Induction of GADD34 is necessary for dsRNA-dependent interferon-β production and participates in the control of Chikungunya virus infection

Spring viraemia of carp virus modulates the time-dependent unfolded protein response to facilitate viral replication

Introduction

The spring viraemia of carp virus (SVCV) poses a significant threat to global aquaculture, yet effective antiviral drugs and vaccines remain unavailable. Understanding the interplay between host-pathogen interactions and SVCV replication is crucial for devising preventive strategies.

Methods

ZF4 cells were exposed to UV-inactivated SVCV or live SVCV at different multiplicities of infection, and the modulation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) was assayed by qPCR at different times. Moreover, ZF4 cells were treated with several UPR modulators to investigate their effect on viral replication. The UPR was also modulated in vivo in zebrafish larvae, and its impact on the survival against SVCV infection was evaluated.

Results and conclusions

This study reveals how SVCV exploits the host's UPR to facilitate its replication. SVCV targets the immunoglobulin heavy chain-binding protein (BiP) and the activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) during early infection to enhance viral RNA synthesis and translation. At later stages, activation of the BiP, the PKR-like ER kinase (PERK), and the inositol-requiring enzyme 1 alpha (IRE1α) pathways supports the release of viral progeny and induces cellular processes, including immune responses and apoptotic cell death. Furthermore, the data demonstrate that modulating UPR pathways, particularly ATF6 and PERK, significantly affect viral replication, providing a novel avenue for antiviral drug development. Preliminary in vivo studies suggest the feasibility of chemically modulating the UPR to combat SVCV, though optimizing administration conditions to maximize efficacy while minimizing side effects warrants further investigation. These findings offer critical insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying SVCV pathogenesis and highlight promising targets for therapeutic intervention.

Inhibiting EZH2 targets atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor by triggering viral mimicry via both RNA and DNA sensing pathways

Inactivating mutations in SMARCB1 confer an oncogenic dependency on EZH2 in atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors (ATRTs), but the underlying mechanism has not been fully elucidated. We found that the sensitivity of ATRTs to EZH2 inhibition (EZH2i) is associated with the viral mimicry response. Unlike other epigenetic therapies targeting transcriptional repressors, EZH2i-induced viral mimicry is not triggered by cryptic transcription of endogenous retroelements, but rather mediated by increased expression of genes enriched for intronic inverted-repeat Alu (IR-Alu) elements. Interestingly, interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) are highly enriched for dsRNA-forming intronic IR-Alu elements, suggesting a feedforward loop whereby these activated ISGs may reinforce dsRNA formation and viral mimicry. EZH2i also upregulates the expression of full-length LINE-1s, leading to genomic instability and cGAS/STING signaling in a process dependent on reverse transcriptase activity. Co-depletion of dsRNA sensing and cytoplasmic DNA sensing completely rescues the viral mimicry response to EZH2i in SMARCB1-deficient tumors.

SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid Protein Antagonizes GADD34-Mediated Innate Immune Pathway through Atypical Foci

The integrated stress response, especially stress granules (SGs), contributes to host immunity. Typical G3BP1+ stress granules (tSGs) are usually formed after virus infection to restrain viral replication and stimulate innate immunity. Recently, several SG-like foci or atypical SGs (aSGs) with proviral function have been found during viral infection. We have shown that the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) nucleocapsid (N) protein induces atypical N+/G3BP1+ foci (N+foci), leading to the inhibition of host immunity and facilitation of viral infection. However, the precise mechanism has not been well clarified yet. In this study, we showed that the SARS-CoV-2 N (SARS2-N) protein inhibits dsRNA-induced growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible 34 (GADD34) expression. Mechanistically, the SARS2-N protein promotes the interaction between GADD34 mRNA and G3BP1, sequestering GADD34 mRNA into the N+foci. Importantly, we found that GADD34 participates in IRF3 nuclear translocation through its KVRF motif and promotes the transcription of downstream interferon genes. The suppression of GADD34 expression by the SARS2-N protein impairs the nuclear localization of IRF3 and compromises the host's innate immune response, which facilitates viral replication. Taking these findings together, our study revealed a novel mechanism by which the SARS2-N protein antagonized the GADD34-mediated innate immune pathway via induction of N+foci. We think this is a critical strategy for viral pathogenesis and has potential therapeutic implications.

Elucidation of the Epitranscriptomic RNA Modification Landscape of Chikungunya Virus

The genomes of positive-sense (+) single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) viruses are believed to be subjected to a wide range of RNA modifications. In this study, we focused on the chikungunya virus (CHIKV) as a model (+) ssRNA virus to study the landscape of viral RNA modification in infected human cells. Among the 32 distinct RNA modifications analysed by mass spectrometry, inosine was found enriched in the genomic CHIKV RNA. However, orthogonal validation by Illumina RNA-seq analyses did not identify any inosine modification along the CHIKV RNA genome. Moreover, CHIKV infection did not alter the expression of ADAR1 isoforms, the enzymes that catalyse the adenosine to inosine conversion. Together, this study highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to assess the presence of RNA modifications in viral RNA genomes.

Human muscle cells sensitivity to chikungunya virus infection relies on their glycolysis activity and differentiation stage

Changes to our environment have led to the emergence of human pathogens such as chikungunya virus. Chikungunya virus infection is today a major public health concern. It is a debilitating chronic disease impeding patients' mobility, affecting millions of people. Disease development relies on skeletal muscle infection. The importance of skeletal muscle in chikungunya virus infection led to the hypothesis that it could serve as a viral reservoir and could participate to virus persistence. Here we questioned the interconnection between skeletal muscle cells metabolism, their differentiation stage and the infectivity of the chikungunya virus. We infected human skeletal muscle stem cells at different stages of differentiation with chikungunya virus to study the impact of their metabolism on virus production and inversely the impact of virus on cell metabolism. We observed that chikungunya virus infectivity is cell differentiation and metabolism-dependent. Chikungunya virus interferes with the cellular metabolism in quiescent undifferentiated and proliferative muscle cells. Moreover, activation of chikungunya infected quiescent muscle stem cells, induces their proliferation, increases glycolysis and amplifies virus production. Therefore, our results showed that Chikungunya virus infectivity and the antiviral response of skeletal muscle cells relies on their energetic metabolism and their differentiation stage. Then, muscle stem cells could serve as viral reservoir producing virus after their activation.

Human Betacoronavirus OC43 Interferes with the Integrated Stress Response Pathway in Infected Cells

Viruses evolve many strategies to ensure the efficient synthesis of their proteins. One such strategy is the inhibition of the integrated stress response-the mechanism through which infected cells arrest translation through the phosphorylation of the alpha subunit of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 (eIF2α). We have recently shown that the human common cold betacoronavirus OC43 actively inhibits eIF2α phosphorylation in response to sodium arsenite, a potent inducer of oxidative stress. In this work, we examined the modulation of integrated stress responses by OC43 and demonstrated that the negative feedback regulator of eIF2α phosphorylation GADD34 is strongly induced in infected cells. However, the upregulation of GADD34 expression induced by OC43 was independent from the activation of the integrated stress response and was not required for the inhibition of eIF2α phosphorylation in virus-infected cells. Our work reveals a complex interplay between the common cold coronavirus and the integrated stress response, in which efficient viral protein synthesis is ensured by the inhibition of eIF2α phosphorylation but the GADD34 negative feedback loop is disrupted.

