Structural basis for dsRNA recognition, filament formation, and antiviral signal activation by MDA5

Roles of long non-coding RNAs and emerging RNA-binding proteins in innate antiviral responses

The diseases caused by viruses posed a great challenge to human health, the development of which was driven by the imbalanced host immune response. Host innate immunity is an evolutionary old defense system that is critical for the elimination of the virus. The overactive innate immune response also leads to inflammatory autoimmune diseases, which require precise control of innate antiviral response for maintaining immune homeostasis. Mounting long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) transcribed from the mammalian genome are key regulators of innate antiviral response, functions of which greatly depend on their protein interactors, including classical RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and the unconventional proteins without classical RNA binding domains. In particular, several emerging RBPs, such as m⁶A machinery components, TRIM family members, and even the DNA binding factors recognized traditionally, function in innate antiviral response. In this review, we highlight recent progress in the regulation of type I interferon signaling-based antiviral responses by lncRNAs and emerging RBPs as well as their mechanism of actions. We then posed the future perspective toward the role of lncRNA-RBP interaction networks in innate antiviral response and discussed the promising and challenges of lncRNA-based drug development as well as the technical bottleneck in studying lncRNA-protein interactions. Our review provides a comprehensive understanding of lncRNA and emerging RBPs in the innate antiviral immune response.

RNA Recognition and Immunity-Innate Immune Sensing and Its Posttranscriptional Regulation Mechanisms

RNA acts as an immunostimulatory molecule in the innate immune system to activate nucleic acid sensors. It functions as an intermediate, conveying genetic information to control inflammatory responses. A key mechanism for RNA sensing is discriminating self from non-self nucleic acids to initiate antiviral responses reliably, including the expression of type I interferon (IFN) and IFN-stimulated genes. Another important aspect of the RNA-mediated inflammatory response is posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression, where RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) have essential roles in various RNA metabolisms, including splicing, nuclear export, modification, and translation and mRNA degradation. Recent evidence suggests that the control of mRNA stability is closely involved in signal transduction and orchestrates immune responses. In this study, we review the current understanding of how RNA is sensed by host RNA sensing machinery and discuss self/non-self-discrimination in innate immunity focusing on mammalian species. Finally, we discuss how posttranscriptional regulation by RBPs shape immune reactions.

Innate Viral Sensor MDA5 and Coxsackievirus Interplay in Type 1 Diabetes Development

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a polygenic autoimmune disease characterized by immune-mediated destruction of insulin-producing β-cells. The concordance rate for T1D in monozygotic twins is ≈30-50%, indicating that environmental factors also play a role in T1D development. Previous studies have demonstrated that enterovirus infections such as coxsackievirus type B (CVB) are associated with triggering T1D. Prior to autoantibody development in T1D, viral RNA and antibodies against CVB can be detected within the blood, stool, and pancreata. An innate pathogen recognition receptor, melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5 (MDA5), which is encoded by the IFIH1 gene, has been associated with T1D onset. It is unclear how single nucleotide polymorphisms in IFIH1 alter the structure and function of MDA5 that may lead to exacerbated antiviral responses contributing to increased T1D-susceptibility. Binding of viral dsRNA via MDA5 induces synthesis of antiviral proteins such as interferon-alpha and -beta (IFN-α/β). Viral infection and subsequent IFN-α/β synthesis can lead to ER stress within insulin-producing β-cells causing neo-epitope generation, activation of β-cell-specific autoreactive T cells, and β-cell destruction. Therefore, an interplay between genetics, enteroviral infections, and antiviral responses may be critical for T1D development.

What do editors do? Understanding the physiological functions of A-to-I RNA editing by adenosine deaminase acting on RNAs

Adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) editing is a post-transcriptional modification of RNA which changes its sequence, coding potential and secondary structure. Catalysed by the adenosine deaminase acting on RNA (ADAR) proteins, ADAR1 and ADAR2, A-to-I editing occurs at approximately 50 000-150 000 sites in mice and into the millions of sites in humans. The vast majority of A-to-I editing occurs in repetitive elements, accounting for the discrepancy in total numbers of sites between species. The species-conserved primary role of editing by ADAR1 in mammals is to suppress innate immune activation by unedited cell-derived endogenous RNA. In the absence of editing, inverted paired sequences, such as Alu elements, are thought to form stable double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) structures which trigger activation of dsRNA sensors, such as MDA5. A small subset of editing sites are within coding sequences and are evolutionarily conserved across metazoans. Editing by ADAR2 has been demonstrated to be physiologically important for recoding of neurotransmitter receptors in the brain. Furthermore, changes in RNA editing are associated with various pathological states, from the severe autoimmune disease Aicardi-Goutières syndrome, to various neurodevelopmental and psychiatric conditions and cancer. However, does detection of an editing site imply functional importance? Genetic studies in humans and genetically modified mouse models together with evolutionary genomics have begun to clarify the roles of A-to-I editing in vivo. Furthermore, recent developments suggest there may be the potential for distinct functions of editing during pathological conditions such as cancer.

Recent Advances and Contradictions in the Study of the Individual Roles of Ubiquitin Ligases That Regulate RIG-I-Like Receptor-Mediated Antiviral Innate Immune Responses

RIG-I and MDA5 are cytoplasmic viral RNA sensors and are essential for antiviral innate immune responses, such as type I interferon production. Post-translational modification is critical for the activation and inactivation of RIG-I and MDA5. At least seven ubiquitin ligases have been reported to be involved in either K63- or K48-linked polyubiquitination of RIG-I and MDA5, and these ubiquitin ligases are further regulated by other factors. TRIM25 is an E3 ubiquitin ligase that delivers a K63-linked polyubiquitin moiety to the caspase activation and recruitment domains (CARDs) of RIG-I, thereby activating the antiviral innate immune response. Recent studies have shown that NDR2, ZCCHC3, and Lnczc3h7a promote TRIM25-mediated RIG-I activation. Riplet is another ubiquitin ligase that mediates the K63-linked polyubiquitination of the C-terminal domain (CTD) of RIG-I; however, it was also reported that Riplet delivers the K63-linked polyubiquitin moiety to the CARDs of RIG-I as well as to the CTD, thereby activating RIG-I. Further, there are several factors that attenuate the activation of RIG-I and MDA5. RNF125, TRIM40, and c-Cbl mediate K48-linked polyubiquitination and induce degradation of RIG-I and/or MDA5. USP21 and CYLD remove the K63-linked polyubiquitin chain from RIG-I, and NLRP12 inhibits polyubiquitin-mediated RIG-I activation. Although these new regulators have been reported, their distinctive roles and functional differences remain elusive, and in some cases, studies on the topic are contradictory to each other. In the present review, recent studies related to post-translational modifications of RIG-I and MDA5 are summarized, and several controversies and unanswered questions in this field are discussed.

