Respiratory syncytial virus nonstructural proteins NS1 and NS2 mediate inhibition of Stat2 expression and alpha/beta interferon responsiveness

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) subverts the antiviral interferon (IFN) response, but the mechanism for this evasion was unclear. Here we show that RSV preferentially inhibits IFN-alpha/beta signaling by expression of viral NS1 and NS2. Thus, RSV infection or expression of recombinant NS1 and NS2 in epithelial host cells causes a marked decrease in Stat2 levels and the consequent downstream IFN-alpha/beta response. Similarly, NS1/NS2-deficient RSV no longer decreases Stat2 levels or IFN responsiveness. RSV infection decreased human but not mouse Stat2 levels, so this mechanism of IFN antagonism may contribute to viral host range, as well as immune subversion.     

Differential role for TLR3 in respiratory syncytial virus-induced chemokine expression

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of lower respiratory tract infection in young infants worldwide. Previous studies have reported that the induction of interleukin-8/CXCL8 and RANTES/CCL5 correlates with disease severity in humans. The production of these chemokines is elicited by viral replication and is NF-kappaB dependent. RSV, a negative-sense single-stranded RNA virus, requires full-length positive-sense RNA for synthesis of new viral RNA. The aim of our studies was to investigate whether active viral replication by RSV could evoke chemokine production through TLR3-mediated signaling pathways. In TLR3-transfected HEK 293 cells, live RSV preferentially activated chemokines in both a time- and dose-dependent manner compared to vector controls. RSV was also shown to upregulate TLR3 in human lung fibroblasts and epithelial cells (MRC-5 and A549). Targeting the expression of TLR3 with small interfering RNA decreased synthesis of IP-10/CXCL10 and CCL5 but did not significantly reduce levels of CXCL8. Blocking the expression of the adapter protein MyD88 established a role for MyD88 in CXCL8 production, whereas CCL5 synthesis was found to be MyD88 independent. Production of CCL5 by RSV was induced directly through TLR3 signaling pathways and did not require interferon (IFN) signaling through the IFN-alpha/beta receptor. TLR3 did not affect viral replication, since equivalent viral loads were recovered from RSV-infected cells despite altered TLR3 expression. Taken together, our studies indicate that TLR3 mediates inflammatory cytokine and chemokine production in RSV-infected epithelial cells.     

Essential involvement of cross‐talk between IFN‐γ and TNF‐α in CXCL10 production in human THP‐1 monocytes

Interferon (IFN)‐γ‐induced protein 10 (IP‐10/CXCL10), a CXC chemokine, has been documented in several inflammatory and autoimmune disorders including atopic dermatitis and bronchial asthma. Although CXCL10 could be induced by IFN‐γ depending on cell type, the mechanisms regulating CXCL10 production following treatment with combination of IFN‐γ and TNF‐α have not been adequately elucidated in human monocytes. In this study, we showed that TNF‐α had more potential than IFN‐γ to induce CXCL10 production in THP‐1 monocytes. Furthermore, IFN‐γ synergistically enhanced the production of CXCL10 in parallel with the activation of NF‐κB in TNF‐α‐stimulated THP‐1 cells. Blockage of STAT1 or NF‐κB suppressed CXCL10 production. JAKs inhibitors suppressed IFN‐γ plus TNF‐α‐induced production of CXCL10 in parallel with activation of STAT1 and NF‐κB, while ERK inhibitor suppressed production of CXCL10 as well as activation of NF‐κB, but not that of STAT1. IFN‐γ‐induced phosphorylation of JAK1 and JAK2, whereas TNF‐α induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2. Interestingly, IFN‐γ alone had no effect on phosphorylation and degradation of IκB‐α, whereas it significantly promoted TNF‐α‐induced phosphorylation and degradation of IκB‐α. These results suggest that TNF‐α induces CXCL10 production by activating NF‐κB through ERK and that IFN‐γ induces CXCL10 production by increasing the activation of STAT1 through JAKs pathways. Of note, TNF‐α‐induced NF‐κB may be the primary pathway contributing to CXCL10 production in THP‐1 cells. IFN‐γ potentiates TNF‐α‐induced CXCL10 production in THP‐1 cells by increasing the activation of STAT1 and NF‐κB through JAK1 and JAK2. J. Cell. Physiol. 220: 690–697, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

NLRP11 disrupts MAVS signalosome to inhibit type I interferon signaling and virus‐induced apoptosis

