Transgenic mouse models support a protective role of type I IFN response in SARS-CoV-2 infection-related lung immunopathology and neuroinvasion.

Type I interferon (IFN-I) response is the first line of host defense against invading viruses. In the absence of definite mouse models, the role of IFN-I in SARS-CoV-2 infection remains perplexing. Here, we develop two mouse models, one with constitutively high IFN-I response (hACE2; Irgm1-/-) and the other with dampened IFN-I response (hACE2; Ifnar1-/-), to comprehend the role of IFN-I response. We report that hACE2; Irgm1-/- mice are resistant to lethal SARS-CoV-2 infection. In contrast, a severe SARS-CoV-2 infection along with immune cell infiltration, cytokine storm, and enhanced pathology is observed in the lungs and brain of hACE2; Ifnar1-/- mice. The hACE2; Irgm1-/-Ifnar1-/- double-knockout mice display loss of the protective phenotype observed in hACE2; Irgm1-/- mice, suggesting that heightened IFN-I response accounts for the observed immunity. Taking the results together, we demonstrate that IFN-I protects from lethal SARS-CoV-2 infection, and Irgm1 (IRGM) could be an excellent therapeutic target against SARS-CoV-2.

RIPosomes are targets of IRGM-SQSTM1-dependent autophagy.

The NOD1-NOD2-RIPK2-NFKB/NF-κB pro-inflammatory axis plays a significant role in regulating the immune response to bacterial infection. However, an excess of NFKB-dependent cytokine response can be detrimental and, thus, should be kept under control to maintain the innate immune balance. In our recent study, first, we showed that bacterial infection induces the biogenesis of RIPK2 oligomers (RIPosomes) that are recruited around the bacteria to enhance an NFKB-dependent pro-inflammatory response. Next, we showed that SQSTM1- and IRGM-dependent selective macroautophagy/autophagy degrades RIPosomes and their components to limit NOD1-NOD2-RIPK2-NFKB pro-inflammatory signaling. Consistently, depletion of IRGM results in an augmented RIPK2-dependent pro-inflammatory cytokine response induced by Shigella flexneri and Salmonella typhimurium. Further, bacterial infection- and DSS-induced gut inflammation in irgm1KO mice is dampened upon therapeutic inhibition of RIPK2. Taken together, we showed that autophagy selectively degrades RIPosomes to suppress inflammation and maintain innate immune homeostasis.

Selective autophagy of RIPosomes maintains innate immune homeostasis during bacterial infection.

The NOD1/2-RIPK2 is a key cytosolic signaling complex that activates NF-κB pro-inflammatory response against invading pathogens. However, uncontrolled NF-κB signaling can cause tissue damage leading to chronic diseases. The mechanisms by which the NODs-RIPK2-NF-κB innate immune axis is activated and resolved remain poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that bacterial infection induces the formation of endogenous RIPK2 oligomers (RIPosomes) that are self-assembling entities that coat the bacteria to induce NF-κB response. Next, we show that autophagy proteins IRGM and p62/SQSTM1 physically interact with NOD1/2, RIPK2 and RIPosomes to promote their selective autophagy and limit NF-κB activation. IRGM suppresses RIPK2-dependent pro-inflammatory programs induced by Shigella and Salmonella. Consistently, the therapeutic inhibition of RIPK2 ameliorates Shigella infection- and DSS-induced gut inflammation in Irgm1 KO mice. This study identifies a unique mechanism where the innate immune proteins and autophagy machinery are recruited together to the bacteria for defense as well as for maintaining immune homeostasis.

Innate immunity and inflammophagy: balancing the defence and immune homeostasis.