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Nucleocapsid Protein Suppresses Type I and Type III Interferon Induction by Targeting RIG-I Signaling

Type I and type III interferons (IFNs) are the frontline of antiviral defense mechanisms that trigger hundreds of downstream antiviral genes. In this study, we observed that MERS-CoV nucleocapsid (N) protein suppresses type I and type III IFN gene expression. The N protein suppresses Sendai virus-induced IFN-β and IFN-λ1 by reducing their promoter activity and mRNA levels, as well as downstream IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs). Retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) is known to recognize viral RNA and induce IFN expression through tripartite motif-containing protein 25 (TRIM25)-mediated ubiquitination of RIG-I caspase activation and recruitment domains (CARDs). We discovered that MERS-CoV N protein suppresses RIG-I-CARD-induced, but not MDA5-CARD-induced, IFN-β and IFN-λ1 promoter activity. By interacting with TRIM25, N protein impedes RIG-I ubiquitination and activation and inhibits the phosphorylation of transcription factors IFN-regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) and NF-κB that are known to be important for IFN gene activation. By employing a recombinant Sindbis virus-EGFP replication system, we showed that viral N protein downregulated the production of not only IFN mRNA but also bioactive IFN proteins. Taken together, MERS-CoV N protein functions as an IFN antagonist. It suppresses RIG-I-induced type I and type III IFN production by interfering with TRIM25-mediated RIG-I ubiquitination. Our study sheds light on the pathogenic mechanism of how MERS-CoV causes disease.IMPORTANCE MERS-CoV causes death of about 35% of patients. Published studies showed that some coronaviruses are capable of suppressing interferon (IFN) expression in the early phase of infection and MERS-CoV proteins can modulate host immune response. In this study, we demonstrated that MERS-CoV nucleocapsid (N) protein suppresses the production of both type I and type III IFNs via sequestering TRIM25, an E3 ubiquitin ligase that is essential for activating the RIG-I signaling pathway. Ectopic expression of TRIM25 rescues the suppressive effect of the N protein. In addition, the C-terminal domain of the viral N protein plays a pivotal role in the suppression of IFN-β promoter activity. Our findings reveal how MERS-CoV evades innate immunity and provide insights into the interplay between host immune response and viral pathogenicity.

Intracellular virus sensor MDA5 exacerbates vitiligo by inducing the secretion of chemokines in keratinocytes under virus invasion

Vitiligo is a disfiguring disease featuring chemokines-mediated cutaneous infiltration of autoreactive CD8+ T cells that kill melanocytes. Copious studies have indicated that virus invasion participates in the pathogenesis of vitiligo. IFIH1, encoding MDA5 which is an intracellular virus sensor, has been identified as a vitiligo susceptibility gene. However, the specific role of MDA5 in melanocyte death under virus invasion is not clear. In this study, we first showed that the expression of anti-CMV IgM and MDA5 was higher in vitiligo patients than healthy controls. Then, by using Poly(I:C) to imitate virus invasion, we clarified that virus invasion significantly activated MDA5 and further potentiated the keratinocyte-derived CXCL10 and CXCL16 which are the two vital chemokines for the cutaneous infiltration of CD8+ T cells in vitiligo. More importantly, IFN-β mediated by the MDA5-MAVS-NF-κB/IRF3 signaling pathway orchestrated the secretion of CXCL10 via the JAK1-STAT1 pathway and MDA5-meidiated IRF3 transcriptionally induced the production of CXCL16 in keratinocytes under virus invasion. In summary, our results demonstrate that MDA5 signaling orchestrates the aberrant skin immunity engaging in melanocyte death via mediating CXCL10 and CXCL16 secretion, which supports MDA5 as a potential therapeutic target for vitiligo under virus invasion.

Mechanistic modeling explains the dsRNA length-dependent activation of the RIG-I mediated immune response

In cell-intrinsic antiviral immunity, cytoplasmic receptors such as retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) detect viral double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) and trigger a signaling cascade activating the interferon (IFN) system. This leads to the transcription of hundreds of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) with a wide range of antiviral effects. This recognition of dsRNA not only has to be very specific to discriminate foreign from self but also highly sensitive to detect even very low numbers of pathogenic dsRNA molecules. Previous work indicated an influence of the dsRNA length on the binding behavior of RIG-I and its potential to elicit antiviral signaling. However, the molecular mechanisms behind the binding process are still under debate. We compare two hypothesized RIG-I binding mechanisms by translating them into mathematical models and analyzing their potential to describe published experimental data. The models consider the length of the dsRNA as well as known RIG-I binding motifs and describe RIG-I pathway activation after stimulation with dsRNA. We show that internal RIG-I binding sites in addition to cooperative RIG-I oligomerization are essential to describe the experimentally observed RIG-I binding behavior and immune response activation for different dsRNA lengths and concentrations. The combination of RIG-I binding to internal sites on the dsRNA and cooperative oligomerization compensates for a lack of high-affinity binding motifs and triggers a strong antiviral response for long dsRNAs. Model analysis reveals dsRNA length-dependency as a potential mechanism to discriminate between different types of dsRNAs: It allows for sensitive detection of small numbers of long dsRNAs, a typical by-product of viral replication, while ensuring tolerance against non-harming small dsRNAs.

ZFYVE1 negatively regulates MDA5- but not RIG-I-mediated innate antiviral response

The retinoic acid-inducible gene-I (RIG-I)-like receptors (RLRs), including RIG-I and melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5), sense cytoplasmic viral RNA and initiate innate antiviral responses. How RIG-I and MDA5 are differentially regulated remains enigmatic. In this study, we identified the guanylate-binding protein (GBP) and zinc-finger FYVE domain-containing protein ZFYVE1 as a negative regulator of MDA5- but not RIG-I-mediated innate antiviral responses. ZFYVE1-deficiency promoted MDA5- but not RIG-I-mediated transcription of downstream antiviral genes. Comparing to wild-type mice, Zfyve1^-/- mice were significantly protected from lethality induced by encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) that is sensed by MDA5, whereas Zfyve1^-/- and Zfyve1^+/+ mice were comparable to death induced by vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) that is sensed by RIG-I. Mechanistically, ZFYVE1 interacted with MDA5 but not RIG-I. ZFYVE1 bound to viral RNA and decreased the ligand binding and oligomerization of MDA5. These findings suggest that ZFYVE1 acts as a specific negative regulator of MDA5-mediated innate immune responses by inhibiting its ligand binding and oligomerization.

RIG-I and MDA5 are the main cytosolic sensors for invaded viral RNA. How these sensors are differentially regulated is largely unknown. In this study, we identified ZFYVE1 as a specific regulator of MDA5- but not RIG-I-mediated antiviral responses. ZFYVE1-deficiency promotes antiviral immune responses and renders the mice less susceptible to EMCV-induced death. ZFYVE1 interacts with MDA5 and viral dsRNA, and inhibits the ligand binding and oligomerization of MDA5. Our study reveals a negative regulatory mechanism for keeping MDA5 inactive in un-infected cells, which contributes to our understanding on how innate antiviral responses are delicately regulated to avoid immune damage.

Cryo-EM structures of the XPF-ERCC1 endonuclease reveal how DNA-junction engagement disrupts an auto-inhibited conformation

The structure-specific endonuclease XPF-ERCC1 participates in multiple DNA damage repair pathways including nucleotide excision repair (NER) and inter-strand crosslink repair (ICLR). How XPF-ERCC1 is catalytically activated by DNA junction substrates is not currently understood. Here we report cryo-electron microscopy structures of both DNA-free and DNA-bound human XPF-ERCC1. DNA-free XPF-ERCC1 adopts an auto-inhibited conformation in which the XPF helical domain masks the ERCC1 (HhH)2 domain and restricts access to the XPF catalytic site. DNA junction engagement releases the ERCC1 (HhH)2 domain to couple with the XPF-ERCC1 nuclease/nuclease-like domains. Structure-function data indicate xeroderma pigmentosum patient mutations frequently compromise the structural integrity of XPF-ERCC1. Fanconi anaemia patient mutations in XPF often display substantial in-vitro activity but are resistant to activation by ICLR recruitment factor SLX4. Our data provide insights into XPF-ERCC1 architecture and catalytic activation.

