ABSTRACT
Replication of influenza viral RNA depends on at least two viral polymerases, a parental replicase and an encapsidase, and cellular factor ANP32. ANP32 comprises an LRR domain and a long C-terminal low complexity acidic region (LCAR). Here we present evidence suggesting that ANP32 is recruited to the replication complex as an electrostatic chaperone that stabilises the encapsidase moiety within apo-polymerase symmetric dimers that are distinct for influenza A and B polymerases. The ANP32 bound encapsidase, then forms the asymmetric replication complex with the replicase, which is embedded in a parental ribonucleoprotein particle (RNP). Cryo-EM structures reveal the architecture of the influenza A and B replication complexes and the likely trajectory of the nascent RNA product into the encapsidase. The cryo-EM map of the FluB replication complex shows extra density attributable to the ANP32 LCAR wrapping around and stabilising the apo-encapsidase conformation. These structures give new insight into the various mutations that adapt avian strain polymerases to use the distinct ANP32 in mammalian cells.
Subject(s)
Cryoelectron Microscopy , Influenza A virus , Molecular Chaperones , RNA-Binding Proteins , Static Electricity , Virus Replication , Humans , Animals , Molecular Chaperones/metabolism , Molecular Chaperones/chemistry , Molecular Chaperones/genetics , Influenza A virus/metabolism , Influenza A virus/genetics , RNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism , RNA-Binding Proteins/chemistry , RNA-Binding Proteins/genetics , Nuclear Proteins/metabolism , Nuclear Proteins/chemistry , RNA, Viral/metabolism , RNA, Viral/chemistry , RNA, Viral/genetics , Birds/virology , RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase/metabolism , RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase/chemistry , RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase/genetics , Influenza in Birds/virology , Influenza in Birds/metabolism , Models, Molecular , Influenza, Human/virologyABSTRACT
Influenza A viruses (IAV) utilize host proteins throughout their life cycle to infect and replicate in their hosts. We previously showed that host adaptive mutations in avian IAV PA help recruit host protein G-Rich RNA Sequence Binding Factor 1 (GRSF1) to the nucleoprotein (NP) 5' untranslated region (UTR), leading to the enhanced nuclear export and translation of NP mRNA. In this study, we evaluated the impact of GRSF1 in the viral life cycle. We rescued and characterized a 2009 pH1N1 virus with a mutated GRSF1 binding site in the 5' UTR of NP mRNA. Mutant viral growth was attenuated relative to pH1N1 wild-type (WT) in mammalian cells. We observed a specific reduction in the NP protein production and cytosolic accumulation of NP mRNAs, indicating a critical role of GRSF1 in the nuclear export of IAV NP mRNAs. Further, in vitro-transcribed mutated NP mRNA was translated less efficiently than WT NP mRNA in transfected cells. Together, these findings show that GRSF1 binding is important for both mRNA nuclear export and translation and affects overall IAV growth. Enhanced association of GRSF1 to NP mRNA by PA mutations leads to rapid virus growth, which could be a key process of mammalian host adaptation of IAV.
Subject(s)
Active Transport, Cell Nucleus , Protein Biosynthesis , RNA, Messenger , RNA, Viral , Humans , RNA, Messenger/genetics , RNA, Messenger/metabolism , RNA, Viral/genetics , RNA, Viral/metabolism , Animals , Influenza A virus/genetics , Influenza A virus/physiology , Influenza A virus/metabolism , Virus Replication , Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype/genetics , Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype/metabolism , Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype/physiology , Cell Nucleus/metabolism , Cell Nucleus/virology , 5' Untranslated Regions/genetics , Nucleocapsid Proteins/metabolism , Nucleocapsid Proteins/genetics , Madin Darby Canine Kidney Cells , HEK293 Cells , RNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism , RNA-Binding Proteins/genetics , Dogs , Influenza, Human/virology , Influenza, Human/metabolism , Influenza, Human/genetics , Mutation , Host-Pathogen Interactions/genetics , Viral Core Proteins/metabolism , Viral Core Proteins/geneticsABSTRACT
The M2 proteins of influenza A and B viruses form acid-activated proton channels that are essential for the virus lifecycle. Proton selectivity is achieved by a transmembrane (TM) histidine whereas gating is achieved by a tryptophan residue. Although this functional apparatus is conserved between AM2 and BM2 channels, AM2 conducts protons exclusively inward whereas BM2 conducts protons in either direction depending on the pH gradient. Previous studies showed that in AM2, mutations of D44 abolished inward rectification of AM2, suggesting that the tryptophan gate is destabilized. To elucidate how charged residues C-terminal to the tryptophan regulates channel gating, here we investigate the structure and dynamics of H19 and W23 in a BM2 mutant, GDR-BM2, in which three BM2 residues are mutated to the corresponding AM2 residues, S16G, G26D and H27R. Whole-cell electrophysiological data show that GDR-BM2 conducts protons with inward rectification, identical to wild-type (WT) AM2 but different from WT-BM2. Solid-state NMR 15N and 13C spectra of H19 indicate that the mutant BM2 channel contains higher populations of cationic histidine and neutral τ tautomers compared to WT-BM2 at acidic pH. Moreover, 19F NMR spectra of 5-19F-labeled W23 resolve three peaks at acidic pH, suggesting three tryptophan sidechain conformations. Comparison of these spectra with the tryptophan spectra of other M2 peptides suggests that these indole sidechain conformations arise from interactions with the C-terminal charged residues and with the N-terminal cationic histidine. Taken together, these solid-state NMR data show that inward rectification in M2 proton channels is accomplished by tryptophan interactions with charged residues on both its C-terminal and N-terminal sides. Gating of these M2 proton channels is thus accomplished by a multi-residue complex with finely tuned electrostatic and aromatic interactions.