Extensive crosstalk exists between autophagy and innate immune signalling pathways. The stimuli that induce pattern recognition receptor (PRR)-mediated innate immune signalling pathways, also upregulate autophagy. The purpose of this increased autophagy is to eliminate the stimuli and/or suppress the inflammatory pathways by targeted degradation of PRRs or intermediary proteins (termed 'inflammophagy'). By executing these functions, autophagy dampens excess inflammation triggered by the innate immune signalling pathways. Thus, autophagy helps in the maintenance of the body's innate immune homeostasis to protect from inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Many autophagy-dependent mechanisms that could control innate immune signalling have been studied over the last few years. However, still, the understanding is incomplete, and studies that are more systematic should be undertaken to delineate the mechanisms of inflammophagy. Here, we discuss the available knowledge of crosstalk between autophagy and PRR signalling pathways.

Inhibition of IRGM establishes a robust antiviral immune state to restrict pathogenic viruses.

The type I interferon (IFN) response is the major host arsenal against invading viruses. IRGM is a negative regulator of IFN responses under basal conditions. However, the role of human IRGM during viral infection has remained unclear. In this study, we show that IRGM expression is increased upon viral infection. IFN responses induced by viral PAMPs are negatively regulated by IRGM. Conversely, IRGM depletion results in a robust induction of key viral restriction factors including IFITMs, APOBECs, SAMHD1, tetherin, viperin, and HERC5/6. Additionally, antiviral processes such as MHC-I antigen presentation and stress granule signaling are enhanced in IRGM-deficient cells, indicating a robust cell-intrinsic antiviral immune state. Consistently, IRGM-depleted cells are resistant to the infection with seven viruses from five different families, including Togaviridae, Herpesviridae, Flaviviverdae, Rhabdoviridae, and Coronaviridae. Moreover, we show that Irgm1 knockout mice are highly resistant to chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection. Altogether, our work highlights IRGM as a broad therapeutic target to promote defense against a large number of human viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, CHIKV, and Zika virus.

IRGM links autoimmunity to autophagy.

IRGM is a genetic risk factor for several autoimmune diseases. However, the mechanism of IRGM-mediated protection in autoimmunity remains undetermined. The abnormal activation of type I interferon (IFN) response is one of the significant factors in the pathogenesis of several autoimmune diseases. In our recent study, we showed that IRGM is a master suppressor of the interferon response. We found that the depletion of IRGM results in constitutively activated CGAS-STING1, DDX58/RIG-I-MAVS, and TLR3-TICAM1/TRIF signaling pathways resulting in upregulation of almost all IFN-responsive genes. Mechanistically, IRGM utilizes a two-pronged mechanism to suppress the interferon response. First, it mediates SQSTM1/p62-dependent selective macroautophagy/autophagy of nucleic acid sensor proteins, including CGAS, DDX58/RIG-I, and TLR3. Second, it facilitates the removal of defective mitochondria by mitophagy and avoids a buildup of mito-ROS and mito-damage/danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). Thus, IRGM deficiency results in increased nucleic acid sensors and DAMPs engaging a vicious cycle of aberrant activation of IFN response that is known to occur in systemic autoimmune-like conditions.

RNA-Binding RING E3-Ligase DZIP3/hRUL138 Stabilizes Cyclin D1 to Drive Cell-Cycle and Cancer Progression.