The Repurposing of Cellular Proteins during Enterovirus A71 Infection

Viruses pose a great threat to people's lives. Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) infects children and infants all over the world with no FDA-approved treatment to date. Understanding the basic mechanisms of viral processes aids in selecting more efficient drug targets and designing more effective antivirals to thwart this virus. The 5'-untranslated region (5'-UTR) of the viral RNA genome is composed of a cloverleaf structure and an internal ribosome entry site (IRES). Cellular proteins that bind to the cloverleaf structure regulate viral RNA synthesis, while those that bind to the IRES also known as IRES trans-acting factors (ITAFs) regulate viral translation. In this review, we survey the cellular proteins currently known to bind the 5'-UTR and influence viral gene expression with emphasis on comparing proteins' functions and localizations pre- and post-(EV-A71) infection. A comprehensive understanding of how the host cell's machinery is hijacked and reprogrammed by the virus to facilitate its replication is crucial for developing effective antivirals.

SARS-CoV-2 and the DNA damage response

The recent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). COVID-19 is characterized by respiratory distress, multiorgan dysfunction and, in some cases, death. The virus is also responsible for post-COVID-19 condition (commonly referred to as 'long COVID'). SARS-CoV-2 is a single-stranded, positive-sense RNA virus with a genome of approximately 30 kb, which encodes 26 proteins. It has been reported to affect multiple pathways in infected cells, resulting, in many cases, in the induction of a 'cytokine storm' and cellular senescence. Perhaps because it is an RNA virus, replicating largely in the cytoplasm, the effect of SARS-Cov-2 on genome stability and DNA damage responses (DDRs) has received relatively little attention. However, it is now becoming clear that the virus causes damage to cellular DNA, as shown by the presence of micronuclei, DNA repair foci and increased comet tails in infected cells. This review considers recent evidence indicating how SARS-CoV-2 causes genome instability, deregulates the cell cycle and targets specific components of DDR pathways. The significance of the virus's ability to cause cellular senescence is also considered, as are the implications of genome instability for patients suffering from long COVID.

PKR-mediated stress response enhances dengue and Zika virus replication

IMPORTANCE

One of the fundamental features that make viruses intracellular parasites is the necessity to use cellular translational machinery. Hence, this is a crucial checkpoint for controlling infections. Here, we show that dengue and Zika viruses, responsible for nearly 400 million infections every year worldwide, explore such control for optimal replication. Using immunocompetent cells, we demonstrate that arrest of protein translations happens after sensing of dsRNA and that the information required to avoid this blocking is contained in viral 5'-UTR. Our work, therefore, suggests that the non-canonical translation described for these viruses is engaged when the intracellular stress response is activated.

MAVS signaling is required for preventing persistent chikungunya heart infection and chronic vascular tissue inflammation

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection has been associated with severe cardiac manifestations, yet, how CHIKV infection leads to heart disease remains unknown. Here, we leveraged both mouse models and human primary cardiac cells to define the mechanisms of CHIKV heart infection. Using an immunocompetent mouse model of CHIKV infection as well as human primary cardiac cells, we demonstrate that CHIKV directly infects and actively replicates in cardiac fibroblasts. In immunocompetent mice, CHIKV is cleared from cardiac tissue without significant damage through the induction of a local type I interferon response from both infected and non-infected cardiac cells. Using mice deficient in major innate immunity signaling components, we found that signaling through the mitochondrial antiviral-signaling protein (MAVS) is required for viral clearance from the heart. In the absence of MAVS signaling, persistent infection leads to focal myocarditis and vasculitis of the large vessels attached to the base of the heart. Large vessel vasculitis was observed for up to 60 days post infection, suggesting CHIKV can lead to vascular inflammation and potential long-lasting cardiovascular complications. This study provides a model of CHIKV cardiac infection and mechanistic insight into CHIKV-induced heart disease, underscoring the importance of monitoring cardiac function in patients with CHIKV infections.

The Unfolded Protein Response Sensor IRE1 Regulates Activation of In Vitro Differentiated Type 1 Conventional DCs with Viral Stimuli

Type 1 conventional dendritic cells (cDC1s) are leukocytes competent to coordinate antiviral immunity, and thus, the intracellular mechanisms controlling cDC1 function are a matter of intense research. The unfolded protein response (UPR) sensor IRE1 and its associated transcription factor XBP1s control relevant functional aspects in cDC1s including antigen cross-presentation and survival. However, most studies connecting IRE1 and cDC1 function are undertaken in vivo. Thus, the aim of this work is to elucidate whether IRE1 RNase activity can also be modeled in cDC1s differentiated in vitro and reveal the functional consequences of such activation in cells stimulated with viral components. Our data show that cultures of optimally differentiated cDC1s recapitulate several features of IRE1 activation noticed in in vivo counterparts and identify the viral analog Poly(I:C) as a potent UPR inducer in the lineage. In vitro differentiated cDC1s display constitutive IRE1 RNase activity and hyperactivate IRE1 RNase upon genetic deletion of XBP1s, which regulates production of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-12p40, TNF-α and IL-6, Ifna and Ifnb upon Poly(I:C) stimulation. Our results show that a strict regulation of the IRE1/XBP1s axis regulates cDC1 activation to viral agonists, expanding the scope of this UPR branch in potential DC-based therapies.

Nucleic acid-protein condensates in innate immune signaling

The presence of foreign nucleic acids in the cytosol is a marker of infection. Cells have sensors, also known as pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), in the cytosol that detect foreign nucleic acid and initiate an innate immune response. Recent studies have reported the condensation of multiple PRRs including PKR, NLRP6, and cGAS, with their nucleic acid activators into discrete nucleoprotein assemblies. Nucleic acid-protein condensates form due to multivalent interactions and can create high local concentrations of components. The formation of PRR-containing condensates may alter the magnitude or timing of PRR activation. In addition, unique condensates form following RNase L activation or during paracrine signaling from virally infected cells that may play roles in antiviral defense. These observations suggest that condensate formation may be a conserved mechanism that cells use to regulate activation of the innate immune response and open an avenue for further investigation into the composition and function of these condensates. Here we review the nucleic acid-protein granules that are implicated in the innate immune response, discuss general consequences of condensate formation and signal transduction, as well as what outstanding questions remain.

Multiple functions of stress granules in viral infection at a glance

Stress granules (SGs) are distinct RNA granules induced by various stresses, which are evolutionarily conserved across species. In general, SGs act as a conservative and essential self-protection mechanism during stress responses. Viruses have a long evolutionary history and viral infections can trigger a series of cellular stress responses, which may interact with SG formation. Targeting SGs is believed as one of the critical and conservative measures for viruses to tackle the inhibition of host cells. In this systematic review, we have summarized the role of SGs in viral infection and categorized their relationships into three tables, with a particular focus on Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Moreover, we have outlined several kinds of drugs targeting SGs according to different pathways, most of which are potentially effective against SARS-CoV-2. We believe this review would offer a new view for the researchers and clinicians to attempt to develop more efficacious treatments for virus infection, particularly for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Translation Rescue by Targeting Ppp1r15a through Its Upstream Open Reading Frame in Sepsis-Induced Acute Kidney Injury in a Murine Model

BACKGROUND

Translation shutdown is a hallmark of late-phase, sepsis-induced kidney injury. Methods for controlling protein synthesis in the kidney are limited. Reversing translation shutdown requires dephosphorylation of the eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2) subunit eIF2 α ; this is mediated by a key regulatory molecule, protein phosphatase 1 regulatory subunit 15A (Ppp1r15a), also known as GADD34.