MAVS signalosome plays an important role in RIG‐I‐like receptor (RLR)‐induced antiviral signaling. Upon the recognition of viral RNAs, RLRs activate MAVS, which further recruits TRAF6 and other signaling proteins to initiate type I interferon (IFN) activation. MAVS signalosome also regulates virus‐induced apoptosis to limit viral replication. However, the mechanisms that control the activity of MAVS signalosome are still poorly defined. Here, we report NLRP11, a Nod‐like receptor, is induced by type I IFN and translocates to mitochondria to interact with MAVS upon viral infection. Using MAVS as a platform, NLRP11 degrades TRAF6 to attenuate the production of type I IFNs as well as virus‐induced apoptosis. Our findings reveal the regulatory role of NLRP11 in antiviral immunity by disrupting MAVS signalosome.     

Inhibition of respiratory syncytial virus infection with intranasal siRNA nanoparticles targeting the viral NS1 gene

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is one of the major causes of respiratory tract infection for which no vaccine or antiviral treatment is available. The RSV NS1 protein seems to antagonize the host interferon (IFN) response; however, its mechanism is unknown. Here, we used a plasmid-borne small interfering RNA targeting the NS1 gene (siNS1) to examine the role of NS1 in modulating RSV infection. RSV replication was reduced in A549 cells, but not IFN-deficient Vero cells, transfected with siNS1. siNS1 induced upregulated expression of IFN-beta and IFN-inducible genes in A549 cells. siNS1-transfected human dendritic cells, upon RSV infection, produced elevated type-1 IFN and induced differentiation of naive CD4+ T cells to T helper type 1 (TH1) cells. Mice treated intranasally with siNS1 nanoparticles before or after infection with RSV showed substantially decreased virus titers in the lung and decreased inflammation and airway reactivity compared to controls. Thus, siNS1 nanoparticles may provide an effective inhibition of RSV infection in humans.     

Respiratory syncytial virus matrix protein induces lung epithelial cell cycle arrest through a p53 dependent pathway

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the major cause of viral respiratory infections in children. Our previous study showed that the RSV infection induced lung epithelial cell cycle arrest, which enhanced virus replication. To address the mechanism of RSV-induced cell cycle arrest, we examined the contribution of RSV-matrix (RSV-M) protein. In this report, we show that in both the A549 cell line and primary human bronchial epithelial (PHBE) cells, transfection with RSV-M protein caused the cells to proliferate at a slower rate than in control cells. The cell cycle analysis showed that RSV-M protein induced G1 phase arrest in A549 cells, and G1 and G2/M phase arrest in PHBE cells. Interestingly, RSV-M expression induced p53 and p21 accumulation and decreased phosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein (Rb). Further, induction of cell cycle arrest by RSV-M was not observed in a p53-deficient epithelial cell line (H1299). However, cell cycle arrest was restored after transfection of p53 cDNA into H1299 cells. Taken together, these results indicate that RSV-M protein regulates lung epithelial cell cycle through a p53-dependent pathway, which enhances RSV replication.     

Blocking intercellular adhesion molecule-1 on human epithelial cells decreases respiratory syncytial virus infection

The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes potentially fatal lower respiratory tract infection in infants. The molecular mechanism of RSV infection is unknown. Our data show that RSV colocalizes with intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) on the HEp-2 epithelial cell surface. Furthermore, a neutralizing anti-ICAM-1 mAb significantly inhibits RSV infection and infection-induced secretion of proinflammatory chemokine RANTES and mediator ET-1 in HEp-2 cells. Similar decrease in RSV infection is also observed in A549, a type-2 alveolar epithelial cell line, and NHBE, the normal human bronchial epithelial cell line when pretreated with anti-ICAM-1 mAb prior to RSV infection. Incubation of virus with soluble ICAM-1 also significantly decreases RSV infection of epithelial cells. Binding studies using ELISA indicate that RSV binds to ICAM-1, which can be inhibited by an antibody to the fusion F protein and also the recombinant F protein can bind to soluble ICAM-1, suggesting that RSV interaction with ICAM-1 involves the F protein. It is thus concluded that ICAM-1 facilitates RSV entry and infection of human epithelial cells by binding to its F protein, which is important to viral replication and infection and may lend itself as a therapeutic target.     