DZIP3/hRUL138 is a poorly characterized RNA-binding RING E3-ubiquitin ligase with functions in embryonic development. Here we demonstrate that DZIP3 is a crucial driver of cancer cell growth, migration, and invasion. In mice and zebrafish cancer models, DZIP3 promoted tumor growth and metastasis. In line with these results, DZIP3 was frequently overexpressed in several cancer types. Depletion of DZIP3 from cells resulted in reduced expression of Cyclin D1 and a subsequent G1 arrest and defect in cell growth. Mechanistically, DZIP3 utilized its two different domains to interact and stabilize Cyclin D1 both at mRNA and protein levels. Using an RNA-binding lysine-rich region, DZIP3 interacted with the AU-rich region in 3' untranslated region of Cyclin D1 mRNA and stabilized it. Using a RING E3-ligase domain, DZIP3 interacted and increased K63-linked ubiquitination of Cyclin D1 protein to stabilize it. Remarkably, DZIP3 interacted with, ubiquitinated, and stabilized Cyclin D1 predominantly in the G1 phase of the cell cycle, where it is needed for cell-cycle progression. In agreement with this, a strong positive correlation of mRNA expression between DZIP3 and Cyclin D1 in different cancer types was observed. Additionally, DZIP3 regulated several cell cycle proteins by modulating the Cyclin D1-E2F axes. Taken together, this study demonstrates for the first time that DZIP3 uses a unique two-pronged mechanism in its stabilization of Cyclin D1 to drive cell-cycle and cancer progression. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings show that DZIP3 is a novel driver of cell-cycle and cancer progression via its control of Cyclin D1 mRNA and protein stability in a cell-cycle phase-dependent manner. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT: http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/canres/81/2/315/F1.large.jpg.

Autoimmunity gene IRGM suppresses cGAS-STING and RIG-I-MAVS signaling to control interferon response.

Activation of the type 1 interferon response is extensively connected to the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. Loss of function of Immunity Related GTPase M (IRGM) has also been associated to several autoimmune diseases, but its mechanism of action is unknown. Here, we found that IRGM is a master negative regulator of the interferon response. Several nucleic acid-sensing pathways leading to interferon-stimulated gene expression are highly activated in IRGM knockout mice and human cells. Mechanistically, we show that IRGM interacts with nucleic acid sensor proteins, including cGAS and RIG-I, and mediates their p62-dependent autophagic degradation to restrain interferon signaling. Further, IRGM deficiency results in defective mitophagy leading to the accumulation of defunct leaky mitochondria that release cytosolic DAMPs and mtROS. Hence, IRGM deficiency increases not only the levels of the sensors, but also those of the stimuli that trigger the activation of the cGAS-STING and RIG-I-MAVS signaling axes, leading to robust induction of IFN responses. Taken together, this study defines the molecular mechanisms by which IRGM maintains interferon homeostasis and protects from autoimmune diseases.

IRGM restrains NLRP3 inflammasome activation by mediating its SQSTM1/p62-dependent selective autophagy.

IRGM is an established genetic risk factor for Crohn disease (CD) and several other inflammatory disorders. However, the mechanisms employed by IRGM to restrain the inflammation are not known. In our recent study, we showed that IRGM negatively regulates NLRP3 inflammasome activation. IRGM employs 2 parallel approaches to constrain inflammasome activation. First, IRGM directly interacts with NLRP3 and PYCARD/ASC, and mediates their SQSTM1/p62-dependent macroautophagic/autophagic degradation. Second, IRGM impedes inflammasome assembly by blocking the polymerization of NLRP3 and PYCARD. We also found that IRGM suppresses NLRP3-mediated exacerbated outcomes of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis in a mouse model. Taken together, this study presents evidence that IRGM can directly regulate inflammation and protect from inflammatory diseases.

TRIM16 governs the biogenesis and disposal of stress-induced protein aggregates to evade cytotoxicity: implication for neurodegeneration and cancer.

The formation of protein aggregates is linked to several diseases collectively called proteinopathies. The mechanisms and the molecular players that control the turnover of protein aggregates are not well defined. We recently showed that TRIM16 acts as a key regulatory protein to control the biogenesis and degradation of protein aggregates. We show that TRIM16 interacts with, enhances K63-linked ubiquitination of, and stabilizes NFE2L2/NRF2 leading to its activation. The activated NFE2L2 upregulates the SQSTM1/p62 and ubiquitin pathway proteins, which interact with and ubiquitinate the misfolded proteins resulting in protein aggregate formation. TRIM16 is physically present around the protein aggregates and acts as a scaffold protein to recruit SQSTM1 and macroautophagy/autophagy initiation proteins for sequestration of the protein aggregates within autophagosomes, leading to their degradation. Hence, TRIM16 utilizes a two-pronged approach to safely dispose of the stress-induced misfolded proteins and protein aggregates, and protect cells from oxidative and proteotoxic stresses. This study could provide a framework for understanding the mechanisms of protein aggregate formation in neurodegeneration. The enhancement of TRIM16 activity could be a beneficial therapeutic approach in proteinopathies. On the flip side, cancer cells appear to hijack this machinery for their survival under stress conditions; hence, depleting TRIM16 could be a beneficial therapeutic strategy for treating cancer.