METHODS

To study protein synthesis in the kidney in a murine endotoxemia model and investigate the feasibility of translation control in vivo by boosting the protein expression of Ppp1r15a, we combined multiple tools, including ribosome profiling (Ribo-seq), proteomics, polyribosome profiling, and antisense oligonucleotides, and a newly generated Ppp1r15a knock-in mouse model and multiple mutant cell lines.

RESULTS

We report that translation shutdown in established sepsis-induced kidney injury is brought about by excessive eIF2 α phosphorylation and sustained by blunted expression of the counter-regulatory phosphatase Ppp1r15a. We determined the blunted Ppp1r15a expression persists because of the presence of an upstream open reading frame (uORF). Overcoming this barrier with genetic and antisense oligonucleotide approaches enabled the overexpression of Ppp1r15a, which salvaged translation and improved kidney function in an endotoxemia model. Loss of this uORF also had broad effects on the composition and phosphorylation status of the immunopeptidome-peptides associated with the MHC-that extended beyond the eIF2 α axis.

CONCLUSIONS

We found Ppp1r15a is translationally repressed during late-phase sepsis because of the existence of an uORF, which is a prime therapeutic candidate for this strategic rescue of translation in late-phase sepsis. The ability to accurately control translation dynamics during sepsis may offer new paths for the development of therapies at codon-level precision.

PODCAST

This article contains a podcast at.

GADD34 Ablation Exacerbates Retinal Degeneration in P23H RHO Mice

The UPR is sustainably activated in degenerating retinas, leading to translational inhibition via p-eIF2α. Recent findings have demonstrated that ablation of growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible protein 34 (GADD34), a protein phosphatase 1 regulatory subunit permitting translational machinery operation through p-eIF2α elevation, does not impact the rate of translation in fast-degenerating rd16 mice. The current study aimed to validate whether P23H RHO mice degenerating at a slower pace manifest translational attenuation and whether GADD34 ablation impacts the rate of retinal degeneration via further suppression of retinal protein synthesis and apoptotic cell death. For this study, mice were examined with ERG and histological analyses. The molecular assessment was conducted in the naïve and LPS-challenged mice using Western blot and qRT-PCR analyses. Thus, this study demonstrates that the P23H RHO retinas manifest translational attenuation. However, GADD34 ablation resulted in a more prominent p-eIF2a increase without impacting the translation rate. GADD34 deficiency also led to a reduction in scotopic ERG amplitudes and an increased number of TUNEL-positive cells. Molecular analysis revealed that GADD34 deficiency reduces the expression of p-STAT3 and Il-6 while increasing the expression of Tnfa. Overall, the data indicate that GADD34 plays a multifunctional role. Under chronic UPR activation, GADD34 acts as a feedback player, dephosphorylating p-eIF2a, although this role does not seem to be critical. Additionally, GADD34 controls cytokine expression and STAT3 activation. Perhaps these molecular events are particularly important in controlling the pace of retinal degeneration.

PRC2-Inactivating Mutations in Cancer Enhance Cytotoxic Response to DNMT1-Targeted Therapy via Enhanced Viral Mimicry

Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) has oncogenic and tumor-suppressive roles in cancer. There is clinical success of targeting this complex in PRC2-dependent cancers, but an unmet therapeutic need exists in PRC2-loss cancer. PRC2-inactivating mutations are a hallmark feature of high-grade malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST), an aggressive sarcoma with poor prognosis and no effective targeted therapy. Through RNAi screening in MPNST, we found that PRC2 inactivation increases sensitivity to genetic or small-molecule inhibition of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1), which results in enhanced cytotoxicity and antitumor response. Mechanistically, PRC2 inactivation amplifies DNMT inhibitor-mediated expression of retrotransposons, subsequent viral mimicry response, and robust cell death in part through a protein kinase R (PKR)-dependent double-stranded RNA sensor. Collectively, our observations posit DNA methylation as a safeguard against antitumorigenic cell-fate decisions in PRC2-loss cancer to promote cancer pathogenesis, which can be therapeutically exploited by DNMT1-targeted therapy.

SIGNIFICANCE

PRC2 inactivation drives oncogenesis in various cancers, but therapeutically targeting PRC2 loss has remained challenging. Here we show that PRC2-inactivating mutations set up a tumor context-specific liability for therapeutic intervention via DNMT1 inhibitors, which leads to innate immune signaling mediated by sensing of derepressed retrotransposons and accompanied by enhanced cytotoxicity. See related commentary by Guil and Esteller, p. 2020. This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 2007.

dsRNA-induced condensation of antiviral proteins modulates PKR activity

Mammalian cells respond to dsRNA in multiple manners. One key response to dsRNA is the activation of PKR, an eIF2α kinase, which triggers translational arrest and the formation of stress granules. However, the process of PKR activation in cells is not fully understood. In response to increased endogenous or exogenous dsRNA, we observed that PKR forms novel cytosolic condensates, referred to as dsRNA-induced foci (dRIFs). dRIFs contain dsRNA, form in proportion to dsRNA, and are enhanced by longer dsRNAs. dRIFs enrich several other dsRNA-binding proteins, including ADAR1, Stau1, NLRP1, and PACT. Strikingly, dRIFs correlate with and form before translation repression by PKR and localize to regions of cells where PKR activation is initiated. We hypothesize that dRIF formation is a mechanism that cells use to enhance the sensitivity of PKR activation in response to low levels of dsRNA or to overcome viral inhibitors of PKR activation.

Enterovirus 71 Activates GADD34 via Precursor 3CD to Promote IRES-Mediated Viral Translation

Enterovirus 71 (EV71) is the major pathogen of hand, foot, and mouth disease. In severe cases, it can cause life-threatening neurological complications, such as aseptic meningitis and polio-like paralysis. There are no specific antiviral treatments for EV71 infections. In a previous study, the host protein growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible protein 34 (GADD34) expression was upregulated during EV71 infection determined by ribosome profiling and RNA-sequencing. Here, we investigated the interactions of host protein GADD34 and EV71 during infections. Rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) cells were infected with EV71 resulting in a significant increase in expression of GADD34 mRNA and protein. Through screening of EV71 protein we determined that the non-structural precursor protein 3CD is responsible for upregulating GADD34. EV71 3CD increased the RNA and protein levels of GADD34, while the 3CD mutant Y441S could not. 3CD upregulated GADD34 translation via the upstream open reading frame (uORF) of GADD34 5'untranslated regions (UTR). EV71 replication was attenuated by the knockdown of GADD34. The function of GADD34 to dephosphorylate eIF2α was unrelated to the upregulation of EV71 replication, but the PEST 1, 2, and 3 regions of GADD34 were required. GADD34 promoted the EV71 internal ribosome entry site (IRES) activity through the PEST repeats and affected several other viruses. Finally, GADD34 amino acids 563 to 565 interacted with 3CD, assisting GADD34 to target the EV71 IRES. Our research reveals a new mechanism by which GADD34 promotes viral IRES and how the EV71 non-structural precursor protein 3CD regulates host protein expression to support viral replication.

