NR5A2 connects zygotic genome activation to the first lineage segregation in totipotent embryos.

Zygotic genome activation (ZGA) marks the beginning of the embryonic program for a totipotent embryo, which gives rise to the inner cell mass (ICM) where pluripotent epiblast arises, and extraembryonic trophectoderm. However, how ZGA is connected to the first lineage segregation in mammalian embryos remains elusive. Here, we investigated the role of nuclear receptor (NR) transcription factors (TFs), whose motifs are highly enriched and accessible from the 2-cell (2C) to 8-cell (8C) stages in mouse embryos. We found that NR5A2, an NR TF strongly induced upon ZGA, was required for this connection. Upon Nr5a2 knockdown or knockout, embryos developed beyond 2C normally with the zygotic genome largely activated. However, 4-8C-specific gene activation was substantially impaired and Nr5a2-deficient embryos subsequently arrested at the morula stage. Genome-wide chromatin binding analysis showed that NR5A2-bound cis-regulatory elements in both 2C and 8C embryos are strongly enriched for B1 elements where its binding motif is embedded. NR5A2 was not required for the global opening of its binding sites in 2C embryos but was essential to the opening of its 8C-specific binding sites. These 8C-specific, but not 2C-specific, binding sites are enriched near genes involved in blastocyst and stem cell regulation, and are often bound by master pluripotency TFs in blastocysts and embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Importantly, NR5A2 regulated key pluripotency genes Nanog and Pou5f1/Oct4, and primitive endoderm regulatory genes including Gata6 among many early ICM genes, as well as key trophectoderm regulatory genes including Tead4 and Gata3 at the 8C stage. By contrast, master pluripotency TFs NANOG, SOX2, and OCT4 targeted both early and late ICM genes in mouse ESCs. Taken together, these data identify NR5A2 as a key regulator in totipotent embryos that bridges ZGA to the first lineage segregation during mouse early development.

RNF213 modulates γ-herpesvirus infection and reactivation via targeting the viral Replication and Transcription Activator.

Interferons (IFNs) and the products of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) play crucial roles in host defense against virus infections. Although many ISGs have been characterized with respect to their antiviral activity, their target specificities and mechanisms of action remain largely unknown. Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is a gammaherpesvirus that is linked to several human malignancies. Here, we used the genetically and biologically related virus, murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (MHV-68) and screened for ISGs with anti-gammaherpesvirus activities. We found that overexpression of RNF213 dramatically inhibited MHV-68 infection, whereas knockdown of endogenous RNF213 significantly promoted MHV-68 proliferation. Importantly, RNF213 also inhibited KSHV de novo infection, and depletion of RNF213 in the latently KSHV-infected iSLK-219 cell line significantly enhanced lytic reactivation. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that RNF213 targeted the Replication and Transcription Activator (RTA) of both KSHV and MHV-68, and promoted the degradation of RTA protein through the proteasome-dependent pathway. RNF213 directly interacted with RTA and functioned as an E3 ligase to ubiquitinate RTA via K48 linkage. Taken together, we conclude that RNF213 serves as an E3 ligase and inhibits the de novo infection and lytic reactivation of gammaherpesviruses by degrading RTA through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway.

Structural basis for Sarbecovirus ORF6 mediated blockage of nucleocytoplasmic transport.

The emergence of heavily mutated SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) place the international community on high alert. In addition to numerous mutations that map in the spike protein of VOCs, expression of the viral accessory proteins ORF6 and ORF9b also elevate; both are potent interferon antagonists. Here, we present the crystal structures of Rae1-Nup98 in complex with the C-terminal tails (CTT) of SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV ORF6 to 2.85 Å and 2.39 Å resolution, respectively. An invariant methionine (M) 58 residue of ORF6 CTT extends its side chain into a hydrophobic cavity in the Rae1 mRNA binding groove, resembling a bolt-fitting-hole; acidic residues flanking M58 form salt-bridges with Rae1. Our mutagenesis studies identify key residues of ORF6 important for its interaction with Rae1-Nup98 in vitro and in cells, of which M58 is irreplaceable. Furthermore, we show that ORF6-mediated blockade of mRNA and STAT1 nucleocytoplasmic transport correlate with the binding affinity between ORF6 and Rae1-Nup98. Finally, binding of ORF6 to Rae1-Nup98 is linked to ORF6-induced interferon antagonism. Taken together, this study reveals the molecular basis for the antagonistic function of Sarbecovirus ORF6, and implies a strategy of using ORF6 CTT-derived peptides for immunosuppressive drug development.