Mutual Regulation of RNA Silencing and the IFN Response as an Antiviral Defense System in Mammalian Cells

RNA silencing is a posttranscriptional gene silencing mechanism directed by endogenous small non-coding RNAs called microRNAs (miRNAs). By contrast, the type-I interferon (IFN) response is an innate immune response induced by exogenous RNAs, such as viral RNAs. Endogenous and exogenous RNAs have typical structural features and are recognized accurately by specific RNA-binding proteins in each pathway. In mammalian cells, both RNA silencing and the IFN response are induced by double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) in the cytoplasm, but have long been considered two independent pathways. However, recent reports have shed light on crosstalk between the two pathways, which are mutually regulated by protein–protein interactions triggered by viral infection. This review provides brief overviews of RNA silencing and the IFN response and an outline of the molecular mechanism of their crosstalk and its biological implications. Crosstalk between RNA silencing and the IFN response may reveal a novel antiviral defense system that is regulated by miRNAs in mammalian cells.

Purifying selection of long dsRNA is the first line of defense against false activation of innate immunity

BACKGROUND

Mobile elements comprise a large fraction of metazoan genomes. Accumulation of mobile elements is bound to produce multiple putative double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) structures within the transcriptome. These endogenous dsRNA structures resemble viral RNA and may trigger false activation of the innate immune response, leading to severe damage to the host cell. Adenosine to inosine (A-to-I) RNA editing is a common post-transcriptional modification, abundant within repetitive elements of all metazoans. It was recently shown that a key function of A-to-I RNA editing by ADAR1 is to suppress the immunogenic response by endogenous dsRNAs.

RESULTS

Here, we analyze the transcriptomes of dozens of species across the Metazoa and identify a strong genomic selection against endogenous dsRNAs, resulting in their purification from the canonical transcriptome. This purifying selection is especially strong for long and nearly perfect dsRNAs. These are almost absent from mRNAs, but not pre-mRNAs, supporting the notion of selection due to cytoplasmic processes. The few long and nearly perfect structures found in human transcripts are weakly expressed and often heavily edited.

CONCLUSION

Purifying selection of long dsRNA is an important defense mechanism against false activation of innate immunity. This newly identified principle governs the integration of mobile elements into the genome, a major driving force of genome evolution. Furthermore, we find that most ADAR1 activity is not required to prevent an immune response to endogenous dsRNAs. The critical targets of ADAR1 editing are, likely, to be found mostly in non-canonical transcripts.

Coronavirus infections and immune responses

Coronaviruses (CoVs) are by far the largest group of known positive-sense RNA viruses having an extensive range of natural hosts. In the past few decades, newly evolved Coronaviruses have posed a global threat to public health. The immune response is essential to control and eliminate CoV infections, however, maladjusted immune responses may result in immunopathology and impaired pulmonary gas exchange. Gaining a deeper understanding of the interaction between Coronaviruses and the innate immune systems of the hosts may shed light on the development and persistence of inflammation in the lungs and hopefully can reduce the risk of lung inflammation caused by CoVs. In this review, we provide an update on CoV infections and relevant diseases, particularly the host defense against CoV-induced inflammation of lung tissue, as well as the role of the innate immune system in the pathogenesis and clinical treatment.

Oligomerization of RIG-I and MDA5 2CARD domains

The innate immune system is the first line of defense against invading pathogens. The retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) like receptors (RLRs), RIG-I and melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5 (MDA5), are critical for host recognition of viral RNAs. These receptors contain a pair of N-terminal tandem caspase activation and recruitment domains (2CARD), an SF2 helicase core domain, and a C-terminal regulatory domain. Upon RLR activation, 2CARD associates with the CARD domain of MAVS, leading to the oligomerization of MAVS, downstream signaling and interferon induction. Unanchored K63-linked polyubiquitin chains (polyUb) interacts with the 2CARD domain, and in the case of RIG-I, induce tetramer formation. However, the nature of the MDA5 2CARD signaling complex is not known. We have used sedimentation velocity analytical ultracentrifugation to compare MDA5 2CARD and RIG-I 2CARD binding to polyUb and to characterize the assembly of MDA5 2CARD oligomers in the absence of polyUb. Multi-signal sedimentation velocity analysis indicates that Ub4 binds to RIG-I 2CARD with a 3:4 stoichiometry and cooperatively induces formation of an RIG-I 2CARD tetramer. In contrast, Ub4 and Ub7 interact with MDA5 2CARD weakly and form complexes with 1:1 and 2:1 stoichiometries but do not induce 2CARD oligomerization. In the absence of polyUb, MDA5 2CARD self-associates to forms large oligomers in a concentration-dependent manner. Thus, RIG-I and MDA5 2CARD assembly processes are distinct. MDA5 2CARD concentration-dependent self-association, rather than polyUb binding, drives oligomerization and MDA5 2CARD forms oligomers larger than tetramer. We propose a mechanism where MDA5 2CARD oligomers, rather than a stable tetramer, function to nucleate MAVS polymerization.

Lipids that directly regulate innate immune signal transduction

Pattern Recognition Receptors (PRRs) detect evidence of infection and tissue damage. The activation of these receptors and their downstream signal transduction pathways initiate a protective immune response. These signaling pathways are influenced by their spatial context, and precise subcellular positioning of proteins and protein complexes in these pathways is essential for effective immune responses in vivo . This organization is not limited to transmembrane proteins that reside in specific organelles, but also to proteins that engage membrane lipid head groups for proper positioning. In this review, we focus on the role of cell membranes and protein–lipid interactions in innate immune signal transduction and how their mechanisms of localization regulate the immune response. We will discuss how lipids spatially regulate the sensing of damage or infection, mediate effector activity, and serve as messengers of cell death and tissue damage.

Regulation of cGAS- and RLR-mediated immunity to nucleic acids

Pathogen-derived nucleic acids are crucial signals for innate immunity. Despite the structural similarity between those and host nucleic acids, mammalian cells have been able to evolve powerful innate immune signaling pathways that originate from the detection of cytosolic nucleic acid species, one of the most prominent being the cGAS-STING pathway for DNA and the RLR-MAVS pathway for RNA, respectively. Recent advances have revealed a plethora of regulatory mechanisms that are crucial for balancing the activity of nucleic acid sensors for the maintenance of overall cellular homeostasis. Elucidation of the various mechanisms that enable cells to maintain control over the activity of cytosolic nucleic acid sensors has provided new insight into the pathology of human diseases and, at the same time, offers a rich and largely unexplored source for new therapeutic targets. This Review addresses the emerging literature on regulation of the sensing of cytosolic DNA and RNA via cGAS and RLRs.