IMPORTANCE Identification of host factors involved in viral replication is an important approach in discovering viral pathogenic mechanisms and identifying potential therapeutic targets. Previously, we screened host proteins that were upregulated by EV71 infection. Here, we report the interaction between the upregulated host protein GADD34 and EV71. EV71 non-structural precursor protein 3CD activates the RNA and protein expression of GADD34. Our study reveals that 3CD regulates the uORF of the 5′-UTR to increase GADD34 translation, providing a new explanation for how viral proteins regulate host protein expression. GADD34 is important for EV71 replication, and the key functional domains of GADD34 that promote EV71 are PEST 1, 2, and 3 regions. We report that GADD34 promotes viral IRES for the first time and this process is independent of its eIF2α phosphatase activity.

The Emerging Role of RNA Modifications in the Regulation of Antiviral Innate Immunity

Posttranscriptional modifications have been implicated in regulation of nearly all biological aspects of cellular RNAs, from stability, translation, splicing, nuclear export to localization. Chemical modifications also have been revealed for virus derived RNAs several decades before, along with the potential of their regulatory roles in virus infection. Due to the dynamic changes of RNA modifications during virus infection, illustrating the mechanisms of RNA epigenetic regulations remains a challenge. Nevertheless, many studies have indicated that these RNA epigenetic marks may directly regulate virus infection through antiviral innate immune responses. The present review summarizes the impacts of important epigenetic marks on viral RNAs, including N6-methyladenosine (m⁶A), 5-methylcytidine (m⁵C), 2ʹ-O-methylation (2ʹ-O-Methyl), and a few uncanonical nucleotides (A-to-I editing, pseudouridine), on antiviral innate immunity and relevant signaling pathways, while highlighting the significance of antiviral innate immune responses during virus infection.

Distinct Cellular Tropism and Immune Responses to Alphavirus Infection

Alphaviruses are emerging and reemerging viruses that cause disease syndromes ranging from incapacitating arthritis to potentially fatal encephalitis. While infection by arthritogenic and encephalitic alphaviruses results in distinct clinical manifestations, both virus groups induce robust innate and adaptive immune responses. However, differences in cellular tropism, type I interferon induction, immune cell recruitment, and B and T cell responses result in differential disease progression and outcome. In this review, we discuss aspects of immune responses that contribute to protective or pathogenic outcomes after alphavirus infection. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Immunology, Volume 40 is April 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.

Harnessing stress granule formation by small molecules to inhibit the cellular replication of SARS-CoV-2

We identified small-molecule enhancers of cellular stress granules by observing molecular crowding of proteins and RNAs in a time-dependent manner. Hit molecules sensitized the IRF3-mediated antiviral mechanism in the presence of poly(I:C) and inhibited the replication of SARS-CoV-2 by inducing stress granule formation. Thus, modulating multimolecular crowding can be a promising strategy against SARS-CoV-2.

ADAR Editing in Viruses: An Evolutionary Force to Reckon with

Adenosine Deaminases that Act on RNA (ADARs) are RNA editing enzymes that play a dynamic and nuanced role in regulating transcriptome and proteome diversity. This editing can be highly selective, affecting a specific site within a transcript, or nonselective, resulting in hyperediting. ADAR editing is important for regulating neural functions and autoimmunity, and has a key role in the innate immune response to viral infections, where editing can have a range of pro- or antiviral effects and can contribute to viral evolution. Here we examine the role of ADAR editing across a broad range of viral groups. We propose that the effect of ADAR editing on viral replication, whether pro- or antiviral, is better viewed as an axis rather than a binary, and that the specific position of a given virus on this axis is highly dependent on virus- and host-specific factors, and can change over the course of infection. However, more research needs to be devoted to understanding these dynamic factors and how they affect virus-ADAR interactions and viral evolution. Another area that warrants significant attention is the effect of virus-ADAR interactions on host-ADAR interactions, particularly in light of the crucial role of ADAR in regulating neural functions. Answering these questions will be essential to developing our understanding of the relationship between ADAR editing and viral infection. In turn, this will further our understanding of the effects of viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, as well as many others, and thereby influence our approach to treating these deadly diseases.

Autophagy, Unfolded Protein Response, and Neuropilin-1 Cross-Talk in SARS-CoV-2 Infection: What Can Be Learned from Other Coronaviruses

The COVID-19 pandemic is caused by the 2019-nCoV/SARS-CoV-2 virus. This severe acute respiratory syndrome is currently a global health emergency and needs much effort to generate an urgent practical treatment to reduce COVID-19 complications and mortality in humans. Viral infection activates various cellular responses in infected cells, including cellular stress responses such as unfolded protein response (UPR) and autophagy, following the inhibition of mTOR. Both UPR and autophagy mechanisms are involved in cellular and tissue homeostasis, apoptosis, innate immunity modulation, and clearance of pathogens such as viral particles. However, during an evolutionary arms race, viruses gain the ability to subvert autophagy and UPR for their benefit. SARS-CoV-2 can enter host cells through binding to cell surface receptors, including angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and neuropilin-1 (NRP1). ACE2 blockage increases autophagy through mTOR inhibition, leading to gastrointestinal complications during SARS-CoV-2 virus infection. NRP1 is also regulated by the mTOR pathway. An increased NRP1 can enhance the susceptibility of immune system dendritic cells (DCs) to SARS-CoV-2 and induce cytokine storm, which is related to high COVID-19 mortality. Therefore, signaling pathways such as mTOR, UPR, and autophagy may be potential therapeutic targets for COVID-19. Hence, extensive investigations are required to confirm these potentials. Since there is currently no specific treatment for COVID-19 infection, we sought to review and discuss the important roles of autophagy, UPR, and mTOR mechanisms in the regulation of cellular responses to coronavirus infection to help identify new antiviral modalities against SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Induction of the Proinflammatory Chemokine Interleukin-8 Is Regulated by Integrated Stress Response and AP-1 Family Proteins Activated during Coronavirus Infection

Infection induces the production of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines such as interleukin-8 (IL-8) and IL-6. Although they facilitate local antiviral immunity, their excessive release leads to life-threatening cytokine release syndrome, exemplified by the severe cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. In this study, we investigated the roles of the integrated stress response (ISR) and activator protein-1 (AP-1) family proteins in regulating coronavirus-induced IL-8 and IL-6 upregulation. The mRNA expression of IL-8 and IL-6 was significantly induced in cells infected with infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), a gammacoronavirus, and porcine epidemic diarrhea virus, an alphacoronavirus. Overexpression of a constitutively active phosphomimetic mutant of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α (eIF2α), chemical inhibition of its dephosphorylation, or overexpression of its upstream double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR) significantly enhanced IL-8 mRNA expression in IBV-infected cells. Overexpression of the AP-1 protein cJUN or its upstream kinase also increased the IBV-induced IL-8 mRNA expression, which was synergistically enhanced by overexpression of cFOS. Taken together, this study demonstrated the important regulatory roles of ISR and AP-1 proteins in IL-8 production during coronavirus infection, highlighting the complex interactions between cellular stress pathways and the innate immune response.