The Crohn's Disease Risk Factor IRGM Limits NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation by Impeding Its Assembly and by Mediating Its Selective Autophagy.

Several large-scale genome-wide association studies genetically linked IRGM to Crohn's disease and other inflammatory disorders in which the IRGM appears to have a protective function. However, the mechanism by which IRGM accomplishes this anti-inflammatory role remains unclear. Here, we reveal that IRGM/Irgm1 is a negative regulator of the NLRP3 inflammasome activation. We show that IRGM expression, which is increased by PAMPs, DAMPs, and microbes, can suppress the pro-inflammatory responses provoked by the same stimuli. IRGM/Irgm1 negatively regulates IL-1ß maturation by suppressing the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Mechanistically, we show that IRGM interacts with NLRP3 and ASC and hinders inflammasome assembly by blocking their oligomerization. Further, IRGM mediates selective autophagic degradation of NLRP3 and ASC. By suppressing inflammasome activation, IRGM/Irgm1 protects from pyroptosis and gut inflammation in a Crohn's disease experimental mouse model. This study for the first time identifies the mechanism by which IRGM is protective against inflammatory disorders.

TRIM16 controls turnover of protein aggregates by modulating NRF2, ubiquitin system, and autophagy: implication for tumorigenesis.

Protein misfolding and protein aggregation are linked to several diseases commonly called as proteinopathies, which include cancer. Understanding the mechanisms of proteostasis could provide newer strategies to combat proteinopathies. We have recently demonstrated a new mechanism where we found that TRIM16 (tripartite motif-containing protein 16) utilizing NRF2-p62 axis and autophagy streamlines the safe disposal of misfolded proteins to maintain protein homeostasis.

TRIM16 controls assembly and degradation of protein aggregates by modulating the p62-NRF2 axis and autophagy.

Sequestration of protein aggregates in inclusion bodies and their subsequent degradation prevents proteostasis imbalance, cytotoxicity, and proteinopathies. The underlying molecular mechanisms controlling the turnover of protein aggregates are mostly uncharacterized. Herein, we show that a TRIM family protein, TRIM16, governs the process of stress-induced biogenesis and degradation of protein aggregates. TRIM16 facilitates protein aggregate formation by positively regulating the p62-NRF2 axis. We show that TRIM16 is an integral part of the p62-KEAP1-NRF2 complex and utilizes multiple mechanisms for stabilizing NRF2. Under oxidative and proteotoxic stress conditions, TRIM16 activates ubiquitin pathway genes and p62 via NRF2, leading to ubiquitination of misfolded proteins and formation of protein aggregates. We further show that TRIM16 acts as a scaffold protein and, by interacting with p62, ULK1, ATG16L1, and LC3B, facilitates autophagic degradation of protein aggregates. Thus, TRIM16 streamlines the process of stress-induced aggregate clearance and protects cells against oxidative/proteotoxic stress-induced toxicity in vitro and in vivo Taken together, this work identifies a new mechanism of protein aggregate turnover, which could be relevant in protein aggregation-associated diseases such as neurodegeneration.

TRIM16 employs NRF2, ubiquitin system and aggrephagy for safe disposal of stress-induced misfolded proteins.