TLR3/TRIF signalling pathway regulates IL‐32 and IFN‐β secretion through activation of RIP‐1 and TRAF in the human cornea

Toll‐like receptor‐3 (TLR3) and RNA helicase retinoic‐acid‐inducible protein‐1 (RIG‐I) serve as cytoplasmic sensors for viral RNA components. In this study, we investigated how the TLR3 and RIG‐I signalling pathway was stimulated by viral infection to produce interleukin (IL)‐32‐mediated pro‐inflammatory cytokines and type I interferon in the corneal epithelium using Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)‐infected human cornea epithelial cells (HCECs/EBV) as a model of viral keratitis. Increased TLR3 and RIG‐I that are responded to EBV‐encoded RNA 1 and 2 (EBER1 and EBER2) induced the secretion of IL‐32‐mediated pro‐inflammatory cytokines and IFN‐β through up‐regulation of TRIF/TRAF family proteins or RIP‐1. TRIF silencing or TLR3 inhibitors more efficiently inhibited sequential phosphorylation of TAK1, TBK1, NF‐κB and IRFs to produce pro‐inflammatory cytokines and IFN‐β than RIG‐I‐siRNA transfection in HCECs/EBV. Blockade of RIP‐1, which connects the TLR3 and RIG‐I pathways, significantly blocked the TLR3/TRIF‐mediated and RIG‐I‐mediated pro‐inflammatory cytokines and IFN‐β production in HCECs/EBV. These findings demonstrate that TLR3/TRIF‐dependent signalling pathway against viral RNA might be a main target to control inflammation and anti‐viral responses in the ocular surface.     

Zika virus elicits inflammation to evade antiviral response by cleaving cGAS via NS1‐caspase‐1 axis

Viral infection triggers host innate immune responses, which primarily include the activation of type I interferon (IFN) signaling and inflammasomes. Here, we report that Zika virus (ZIKV) infection triggers NLRP3 inflammasome activation, which is further enhanced by viral non‐structural protein NS1 to benefit its replication. NS1 recruits the host deubiquitinase USP8 to cleave K11‐linked poly‐ubiquitin chains from caspase‐1 at Lys134, thus inhibiting the proteasomal degradation of caspase‐1. The enhanced stabilization of caspase‐1 by NS1 promotes the cleavage of cGAS, which recognizes mitochondrial DNA release and initiates type I IFN signaling during ZIKV infection. NLRP3 deficiency increases type I IFN production and strengthens host resistance to ZIKVin vitro and in vivo. Taken together, our work unravels a novel antagonistic mechanism employed by ZIKV to suppress host immune response by manipulating the interplay between inflammasome and type I IFN signaling, which might guide the rational design of therapeutics in the future.     

Effects of respiratory syncytial virus infection and major basic protein derived from eosinophils in pulmonary alveolar epithelial cells (A549)

RSV (respiratory syncytial virus)-induced pneumonia and bronchiolitis may be associated with hyperresponsive conditions, including asthma. Eosinophilic proteins such as MBP (major basic protein) may also be associated with the pathophysiology of asthma. To elucidate the roles of RSV infection and MBP in the pathogenesis of pneumonia with hyperresponsiveness, we investigated the effects of RSV infection and MBP on A549 (alveolar epithelial) cells. CPE (cytopathic effects) in A549 cells were observed by microscopy. Apoptosis and cell death was evaluated by flow cytometric analysis and modified MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay. We also measured 15 types of cytokines and chemokines in A549 cell supernatants. Although RSV alone did not affect the CPE of A549, high concentrations of MBP resulted in cell death within 24 h. Combinations of RSV and MBP synergistically induced cell death. In A549 cells infected with RSV alone, the release of GM-CSF (granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor) was significantly enhanced compared with control cells (no infection). In the cells treated with MBP alone, the production of IL (interleukin)-2, 4, 5, 7, 10, 12, 13, 17, IFN (interferon)-γ, GM-CSF, G-CSF (granulocyte colony-stimulating factor) and MIP (macrophage inflammatory protein)-1β was significantly increased compared with control cells. Notably, the levels of GM-CSF and IL-17 in RSV/MBP-treated cells were significantly higher than those treated with MBP alone. These results suggest that MBP synergistically enhanced the release of various cytokines/chemokines and the cell death of RSV-infected A549 cells, indicating that MBP may be closely associated with the pathophysiology of allergic reactions in bronchiolitis/pneumonia due to RSV.     