Adenosine Deaminases Acting on RNA (ADARs) and Viral Infections

C6 deamination of adenosine (A) to inosine (I) in double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) is catalyzed by a family of enzymes known as ADARs (adenosine deaminases acting on RNA) encoded by three genes in mammals. Alternative promoters and splicing produce two ADAR1 proteins, an interferon-inducible cytoplasmic p150 and a constitutively expressed p110 that like ADAR2 is a nuclear enzyme. ADAR3 lacks deaminase activity. A-to-I editing occurs with both viral and cellular RNAs. Deamination activity is dependent on dsRNA substrate structure and regulatory RNA-binding proteins and ranges from highly site selective with hepatitis D RNA and glutamate receptor precursor messenger RNA (pre-mRNA) to hyperediting of measles virus and polyomavirus transcripts and cellular inverted Alu elements. Because I base-pairs as guanosine instead of A, editing can alter mRNA decoding, pre-mRNA splicing, and microRNA silencing. Editing also alters dsRNA structure, thereby suppressing innate immune responses including interferon production and action. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Virology, Volume 8 is September 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.

Proteostasis in dendritic cells is controlled by the PERK signaling axis independently of ATF4

Differentiated dendritic cells display an unusual activation of the integrated stress response, which is necessary for normal type-I Interferon production and cell migration.

In stressed cells, phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor 2α (eIF2α) controls transcriptome-wide changes in mRNA translation and gene expression known as the integrated stress response. We show here that DCs are characterized by high eIF2α phosphorylation, mostly caused by the activation of the ER kinase PERK (EIF2AK3). Despite high p-eIF2α levels, DCs display active protein synthesis and no signs of a chronic integrated stress response. This biochemical specificity prevents translation arrest and expression of the transcription factor ATF4 during ER-stress induction by the subtilase cytotoxin (SubAB). PERK inactivation, increases globally protein synthesis levels and regulates IFN-β expression, while impairing LPS-stimulated DC migration. Although the loss of PERK activity does not impact DC development, the cross talk existing between actin cytoskeleton dynamics; PERK and eIF2α phosphorylation is likely important to adapt DC homeostasis to the variations imposed by the immune contexts.

Curcumin represses mTORC1 signaling in Caco-2 cells by a two-sided mechanism involving the loss of IRS-1 and activation of AMPK

The mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) is a central modulator of inflammation and tumorigenesis in the gastrointestinal tract. Growth factors upregulate mTORC1 via the PI3K/AKT and/or Ras/MAPK signal pathways. Curcumin (CUR), a polyphenol found in turmeric roots (Curcuma longa) can repress mTORC1 kinase activity in colon cancer cell lines; however, key aspects of CUR mechanism of action remain to be elucidated including its primary cellular target. We investigated the molecular effects of physiologically attainable concentration of CUR (20 μM) in the intestinal lumen on mTORC1 signaling in Caco-2 cells. CUR markedly inhibited mTORC1 kinase activity as determined by the decreased phosphorylation of p70S6K (Thr389, -99%, P < 0.0001) and S6 (Ser235/236, -92%, P < 0.0001). Mechanistically, CUR decreased IRS-1 protein abundance (-80%, P < 0.0001) thereby downregulating AKT phosphorylation (Ser473, -94%, P < 0.0001) and in turn PRAS40 phosphorylation (Thr246, -99%, P < 0.0001) while total PRAS40 abundance was unchanged. The use of proteasome inhibitor MG132 showed that CUR-mediated loss of IRS-1 involved proteasomal degradation. CUR lowered Raptor protein abundance, which combined with PRAS40 hypophosphorylation, suggests CUR repressed mTORC1 activity by inducing compositional changes that hinder the complex assembly. In addition, CUR activated AMPK (Thr172 phosphorylation, P < 0.0001), a recognized repressor of mTORC1, and AMPK upstream regulator LKB1. Although cargo adapter protein p62 was decreased by CUR (-49%, P < 0.004), CUR did not significantly induce autophagy. Inhibition of AKT/mTORC1 signaling by CUR may have lifted the cross-inhibition onto MAPK signaling, which became induced; p-ERK1/2 (+670%, P < 0.0001), p-p38 (+1433%, P < 0.0001). By concomitantly targeting IRS-1 and AMPK, CUR's mechanism of mTORC1 inhibition is distinct from that of rapamycin.

Integrated stress response in hepatitis C promotes Nrf2-related chaperone-mediated autophagy: A novel mechanism for host-microbe survival and HCC development in liver cirrhosis

The molecular mechanism(s) how liver damage during the chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection evolve into cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unclear. HCV infects hepatocyte, the major cell types in the liver. During infection, large amounts of viral proteins and RNA replication intermediates accumulate in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of the infected hepatocyte, which creates a substantial amount of stress response. Infected hepatocyte activates a different type of stress adaptive mechanisms such as unfolded protein response (UPR), antioxidant response (AR), and the integrated stress response (ISR) to promote virus-host cell survival. The hepatic stress is also amplified by another layer of innate and inflammatory response associated with cellular sensing of virus infection through the production of interferon (IFN) and inflammatory cytokines. The interplay between various types of cellular stress signal leads to different forms of cell death such as apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagy depending on the intensity of the stress and nature of the adaptive cellular response. How do the adaptive cellular responses decode such death programs that promote host-microbe survival leading to the establishment of chronic liver disease? In this review, we discuss how the adaptive cellular response through the Nrf2 pathway that promotes virus and cell survival. Furthermore, we provide a glimpse of novel stress-induced Nrf2 mediated compensatory autophagy mechanisms in virus-cell survival that degrade tumor suppressor gene and activation of oncogenic signaling during HCV infection. Based on these facts, we hypothesize that the balance between hepatic stress, inflammation and different types of cell death determines liver disease progression outcomes. We propose that a more nuanced understanding of virus-host interactions under excessive cellular stress may provide an answer to the fundamental questions why some individuals with chronic HCV infection remain at risk of developing cirrhosis, cancer and some do not.

Knockdown of GADD34 in neonatal mutant SOD1 mice ameliorates ALS

Mutations in Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) cause ~20% of familial ALS (FALS), which comprises 10% of total ALS cases. In mutant SOD1- (mtSOD1-) induced ALS, misfolded aggregates of SOD1 lead to activation of the unfolded protein response/integrated stress response (UPR/ISR). Protein kinase R (PKR)-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), a kinase that phosphorylates eukaryotic translation initiator factor 2α (p-eIF2α), coordinates the response by causing a global suppression of protein synthesis. Growth arrest and DNA damage 34 (GADD34) dephosphorylates p-eIF2α, allowing protein synthesis to return to normal. If the UPR/ISR is overwhelmed by the amount of misfolded protein, CCAAT/enhancer-binding homologous protein (CHOP) is activated leading to apoptosis. In the current study we investigated the effect of knocking down CHOP and GADD34 on disease of G93A and G85R mtSOD1 mice. Although a CHOP antisense oligonucleotide had no effect on survival, an intravenous injection of GADD34 shRNA encoded in adeno-associated virus 9 (AAV9) into neonatal G93A as well as neonatal G85R mtSOD1 mice led to a significantly increased survival. G85R mtSOD1 mice had a reduction in SOD1 aggregates/load, astrocytosis, and microgliosis. In contrast, there was no change in disease phenotype when GADD34 shRNA was delivered to older G93A mtSOD1 mice. Our current study shows that GADD34 shRNA is effective in ameliorating disease when administered to neonatal mtSOD1 mice. Targeting the UPR/ISR may be beneficial in mtSOD1-induced ALS as well as other neurodegenerative diseases in which misfolded proteins and ER stress have been implicated.