The cellular stresses, genetic mutations, and environmental factors can critically affect the protein quality control checkpoints resulting in protein misfolding. Molecular chaperones play a crucial role in maintaining the healthy proteome by refolding the misfolded proteins into the native functional conformations. However, if they fail to refold the misfolded proteins into the native state, they are targeted by proteolytic systems for degradation. If the misfolded protein numbers increase more than what a cell can resolve, they get converted protein aggregates/inclusion bodies. The inclusion bodies are less cytotoxic than misfolded proteins. The enhanced production of misfolded proteins and protein aggregates are linked to several diseases collectively termed proteinopathies, which includes several neurodegenerative disorders. The understanding of molecular mechanisms that regulate the turnover of protein aggregates will pave path for therapeutic interventions of proteinopathies. In a recent report, we showed that a tripartite motif (TRIM) family protein, TRIM16 streamlines the process of protein aggregates turnover by regulating the NRF2-p62 axis and autophagy.

Suppression of Protective Responses upon Activation of L-Type Voltage Gated Calcium Channel in Macrophages during Mycobacterium bovis BCG Infection.

The prevalence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb) strains eliciting drug resistance has necessitated the need for understanding the complexities of host pathogen interactions. The regulation of calcium homeostasis by Voltage Gated Calcium Channel (VGCCs) upon M. tb infection has recently assumed importance in this area. We previously showed a suppressor role of VGCC during M. tb infections and recently reported the mechanisms of its regulation by M. tb. Here in this report, we further characterize the role of VGCC in mediating defence responses of macrophages during mycobacterial infection. We report that activation of VGCC during infection synergistically downmodulates the generation of oxidative burst (ROS) by macrophages. This attenuation of ROS is regulated in a manner which is dependent on Toll like Receptor (TLR) and also on the route of calcium influx, Protein Kinase C (PKC) and by Mitogen Activation Protein Kinase (MAPK) pathways. VGCC activation during infection increases cell survival and downmodulates autophagy. Concomitantly, pro-inflammatory responses such as IL-12 and IFN-γ secretion and the levels of their receptors on cell surface are inhibited. Finally, the ability of phagosomes to fuse with lysosomes in M. bovis BCG and M. tb H37Rv infected macrophages is also compromised when VGCC activation occurs during infection. The results point towards a well-orchestrated strategy adopted by mycobacteria to supress protective responses mounted by the host. This begins with the increase in the surface levels of VGCCs by mycobacteria and their antigens by well-controlled and regulated mechanisms. Subsequent activation of the upregulated VGCC following tweaking of calcium levels by molecular sensors in turn mediates suppressor responses and prepare the macrophages for long term persistent infection.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Cooperatively Modulate Macrophage Apoptosis via Toll Like Receptor 2 and Calcium Homeostasis.

The emergence of drug resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) together with reports of co-infections with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has renewed interest to better understand the intricate mechanisms prevalent during co-infections. In this study we report a synergistic effect of M. tuberculosis and HIV-1, and their antigens Rv3416 and Nef, respectively, in inhibiting apoptosis of macrophages. This inhibition involves the TLR2 pathway and second messengers that play complementing and contrasting roles in regulating apoptosis. Interestingly, the route of calcium influx into cells differentially regulates apoptosis during antigenic co-stimulation. While calcium released from intracellular stores was anti-apoptotic, calcium influx from the external milieu was pro-apoptotic. Further, molecular sensors of intracellular calcium release aid in antigen mediated inhibition of apoptosis. A cross-regulation between oxidative burst and differential routing of calcium influx governed apoptosis. Interestingly, the HIV-1 Nef supported anti-apoptotic responses in macrophages whereas Vpu had no significant effect. These results point to a synergistic liaison between M. tuberculosis and HIV-1 in regulating macrophage apoptosis.

Pneumococal Surface Protein A (PspA) Regulates Programmed Death Ligand 1 Expression on Dendritic Cells in a Toll-Like Receptor 2 and Calcium Dependent Manner.