Subject(s)
Histidine , Influenza B virus , Protons , Tryptophan , Viral Matrix Proteins , Tryptophan/chemistry , Histidine/chemistry , Histidine/metabolism , Viral Matrix Proteins/chemistry , Viral Matrix Proteins/metabolism , Viral Matrix Proteins/genetics , Influenza B virus/chemistry , Influenza B virus/genetics , Influenza A virus/chemistry , Influenza A virus/metabolism , Influenza A virus/genetics , Hydrogen-Ion Concentration , Ion Channels/chemistry , Ion Channels/metabolism , Ion Channels/genetics , Mutation , Molecular Dynamics Simulation , Viroporin ProteinsABSTRACT
Deterministic formation of membrane scission necks by protein machinery with multiplexed functions is critical in biology. A microbial example is M2 viroporin, a proton pump from the influenza A virus that is multiplexed with membrane remodeling activity to induce budding and scission in the host membrane during viral maturation. In comparison, the dynamin family constitutes a class of eukaryotic proteins implicated in mitochondrial fission, as well as various budding and endocytosis pathways. In the case of Dnm1, the mitochondrial fission protein in yeast, the membrane remodeling activity is multiplexed with mechanoenzyme activity to create fission necks. It is not clear why these functions are combined in these scission processes, which occur in drastically different compositions and solution conditions. In general, direct experimental access to changing neck sizes induced by individual proteins or peptide fragments is challenging due to the nanoscale dimensions and influence of thermal fluctuations. Here, we use a mechanical model to estimate the size of scission necks by leveraging small-angle X-ray scattering structural data of protein-lipid systems under different conditions. The influence of interfacial tension, lipid composition, and membrane budding morphology on the size of the induced scission necks is systematically investigated using our data and molecular dynamic simulations. We find that the M2 budding protein from the influenza A virus has robust pH-dependent membrane activity that induces nanoscopic necks within the range of spontaneous hemifission for a broad range of lipid compositions. In contrast, the sizes of scission necks generated by mitochondrial fission proteins strongly depend on lipid composition, which suggests a role for mechanical constriction.
Subject(s)
Cell Membrane , Cell Membrane/metabolism , Cell Membrane/chemistry , Viral Matrix Proteins/metabolism , Viral Matrix Proteins/chemistry , Dynamins/metabolism , Dynamins/chemistry , Influenza A virus/metabolism , Scattering, Small Angle , Viroporin ProteinsABSTRACT
Influenza poses a substantial health risk, with infants and the elderly being particularly susceptible to its grave impacts. The primary challenge lies in its rapid genetic evolution, leading to the emergence of new Influenza A strains annually. These changes involve punctual mutations predominantly affecting the two main glycoproteins: Hemagglutinin (HA) and Neuraminidase (NA). Our existing vaccines target these proteins, providing short-term protection, but fall short when unexpected pandemics strike. Delving deeper into Influenza's genetic makeup, we spotlight the nucleoprotein (NP) - a key player in the transcription, replication, and packaging of RNA. An intriguing characteristic of the NP is that it is highly conserved across all Influenza A variants, potentially paving the way for a more versatile and broadly protective vaccine. We designed and synthesized a novel NP-Hoc fusion protein combining Influenza A nucleoprotein and T4 phage Hoc, cloned using Gibson assembly in E. coli, and purified via ion affinity chromatography. Simultaneously, we explore the T4 coat protein Hoc, typically regarded as inconsequential in controlled viral replication. Yet, it possesses a unique ability: it can link with another protein, showcasing it on the T4 phage coat. Fusing these concepts, our study designs, expresses, and purifies a novel fusion protein named NP-Hoc. We propose this protein as the basis for a new generation of vaccines, engineered to guard broadly against Influenza A. The excitement lies not just in the immediate application, but the promise this holds for future pandemic resilience, with NP-Hoc marking a significant leap in adaptive, broad-spectrum influenza prevention.