Intracellular sensing of viral genomes and viral evasion

During viral infection, virus-derived cytosolic nucleic acids are recognized by host intracellular specific sensors. The efficacy of this recognition system is crucial for triggering innate host defenses, which then stimulate more specific adaptive immune responses against the virus. Recent studies show that signal transduction pathways activated by sensing proteins are positively or negatively regulated by many modulators to maintain host immune homeostasis. However, viruses have evolved several strategies to counteract/evade host immune reactions. These systems involve viral proteins that interact with host sensor proteins and prevent them from detecting the viral genome or from initiating immune signaling. In this review, we discuss key regulators of cytosolic sensor proteins and viral proteins based on experimental evidence.

Fine-tuning of antiviral innate immunity by ubiquitination

The innate immune system represents the first defense line of the host following viral infection. The infection triggers the recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) from the viruses by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) of the host cell. The interaction between viral PAMPs and PRRs evokes a sophisticated signal transduction system and eventually promotes the expression of type I interferons (IFNs) and proinflammatory cytokines. Ubiquitination plays an indispensable role in fine-tuning almost every single step of this signaling cascade given on its versatile functions. Ubiquitin ligases and deubiquitinases (DUBs), which cooperatively and accurately regulate the dynamic and reversible ubiquitination process, are the master regulators of antiviral signaling. In this review, we concentrate on summarizing the ubiquitin ligases and DUBs that modulate the central signaling molecules in antiviral innate immunity. Especially, we emphasize the ones that were identified by the immunologists from China.

Know Thyself: RIG-I-Like Receptor Sensing of DNA Virus Infection

The RIG-I-like receptors (RLRs) are double-stranded RNA-binding proteins that play a role in initiating and modulating cell intrinsic immunity through the recognition of RNA features typically absent from the host transcriptome. While they are initially characterized in the context of RNA virus infection, evidence has now accumulated establishing the role of RLRs in DNA virus infection. Here, we review recent advances in the RLR-mediated restriction of DNA virus infection with an emphasis on the RLR ligands sensed.

The Editor's I on Disease Development

Adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) editing of RNA leads to deamination of adenosine to inosine. Inosine is interpreted as guanosine by the cellular machinery, thus altering the coding, folding, splicing, or transport of transcripts. A-to-I editing is tightly regulated. Altered editing has severe consequences for human health and can cause interferonopathies, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular disease, as well as impacting on cancer progression. ADAR1-mediated RNA editing plays an important role in antiviral immunity and is essential for distinguishing between endogenous and viral RNA, thereby preventing autoimmune disorders. Interestingly, A-to-I editing can be used not only to correct genomic mutations at the RNA level but also to modulate tumor antigenicity with large therapeutic potential. We highlight recent developments in the field, focusing on cancer and other human diseases.

Stimulation of Innate Immunity by Host and Viral RNAs

The interferon (IFN) response, a major vertebrate defense mechanism against viral infections, is initiated by RIG-I-like receptor (RLR)-mediated recognition of viral replicative intermediates in the cytosol. RLR purification methods coupled to RNA sequencing have recently led to the characterization of viral nucleic acid features recognized by RLRs in infected cells. This work revealed that some cellular RNAs can bind to RLRs and stimulate the IFN response. We provide an overview of self and non-self RNAs that activate innate immunity, and discuss the cellular dysregulation that allows recognition of cellular RNAs by RLRs, including RNA mislocalization and downregulation of RNA-shielding proteins. These discussions are relevant because manipulating RLR activation presents opportunities for treating viral infections and autoimmune disorders.

Cytoplasmic RNA Sensor Pathways and Nitazoxanide Broadly Inhibit Intracellular Mycobacterium tuberculosis Growth

To establish stable infection, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTb) must overcome host innate immune mechanisms, including those that sense pathogen-derived nucleic acids. Here, we show that the host cytosolic RNA sensing molecules RIG-I-like receptor (RLR) signaling proteins RIG-I and MDA5, their common adaptor protein MAVS, and the RNA-dependent kinase PKR each independently inhibit MTb growth in human cells. Furthermore, we show that MTb broadly stimulates RIG-I, MDA5, MAVS, and PKR gene expression and their biological activities. We also show that the oral FDA-approved drug nitazoxanide (NTZ) significantly inhibits intracellular MTb growth and amplifies MTb-stimulated RNA sensor gene expression and activity. This study establishes prototypic cytoplasmic RNA sensors as innate restriction factors for MTb growth in human cells and it shows that targeting this pathway is a potential host-directed approach to treat tuberculosis disease.

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MTb infection induces RNA sensor (RIG-I, MDA5, PKR) mRNA levels and activities

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RIG-I, MDA5, MAVS, and PKR restrict intracellular MTb growth in human cells

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NTZ enhances MTb-driven RNA sensor mRNA levels and RLR activities

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NTZ and NTZ derivatives inhibit intracellular MTb growth in primary human cells

Sequence and expression analysis of the cytoplasmic pattern recognition receptor melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 from the barbel chub Squaliobarbus curriculus

MDA5 is a cytoplasmic viral double-stranded RNA recognition receptor that plays a pivotal role in the aquatic animal innate immune system. To decipher the role of MDA5 of Squaliobarbus curriculus (ScMDA5) in the immune response, full-length cDNA of ScMDA5 was cloned using the RACE technology, mRNA and protein expression levels of ScMDA5 signalling pathway members in response to stimulation were detected and effects of overexpression of ScMDA5 on the immune response were investigated. ScMDA5 comprises 3597 bp and is composed of an open reading frame (2958 nucleotides long) that translates into a putative peptide of 985 amino acid residues. ScMDA5 possesses two N-terminal caspase-recruiting domains, DEAD-like helicases superfamily, helicase superfamily C-terminal and RIG-I_C-RD domains, and differences in these domains among species were mainly observed with respect to their length and location. ScMDA5 was closely clustered with those of Carassius auratus, Ctenopharyngodon idellus and Mylopharyngodon piceus. ScMDA5 transcripts were most abundant in the spleen and the lowest in the liver. Expression levels of ScMDA5 in healthy tissues were significantly correlated with those of ScIRF3, ScIRF7 and ScIFN. Besides, mRNA expression levels of ScIRF3 were significantly correlated with those of ScIRF7 (0.956, P < 0.01). Expression level changes, including downregulation, upregulation and initial upregulation followed by downregulation, were found in ScMDA5 signalling pathway molecules in tissues after grass carp reovirus infection. Protein levels of ScMDA5 were the highest in the liver and the lowest in the spleen in detected healthy tissues. Overexpression of ScMDA5 led to significantly enhanced CiIRF7 and CiMx transcription in grass carp ovary cells (P < 0.05). The results of this study helped to clarify the role of ScMDA5 in the immune reaction against grass carp reovirus and provided fundamental information for fish breeding to achieve strong resistance to infection.

Structure-guided design of immunomodulatory RNAs specifically targeting the cytoplasmic viral RNA sensor RIG-I

The cytoplasmic immune sensor RIG-I detects viral RNA and initiates an antiviral immune response upon activation. It has become a potential target for vaccination and immunotherapies. To develop the smallest but potent immunomodulatory RNA (immRNAs) species, we performed structure-guided RNA design and used biochemical, structural, and cell-based methods to select and characterize the immRNAs. We demonstrated that inserting guanosine at position 9 to the 10mer RNA hairpin (3p10LG9) activates RIG-I more robustly than the parental RNA. 3p10LG9 interacts strongly with the RIG-I helicase-CTD RNA sensing module and disrupts the auto-inhibitory interaction between the HEL2i and CARDs domains. We further showed that 3p10LA9 has a stronger cellular activity than 3p10LG9. Collectively, purine insertion at position 9 of the immRNA species triggered more robust activation of RIG-1.