N6-methyladenosine RNA modification suppresses antiviral innate sensing pathways via reshaping double-stranded RNA.

Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) is a virus-encoded signature capable of triggering intracellular Rig-like receptors (RLR) to activate antiviral signaling, but whether intercellular dsRNA structural reshaping mediated by the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification modulates this process remains largely unknown. Here, we show that, in response to infection by the RNA virus Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV), the m6A methyltransferase METTL3 translocates into the cytoplasm to increase m6A modification on virus-derived transcripts and decrease viral dsRNA formation, thereby reducing virus-sensing efficacy by RLRs such as RIG-I and MDA5 and dampening antiviral immune signaling. Meanwhile, the genetic ablation of METTL3 in monocyte or hepatocyte causes enhanced type I IFN expression and accelerates VSV clearance. Our findings thus implicate METTL3-mediated m6A RNA modification on viral RNAs as a negative regulator for innate sensing pathways of dsRNA, and also hint METTL3 as a potential therapeutic target for the modulation of anti-viral immunity.

PPM1G restricts innate immune signaling mediated by STING and MAVS and is hijacked by KSHV for immune evasion.

The adaptor proteins, STING and MAVS, are components of critical pathogen-sensing pathways that induce innate immunity. Phosphorylation of either adaptor results in activation of the type I interferon pathway. How this phosphorylation is regulated and how it is manipulated by pathogens remain largely unknown. Here, we identified host protein phosphatase, Mg2+/Mn2+ dependent 1G (PPM1G) as a negative regulator of innate immune pathways and showed that this host system is hijacked by Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). Mechanistically, KSHV tegument protein ORF33 interacts with STING/MAVS and enhances recruitment of PPM1G to dephosphorylate p-STING/p-MAVS for immunosuppression. Inhibition of PPM1G expression improves the antiviral response against both DNA and RNA viruses. Collectively, our study shows that PPM1G restricts both cytosolic DNA- and RNA-sensing pathways to naturally balance the intensity of the antiviral response. Manipulation of PPM1G by KSHV provides an important strategy for immune evasion.

Molecular mechanism underlying selective inhibition of mRNA nuclear export by herpesvirus protein ORF10.

Viruses employ multiple strategies to inhibit host mRNA nuclear export. Distinct to the generally nonselective inhibition mechanisms, ORF10 from gammaherpesviruses inhibits mRNA export in a transcript-selective manner by interacting with Rae1 (RNA export 1) and Nup98 (nucleoporin 98). We now report the structure of ORF10 from MHV-68 (murine gammaherpesvirus 68) bound to the Rae1-Nup98 heterodimer, thereby revealing detailed intermolecular interactions. Structural and functional assays highlight that two highly conserved residues of ORF10, L60 and M413, play critical roles in both complex assembly and mRNA export inhibition. Interestingly, although ORF10 occupies the RNA-binding groove of Rae1-Nup98, the ORF10-Rae1-Nup98 ternary complex still maintains a comparable RNA-binding ability due to the ORF10-RNA direct interaction. Moreover, mutations on the RNA-binding surface of ORF10 disrupt its function of mRNA export inhibition. Our work demonstrates the molecular mechanism of ORF10-mediated selective inhibition and provides insights into the functions of Rae1-Nup98 in regulating host mRNA export.

STING directly activates autophagy to tune the innate immune response.