Subject(s)
Bacteriophage T4 , Escherichia coli , Recombinant Fusion Proteins , Bacteriophage T4/genetics , Bacteriophage T4/chemistry , Bacteriophage T4/metabolism , Recombinant Fusion Proteins/genetics , Recombinant Fusion Proteins/chemistry , Recombinant Fusion Proteins/isolation & purification , Recombinant Fusion Proteins/metabolism , Recombinant Fusion Proteins/biosynthesis , Escherichia coli/genetics , Escherichia coli/metabolism , Gene Expression , Nucleocapsid Proteins/genetics , Nucleocapsid Proteins/chemistry , Nucleocapsid Proteins/metabolism , Influenza A virus/genetics , Influenza A virus/metabolism , Influenza Vaccines/genetics , Influenza Vaccines/biosynthesis , Influenza Vaccines/immunology , Influenza Vaccines/chemistry , Humans , RNA-Binding Proteins/genetics , RNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism , RNA-Binding Proteins/chemistry , RNA-Binding Proteins/isolation & purificationABSTRACT
The influenza A virus (IAV) consists of 8 single-stranded, negative-sense viral RNA (vRNA) segments. After infection, vRNA is transcribed, replicated, and wrapped by viral nucleoprotein (NP) to form viral ribonucleoprotein (vRNP). The transcription, replication, and nuclear export of the viral genome are regulated by the IAV protein, NS2, which is translated from spliced mRNA transcribed from viral NS vRNA. This splicing is inefficient, explaining why NS2 is present in low abundance after IAV infection. The levels of NS2 and its subsequent accumulation are thought to influence viral RNA replication and vRNP nuclear export. Here we show that NS2 is ubiquitinated at the K64 and K88 residues by K48-linked and K63-linked polyubiquitin (polyUb) chains, leading to the degradation of NS2 by the proteasome. Additionally, we show that a host deubiquitinase, OTUB1, can remove polyUb chains conjugated to NS2, thereby stabilizing NS2. Accordingly, knock down of OTUB1 by siRNA reduces the nuclear export of vRNP, and reduces the overall production of IAV. These results collectively demonstrate that the levels of NS2 in IAV-infected cells are regulated by a ubiquitination-deubiquitination system involving OTUB1 that is necessary for optimal IAV replication.
Subject(s)
Cysteine Endopeptidases , Influenza A virus , Viral Nonstructural Proteins , Virus Replication , Animals , Dogs , Humans , Cysteine Endopeptidases/metabolism , Cysteine Endopeptidases/genetics , Deubiquitinating Enzymes/metabolism , HEK293 Cells , Influenza A virus/metabolism , Influenza, Human/metabolism , Influenza, Human/virology , RNA, Viral/metabolism , RNA, Viral/genetics , Ubiquitination , Viral Nonstructural Proteins/metabolism , Viral Nonstructural Proteins/genetics , Virus Replication/physiology , Cell Line , Vero Cells , Chlorocebus aethiopsABSTRACT
Influenza A virus can infect respiratory tracts and may cause severe illness in humans. Proteins encoded by influenza A virus can interact with cellular factors and dysregulate host biological processes to support viral replication and cause pathogenicity. The influenza viral PA protein is not only a subunit of influenza viral polymerase but also a virulence factor involved in pathogenicity during infection. To explore the role of the influenza virus PA protein in regulating host biological processes, we performed immunoprecipitation and LCâMS/MS to globally identify cellular factors that interact with the PA proteins of the influenza A H1N1, 2009 pandemic H1N1, and H3N2 viruses. The results demonstrated that proteins located in the mitochondrion, proteasome, and nucleus are associated with the PA protein. We further discovered that the PA protein is partly located in mitochondria by immunofluorescence and mitochondrial fractionation and that overexpression of the PA protein reduces mitochondrial respiration. In addition, our results revealed the interaction between PA and the mitochondrial matrix protein PYCR2 and the antiviral role of PYCR2 during influenza A virus replication. Moreover, we found that the PA protein could also trigger autophagy and disrupt mitochondrial homeostasis. Overall, our research revealed the impacts of the influenza A virus PA protein on mitochondrial function and autophagy.
Subject(s)
Mitochondria , Viral Proteins , Virus Replication , Humans , Mitochondria/metabolism , Mitochondria/virology , Viral Proteins/metabolism , Viral Proteins/genetics , RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase/metabolism , RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase/genetics , Influenza A virus/physiology , Influenza A virus/genetics , Influenza A virus/pathogenicity , Influenza A virus/metabolism , Host-Pathogen Interactions , Influenza A Virus, H3N2 Subtype/genetics , Influenza A Virus, H3N2 Subtype/physiology , Influenza A Virus, H3N2 Subtype/metabolism , Autophagy , Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype/genetics , Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype/physiology , Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype/pathogenicity , HEK293 Cells , Influenza, Human/virology , Influenza, Human/metabolism , A549 Cells , Mitochondrial Proteins/metabolism , Mitochondrial Proteins/genetics , Tandem Mass SpectrometryABSTRACT
Sialyl-Lewisx (SLex) is involved in immune regulation, human fertilization, cancer, and bacterial and viral diseases. The influence of the complex glycan structures, which can present SLex epitopes, on binding is largely unknown. We report here a chemoenzymatic strategy for the preparation of a panel of twenty-two isomeric asymmetrical tri-antennary N-glycans presenting SLex-Lex epitopes on either the MGAT4 or MGAT5 arm that include putative high-affinity ligands for E-selectin. The N-glycans were prepared starting from a sialoglycopeptide isolated from egg yolk powder and took advantage of inherent substrate preferences of glycosyltransferases and the use of 5'-diphospho-N-trifluoracetylglucosamine (UDP-GlcNHTFA) that can be transferred by branching N-acetylglucosaminyltransferases to give, after base treatment, GlcNH2-containing glycans that temporarily disable an antenna from enzymatic modification. Glycan microarray binding studies showed that E-selectin bound equally well to linear glycans and tri-antennary N-glycans presenting SLex-Lex. On the other hand, it was found that hemagglutinins (HA) of H5 influenza A viruses (IAV) preferentially bound the tri-antennary N-glycans. Furthermore, several H5 HAs preferentially bound to N-glycan presenting SLex on the MGAT4 arm. SLex is displayed in the respiratory tract of several avian species, demonstrating the relevance of investigating the binding of, among others IAVs, to complex N-glycans presenting SLex.