Oxidant tone regulates RANTES gene expression in airway epithelial cells infected with respiratory syncytial virus. Role in viral-induced interferon regulatory factor activation

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) produces intense pulmonary inflammation, in part, through its ability to induce chemokine synthesis in infected airway epithelial cells. RANTES (regulated upon activation, normal T-cells expressed and secreted) is a CC chemokine which recruits and activates monocytes, lymphocytes, and eosinophils, all cell types present in the lung inflammatory infiltrate induced by RSV infection. In this study we investigated the role of reactive oxygen species in the induction of RANTES gene expression in human type II alveolar epithelial cells (A549), following RSV infection. Our results indicate that RSV infection of airway epithelial cells rapidly induces reactive oxygen species production, prior to RANTES expression, as measured by oxidation of 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein. Pretreatment of airway epithelial cells with the antioxidant butylated hydroxyanisol (BHA), as well a panel of chemically unrelated antioxidants, blocks RSV-induced RANTES gene expression and protein secretion. This effect is mediated through the ability of BHA to inhibit RSV-induced interferon regulatory factor binding to the RANTES promoter interferon-stimulated responsive element, that is absolutely required for inducible RANTES promoter activation. BHA inhibits de novo interferon regulator factor (IRF)-1 and -7 gene expression and protein synthesis, and IRF-3 nuclear translocation. Together, these data indicates that a redox-sensitive pathway is involved in RSV-induced IRF activation, an event necessary for RANTES gene expression.     

Identification of lncRNA‐155 encoded by MIR155HG as a novel regulator of innate immunity against influenza A virus infection

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are single‐stranded RNA molecules longer than 200 nt that regulate many cellular processes. MicroRNA 155 host gene (MIR155HG) encodes the microRNA (miR)‐155 that regulates various signalling pathways of innate and adaptive immune responses against viral infections. MIR155HG also encodes a lncRNA that we call lncRNA‐155. Here, we observed that expression of lncRNA‐155 was markedly upregulated during influenza A virus (IAV) infection both in vitro (several cell lines) and in vivo (mouse model). Interestingly, robust expression of lncRNA‐155 was also induced by infections with several other viruses. Disruption of lncRNA‐155 expression in A549 cells diminished the antiviral innate immunity against IAV. Furthermore, knockout of lncRNA‐155 in mice significantly increased IAV replication and virulence in the animals. In contrast, overexpression of lncRNA‐155 in human cells suppressed IAV replication, suggesting that lncRNA‐155 is involved in host antiviral innate immunity induced by IAV infection. Moreover, we found that lncRNA‐155 had a profound effect on expression of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) during the infection with IAV. Inhibition of PTP1B by lncRNA‐155 resulted in higher production of interferon‐beta (IFN‐β) and several critical interferon‐stimulated genes (ISGs). Together, these observations reveal that MIR155HG derived lncRNA‐155 can be induced by IAV, which modulates host innate immunity during the virus infection via regulation of PTP1B‐mediated interferon response.     

Herpes simplex virus type 1 virion‐derived US11 inhibits type 1 interferon‐induced protein kinase R phosphorylation

The herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV‐1) VRTK^? strain that was previously isolated in our laboratory as an acyclovir‐resistant thymidine kinase (TK)‐deficient mutant, is more sensitive to type 1 interferon than is the parent strain VR3. The properties of this mutant were investigated to clarify the mechanism for its hyper‐sensitivity to interferon (IFN). It was found that: (i) IFN‐pretreated cells, but not those treated with IFN after adsorption, are hyper‐sensitive to IFN; (ii) the mutant cannot inhibit protein kinase R phosphorylation efficiently during the early stage of replication (2 hrs post‐infection); (iii) expression of US11 in infected cells and its incorporation into the virion is reduced in the mutant compared to the wild type, despite the fact that a similar degree of DNA synthesis occurs during replication of both strains and; (iv) over‐expression of wild‐type viral TK has no effect on the phenotype of the VRTK^? strain, indicating that the phenotype is induced by a mutation(s) that does not involve the TK gene. These results suggested that the presence of US11 in the virion, but not that expressed after infection, plays an important role in the escape function of HSV‐1 from the antiviral activity of type 1 IFN.