STING (stimulator of interferon genes) is a central molecule that binds to cyclic dinucleotides produced by the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) to activate innate immunity against microbial infection. Here we report that STING harbors classic LC-3 interacting regions (LIRs) and mediates autophagy through its direct interaction with LC3. We observed that poly(dA:dT), cGAMP, and HSV-1 induced STING-dependent autophagy and degradation of STING immediately after TBK1 activation. STING induces non-canonical autophagy that is dependent on ATG5, whereas other autophagy regulators such as Beclin1, Atg9a, ULK1, and p62 are dispensable. LIR mutants of STING abolished its interaction with LC3 and its activation of autophagy. Also, mutants that abolish STING dimerization and cGAMP-binding diminished the STING-LC3 interaction and subsequent autophagy, suggesting that STING activation is indispensable for autophagy induction. Our results thus uncover dual functions of STING in activating the immune response and autophagy, and suggest that STING is involved in ensuring a measured innate immune response.

Identification of new type I interferon-stimulated genes and investigation of their involvement in IFN-ß activation.

Virus infection induces the production of type I interferons (IFNs). IFNs bind to their heterodimeric receptors to initiate downstream cascade of signaling, leading to the up-regulation of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs). ISGs play very important roles in innate immunity through a variety of mechanisms. Although hundreds of ISGs have been identified, it is commonly recognized that more ISGs await to be discovered. The aim of this study was to identify new ISGs and to probe their roles in regulating virus-induced type I IFN production. We used consensus interferon (Con-IFN), an artificial alpha IFN that was shown to be more potent than naturally existing type I IFN, to treat three human immune cell lines, CEM, U937 and Daudi cells. Microarray analysis was employed to identify those genes whose expressions were up-regulated. Six hundred and seventeen genes were up-regulated more than 3-fold. Out of these 617 genes, 138 were not previously reported as ISGs and thus were further pursued. Validation of these 138 genes using quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) confirmed 91 genes. We screened 89 genes for those involved in Sendai virus (SeV)-induced IFN-ß promoter activation, and PIM1 was identified as one whose expression inhibited SeV-mediated IFN-ß activation. We provide evidence indicating that PIM1 specifically inhibits RIG-I- and MDA5-mediated IFN-ß signaling. Our results expand the ISG library and identify PIM1 as an ISG that participates in the regulation of virus-induced type I interferon production.

Interferon-inducible cholesterol-25-hydroxylase inhibits hepatitis C virus replication via distinct mechanisms.

Cholesterol 25-hydroxylase (CH25H) as an interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) has recently been shown to exert broad antiviral activity through the production of 25-hydroxycholesterol (25HC), which is believed to inhibit the virus-cell membrane fusion during viral entry. However, little is known about the function of CH25H on HCV infection and replication and whether antiviral function of CH25H is exclusively mediated by 25HC. In the present study, we have found that although 25HC produced by CH25H can inhibit HCV replication, CH25H mutants lacking the hydroxylase activity still carry the antiviral activity against HCV but not other viruses such as MHV-68. Further studies have revealed that CH25H can interact with the NS5A protein of HCV and inhibit its dimer formation, which is essential for HCV replication. Thus, our work has uncovered a novel mechanism by which CH25H restricts HCV replication, suggesting that CH25H inhibits viral infection through both 25HC-dependent and independent events.

Development of a neutralizing mouse-pig chimeric antibody with therapeutic potential against Haemophilus parasuis in Pichia pastoris.

Haemophilus parasuis is one of the most important bacterial diseases of pigs worldwide. The lack of a vaccine against a broad spectrum of strains and the limitation of antimicrobial susceptibility hamper the control of disease. In this study, we cloned the constant regions of gamma heavy chains and kappa light chain of pig lymphocytes in frame with the variable regions of heavy and light chains of mouse monoclonal antibody 1D8, which reacts with all 15 serotypes of H. parasuis and has neutralizing activity. The constructed mouse-pig chimeric antibody was expressed in Pichia pastoris. Results demonstrated that the expressed chimeric antibody inhibited the growth of H. parasuis in vitro. Furthermore, the experiments in mice showed that chimeric antibody increased survival rate of the mice compared with that of the control group (P < 0.05). Importantly, the chimeric antibody partially protected piglets against H. parasuis infection according to the clinical lesion scores and PCR results of H. parasuis in the tissues from piglets of the chimeric antibody-inoculated group and the PBS group. In summary, our results demonstrated that the mouse-pig chimeric antibody could be a therapeutic candidate to prevent the H. parasuis infection and control the prevalence of disease.