Subject(s)
E-Selectin , Influenza A virus , Polysaccharides , Sialyl Lewis X Antigen , Polysaccharides/chemistry , Polysaccharides/metabolism , Influenza A virus/metabolism , Sialyl Lewis X Antigen/metabolism , Sialyl Lewis X Antigen/chemistry , E-Selectin/metabolism , E-Selectin/chemistry , Humans , Oligosaccharides/chemistry , Oligosaccharides/chemical synthesis , Oligosaccharides/metabolism , Receptors, Virus/metabolism , Receptors, Virus/chemistry , Epitopes/chemistry , Epitopes/metabolism , AnimalsABSTRACT
Influenza A viruses, causing seasonal epidemics and occasional pandemics, rely on interactions with host proteins for their RNA genome transcription and replication. The viral RNA polymerase utilizes host RNA polymerase II (Pol II) and interacts with the serine 5 phosphorylated (pS5) C-terminal domain (CTD) of Pol II to initiate transcription. Our study, using single-particle electron cryomicroscopy (cryo-EM), reveals the structure of the 1918 pandemic influenza A virus polymerase bound to a synthetic pS5 CTD peptide composed of four heptad repeats mimicking the 52 heptad repeat mammalian Pol II CTD. The structure shows that the CTD peptide binds at the C-terminal domain of the PA viral polymerase subunit (PA-C) and reveals a previously unobserved position of the 627 domain of the PB2 subunit near the CTD. We identify crucial residues of the CTD peptide that mediate interactions with positively charged cavities on PA-C, explaining the preference of the viral polymerase for pS5 CTD. Functional analysis of mutants targeting the CTD-binding site within PA-C reveals reduced transcriptional function or defects in replication, highlighting the multifunctional role of PA-C in viral RNA synthesis. Our study provides insights into the structural and functional aspects of the influenza virus polymerase-host Pol II interaction and identifies a target for antiviral development.IMPORTANCEUnderstanding the intricate interactions between influenza A viruses and host proteins is crucial for developing targeted antiviral strategies. This study employs advanced imaging techniques to uncover the structural nuances of the 1918 pandemic influenza A virus polymerase bound to a specific host protein, shedding light on the vital process of viral RNA synthesis. The study identifies key amino acid residues in the influenza polymerase involved in binding host polymerase II (Pol II) and highlights their role in both viral transcription and genome replication. These findings not only deepen our understanding of the influenza virus life cycle but also pinpoint a potential target for antiviral development. By elucidating the structural and functional aspects of the influenza virus polymerase-host Pol II interaction, this research provides a foundation for designing interventions to disrupt viral replication and transcription, offering promising avenues for future antiviral therapies.
Subject(s)
Cryoelectron Microscopy , Influenza A virus , RNA Polymerase II , RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase , Viral Proteins , Humans , Influenza A virus/metabolism , Influenza A virus/genetics , Influenza A virus/enzymology , Influenza, Human/virology , Models, Molecular , Phosphorylation , Protein Binding , Protein Domains , RNA Polymerase II/metabolism , RNA Polymerase II/chemistry , RNA, Viral/metabolism , RNA, Viral/genetics , RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase/metabolism , RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase/chemistry , Transcription, Genetic , Viral Proteins/metabolism , Viral Proteins/chemistry , Viral Proteins/genetics , Virus ReplicationABSTRACT
Influenza A virus infection activates the NLRP3 inflammasome, a multiprotein signaling complex responsible for the proteolytic activation and release of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1ß from monocytes and macrophages. Some influenza A virus (IAV) strains encode a short 90-amino acid peptide (PB1-F2) on an alternative open reading frame of segment 2, with immunomodulatory activity. We recently demonstrated that contemporary IAV PB1-F2 inhibits the activation of NLRP3, potentially by NEK7-dependent activation. PB1-F2 binds to NLRP3 with its C-terminal 50 amino acids, but the exact binding motif was unknown. On the NLRP3 side, the interface is formed through the leucine-rich-repeat (LRR) domain, potentially in conjunction with the pyrin domain. Here, we took advantage of PB1-F2 sequences from IAV strains with either weak or strong NLRP3 interaction. Sequence comparison and structure prediction using Alphafold2 identified a short four amino acid sequence motif (TQGS) in PB1-F2 that defines NLRP3-LRR binding. Conversion of this motif to that of the non-binding PB1-F2 suffices to lose inhibition of NLRP3 dependent IL-1ß release. The TQGS motif further alters the subcellular localization of PB1-F2 and its colocalization with NLRP3 LRR and pyrin domain. Structural predictions suggest the establishment of additional hydrogen bonds between the C-terminus of PB1-F2 and the LRR domain of NLRP3, with two hydrogen bonds connecting to threonine and glutamine of the TQGS motif. Phylogenetic data show that the identified NLRP3 interaction motif in PB1-F2 is widely conserved among recent IAV-infecting humans. Our data explain at a molecular level the specificity of NLRP3 inhibition by influenza A virus. IMPORTANCE: Influenza A virus infection is accompanied by a strong inflammatory response and high fever. The human immune system facilitates the swift clearance of the virus with this response. An essential signal protein in the proinflammatory host response is IL-1b. It is released from inflammatory macrophages, and its production and secretion depend on the function of NLRP3. We had previously shown that influenza A virus blocks NLRP3 activation by the expression of a viral inhibitor, PB1-F2. Here, we demonstrate how this short peptide binds to NLRP3 and provide evidence that a four amino acid stretch in PB1-F2 is necessary and sufficient to mediate this binding. Our data identify a new virus-host interface required to block one signaling path of the innate host response against influenza A virus.