Filament-like Assemblies of Intracellular Nucleic Acid Sensors: Commonalities and Differences

Self versus non-self discrimination by innate immune sensors is critical for mounting effective immune responses against pathogens while avoiding harmful auto-inflammatory reactions against the host. Foreign DNA and RNA sensors must discriminate between self versus non-self nucleic acids, despite their shared building blocks and similar physicochemical properties. Recent structural and biochemical studies suggest that multiple steps of filament-like assembly are required for the functions of several nucleic acid sensors. Here, we discuss ligand discrimination and oligomerization of RIG-I-like receptors, AIM2-like receptors, and cGAS. We discuss how filament-like assembly allows for robust and accurate discrimination of self versus non-self nucleic acids and how these assemblies enable sensing of multiple distinct features in foreign nucleic acids, including structure, length, and modifications. We also discuss how individual receptors differ in their assembly and disassembly mechanisms and how these differences contribute to the diversity in nucleic acid specificity and pathogen detection strategies.

N6-Methyladenosine Modification Controls Circular RNA Immunity

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are prevalent in eukaryotic cells and viral genomes. Mammalian cells possess innate immunity to detect foreign circRNAs, but the molecular basis of self versus foreign identity in circRNA immunity is unknown. Here, we show that N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification on human circRNAs inhibits innate immunity. Foreign circRNAs are potent adjuvants to induce antigen-specific T cell activation, antibody production, and anti-tumor immunity in vivo, and m6A modification abrogates immune gene activation and adjuvant activity. m6A reader YTHDF2 sequesters m6A-circRNA and is essential for suppression of innate immunity. Unmodified circRNA, but not m6A-modified circRNA, directly activates RNA pattern recognition receptor RIG-I in the presence of lysine-63-linked polyubiquitin chain to cause filamentation of the adaptor protein MAVS and activation of the downstream transcription factor IRF3. CircRNA immunity has considerable parallel to prokaryotic DNA restriction modification system that transforms nucleic acid chemical modification into organismal innate immunity.

Constitutively Active MDA5 Proteins Are Inhibited by Paramyxovirus V Proteins

Excessive interferon (IFN) production and signaling can lead to immunological and developmental defects giving rise to autoimmune diseases referred to collectively as "type I interferonopathies." A subset of these diseases is caused by monogenic mutations affecting proteins involved in nucleic acid sensing, homeostasis, and metabolism. Interferonopathic mutations in the cytosolic antiviral sensor MDA5 render it constitutively hyperactive, resulting in chronic IFN production and IFN-stimulated gene expression. Few therapeutic options are available for patients with interferonopathic diseases, but a large number of IFN evasion and antagonism strategies have evolved in viral pathogens that can counteract IFN production and signaling to enhance virus replication. To test the hypothesis that these natural IFN suppressors could be used to subdue the activity of interferonopathic signaling proteins, hyperactive MDA5 variants were assessed for susceptibility to a family of viral MDA5 inhibitors. In this study, Paramyxovirus V proteins were tested for their ability to counteract constitutively active MDA5 proteins. Results indicate that the V proteins are able to bind to and disrupt the signaling activity of these MDA5 proteins, irrespective of their specific mutations, reducing IFN production and IFN-stimulated gene expression to effectively suppress the hyperactive antiviral response.

LGP2 binds to PACT to regulate RIG-I- and MDA5-mediated antiviral responses

The retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I)-like receptors (RLRs) RIG-I, MDA5, and LGP2 stimulate inflammatory and antiviral responses by sensing nonself RNA molecules produced during viral replication. Here, we investigated how LGP2 regulates the RIG-I- and MDA5-dependent induction of type I interferon (IFN) signaling and showed that LGP2 interacted with different components of the RNA-silencing machinery. We identified a direct protein-protein interaction between LGP2 and the IFN-inducible, double-stranded RNA binding protein PACT. The LGP2-PACT interaction was mediated by the regulatory C-terminal domain of LGP2 and was necessary for inhibiting RIG-I-dependent responses and for amplifying MDA5-dependent responses. We described a point mutation within LGP2 that disrupted the LGP2-PACT interaction and led to the loss of LGP2-mediated regulation of RIG-I and MDA5 signaling. These results suggest a model in which the LGP2-PACT interaction regulates the inflammatory responses mediated by RIG-I and MDA5 and enables the cellular RNA-silencing machinery to coordinate with the innate immune response.

Human Hemoglobin Subunit Beta Functions as a Pleiotropic Regulator of RIG-I/MDA5-Mediated Antiviral Innate Immune Responses

Hemoglobin is an important oxygen-carrying protein and plays crucial roles in establishing host resistance against pathogens and in regulating innate immune responses. The hemoglobin subunit beta (HB) is an essential component of hemoglobin, and we have previously demonstrated that the antiviral role of the porcine HB (pHB) is mediated by promoting type I interferon pathways. Thus, considering the high homology between human HB (hHB) and pHB, we hypothesized that hHB also plays an important role in the antiviral innate immunity. In this study, we characterized hHB as a regulatory factor for the replication of RNA viruses by differentially regulating the RIG-I- and MDA5-mediated antiviral signaling pathways. Furthermore, we showed that hHB directly inhibited MDA5-mediated signaling by reducing the MDA5-double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) interaction. Additionally, hHB required hHB-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) to promote RIG-I-mediated signaling through enhancement of K63-linked RIG-I ubiquitination. Taken together, our findings suggest that hHB is a pleiotropic regulator of RIG-I/MDA5-mediated antiviral responses and further highlight the importance of the intercellular microenvironment, including the redox state, in regulating antiviral innate immune responses.IMPORTANCE Hemoglobin, the most important oxygen-carrying protein, is involved in the regulation of innate immune responses. We have previously reported that the porcine hemoglobin subunit beta (HB) exerts antiviral activity through regulation of type I interferon production. However, the antiviral activities and the underlying mechanisms of HBs originating from other animals have been poorly understood. Here, we identified human HB (hHB) as a pleiotropic regulator of the replication of RNA viruses through regulation of RIG-I/MDA5-mediated signaling pathways. hHB enhances RIG-I-mediated antiviral responses by promoting RIG-I ubiquitination depending on the hHB-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS), while it blocks MDA5-mediated antiviral signaling by suppressing the MDA5-dsRNA interaction. Our results contribute to an understanding of the crucial roles of hHB in the regulation of the RIG-I/MDA5-mediated signaling pathways. We also provide novel insight into the correlation of the intercellular redox state with the regulation of antiviral innate immunity.