     

Astragaloside IV modulates TGF‐β1‐dependent epithelial‐mesenchymal transition in bleomycin‐induced pulmonary fibrosis

Epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays an important role in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Astragaloside IV (ASV), a natural saponin from astragalus membranaceus, has shown anti‐fibrotic property in bleomycin (BLM)‐induced pulmonary fibrosis. The current study was undertaken to determine whether EMT was involved in the beneficial of ASV against BLM‐induced pulmonary fibrosis and to elucidate its potential mechanism. As expected, in BLM‐induced IPF, ASV exerted protective effects on pulmonary fibrosis and ASV significantly reversed BLM‐induced EMT. Intriguing, transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) was found to be up‐regulated, whereas Forkhead box O3a (FOXO3a) was hyperphosphorylated and less expressed. However, ASV treatment inhibited increased TGF‐β1 and activated FOXO3a in lung tissues. TGF‐β1 was administered to alveolar epithelial cells A549 to induce EMT in vitro. Meanwhile, stimulation with TGF‐β1‐activated phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) pathway and induced FOXO3a hyperphosphorylated and down‐regulated. It was found that overexpression of FOXO3a leading to the suppression of TGF‐β1‐induced EMT. Moreover, ASV treatment, similar with the TGF‐β1 or PI3K/Akt inhibitor, reverted these cellular changes and inhibited EMT in A549 cells. Collectively, the results suggested that ASV significantly inhibited TGF‐β1/PI3K/Akt‐induced FOXO3a hyperphosphorylation and down‐regulation to reverse EMT during the progression of fibrosis.     

Influenza virus replication in lung epithelial cells depends on redox‐sensitive pathways activated by NOX4‐derived ROS

An overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) mediated by NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) has been related to airway inflammation typical of influenza infection. Virus‐induced oxidative stress may also control viral replication, but the mechanisms underlying ROS production, as well as their role in activating intracellular pathways and specific steps of viral life cycle under redox control have to be fully elucidated. In this study, we demonstrate that influenza A virus infection of lung epithelial cells causes a significant ROS increase that depends mainly on NOX4, which is upregulated at both mRNA and protein levels, while the expression of NOX2, the primary source of ROS in inflammatory cells, is downregulated. Inhibition of NOX4 activity through chemical inhibitors or RNA silencing blocks the ROS increase, prevents MAPK phosphorylation, and inhibits viral ribonucleoprotein (vRNP) nuclear export and viral release. Overall these data, obtained in cell lines and primary culture, describe a so far unrecognized role for NOX4‐derived ROS in activating redox‐regulated intracellular pathways during influenza virus infection and highlight their relevance in controlling specific steps of viral replication in epithelial cells. Pharmacological modulation of NOX4‐mediated ROS production may open the way for new therapeutic approaches to fighting influenza by targeting cell and not the virus.     

Inhibitors of the Interferon Response Enhance Virus Replication In Vitro

Virus replication efficiency is influenced by two conflicting factors, kinetics of the cellular interferon (IFN) response and induction of an antiviral state versus speed of virus replication and virus-induced inhibition of the IFN response. Disablement of a virus''s capacity to circumvent the IFN response enables both basic research and various practical applications. However, such IFN-sensitive viruses can be difficult to grow to high-titer in cells that produce and respond to IFN. The current default option for growing IFN-sensitive viruses is restricted to a limited selection of cell-lines (e.g. Vero cells) that have lost their ability to produce IFN. This study demonstrates that supplementing tissue-culture medium with an IFN inhibitor provides a simple, effective and flexible approach to increase the growth of IFN-sensitive viruses in a cell-line of choice. We report that IFN inhibitors targeting components of the IFN response (TBK1, IKK2, JAK1) significantly increased virus replication. More specifically, the JAK1/2 inhibitor Ruxolitinib enhances the growth of viruses that are sensitive to IFN due to (i) loss of function of the viral IFN antagonist (due to mutation or species-specific constraints) or (ii) mutations/host cell constraints that slow virus spread such that it can be controlled by the IFN response. This was demonstrated for a variety of viruses, including, viruses with disabled IFN antagonists that represent live-attenuated vaccine candidates (Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Influenza Virus), traditionally attenuated vaccine strains (Measles, Mumps) and a slow-growing wild-type virus (RSV). In conclusion, supplementing tissue culture-medium with an IFN inhibitor to increase the growth of IFN-sensitive viruses in a cell-line of choice represents an approach, which is broadly applicable to research investigating the importance of the IFN response in controlling virus infections and has utility in a number of practical applications including vaccine and oncolytic virus production, virus diagnostics and techniques to isolate newly emerging viruses.