Functional Translatome Proteomics Reveal Converging and Dose-Dependent Regulation by mTORC1 and eIF2α

Regulation of translation is essential during stress. However, the precise sets of proteins regulated by the key translational stress responses-the integrated stress response (ISR) and mTORC1-remain elusive. We developed multiplexed enhanced protein dynamics (mePROD) proteomics, adding signal amplification to dynamic-SILAC and multiplexing, to enable measuring acute changes in protein synthesis. Treating cells with ISR/mTORC1-modulating stressors, we showed extensive translatome modulation with ∼20% of proteins synthesized at highly reduced rates. Comparing translation-deficient sub-proteomes revealed an extensive overlap demonstrating that target specificity is achieved on protein level and not by pathway activation. Titrating cap-dependent translation inhibition confirmed that synthesis of individual proteins is controlled by intrinsic properties responding to global translation attenuation. This study reports a highly sensitive method to measure relative translation at the nascent chain level and provides insight into how the ISR and mTORC1, two key cellular pathways, regulate the translatome to guide cellular survival upon stress.

HDAC6, A Novel Cargo for Autophagic Clearance of Stress Granules, Mediates the Repression of the Type I Interferon Response During Coxsackievirus A16 Infection

Autophagic cargoes ensure selective autophagy for the recognition and removal of various cytosolic aggregated proteins, damaged organelles, or pathogens. Stress granules (SGs), as antiviral immune complexes, serve a positive role in the type I interferon (IFN) response and can be targeted by autophagy (termed granulophagy). However, the cargo of granulophagy remains elusive, and it is still unknown whether granulophagy plays a role in viral infection. Here, we found that histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6), a component of viral RNA-induced SGs, is a novel granulophagic cargo that is recognized by p62/Sequestosome 1 (SQSTM1) and mediates the degradation of SGs in coxsackievirus A16 (CA16)-infected cells. CA16 viral RNA activated the protein kinase RNA-activated (PKR)/eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2-alpha (eIF2α) pathway to promote SG assembly. The SGs were degraded by CA16-triggered autophagy via the interaction between the ubiquitin-associated (UBA) domain of p62 and the ubiquitin-binding domain (UBD) of HDAC6, which was bridged by a poly-ubiquitin chain. We also found that granulophagy repressed the type I interferon response and facilitated viral replication. These results suggest that HDAC6 might be the first identified granulophagic cargo and granulophagy could be a strategy that viruses apply to repress the antiviral immune response.

GADD34 attenuates HIV-1 replication by viral 5'-UTR TAR RNA-mediated translational inhibition

Role of GADD34, a protein that is induced following cellular stress, in HIV-1 replication was investigated. GADD34 was induced during the late phase of HIV-1 infection. siRNA-knockdown of GADD34 stimulated whereas overexpression of GADD34 inhibited HIV-1 replication. GADD34 N-terminal ER-binding-helix amino acid region 1-192 alone was found to be sufficient for the inhibition of HIV-1 replication whereas protein-phosphatase -1-binding domain and eIF-2α-phosphatase activity of GADD34 were not crucial for anti-HIV-1 activity. GADD34 did not alter the HIV-1 RNA levels but reduced the viral protein expression suggesting that GADD34 interferes in HIV protein synthesis. Studies on the effect of HIV-1-5'-UTR and its mutants on a human promoter-driven luciferase expression indicated that GADD34-inhibition was mediated by 5'-UTR/TAR RNA, probably by modulating TAR RNA structure. In summary, our data support a novel function of GADD34 as a putative anti-HIV-1 restriction factor.

TF protein of Sindbis virus antagonizes host type I interferon responses in a palmitoylation-dependent manner

Sindbis virus (SINV) produces the small membrane protein TF from the 6K gene via a (-1) programmed ribosomal frameshifting. While several groups have shown that TF-deficient virus exhibits reduced virulence, the mechanism(s) by which this occurs remain unknown. Here, we demonstrate a role for TF in antagonizing the host interferon response. Using wild-type and type 1 interferon receptor-deficient mice and primary cells derived from these animals, we show that TF controls the induction of the host interferon response at early times during infection. Loss of TF production leads to elevated interferon and a concurrent reduction in viral loads with a loss of pathogenicity. Palmitoylation of TF has been shown to be important for particle assembly and morphology. We find that palmitoylation of TF also contributes to the ability of TF to antagonize host interferon responses as dysregulated palmitoylation of TF reduces virulence in a manner similar to loss of TF.

Type I interferons and endoplasmic reticulum stress in health and disease

Type I interferons (IFNs) comprise of pro-inflammatory cytokines created, as well as sensed, by all nucleated cells with the main objective of blocking pathogens-driven infections. Owing to this broad range of influence, type I IFNs also exhibit critical functions in many sterile inflammatory diseases and immunopathologies, especially those associated with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-driven signaling pathways. Indeed, over the years accumulating evidence has indicated that the presence of ER stress can influence the production, or sensing of, type I IFNs induced by perturbations like pattern recognition receptor (PRR) agonists, infections (bacterial, viral or parasitic) or autoimmunity. In this article we discuss the link between type I IFNs and ER stress in various diseased contexts. We describe how ER stress regulates type I IFNs production or sensing, or how type I IFNs may induce ER stress, in various circumstances like microbial infections, autoimmunity, diabetes, cancer and other ER stress-related contexts.

Viral Innate Immune Evasion and the Pathogenesis of Emerging RNA Virus Infections

Positive-sense single-stranded RNA (+ssRNA) viruses comprise many (re-)emerging human pathogens that pose a public health problem. Our innate immune system and, in particular, the interferon response form the important first line of defence against these viruses. Given their genetic flexibility, these viruses have therefore developed multiple strategies to evade the innate immune response in order to optimize their replication capacity. Already many molecular mechanisms of innate immune evasion by +ssRNA viruses have been identified. However, research addressing the effect of host innate immune evasion on the pathology caused by viral infections is less prevalent in the literature, though very relevant and interesting. Since interferons have been implicated in inflammatory diseases and immunopathology in addition to their protective role in infection, antagonizing the immune response may have an ambiguous effect on the clinical outcome of the viral disease. Therefore, this review discusses what is currently known about the role of interferons and host immune evasion in the pathogenesis of emerging coronaviruses, alphaviruses and flaviviruses.