C-terminal heat shock protein 70 of Mycobacterium tuberculosis as a molecular adjuvant for DNA vaccination with the porcine circovirus type 2 ORF2 (capsid) gene in mice.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and the peptide binding C-terminal portion of HSP70 (amino acids 359-610; HSP70c) exert an adjuvant effect when used in vaccines. To enhance the immunogenicity of a DNA vaccine against porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2), recombinant plasmids encoding the PCV2 ORF2 (capsid) gene fused to full length hsp70 (pCA-TCH) or truncated C-terminal hsp70c (pCA-TCHc) were constructed. Immunisation of mice with pCA-TCHc induced higher serum immunoglobulin G antibody levels, stronger T helper 1 immune responses and lower PCV2 viral titres following challenge than immunisation with pCA-TCH or Cap plasmids only.

Evaluation of the enhancing ability of three adjuvants for DNA vaccination using the porcine circovirus type 2 ORF2 (capsid) gene in mice.

Molecular adjuvants were used to augment the amplitude of the immune response in many studies recently. Ubiquitin (ub), the peptide binding truncated C-terminal portion of heat shock protein 70 (hsp70c) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) are widely investigated adjuvants which have been proved to be efficient. In our study, we compared the enhancing ability of these three adjuvants based on DNA vaccination using the porcine circovirus type 2 ORF2 (capsid) gene in mice. The results of lymphocyte proliferation assay, flow cytometric analysis (FCM), antibody titer and cytokine production showed that ub conjugated plasmid induced a stronger Th1 type cellular immune response and an observably higher level of Cap-specific serum immunoglobulin G antibody compared with hsp70c or IL-2 conjugated plasmids during the period of post-immunization. Meanwhile, the ub conjugation vaccinated group elicited stronger specific immunity against PCV2 challenge than the others during most of the time of post-challenge. Thus, these data indicate that ub is a superior adjuvant for a PCV2 DNA vaccination than the hsp70c and IL-2 molecules.

Identification of the immunogenic outer membrane protein A antigen of Haemophilus parasuis by a proteomics approach and passive immunization with monoclonal antibodies in mice.

Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against Haemophilus parasuis were generated by fusing spleen cells from BALB/c mice immunized with whole bacterial cells with SP2/0 murine myeloma cells. Desirable hybridomas were screened by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Neutralizing MAb 1D8 was selected in protection assays. ELISA results demonstrated that 1D8 can react with all 15 serotypes of H. parasuis and field isolate H. parasuis HLJ-018. Passive immunization studies showed that mice inoculated intraperitoneally with 1D8 had significantly reduced prevalence of H. parasuis colonization in the blood, lung, spleen, and liver and had prolonged survival time compared to that of the control group. Furthermore, the passive transfer experiment indicated that MAb 1D8 can protect mice from both homologous and heterologous challenges with H. parasuis. Using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE), the immunoreactive protein target for MAb 1D8 was identified. The data presented confirm the protective role of MAb 1D8 and identify OmpA as the target of the protective monoclonal antibody. The data suggest that OmpA is a promising candidate for a subunit vaccine against H. parasuis.

Development and preliminary application of an immunochromatographic strip for rapid detection of infection with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus in swine.

A "strip test" to detect porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) was established using a monoclonal antibody (MAb) 2D7 conjugated with colloidal gold. Two MAbs binding to protein N at different epitopes, 2D7 and 1G7 were obtained. In the test, samples of PRRSV bound to colloidal gold-conjugated MAb 2D7. The complex was then captured by MAb 1G7 at the test line (T) on the nitrocellulose membrane, presenting a purple band. If the sample did not contain PRRSV or if the quantity of PRRSV was less than that required for the kit, only the control line (C), in which goat anti-mouse antibody was added as the capture antibody, was present. Results from the sensitivity test of the kit demonstrated that the lowest detected quantity of PRRSV is 2.9 × 10(3)TCID(50)/ml. In clinical trials, the specificity and the sensitivity of this kit are 98.1% and 88.4%, respectively, compared with RT-PCR. Furthermore, this kit was found to be efficient in three areas of China and appears to have better results in practical applications than in empirical studies. In summary, this kit has not only high rates of specificity and sensitivity but also has the beneficial features such as efficiency, convenience and speed.