HSV-1 lytic infection of human foreskin fibroblast (HFF) cells. Our study includes identification and quantification of the host and viral proteomes, phosphoproteomes, chromatin bound proteomes and post-translational modifications (PTMs) on cellular histones during infection. We analyzed proteomes across six time points of virus infection (0, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 h post-infection) and clustered trends in abundance using fuzzy c-means. Globally, we accurately quantified more than 4000 proteins, 200 differently modified histone peptides and 9000 phosphorylation sites on cellular proteins. In addition, we identified 67 viral proteins and quantified 571 phosphorylation events (465 with high confidence site localization) on viral proteins, which is currently the most comprehensive map of HSV-1 phosphoproteome. We investigated chromatin bound proteins by proteomic analysis of the high-salt chromatin fraction and identified 510 proteins that were significantly different in abundance during infection. We found 53 histone marks significantly regulated during virus infection, including a steady increase of histone H3 acetylation (H3K9ac and H3K14ac). Our data provide a resource of unprecedented depth for human and viral proteome dynamics during infection. Collectively, our results indicate that the proteome composition of the chromatin of HFF cells is highly affected during HSV-1 infection, and that phosphorylation events are abundant on viral proteins. We propose that our epi-proteomics approach will prove to be important in the characterization of other model infectious systems that involve changes to chromatin composition.

Proteomics Tracing the Footsteps of Infectious Disease

Every year, a major cause of human disease and death worldwide is infection with the various pathogens-viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protozoa-that are intrinsic to our ecosystem. In efforts to control the prevalence of infectious disease and develop improved therapies, the scientific community has focused on building a molecular picture of pathogen infection and spread. These studies have been aimed at defining the cellular mechanisms that allow pathogen entry into hosts cells, their replication and transmission, as well as the core mechanisms of host defense against pathogens. The past two decades have demonstrated the valuable implementation of proteomic methods in all these areas of infectious disease research. Here, we provide a perspective on the contributions of mass spectrometry and other proteomics approaches to understanding the molecular details of pathogen infection. Specifically, we highlight methods used for defining the composition of viral and bacterial pathogens and the dynamic interaction with their hosts in space and time. We discuss the promise of MS-based proteomics in supporting the development of diagnostics and therapies, and the growing need for multiomics strategies for gaining a systems view of pathogen infection.

Herpes Simplex Virus Latency: The DNA Repair-Centered Pathway

Like all herpesviruses, herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV1) is able to produce lytic or latent infections depending on the host cell type. Lytic infections occur in a broad range of cells while latency is highly specific for neurons. Although latency suggests itself as an attractive target for novel anti-HSV1 therapies, progress in their development has been slowed due in part to a lack of agreement about the basic biochemical mechanisms involved. Among the possibilities being considered is a pathway in which DNA repair mechanisms play a central role. Repair is suggested to be involved in both HSV1 entry into latency and reactivation from it. Here I describe the basic features of the DNA repair-centered pathway and discuss some of the experimental evidence supporting it. The pathway is particularly attractive because it is able to account for important features of the latent response, including the specificity for neurons, the specificity for neurons of the peripheral compared to the central nervous system, the high rate of genetic recombination in HSV1-infected cells, and the genetic identity of infecting and reactivated virus.

Replication-Coupled Recruitment of Viral and Cellular Factors to Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Replication Forks for the Maintenance and Expression of Viral Genomes

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infects over half the human population. Much of the infectious cycle occurs in the nucleus of cells where the virus has evolved mechanisms to manipulate host processes for the production of virus. The genome of HSV-1 is coordinately expressed, maintained, and replicated such that progeny virions are produced within 4–6 hours post infection. In this study, we selectively purify HSV-1 replication forks and associated proteins from virus-infected cells and identify select viral and cellular replication, repair, and transcription factors that associate with viral replication forks. Pulse chase analyses and imaging studies reveal temporal and spatial dynamics between viral replication forks and associated proteins and demonstrate that several DNA repair complexes and key transcription factors are recruited to or near replication forks. Consistent with these observations we show that the initiation of viral DNA replication is sufficient to license late gene transcription. These data provide insight into mechanisms that couple HSV-1 DNA replication with transcription and repair for the coordinated expression and maintenance of the viral genome.

HSV-1 is a ubiquitous human pathogen that causes persistent infections for the lifetime of the infected host. Of major interest are the mechanisms underlying how the virus utilizes cellular resources to rapidly replicate with high fidelity. We show that DNA repair and late transcription are coupled to genome replication by identifying the viral and cellular factors that associate with replicating viral DNA. In addition to transcription and repair, the results also describe how RNA processing and virion packaging are temporally coordinated relative to genome replication.

Proteomic approaches to uncovering virus-host protein interactions during the progression of viral infection

The integration of proteomic methods to virology has facilitated a significant breadth of biological insight into mechanisms of virus replication, antiviral host responses and viral subversion of host defenses. Throughout the course of infection, these cellular mechanisms rely heavily on the formation of temporally and spatially regulated virus–host protein–protein interactions. Reviewed here are proteomic-based approaches that have been used to characterize this dynamic virus–host interplay. Specifically discussed are the contribution of integrative mass spectrometry, antibody-based affinity purification of protein complexes, cross-linking and protein array techniques for elucidating complex networks of virus–host protein associations during infection with a diverse range of RNA and DNA viruses. The benefits and limitations of applying proteomic methods to virology are explored, and the contribution of these approaches to important biological discoveries and to inspiring new tractable avenues for the design of antiviral therapeutics is highlighted.

Adenovirus-mediated shRNA interference against HSV-1 replication in vitro

The UL29 and UL28 proteins encoded by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) are critical for its replication and packaging, respectively. Research has demonstrated that synthesized siRNA molecules targeting the UL29 gene are able to suppress HSV-2 replication and the UL28-null HSV-1 gene cannot form infectious viruses in vitro. Silencing the UL28 and UL29 genes by RNAi might lead to the development of novel antiviral agents for the treatment of HSV-1 infections. Two kinds of short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) targeting the UL29 and UL28 genes were chemically synthesized and then delivered into cells by a replication-defective human adenovirus type 5 (Adv5) vector. (-) shRNAs targeting none of the genome of HSV-1 were used as the control. Vero cells were inoculated with Ad-UL28shRNA or Ad-UL29shRNA at a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 100 and challenged 24 h later with HSV-1 at an MOI of 0.01 to inhibit HSV-1 replication, as measured by the level of the corresponding RNA and proteins. In addition, the amount of progeny virus was assessed at daily intervals. The antiviral effects of Ad-shRNAs at ongoing HSV-1 infection were explored at 12 h after inoculation of the HSV-1. The results showed that the shRNAs delivered by Adv5 significantly suppressed HSV-1 replication in vitro, as determined by the levels of viral RNA transcription, viral protein synthesis, and viral production. The Ad-UL28shRNA and Ad-UL29shRNA suppressed the replication of HSV-1, respectively, compared with the control group (P < 0.001). When Ad-UL28shRNA and Ad-UL29shRNA were combined, a synergistic effect was observed. The antiviral effects could sustain for at least 4 days after the HSV-1 infection (P < 0.001). Furthermore, antiviral effects were achieved 12 h prior to inoculation of Adv5-shRNAs (P < 0.001). Our data demonstrated comparable antiviral activities against herpes simplex virus by shRNAs targeting either UL29 or UL28 sites in vitro and the effectiveness of using the Adv5 delivery of shRNAs. Therefore, the Adv5 delivery of shRNAs targeting the UL29 and UL28 sites probably may provide an alternative strategy for controlling HSV-1 infection.