Subject(s)
Influenza A virus , NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein , Viral Proteins , Humans , Amino Acid Motifs , Amino Acid Sequence , HEK293 Cells , Inflammasomes/metabolism , Influenza A virus/genetics , Influenza A virus/metabolism , Influenza, Human/virology , Influenza, Human/immunology , Interleukin-1beta/metabolism , NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/chemistry , NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/metabolism , Protein Binding , Viral Proteins/metabolism , Viral Proteins/genetics , Viral Proteins/chemistryABSTRACT
Genome-wide approaches have significantly advanced our knowledge of the repertoire of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) that associate with cellular polyadenylated mRNAs within eukaryotic cells. Recent studies focusing on the RBP interactomes of viral mRNAs, notably SARS-Cov-2, have revealed both similarities and differences between the RBP profiles of viral and cellular mRNAs. However, the RBPome of influenza virus mRNAs remains unexplored. Herein, we identify RBPs that associate with the viral mRNA encoding the nucleoprotein (NP) of an influenza A virus. Focusing on TDP-43, we show that it binds several influenza mRNAs beyond the NP-mRNA, and that its depletion results in lower levels of viral mRNAs and proteins within infected cells, and a decreased yield of infectious viral particles. We provide evidence that the viral polymerase recruits TDP-43 onto viral mRNAs through a direct interaction with the disordered C-terminal domain of TDP-43. Notably, other RBPs found to be associated with influenza virus mRNAs also interact with the viral polymerase, which points to a role of the polymerase in orchestrating the assembly of viral messenger ribonucleoproteins.
Subject(s)
DNA-Binding Proteins , Influenza A virus , RNA, Messenger , RNA, Viral , RNA-Binding Proteins , Virus Replication , Humans , Virus Replication/genetics , RNA, Viral/metabolism , RNA, Viral/genetics , DNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism , DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics , RNA, Messenger/metabolism , RNA, Messenger/genetics , RNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism , RNA-Binding Proteins/genetics , Influenza A virus/genetics , Influenza A virus/physiology , Influenza A virus/metabolism , Nucleocapsid Proteins/metabolism , Nucleocapsid Proteins/genetics , HEK293 Cells , Viral Core Proteins/metabolism , Viral Core Proteins/genetics , Protein Binding , AnimalsABSTRACT
Triple motif protein 21 (TRIM21) has an antiviral function that inhibits various viral infections. However, its role in the progress of influenza A virus (IAV) infection is unclear. In this study, we investigated the role and molecular mechanism of TRIM21 in IAV infection. RT-qPCR was used to determine the level of TRIM21 mRNA, and ELISA was used to measure the levels of IFN-α, IFN-ß, IL-6, and TNF-α. The levels of the TRIM21, NP, TBK1, IRF3, p-TBK1, and p-IRF3 proteins were estimated by Western blot. The results showed that, after IAV infection, TRIM21 was upregulated in clinical patient serum and A549 cells, and this was correlated with the IFN response. Overexpression of TRIM21 reduced IAV replication and transcription in in vitro cell experiments. TRIM21 also increased IFN-α and IFN-ß levels and decreased IL-6 and TNF-α levels in A549 cells. In addition, overexpression of TRIM21 inhibited IAV-induced apoptosis. Further experiments demonstrated that TBK1-IRF3 signaling was activated by TRIM21 and was involved in the inhibitory effect of TRIM21 on virus replication. In summary, our study suggests that TRIM21 inhibits viral replication by activating the TBK1-IRF3 signaling pathway, further inhibiting the infection process of IAV.