Pneumonia leads to high mortality in children under the age of five years worldwide, resulting in close to 20 percent of all deaths in this age group. Therefore, investigations into host-pathogen interactions during Streptococcus pneumoniae infection are key in devising strategies towards the development of better vaccines and drugs. To that end, in this study we investigated the role of S. pneumoniae and its surface antigen Pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA) in modulating the expression of co-stimulatory molecule Programmed Death Ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression on dendritic cells (DCs) and the subsequent effects of increased PD-L1 on key defence responses. Our data indicate that stimulation of DCs with PspA increases the surface expression of PD-L1 in a time and dose dependent manner. Characterization of mechanisms involved in PspA induced expression of PD-L1 indicate the involvement of Toll-Like Receptor 2 (TLR2) and calcium homeostasis. While calcium release from intracellular stores positively regulated PD-L1 expression, calcium influx from external milieu negatively regulated PD-L1 expression. Increase in PD-L1 expression, when costimulated with PspA and through TLR2 was higher than when stimulated with PspA or through TLR2. Further, knockdown of TLR2 and the intermediates in the TLR signaling machinery pointed towards the involvement of a MyD88 dependent pathway in PspA induced PD-L1 expression. Incubation of DCs with S. pneumoniae resulted in the up-regulation of PD-L1 expression, while infection with a strain lacking surface PspA failed to do so. Our data also suggests the role of PspA in ROS generation. These results suggest a novel and specific role for PspA in modulating immune responses against S. pneumoniae by regulating PD-L1 expression.

Suppressive role of neddylation in dendritic cells during Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.

Multiple strategies evolved by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb) have contributed to its successful prevalence. We previously identified specific genes in the cysteine protease and calcium-calmodulin pathways that regulated immune responses from dendritic cells (DCs). In this study we have characterized the role of neddylation in regulating various defense responses from DCs during mycobacterial infection. Neddylation is a process that is similar to ubiquitination. It however has its own enzyme machinery. It is coupled to ubiquitination and is important for maintaining cellular homeostasis. Here we show that stimulation of DCs with M. tb antigens Rv2463 and Rv3416 as well as infection with live M. tb modulates the expression levels of key proteins in the neddylation pathway. Further, stimulation with the two antigens promoted the association of NEDD8 with its target Cullin-1. The modulation in the expression levels of NEDD8 and SENtrin specific Protein 8 (SENP8) by the two antigens was in a calcium, MAPK and TLR dependent mechanism. Further, knockdown of specific genes of neddylation promoted the generation of oxidative burst, promoted phagolysosome fusion in mycobacteria infected DCs and induced higher expression of autophagy and apoptosis associated proteins in DCs. These results point toward a unique strategy employed by mycobacteria and its antigens towards immune suppression via modulating neddylation in DCs.

Regulation of L-type Voltage Gated Calcium Channel CACNA1S in Macrophages upon Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection.

We demonstrated earlier the inhibitory role played by Voltage Gated Calcium Channels (VGCCs) in regulating Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb) survival and pathogenesis. In this report, we investigated mechanisms and key players that regulate the surface expression of VGCC-CACNA1S by Rv2463 and M. tb infection in macrophages. Our earlier work identified Rv2463 to be expressed at early times post infection in macrophages that induced suppressor responses to dendritic cells and macrophages. Our results in this study demonstrate a role of MyD88 independent TLR pathway in mediating CACNA1S expression. Dissecting the role for second messengers, we show that calcium homeostasis plays a key role in CACNA1S expression during M. tb infection. Using siRNAs against molecular sensors of calcium regulation, we show an involvement of ER associated Stromal Interaction Molecules 1 and 2 (STIM1 and STIM2), and transcription factor pCREB, towards CACNA1S expression that also involved the MyD88 independent pathway. Interestingly, reactive oxygen species played a negative role in M. tb mediated CACNA1S expression. Further, a cross-regulation of ROS and pCREB was noted that governed CACNA1S expression. Characterizing the mechanisms governing CACNA1S expression would improve our understanding of the regulation of VGCC expression and its role in M. tb pathogenesis during M. tb infection.