Host Desmin Interacts with RABV Matrix Protein and Facilitates Virus Propagation.
Viruses
; 15(2)2023 02 04.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-36851648
ABSTRACT
Microfilaments and microtubules, two crucial structures of cytoskeletal networks, are usurped by various viruses for their entry, egress, and/or intracellular trafficking, including the Rabies virus (RABV). Intermediate filaments (IFs) are the third major component of cytoskeletal filaments; however, little is known about the role of IFs during the RABV infection. Here, we identified the IF protein desmin as a novel host interactor with the RABV matrix protein, and we show that this physical interaction has a functional impact on the virus lifecycle. We found that the overexpression of desmin facilitates the RABV infection by increasing the progeny virus yield, and the suppression of endogenous desmin inhibits virus replication. Furthermore, we used confocal microscopy to observe that the RABV-M co-localizes with desmin in IF bundles in the BHK-21 cells. Lastly, we found that mice challenged with RABV displayed an enhanced expression of desmin in the brains of infected animals. These findings reveal a desmin/RABV-M interaction that positively regulates the virus infection and suggests that the RABV may utilize cellular IFs as tracks for the intracellular transport of viral components and efficient budding.
Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Rabia
/
Virus de la Rabia
Tipo de estudio:
Prognostic_studies
Límite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Viruses
Año:
2023
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
China