Subject(s)
Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype , Influenza A virus , Influenza, Human , Humans , A549 Cells , Inflammation , Influenza A virus/metabolism , Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype/metabolism , Influenza, Human/genetics , Interferon Regulatory Factor-3/genetics , Interferon Regulatory Factor-3/metabolism , Interferon-alpha/metabolism , Interleukin-6/genetics , Interleukin-6/metabolism , Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics , Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism , Signal Transduction/physiology , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolismABSTRACT
During avian influenza virus (AIV) infection, host defensive proteins promote antiviral innate immunity or antagonize viral components to limit viral replication. UFM1-specific ligase 1 (UFL1) is involved in regulating innate immunity and DNA virus replication in mammals, but the molecular mechanism by which chicken (ch)UFL1 regulates AIV replication is unclear. In this study, we first identified chUFL1 as a negative regulator of AIV replication by enhancing innate immunity and disrupting the assembly of the viral polymerase complex. Mechanistically, chUFL1 interacted with chicken stimulator of IFN genes (chSTING) and contributed to chSTING dimerization and the formation of the STING-TBK1-IRF7 complex. We further demonstrated that chUFL1 promoted K63-linked polyubiquitination of chSTING at K308 to facilitate chSTING-mediated type I IFN production independent of UFMylation. Additionally, chUFL1 expression was upregulated in response to AIV infection. Importantly, chUFL1 also interacted with the AIV PA protein to inhibit viral polymerase activity. Furthermore, chUFL1 impeded the nuclear import of the AIV PA protein and the assembly of the viral polymerase complex to suppress AIV replication. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that chUFL1 restricts AIV replication by disrupting the viral polymerase complex and facilitating type I IFN production, which provides new insights into the regulation of AIV replication in chickens.
Subject(s)
Influenza A virus , Influenza in Birds , Interferon Type I , Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases , Virus Replication , Animals , Chickens/genetics , Immunity, Innate , Influenza A virus/metabolism , Influenza A virus/physiology , Influenza in Birds/metabolism , Nucleotidyltransferases , Virus Replication/genetics , Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases/metabolismABSTRACT
The coordinated packaging of the segmented genome of the influenza A virus (IAV) into virions is an essential step of the viral life cycle. This process is controlled by the interaction of packaging signals present in all eight viral RNA (vRNA) segments and the viral nucleoprotein (NP), which binds vRNA via a positively charged binding groove. However, mechanistic models of how the packaging signals and NP work together to coordinate genome packaging are missing. Here, we studied genome packaging in influenza A/SC35M virus mutants that carry mutated packaging signals as well as specific amino acid substitutions at the highly conserved lysine (K) residues 184 and 229 in the RNA-binding groove of NP. Because these lysines are acetylated and thus neutrally charged in infected host cells, we replaced them with glutamine to mimic the acetylated, neutrally charged state or arginine to mimic the non-acetylated, positively charged state. Our analysis shows that the coordinated packaging of eight vRNAs is influenced by (i) the charge state of the replacing amino acid and (ii) its location within the RNA-binding groove. Accordingly, we propose that lysine acetylation induces different charge states within the RNA-binding groove of NP, thereby supporting the activity of specific packaging signals during coordinated genome packaging. IMPORTANCE: Influenza A viruses (IAVs) have a segmented viral RNA (vRNA) genome encapsidated by multiple copies of the viral nucleoprotein (NP) and organized into eight distinct viral ribonucleoprotein complexes. Although genome segmentation contributes significantly to viral evolution and adaptation, it requires a highly sophisticated genome-packaging mechanism. How eight distinct genome complexes are incorporated into the virion is poorly understood, but previous research suggests an essential role for both vRNA packaging signals and highly conserved NP amino acids. By demonstrating that the packaging process is controlled by charge-dependent interactions of highly conserved lysine residues in NP and vRNA packaging signals, our study provides new insights into the sophisticated packaging mechanism of IAVs.
Subject(s)
Influenza A virus , Nucleocapsid Proteins , Viral Genome Packaging , Animals , Dogs , Humans , Amino Acid Substitution , Cell Line , Genome, Viral , Influenza A virus/chemistry , Influenza A virus/genetics , Influenza A virus/metabolism , Lysine/genetics , Nucleocapsid Proteins/chemistry , Nucleocapsid Proteins/genetics , Nucleocapsid Proteins/metabolism , RNA, Viral/metabolism , Viral Genome Packaging/genetics , Virion/chemistry , Virion/genetics , Virion/metabolism , Mutation , Static ElectricityABSTRACT
Influenza, a pervasive viral respiratory illness, remains a significant global health concern. The influenza A virus, capable of causing pandemics, necessitates timely identification of specific subtypes for effective prevention and control, as highlighted by the World Health Organization. The genetic diversity of influenza A virus, especially in the hemagglutinin protein, presents challenges for accurate subtype prediction. This study introduces PreIS as a novel pipeline utilizing advanced protein language models and supervised data augmentation to discern subtle differences in hemagglutinin protein sequences. PreIS demonstrates two key contributions: leveraging pre-trained protein language models for influenza subtype classification and utilizing supervised data augmentation to generate additional training data without extensive annotations. The effectiveness of the pipeline has been rigorously assessed through extensive experiments, demonstrating a superior performance with an impressive accuracy of 94.54% compared to the current state-of-the-art model, the MC-NN model, which achieves an accuracy of 89.6%. PreIS also exhibits proficiency in handling unknown subtypes, emphasizing the importance of early detection. Pioneering the classification of HxNy subtypes solely based on the hemagglutinin protein chain, this research sets a benchmark for future studies. These findings promise more precise and timely influenza subtype prediction, enhancing public health preparedness against influenza outbreaks and pandemics. The data and code underlying this article are available in https://github.com/CBRC-lab/PreIS.