Porcine deltacoronavirus nucleocapsid protein antagonizes IFN-β production by impairing dsRNA and PACT binding to RIG-I

Porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) is an emerging swine enteropathogenic coronavirus that causes watery diarrhea, vomiting and mortality in newborn piglets. Previous studies have suggested that PDCoV infection antagonizes RIG-I-like receptor (RLR)-mediated IFN-β production to evade host innate immune defense, and PDCoV-encoded nonstructural protein nsp5 and accessory protein NS6 are associated with this process. However, whether the structural protein(s) of PDCoV also antagonize IFN-β production remains unclear. In this study, we found that PDCoV nucleocapsid (N) protein, the most abundant viral structural protein, suppressed Sendai virus (SEV)-induced IFN-β production and transcription factor IRF3 activation, but did not block IFN-β production induced by overexpressing RIG-I/MDA5. Furthermore, study revealed that PDCoV N protein interacted with RIG-I and MDA5 in an in vitro overexpression system and evident interactions between N protein and RIG-I could be detected in the context of PDCoV infection, which interfered with the binding of dsRNA and protein activator of protein kinase R (PACT) to RIG-I. Together, our results demonstrate that PDCoV N protein is an IFN antagonist and utilizes diverse strategies to attenuate RIG-I recognition and activation.

Tripodal RNA with 3' Overhangs Prevents RIG-I-Mediated Innate Immune Response

RNA interference (RNAi) offers great promise in life science research and therapeutic development, as it easily achieves a potent target gene knockdown with high specificity. Since the conventional small interfering RNA (siRNA) structure, known as 19 bp double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) with 2-nucleotide (nt) 3' overhang, has been introduced to successfully elicit the RNAi in mammalian cells, a variety of structural variants of RNAi trigger have been developed. Our group previously reported branched, tripodal interfering RNA (tiRNA) structures as a multigene targeting RNA structure inducing RNAi. However, the immune stimulatory effect of branched tiRNA structure has not been thoroughly evaluated. In this study, we show that tiRNA with blunt ends triggers innate immune response in T98G cell and mouse macrophage cells, which is dependent upon the retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I), a well-known cytoplasmic dsRNA sensor. Interestingly, immune response triggered by tiRNA can be suppressed by the introduction of 2-nt 3' overhang structure. Our finding expands the structural diversity of RIG-I ligands and provides a guide to develop a safe multitargeting RNA structure for therapeutic application.

Comparative Structure and Function Analysis of the RIG-I-Like Receptors: RIG-I and MDA5

RIG-I (Retinoic acid-inducible gene I) and MDA5 (Melanoma Differentiation-Associated protein 5), collectively known as the RIG-I-like receptors (RLRs), are key protein sensors of the pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) in the form of viral double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) motifs to induce expression of type 1 interferons (IFN1) (IFNα and IFNβ) and other pro-inflammatory cytokines during the early stage of viral infection. While RIG-I and MDA5 share many genetic, structural and functional similarities, there is increasing evidence that they can have significantly different strategies to recognize different pathogens, PAMPs, and in different host species. This review article discusses the similarities and differences between RIG-I and MDA5 from multiple perspectives, including their structures, evolution and functional relationships with other cellular proteins, their differential mechanisms of distinguishing between host and viral dsRNAs and interactions with host and viral protein factors, and their immunogenic signaling. A comprehensive comparative analysis can help inform future studies of RIG-I and MDA5 in order to fully understand their functions in order to optimize potential therapeutic approaches targeting them.

Crystal structure of an adenovirus virus-associated RNA

Adenovirus Virus-Associated (VA) RNAs are the first discovered viral noncoding RNAs. By mimicking double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs), the exceptionally abundant, multifunctional VA RNAs sabotage host machineries that sense, transport, process, or edit dsRNAs. How VA-I suppresses PKR activation despite its strong dsRNA character, and inhibits the crucial antiviral kinase to promote viral translation, remains largely unknown. Here, we report a 2.7 Å crystal structure of VA-I RNA. The acutely bent VA-I features an unusually structured apical loop, a wobble-enriched, coaxially stacked apical and tetra-stems necessary and sufficient for PKR inhibition, and a central domain pseudoknot that resembles codon-anticodon interactions and prevents PKR activation by VA-I. These global and local structural features collectively define VA-I as an archetypal PKR inhibitor made of RNA. The study provides molecular insights into how viruses circumnavigate cellular rules of self vs non-self RNAs to not only escape, but further compromise host innate immunity.

STING Polymer Structure Reveals Mechanisms for Activation, Hyperactivation, and Inhibition

How the central innate immune protein, STING, is activated by its ligands remains unknown. Here, using structural biology and biochemistry, we report that the metazoan second messenger 2'3'-cGAMP induces closing of the human STING homodimer and release of the STING C-terminal tail, which exposes a polymerization interface on the STING dimer and leads to the formation of disulfide-linked polymers via cysteine residue 148. Disease-causing hyperactive STING mutations either flank C148 and depend on disulfide formation or reside in the C-terminal tail binding site and cause constitutive C-terminal tail release and polymerization. Finally, bacterial cyclic-di-GMP induces an alternative active STING conformation, activates STING in a cooperative manner, and acts as a partial antagonist of 2'3'-cGAMP signaling. Our insights explain the tight control of STING signaling given varying background activation signals and provide a therapeutic hypothesis for autoimmune syndrome treatment.

Mechanisms of Non-segmented Negative Sense RNA Viral Antagonism of Host RIG-I-Like Receptors

The pattern recognition receptors RIG-I-like receptors (RLRs) are critical molecules for cytosolic viral recognition and for subsequent activation of type I interferon production. The interferon signaling pathway plays a key role in viral detection and generating antiviral responses. Among the many pathogens, the non-segmented negative sense RNA viruses target the RLR pathway using a variety of mechanisms. Here, I review the current state of knowledge on the molecular mechanisms that allow non-segmented negative sense RNA virus recognition and antagonism of RLRs.

Enteroviruses: A Gut-Wrenching Game of Entry, Detection, and Evasion

Enteroviruses are a major source of human disease, particularly in neonates and young children where infections can range from acute, self-limited febrile illness to meningitis, endocarditis, hepatitis, and acute flaccid myelitis. The enterovirus genus includes poliovirus, coxsackieviruses, echoviruses, enterovirus 71, and enterovirus D68. Enteroviruses primarily infect by the fecal-oral route and target the gastrointestinal epithelium early during their life cycles. In addition, spread via the respiratory tract is possible and some enteroviruses such as enterovirus D68 are preferentially spread via this route. Once internalized, enteroviruses are detected by intracellular proteins that recognize common viral features and trigger antiviral innate immune signaling. However, co-evolution of enteroviruses with humans has allowed them to develop strategies to evade detection or disrupt signaling. In this review, we will discuss how enteroviruses infect the gastrointestinal tract, the mechanisms by which cells detect enterovirus infections, and the strategies enteroviruses use to escape this detection.

Ubiquitin-Dependent and -Independent Roles of E3 Ligase RIPLET in Innate Immunity

The conventional view posits that E3 ligases function primarily through conjugating ubiquitin (Ub) to their substrate molecules. We report here that RIPLET, an essential E3 ligase in antiviral immunity, promotes the antiviral signaling activity of the viral RNA receptor RIG-I through both Ub-dependent and -independent manners. RIPLET uses its dimeric structure and a bivalent binding mode to preferentially recognize and ubiquitinate RIG-I pre-oligomerized on dsRNA. In addition, RIPLET can cross-bridge RIG-I filaments on longer dsRNAs, inducing aggregate-like RIG-I assemblies. The consequent receptor clustering synergizes with the Ub-dependent mechanism to amplify RIG-I-mediated antiviral signaling in an RNA-length dependent manner. These observations show the unexpected role of an E3 ligase as a co-receptor that directly participates in receptor oligomerization and ligand discrimination. It also highlights a previously unrecognized mechanism by which the innate immune system measures foreign nucleic acid length, a common criterion for self versus non-self nucleic acid discrimination.

