Differential inhibition of type I interferon induction by arenavirus nucleoproteins

We have documented that the nucleoprotein (NP) of the prototypic arenavirus lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus is an antagonist of the type I interferon response. In this study we tested the ability of NPs encoded by representative arenavirus species from both Old World and New World antigenic groups to inhibit production of interferon. We found that, with the exception of Tacaribe virus (TCRV), all NPs tested inhibited activation of beta interferon and interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF-3)-dependent promoters, as well as the nuclear translocation of IRF-3. Consistent with this observation, TCRV-infected cells also failed to inhibit interferon production.