Honokiol inhibits breast cancer cell metastasis by blocking EMT through modulation of Snail/Slug protein translation

Honokiol (HNK), an active compound isolated from traditional Chinese medicine Magnolia officinalis, has shown potent anticancer activities. In the present study, we investigated the effects of HNK on breast cancer metastasis in vitro and in vivo, as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms. We showed that HNK (10-70 μmol/L) dose-dependently inhibited the viability of human mammary epithelial tumor cell lines MCF7, MDA-MB-231, and mouse mammary tumor cell line 4T1. In the transwell and scratch migration assays, HNK (10, 20, 30 μmol/L) dose-dependently suppressed the invasion and migration of the breast cancer cells. We demonstrated that HNK (10-50 μmol/L) dose-dependently upregulated the epithelial marker E-cadherin and downregulated the mesenchymal markers such as Snail, Slug, and vimentin at the protein level in breast cancer cells. Using a puromycin incorporation assay, we showed that HNK decreased the Snail translation efficiency in the breast cancer cells. In a mouse model of tumor metastasis, administration of HNK (50 mg/kg every day, intraperitoneal (i.p.), 6 times per week for 30 days) significantly decreased the number of metastatic 4T1 cell-derived nodules and ameliorated the histological alterations in the lungs. In addition, HNK-treated mice showed decreased Snail expression and increased E-cadherin expression in metastatic nodules. In conclusion, HNK inhibits EMT in the breast cancer cells by downregulating Snail and Slug protein expression at the mRNA translation level. HNK has potential as an integrative medicine for combating breast cancer by targeting EMT.

The FDA-Approved Oral Drug Nitazoxanide Amplifies Host Antiviral Responses and Inhibits Ebola Virus

Here, we show that the US Food and Drug Administration-approved oral drug nitazoxanide (NTZ) broadly amplifies the host innate immune response to viruses and inhibits Ebola virus (EBOV) replication. We find that NTZ enhances retinoic-acid-inducible protein I (RIG-I)-like-receptor, mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein, interferon regulatory factor 3, and interferon activities and induces transcription of the antiviral phosphatase GADD34. NTZ significantly inhibits EBOV replication in human cells through its effects on RIG-I and protein kinase R (PKR), suggesting that it counteracts EBOV VP35 protein's ability to block RIG-I and PKR sensing of EBOV. NTZ also inhibits a second negative-strand RNA virus, vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), through RIG-I and GADD34, but not PKR, consistent with VSV's distinct host innate immune evasion mechanisms. Thus, NTZ counteracts varied virus-specific immune evasion strategies by generally enhancing the RNA sensing and interferon axis that is triggered by foreign cytoplasmic RNA exposure, and holds promise as an oral therapy against EBOV.

•

NTZ amplifies RNA sensor and type I interferon activities and induces GADD34 expression

•

NTZ inhibits infectious Ebola virus (EBOV) via RIG-I and PKR, but not GADD34

•

NTZ inhibits a second negative-strand RNA virus, VSV, via RIG-I and GADD34, but not PKR

•

NTZ holds promise as an oral therapy against EBOV

DNA mismatch repair is required for the host innate response and controls cellular fate after influenza virus infection

Despite the cytopathic nature of influenza A virus (IAV) replication, we recently reported that a subset of lung epithelial club cells is able to intrinsically clear virus and survive infection. However, the mechanisms that drive cell survival during a normally lytic infection remained unclear. Using a loss-of-function screening approach, we discovered that the DNA mismatch repair (MMR) pathway is essential for club cell survival of IAV infection. Repair of virally-induced oxidative damage by the DNA MMR pathway not only allowed cell survival of infection but also facilitated host gene transcription, including the expression of antiviral and stress response genes. Enhanced viral suppression of the DNA MMR pathway prevented club cell survival and increased the severity of viral disease in vivo. Altogether, these results identify previously unappreciated roles for DNA MMR as a central modulator of cellular fate and a contributor to the innate antiviral response, which together, control influenza viral disease severity.

Evaluation of the Antiviral Activity of Sephin1 Treatment and Its Consequences on eIF2α Phosphorylation in Response to Viral Infections

The guanabenz derivative Sephin1 has recently been proposed to increase the levels of translation initiation factor 2 (eIF2α) phosphorylation by inhibiting dephosphorylation by the protein phosphatase 1-GADD34 (PPP1R15A) complex. As phosphorylation of eIF2α by protein kinase R (PKR) is a prominent cellular antiviral pathway, we evaluated the consequences of Sephin1 treatment on virus replication. Our results provide evidence that Sephin1 downregulates replication of human respiratory syncytial virus, measles virus, human adenovirus 5 virus, human enterovirus D68, human cytomegalovirus, and rabbit myxoma virus. However, Sephin1 proved to be inactive against influenza virus, as well as against Japanese encephalitis virus. Sephin1 increased the levels of phosphorylated eIF2α in cells exposed to a PKR agonist. By contrast, in virus-infected cells, the levels of phosphorylated eIF2α did not always correlate with the inhibition of virus replication by Sephin1. This work identifies Sephin1 as an antiviral molecule in cell culture against RNA, as well as DNA viruses belonging to phylogenetically distant families.

Modulation of the unfolded protein response pathway as an antiviral approach in airway epithelial cells

INTRODUCTION

Rhinovirus (RV) infection is a major cause of cystic fibrosis (CF) lung morbidity with limited therapeutic options. Various diseases involving chronic inflammatory response and infection are associated with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and subsequent activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR), an adaptive response to maintain cellular homeostasis. Recent evidence suggests impaired ER stress response in CF airway epithelial cells, this might be a reason for recurrent viral infection in CF. Therefore, assuming that ER stress inducing drugs have antiviral properties, we evaluated the activation of the UPR by selected ER stress inducers as an approach to control virus replication in the CF bronchial epithelium.

METHODS

We assessed the levels of UPR markers, namely the glucose-regulated protein 78 (Grp78) and the C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), in primary CF and control bronchial epithelial cells and in a CF and control bronchial epithelial cell line before and after infection with RV. The cells were also pretreated with ER stress-inducing drugs and RV replication and shedding was measured by quantitative RT-PCR and by a TCID₅₀ assay, respectively. Cell death was assessed by a lactate dehydrogenate (LDH) activity test in supernatants.

RESULTS

We observed a significantly impaired induction of Grp78 and CHOP in CF compare to control cells following RV infection. The ER stress response could be significantly induced in CF cells by pharmacological ER stress inducers Brefeldin A, Tunicamycin, and Thapsigargin. The chemical induction of the UPR pathway prior to RV infection of CF and control cells reduced viral replication and shedding by up to two orders of magnitude and protected cells from RV-induced cell death.

CONCLUSION

RV infection causes an impaired activation of the UPR in CF cells. Rescue of the ER stress response by chemical ER stress inducers reduced significantly RV replication in CF cells. Thus, pharmacological modulation of the UPR might represent a strategy to control respiratory virus replication in the CF bronchial epithelium.