Improved translation efficiency of therapeutic mRNA

Recent developments in the field of the messenger RNA and its advantages versus DNA have led to a renewed interest in mRNA-based technologies. Despite its advantages, mRNA therapy has a number of drawbacks including low amount of mRNA production, short-term existence of mRNA and mRNA-mediated protein within the cell, severe mRNA cytotoxicity, and immune response activation following mRNA transfection. Here, we applied untranslated regions of human beta-globin to increase the stability and translation efficiency of a destabilized GFP mRNA. In order to suppress the innate immune response, which is the main barrier of mRNA therapy, we used the vaccinia virus derived capping enzyme and substituted standard nucleotides with modified nucleotides. At the end, the Kozak sequence of human beta-globin was replaced with the strongest sequence for the further improvement of mRNA translation. Overall, these modifications with native Kozak (K1) sequence of human beta-globin enhanced the stability of destabilized GFP mRNA up to 48 h and no increase in the level of interferon-α and -β was found. The GFP expression of mRNA with modified Kozak (K2) sequence initiated earlier than mRNA and plasmid DNA with K1 sequence. In contrast to mRNA with K1 sequence, the cells containing mRNA with K2 sequence remained positive for GFP expression up to 72 h post-transfection. Interestingly, transfection efficiency and mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of mRNA with K2 sequence were higher than mRNA and plasmid DNA with K1 sequence. Taken together, these results provide valuable information for the optimization of mRNA stability and translation. Therefore, the methods used in the current study can successfully be applied for reprogramming, gene editing, trans-differentiation, tumour therapy, and gene therapy.

Role of Enteroviral RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase in Regulation of MDA5-Mediated Beta Interferon Activation

Infection by enteroviruses can cause severe neurological complications in humans. The interactions between the enteroviral and host proteins may facilitate the virus replication and be involved in the pathogenicity of infected individuals. It has been shown that human enteroviruses possess various mechanisms to suppress host innate immune responses in infected cells. Previous studies showed that infection by enterovirus 71 (EV71) causes the degradation of MDA5, which is a critical cytoplasmic pathogen sensor in the recognition of picornaviruses for initiating transcription of type I interferons. In the present study, we demonstrated that the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP; also denoted 3D^pol) encoded by EV71 interacts with the caspase activation and recruitment domains (CARDs) of MDA5 and plays a role in the inhibition of MDA5-mediated beta interferon (IFN-β) promoter activation and mRNA expression. In addition, we found that the 3D^pol protein encoded by coxsackievirus B3 also interacted with MDA5 and downregulated the antiviral signaling initiated by MDA5. These findings indicate that enteroviral RdRP may function as an antagonist against the host antiviral innate immune response.IMPORTANCE Infection by enteroviruses causes severe neurological complications in humans. Human enteroviruses possess various mechanisms to suppress the host type I interferon (IFN) response in infected cells to establish viral replication. In the present study, we found that the enteroviral 3D^pol protein (or RdRP), which is a viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase for replicating viral RNA, plays a role in the inhibition of MDA5-mediated beta interferon (IFN-β) promoter activation. We further demonstrated that enteroviral 3D^pol protein interacts with the caspase activation and recruitment domains (CARDs) of MDA5. These findings indicate that enteroviral RdRP functions as an antagonist against the host antiviral response.

Defining the functions of adenosine-to-inosine RNA editing through hematology

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The direct modification of RNA is now understood to be widespread, evolutionarily conserved and of consequence to cellular and organismal homeostasis. adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) RNA editing is one of the most common mammalian RNA modifications. Transcriptome-wide maps of the A-to-I editing exist, yet functions for the majority of editing sites remain opaque. Herein we discuss how hematology has been applied to determine physiological and malignant functions of A-to-I editing.

RECENT FINDINGS

Functional studies have established that A-to-I editing and ADAR1, responsible for the majority of editing in blood cells, are essential for normal blood cell homeostasis. ADAR1 edits endogenous RNA and reshapes its secondary structure, preventing MDA5 from perceiving the cells own RNA as pathogenic. Roles for ADAR1 in human leukaemia, and most recently, cancer cell intrinsic and extrinsic functions of ADAR1 have been identified that highlight ADAR1 as a therapeutic target in cancer.

SUMMARY

The studies reviewed have identified the key physiological function of ADAR1 and mechanistic basis for A-to-I editing in normal physiology and have now been extended to cancer. As our understanding of the biology and consequences of A-to-I editing evolve, it may be possible to target ADAR1 function advantageously in a number of settings.

E3 ubiquitin ligases, the powerful modulator of innate antiviral immunity

During viral infection, the innate immune system represents the first defense line of the human body. The pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) from the viruses are recognized by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) of the host cell, especially from those of the immune cells. Sensing of PAMPs by PRRs elicits an elegant signal transduction system, ultimately leading to the production of type I interferons (IFNs) and proinflammatory cytokines. Ubiquitination, with its versatile functions, plays a central role in modulating almost every single step of this signaling cascade. Ubiquitin ligases, which catalyze different types of ubiquitination correlating with multiple functions, are the key participant in fine-tuning antiviral signal transduction. In this review, we focus on summarizing the ubiquitin ligases that regulate the key signaling molecules in antiviral innate immunity.

An extremely severe case of Aicardi-Goutières syndrome 7 with a novel variant in IFIH1

We describe herein an extremely severe case of Aicardi-Goutières syndrome 7 (AGS7). The female patient was the daughter of nonconsanguineous parents and developed cardiomegaly, pericardial effusion, splenomegaly, and intracranial calcification during the fetal period. Because her cardiotocogram showed a non-reassuring fetal status, she was delivered at 29 weeks and 4 days of gestation by an emergency cesarean section. After birth, she suffered from respiratory distress, pulmonary hypertension, refractory fever, recurrent thrombocytopenia, and abdominal distention caused by hepatomegaly and ascites. She showed a lenticulostriate vasculopathy, which was compatible with the fetal intracranial calcification. Despite various intensive care procedures, she died of gradually progressive pulmonary hypertension at 3 months of age. After her death, whole exome sequencing on the patient and the parents was performed and revealed a novel, de novo, heterozygous mutation in the IFIH1 gene (IFIH1:NM_022168:exon12:c.2439A > T:p.Glu813Asp). On the basis of the mutation and the clinical features, the diagnosis was AGS7. Although AGS7 has been regarded as a relatively mild subtype of Aicardi-Goutières syndrome, this case indicates that the c.2439A > T variant of AGS7 can be fatal in early infancy.