Subject(s)
Influenza A virus , Influenza, Human , Humans , Hemagglutinins , Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus/genetics , Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus/metabolism , Influenza A virus/genetics , Influenza A virus/metabolism , Amino Acid SequenceABSTRACT
Influenza A viruses (IAVs) possess a segmented genome consisting of eight viral RNAs (vRNAs) associated with multiple copies of viral nucleoprotein (NP) and a viral polymerase complex. Despite the crucial role of RNA structure in IAV replication, the impact of NP binding on vRNA structure is not well understood. In this study, we employed SHAPE chemical probing to compare the structure of NS and M vRNAs of WSN IAV in various states: before the addition of NP, in complex with NP, and after the removal of NP. Comparison of the RNA structures before the addition of NP and after its removal reveals that NP, while introducing limited changes, remodels local structures in both vRNAs and long-range interactions in the NS vRNA, suggesting a potentially biologically relevant RNA chaperone activity. In contrast, NP significantly alters the structure of vRNAs in vRNA/NP complexes, though incorporating experimental data into RNA secondary structure prediction proved challenging. Finally, our results suggest that NP not only binds single-stranded RNA but also helices with interruptions, such as bulges or small internal loops, with a preference for G-poor and C/U-rich regions.
Subject(s)
Influenza A virus , Nucleocapsid Proteins , Influenza A virus/genetics , Influenza A virus/metabolism , Nucleoproteins/metabolism , RNA, Viral/metabolism , GenomicsABSTRACT
The transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) activates the outer structural proteins of a number of respiratory viruses including influenza A virus (IAV), parainfluenza viruses, and various coronaviruses for membrane fusion. Previous studies showed that TMPRSS2 interacts with the carboxypeptidase angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a cell surface protein that serves as an entry receptor for some coronaviruses. Here, by using protease activity assays, we determine that ACE2 increases the enzymatic activity of TMPRSS2 in a non-catalytic manner. Furthermore, we demonstrate that ACE2 knockdown inhibits TMPRSS2-mediated cleavage of IAV hemagglutinin (HA) in Calu-3 human airway cells and suppresses virus titers 100- to 1.000-fold. Transient expression of ACE2 in ACE2-deficient cells increased TMPRSS2-mediated HA cleavage and IAV replication. ACE2 knockdown also reduced titers of MERS-CoV and prevented S cleavage by TMPRSS2 in Calu-3 cells. By contrast, proteolytic activation and multicycle replication of IAV with multibasic HA cleavage site typically cleaved by furin were not affected by ACE2 knockdown. Co-immunoprecipitation analysis revealed that ACE2-TMPRSS2 interaction requires the enzymatic activity of TMPRSS2 and the carboxypeptidase domain of ACE2. Together, our data identify ACE2 as a new co-factor or stabilizer of TMPRSS2 activity and as a novel host cell factor involved in proteolytic activation and spread of IAV in human airway cells. Furthermore, our data indicate that ACE2 is involved in the TMPRSS2-catalyzed activation of additional respiratory viruses including MERS-CoV.IMPORTANCEProteolytic cleavage of viral envelope proteins by host cell proteases is essential for the infectivity of many viruses and relevant proteases provide promising drug targets. The transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) has been identified as a major activating protease of several respiratory viruses, including influenza A virus. TMPRSS2 was previously shown to interact with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Here, we report the mechanistic details of this interaction. We demonstrate that ACE2 increases or stabilizes the enzymatic activity of TMPRSS2. Furthermore, we describe ACE2 involvement in TMPRSS2-catalyzed cleavage of the influenza A virus hemagglutinin and MERS-CoV spike protein in human airway cells. These findings expand our knowledge of the activation of respiratory viruses by TMPRSS2 and the host cell factors involved. In addition, our results could help to elucidate a physiological role for TMPRSS2.
Subject(s)
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 , Influenza A virus , Lung , Proteolysis , Serine Endopeptidases , Animals , Dogs , Humans , Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2/deficiency , Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2/genetics , Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2/metabolism , Biocatalysis , Cell Line , Furin/metabolism , Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus/metabolism , Influenza A virus/growth & development , Influenza A virus/metabolism , Lung/cytology , Lung/virology , Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus/metabolism , Protein Binding , Serine Endopeptidases/metabolism , Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/metabolism , Virus Internalization , Virus ReplicationABSTRACT
Influenza A viruses (IAVs) can overcome species barriers by adaptation of the receptor-binding site of the hemagglutinin (HA). To initiate infection, HAs bind to glycan receptors with terminal sialic acids, which are either N-acetylneuraminic acid (NeuAc) or N-glycolylneuraminic acid (NeuGc); the latter is mainly found in horses and pigs but not in birds and humans. We investigated the influence of previously identified equine NeuGc-adapting mutations (S128T, I130V, A135E, T189A, and K193R) in avian H7 IAVs in vitro and in vivo. We observed that these mutations negatively affected viral replication in chicken cells but not in duck cells and positively affected replication in horse cells. In vivo, the mutations reduced virus virulence and mortality in chickens. Ducks excreted high viral loads longer than chickens, although they appeared clinically healthy. To elucidate why these viruses infected chickens and ducks despite the absence of NeuGc, we re-evaluated the receptor binding of H7 HAs using glycan microarray and flow cytometry studies. This re-evaluation demonstrated that mutated avian H7 HAs also bound to α2,3-linked NeuAc and sialyl-LewisX, which have an additional fucose moiety in their terminal epitope, explaining why infection of ducks and chickens was possible. Interestingly, the α2,3-linked NeuAc and sialyl-LewisX epitopes were only bound when presented on tri-antennary N-glycans, emphasizing the importance of investigating the fine receptor specificities of IAVs. In conclusion, the binding of NeuGc-adapted H7 IAV to tri-antennary N-glycans enables viral replication and shedding by chickens and ducks, potentially facilitating interspecies transmission of equine-adapted H7 IAVs.IMPORTANCEInfluenza A viruses (IAVs) cause millions of deaths and illnesses in birds and mammals each year. The viral surface protein hemagglutinin initiates infection by binding to host cell terminal sialic acids. Hemagglutinin adaptations affect the binding affinity to these sialic acids and the potential host species targeted. While avian and human IAVs tend to bind to N-acetylneuraminic acid (sialic acid), equine H7 viruses prefer binding to N-glycolylneuraminic acid (NeuGc). To better understand the function of NeuGc-specific adaptations in hemagglutinin and to elucidate interspecies transmission potential NeuGc-adapted viruses, we evaluated the effects of NeuGc-specific mutations in avian H7 viruses in chickens and ducks, important economic hosts and reservoir birds, respectively. We also examined the impact on viral replication and found a binding affinity to tri-antennary N-glycans containing different terminal epitopes. These findings are significant as they contribute to the understanding of the role of receptor binding in avian influenza infection.