Genetic control of alphavirus pathogenesis

Alphaviruses, members of the positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus family Togaviridae, represent a re-emerging public health concern worldwide as mosquito vectors expand into new geographic ranges. Members of the alphavirus genus tend to induce clinical disease characterized by rash, arthralgia, and arthritis (chikungunya virus, Ross River virus, and Semliki Forest virus) or encephalomyelitis (eastern equine encephalitis virus, western equine encephalitis virus, and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus), though some patients who recover from the initial acute illness may develop long-term sequelae, regardless of the specific infecting virus. Studies examining the natural disease course in humans and experimental infection in cell culture and animal models reveal that host genetics play a major role in influencing susceptibility to infection and severity of clinical disease. Genome-wide genetic screens, including loss of function screens, microarrays, RNA-sequencing, and candidate gene studies, have further elucidated the role host genetics play in the response to virus infection, with the immune response being found in particular to majorly influence the outcome. This review describes the current knowledge of the mechanisms by which host genetic factors influence alphavirus pathogenesis and discusses emerging technologies that are poised to increase our understanding of the complex interplay between viral and host genetics on disease susceptibility and clinical outcome.

Toxicity and Efficacy of a Novel GADD34-expressing Oncolytic HSV-1 for the Treatment of Experimental Glioblastoma

Purpose: Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary central nervous system cancer in adults. Oncolytic HSV-1 (oHSV) is the first FDA-approved gene therapy approach for the treatment of malignant melanoma. For GBM, oHSVs need to be engineered to replicate within and be toxic to the glial tumor but not to normal brain parenchymal cells. We have thus engineered a novel oHSV to achieve these objectives.Experimental Design: NG34 is an attenuated HSV-1 with deletions in the genes encoding viral ICP6 and ICP34.5. These mutations suppress virus replication in nondividing brain neurons. NG34 expresses the human GADD34 gene under transcriptional control of a cellular Nestin gene promoter/enhancer element, whose expression occurs selectively in GBM. In vitro cytotoxicity assay and survival studies with mouse models were performed to evaluate therapeutic potency of NG34 against glioblastoma. In vivo neurotoxicity evaluation of NG34 was tested by intracerebral inoculation.Results: NG34 replicates in GBM cells in vitro with similar kinetics as those exhibited by an oHSV that is currently in clinical trials (rQNestin34.5). Dose-response cytotoxicity of NG34 in human GBM panels was equivalent to or improved compared with rQNestin34.5. The in vivo efficacy of NG34 against two human orthotopic GBM models in athymic mice was similar to that of rQNestin34.5, whereas intracerebral injection of NG34 in the brains of immunocompetent and athymic mice showed significantly better tolerability. NG34 was also effective in a syngeneic mouse glioblastoma model.Conclusions: A novel oHSV encoding GADD34 is efficacious and relatively nontoxic in mouse models of GBM. Clin Cancer Res; 24(11); 2574-84. ©2018 AACR.

Uncovering the Role of RNA-Binding Proteins in Gene Expression in the Immune System

Fighting external pathogens requires an ever-changing immune system that relies on tight regulation of gene expression. Transcriptional control is the first step to build efficient responses while preventing immunodeficiencies and autoimmunity. Post-transcriptional regulation of RNA editing, location, stability, and translation are the other key steps for final gene expression, and they are all controlled by RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). Nowadays we have a deep understanding of how transcription factors control the immune system but recent evidences suggest that post-transcriptional regulation by RBPs is equally important for both development and activation of immune responses. Here, we review current knowledge about how post-transcriptional control by RBPs shapes our immune system and discuss the perspective of RBPs being the key players of a hidden immune cell epitranscriptome.

Battling for Ribosomes: Translational Control at the Forefront of the Antiviral Response

In the early stages of infection, gaining control of the cellular protein synthesis machinery including its ribosomes is the ultimate combat objective for a virus. To successfully replicate, viruses unequivocally need to usurp and redeploy this machinery for translation of their own mRNA. In response, the host triggers global shutdown of translation while paradoxically allowing swift synthesis of antiviral proteins as a strategy to limit collateral damage. This fundamental conflict at the level of translational control defines the outcome of infection. As part of this special issue on molecular mechanisms of early virus-host cell interactions, we review the current state of knowledge regarding translational control during viral infection with specific emphasis on protein kinase RNA-activated and mammalian target of rapamycin-mediated mechanisms. We also describe recent technological advances that will allow unprecedented insight into how viruses and host cells battle for ribosomes.

Role of the unfolded protein response in determining the fate of tumor cells and the promise of multi-targeted therapies

Although there have been advances in our understanding of carcinogenesis and development of new treatments, cancer remains a common cause of death. Many regulatory pathways are incompletely understood in cancer development and progression, with a prime example being those related to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The pathological sequelae that arise from disruption of ER homeostasis are not well defined. The ER is an organelle that is responsible for secretory protein biosynthesis and the quality control of protein folding. The ER triggers an unfolded protein response (UPR) when misfolded proteins accumulate, and while the UPR acts to restore protein folding and ER homeostasis, this response can work as a switch to determine the death or survival of cells. The treatment of cancer with agents that target the UPR has shown promising outcomes. The UPR has wide crosstalk with other signaling pathways. Multi-targeted cancer therapies which target the intersections within signaling networks have shown synergistic tumoricidal effects. In the present review, the basic cellular and signaling pathways of the ER and UPR are introduced; then the crosstalk between the ER and other signaling pathways is summarized; and ultimately, the evidence that the UPR is a potential target for cancer therapy is discussed. Regulation of the UPR downstream signaling is a common therapeutic target for different tumor types. Tumoricidal effects achieved from modulating the UPR downstream signaling could be enhanced by phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. Largely untapped by Western medicine for cancer therapies are Chinese herbal medicines. This review explores and discusses the value of some Chinese herbal extracts as PDE5 inhibitors.

Piperine potentiates curcumin-mediated repression of mTORC1 signaling in human intestinal epithelial cells: implications for the inhibition of protein synthesis and TNFα signaling

Persistent activation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) is linked to sustained inflammation and progression of colorectal cancer. Widely available dietary phenolics, curcumin and piperine are purported to have antiinflammatory and anticarcinogenic activities through yet-to-be-delineated multitarget mechanisms. Piperine is also known to increase the bioavailability of dietary components, including curcumin. The objective of the study was to determine whether curcumin and piperine have individual and combined effects in the setting of gut inflammation by regulating mTORC1 in human intestinal epithelial cells. Results show that curcumin repressed (a) mTORC1 activity (measured as changes in the phosphorylation state of p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase B1 and 40S ribosomal protein S6) in a dose-dependent manner (2.5-20 μM, P<.007) and (b) synthesis of nascent proteins. Piperine inhibited mTORC1 activity albeit at comparatively higher concentrations than curcumin. The combination of curcumin + piperine further repressed mTORC1 signaling (P<.02). Mechanistically, curcumin may repress mTORC1 by preventing TSC2 degradation, the conserved inhibitor of mTORC1. Results also show that a functional mTORC1 was required for the transcription of TNFα as Raptor knockdown abrogated TNFα gene expression. Curcumin, piperine and their combination inhibited TNFα gene expression at baseline but failed to do so under conditions of mTORC1 hyperactivation. TNF∝-induced cyclooxygenase-2 expression was repressed by curcumin or curcumin + piperine at baseline and high mTORC1 levels. We conclude that curcumin and piperine, either alone or in combination, have the potential to down-regulate mTORC1 signaling in the intestinal epithelium with implications for tumorigenesis and inflammation.