MAVS polymers smaller than 80 nm induce mitochondrial membrane remodeling and interferon signaling

Double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) is a potent proinflammatory signature of viral infection and is sensed primarily by RIG‐I‐like receptors (RLRs). Oligomerization of RLRs following binding to cytosolic dsRNA activates and nucleates self‐assembly of the mitochondrial antiviral‐signaling protein (MAVS). In the current signaling model, the caspase recruitment domains of MAVS form helical fibrils that self‐propagate like prions to promote signaling complex assembly. However, there is no conclusive evidence that MAVS forms fibrils in cells or with the transmembrane anchor present. We show here with super‐resolution light microscopy that MAVS activation by dsRNA induces mitochondrial membrane remodeling. Quantitative image analysis at imaging resolutions as high as 32 nm shows that in the cellular context, MAVS signaling complexes and the fibrils within them are smaller than 80 nm. The transmembrane domain of MAVS is required for its membrane remodeling, interferon signaling, and proapoptotic activities. We conclude that membrane tethering of MAVS restrains its polymerization and contributes to mitochondrial remodeling and apoptosis upon dsRNA sensing.

The 14-3-3η chaperone protein promotes antiviral innate immunity via facilitating MDA5 oligomerization and intracellular redistribution

MDA5 belongs to the RIG-I-like receptor family and plays a non-redundant role in recognizing cytoplasmic viral RNA to induce the production of type I IFNs. Upon RNA ligand stimulation, we observed the redistribution of MDA5 from the cytosol to mitochondrial membrane fractions. However, the molecular mechanisms of MDA5 activation remain less understood. Here we show that 14-3-3η is an essential accessory protein for MDA5-dependent type I IFN induction. We found that several 14-3-3 isoforms may interact with MDA5 through the CARDs (N-MDA5), but 14-3-3η was the only isoform that could enhance MDA5-dependent IFNβ promoter activities in a dose-dependent manner. Knock-down of 14-3-3η in Huh7 cells impaired and delayed the kinetics of MDA5 oligomerization, which is a critical step for MDA5 activation. Consequently, the MDA5-dependent IFNβ promoter activities as well as IFNβ mRNA expression level were also decreased in the 14-3-3η knocked-down cells. We also demonstrated that 14-3-3η is essential in boosting the activation of MDA5-dependent antiviral innate immunity during viral infections. In conclusion, our results uncover a novel function of 14-3-3η to promote the MDA5-dependent IFNβ induction pathway by reducing the immunostimulatory potential of viral dsRNA within MDA5 activation signaling pathway.

In this study, we utilized biochemistry and molecular biology approaches to defines the molecular mechanisms by which melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5 (MDA5), a cytoplasmic RNA helicase and pattern recognition receptor molecule, is regulated by 14-3-3η to govern its innate immune signaling activity. During viral infection RIG-I-like receptors (RLRs), including MDA5, play essential roles in initiating type I interferon signaling pathway and preventing virus infection or replication in host cells. Besides, the establishment of well functional adaptive immune response to viruses is depending on the timely activation of innate immune antiviral signaling pathway. Our results suggested that the activation of MDA5 is promoted by the chaperone protein 14-3-3η. The lack of 14-3-3η in host cells leads to the kinetically-delayed oligomerization of MDA5, which is a key steps of the activation of MDA5-mediated anti-viral signaling pathway. These findings reveal a novel component which participating in the control system of MDA5-dependent signaling pathway. Viral proteins which antagonize 14-3-3η to impair MDA5-dependent antiviral signaling may be suitable targets for antiviral therapy or be modified to generate potential vaccine strains.

Nucleic Acid Innate Immune Receptors

Viral infection is a serious threat to humans. Nucleic acid (NA) sensing is an essential strategy to protect humans from viral infection. Currently, many intracellular NA sensors for DNA and RNA have been identified. To control viral infections, the immune system uses a variety of NA sensors, including Toll-like receptors in endolysosomes and cytosolic NA sensors. These sensors activate defence responses by inducing the production of a variety of cytokines, including type I interferons and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β). In addition to viral NAs, self-derived NAs are released during tissue damage and activate NA sensors, which leads to a variety of inflammatory diseases. To avoid unnecessary activation of NA sensors, the processing and trafficking of NA sensors and NAs needs to be tightly controlled. The regulatory mechanisms of NA sensors and NAs have been clarified by biochemical, cell biological, and crystal structure analyses. Here, we summarize recent progress on the mechanisms controlling NA sensor activation.

Adenosine deaminase acting on RNA (ADAR1), a suppressor of double-stranded RNA-triggered innate immune responses

Herbert "Herb" Tabor, who celebrated his 100th birthday this past year, served the Journal of Biological Chemistry as a member of the Editorial Board beginning in 1961, as an Associate Editor, and as Editor-in-Chief for 40 years, from 1971 until 2010. Among the many discoveries in biological chemistry during this period was the identification of RNA modification by C6 deamination of adenosine (A) to produce inosine (I) in double-stranded (ds) RNA. This posttranscriptional RNA modification by adenosine deamination, known as A-to-I RNA editing, diversifies the transcriptome and modulates the innate immune interferon response. A-to-I editing is catalyzed by a family of enzymes, adenosine deaminases acting on dsRNA (ADARs). The roles of A-to-I editing are varied and include effects on mRNA translation, pre-mRNA splicing, and micro-RNA silencing. Suppression of dsRNA-triggered induction and action of interferon, the cornerstone of innate immunity, has emerged as a key function of ADAR1 editing of self (cellular) and nonself (viral) dsRNAs. A-to-I modification of RNA is essential for the normal regulation of cellular processes. Dysregulation of A-to-I editing by ADAR1 can have profound consequences, ranging from effects on cell growth and development to autoimmune disorders.

Whole-genome sequencing identifies complex contributions to genetic risk by variants in genes causing monogenic systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE, OMIM 152700) is a systemic autoimmune disease with a complex etiology. The mode of inheritance of the genetic risk beyond familial SLE cases is currently unknown. Additionally, the contribution of heterozygous variants in genes known to cause monogenic SLE is not fully understood. Whole-genome sequencing of DNA samples from 71 Swedish patients with SLE and their healthy biological parents was performed to investigate the general genetic risk of SLE using known SLE GWAS risk loci identified using the ImmunoChip, variants in genes associated to monogenic SLE, and the mode of inheritance of SLE risk alleles in these families. A random forest model for predicting genetic risk for SLE showed that the SLE risk variants were mainly inherited from one of the parents. In the 71 patients, we detected a significant enrichment of ultra-rare ( ≤ 0.1%) missense and nonsense mutations in 22 genes known to cause monogenic forms of SLE. We identified one previously reported homozygous nonsense mutation in the C1QC (Complement C1q C Chain) gene, which explains the immunodeficiency and severe SLE phenotype of that patient. We also identified seven ultra-rare, coding heterozygous variants in five genes (C1S, DNASE1L3, DNASE1, IFIH1, and RNASEH2A) involved in monogenic SLE. Our findings indicate a complex contribution to the overall genetic risk of SLE by rare variants in genes associated with monogenic forms of SLE. The rare variants were inherited from the other parent than the one who passed on the more common risk variants leading to an increased genetic burden for SLE in the child. Higher frequency SLE risk variants are mostly passed from one of the parents to the offspring affected with SLE. In contrast, the other parent, in seven cases, contributed heterozygous rare variants in genes associated with monogenic forms of SLE, suggesting a larger impact of rare variants in SLE than hitherto reported.