Subject(s)
Chickens , Ducks , Horses , Influenza A virus , Influenza in Birds , Neuraminic Acids , Animals , Humans , Chickens/genetics , Chickens/metabolism , Chickens/virology , Ducks/genetics , Ducks/metabolism , Ducks/virology , Epitopes/chemistry , Epitopes/metabolism , Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus/chemistry , Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus/genetics , Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus/metabolism , Horses/genetics , Horses/metabolism , Horses/virology , Influenza A virus/chemistry , Influenza A virus/classification , Influenza A virus/metabolism , Influenza in Birds/genetics , Influenza in Birds/transmission , Influenza in Birds/virology , Mutation , N-Acetylneuraminic Acid/chemistry , N-Acetylneuraminic Acid/metabolism , Neuraminic Acids/chemistry , Neuraminic Acids/metabolism , Receptors, Virus/chemistry , Receptors, Virus/genetics , Receptors, Virus/metabolism , Swine/virology , Viral Zoonoses/metabolism , Viral Zoonoses/transmission , Viral Zoonoses/virologyABSTRACT
A diverse population of avian influenza A viruses (AIVs) are maintained in wild birds and ducks yet the zoonotic potential of AIVs in these environmental reservoirs and the host-virus interactions involved in mammalian infection are not well understood. In studies of a group of subtype H1N1 AIVs isolated from migratory wild birds during surveillance in North America, we previously identified eight amino acids in the polymerase genes PB2 and PB1 that were important for the transmissibility of these AIVs in a ferret model of human influenza virus transmission. In this current study we found that PB2 containing amino acids associated with transmissibility at 67, 152, 199, 508, and 649 and PB1 at 298, 642, and 667 were associated with more rapid viral replication kinetics, greater infectivity, more active polymerase complexes and greater kinetics of viral genome replication and transcription. Pathogenicity in the mouse model was also impacted, evident as greater weight loss and lung pathology associated with greater inflammatory lung cytokine expression. Further, these AIVs all contained the avian-type amino acids of PB2-E627, D701, G590, Q591 and T271. Therefore, our study provides novel insights into the role of the AIV polymerase complex in the zoonotic transmission of AIVs in mammals.
Subject(s)
Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype , Influenza A virus , Influenza in Birds , Mice , Animals , Humans , Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype/genetics , Amino Acids/genetics , Host Microbial Interactions , Viral Proteins/genetics , Viral Proteins/metabolism , Ferrets , Influenza A virus/metabolism , Birds , Nucleotidyltransferases , Virus Replication/genetics , PhylogenyABSTRACT
Influenza and COVID-19 continue to pose global threats to public health. Classic antiviral drugs have certain limitations, coupled with frequent viral mutations leading to many drugs being ineffective, the development of new antiviral drugs is urgent. Meanwhile, the invasion of influenza virus can cause an immune response, and an excessive immune response can generate a large number of inflammatory storms, leading to tissue damage. Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) recognizes virus dsRNA to ignite the innate immune response, and inhibit TLR3 can block the excess immune response and protect the host tissues. Taking TLR3 as the target, SMU-CX1 was obtained as the specific TLR3 inhibitor by high-throughput screening of 15,700 compounds with IC50 value of 0.11 µM. Its anti-influenza A virus activity with IC50 ranged from 0.14 to 0.33 µM against multiple subtypes of influenza A virus and also showed promising anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity with IC50 at 0.43 µM. Primary antiviral mechanism study indicated that SMU-CX1 significantly inhibited PB2 and NP protein of viruses, it can also inhibit inflammatory factors in host cells including IFN-ß, IP-10 and CCL-5. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the potential of SMU-CX1 in inhibiting IAV and SARS-CoV-2 activity, thereby offering a novel approach for designing antiviral drugs against highly pathogenic viruses.