Dissociation of a MAVS/IPS-1/VISA/Cardif-IKKepsilon molecular complex from the mitochondrial outer membrane by hepatitis C virus NS3-4A proteolytic cleavage

Interferon, Mx, and viral countermeasures

The interferon system provides a powerful and universal intracellular defense mechanism against viruses. Knockout mice defective in IFN signaling quickly succumb to all kinds of viral infections. Likewise, humans with genetic defects in interferon signaling die of viral disease at an early age. Among the known interferon-induced antiviral mechanisms, the Mx pathway is one of the most powerful. Mx proteins belong to the dynamin superfamily of large GTPases and have direct antiviral activity. They inhibit a wide range of viruses by blocking an early stage of the viral replication cycle. Likewise, the protein kinase R (PKR), and the 2–5 OAS/RNaseL system represent major antiviral pathways and have been extensively studied. Viruses, in turn, have evolved multiple strategies to escape the IFN system. They try to go undetected, suppress IFN synthesis, bind and neutralize secreted IFN molecules, block IFN signaling, or inhibit the action of IFN-induced antiviral proteins. Here, we summarize recent findings about the astonishing interplay of viruses with the IFN response pathway.

Limited suppression of the interferon-beta production by hepatitis C virus serine protease in cultured human hepatocytes

Toll-like receptors and RNA helicase family members [retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) and melanoma differentiation associated gene-5 (MDA5)] play important roles in the induction of interferon-beta as a major event in innate immune responses after virus infection. TRIF (adaptor protein of Toll-like receptor 3)-mediated and Cardif (adaptor protein of RIG-I or MDA5)-mediated signaling pathways contribute rapid induction of interferon-beta through the activation of interferon regulatory factor-3 (IRF-3). Previously, it has been reported that the hepatitis C virus NS3-4A serine protease blocks virus-induced activation of IRF-3 in the human hepatoma cell line HuH-7, and that NS3-4A cleaves TRIF and Cardif molecules, resulting in the interruption of antiviral signaling pathways. On the other hand, it has recently been reported that non-neoplastic human hepatocyte PH5CH8 cells retain robust TRIF- and Cardif-mediated pathways, unlike HuH-7 cells, which lack a TRIF-mediated pathway. In the present study, we further investigated the effect of NS3-4A on antiviral signaling pathways. Although we confirmed that PH5CH8 cells were much more effective than HuH-7 cells for the induction of interferon-beta, we obtained the unexpected result that NS3-4A could not suppress the interferon-beta production induced by the TRIF-mediated pathway, although it suppressed the Cardif-mediated pathway by cleaving Cardif at the Cys508 residue. Using PH5CH8, HeLa, and HuH-7-derived cells, we further showed that NS3-4A could not cleave TRIF, in disagreement with a previous report describing the cleavage of TRIF by NS3-4A. Taken together, our findings suggest that the blocking of the interferon production by NS3-4A is not sufficient in HCV-infected hepatocyte cells.

RIG-I family RNA helicases: cytoplasmic sensor for antiviral innate immunity

Viral infection is detected by cellular sensors as foreign nucleic acid and initiates innate antiviral responses, including the activation of type I interferon (IFN) and proinflammatory cytokines. Recent advances in cytoplasmic virus sensors highlight their essential role in the induction of innate immunity. Moreover, it is intriguing to understand how they can discriminate innate RNA from viral foreign RNA. In this mini-review, we focus on these cytoplasmic virus sensors, termed retinoic acid inducible gene-I (RIG-I)-like receptors (RLRs), and discuss their function in the innate immune system.

Toll-like receptors, RIG-I-like RNA helicases and the antiviral innate immune response

The antiviral innate immune response follows the detection of viral components by host pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). Two families of PRRs have emerged as key sensors of viral infection: Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and retinoic acid inducible gene-I like RNA helicases (RLHs). TLRs patrol the extracellular and endosomal compartments; signalling results in a type-1 interferon response and/or the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In contrast, RLHs survey the cytoplasm for the presence of viral double-stranded RNA. In the face of such host defence, viruses have developed strategies to evade TLR/RLH signalling. Such host-virus interactions provide the opportunity for manipulation of PRR signalling as a novel therapeutic approach.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus ORF6 antagonizes STAT1 function by sequestering nuclear import factors on the rough endoplasmic reticulum/Golgi membrane

The host innate immune response is an important deterrent of severe viral infection in humans and animals. Nuclear import factors function as key gatekeepers that regulate the transport of innate immune regulatory cargo to the nucleus of cells to activate the antiviral response. Using severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) as a model, we demonstrate that SARS-COV ORF6 protein is localized to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)/Golgi membrane in infected cells, where it binds to and disrupts nuclear import complex formation by tethering karyopherin alpha 2 and karyopherin beta 1 to the membrane. Retention of import factors at the ER/Golgi membrane leads to a loss of STAT1 transport into the nucleus in response to interferon signaling, thus blocking the expression of STAT1-activated genes that establish an antiviral state. We mapped the region of ORF6, which binds karyopherin alpha 2, to the C terminus of ORF6 and show that mutations in the C terminus no longer bind karyopherin alpha 2 or block the nuclear import of STAT1. We also show that N-terminal deletions of karyopherin alpha 2 that no longer bind to karyopherin beta 1 still retain ORF6 binding activity but no longer block STAT1 nuclear import. Recombinant SARS-CoV lacking ORF6 did not tether karyopherin alpha 2 to the ER/Golgi membrane and allowed the import of the STAT1 complex into the nucleus. We discuss the likely implications of these data on SARS-CoV replication and pathogenesis.

The C terminus of hepatitis C virus NS4A encodes an electrostatic switch that regulates NS5A hyperphosphorylation and viral replication

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) nonstructural protein 4A (NS4A) is only 54 amino acids (aa) in length, yet it is a key regulator of the essential serine protease and RNA helicase activities of the NS3-4A complex, as well as a determinant of NS5A phosphorylation. Here we examine the structure and function of the C-terminal acidic region of NS4A through site-directed mutagenesis of a Con1 subgenomic replicon and through biophysical characterization of a synthetic peptide corresponding to this region. Our genetic studies revealed that in 8 of the 15 C-terminal residues of NS4A, individual Ala substitutions or charge reversal substitutions led to severe replication phenotypes, as well as decreased NS5A hyperphosphorylation. By selecting for replication-competent mutants, several second-site changes in NS3 were identified and shown to suppress these defects in replication and NS5A hyperphosphorylation. Circular-dichroism spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy on a peptide corresponding to the C-terminal 19 aa of NS4A revealed that this region can adopt an alpha-helical conformation, but that this folding requires neutralization of a cluster of acidic residues. Taken together, these data suggest that the C terminus of NS4A acts as a dynamic regulator of NS3-4A interaction, NS5A hyperphosphorylation, and HCV replicase activity.

Hepatitis C virus nonstructural protein 5A modulates the toll-like receptor-MyD88-dependent signaling pathway in macrophage cell lines

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection induces a wide range of chronic liver injuries; however, the mechanism through which HCV evades the immune surveillance system remains obscure. Blood dendritic cells (DCs) play a pivotal role in the recognition of viral infection and the induction of innate and adaptive immune responses. Several reports suggest that HCV infection induces the dysfunction of DCs in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Toll-like receptor (TLR) has been shown to play various roles in many viral infections; however, the involvement of HCV proteins in the TLR signaling pathway has not yet been precisely elucidated. In this study, we established mouse macrophage cell lines stably expressing HCV proteins and determined the effect of HCV proteins on the TLR signaling pathways. Immune cells expressing NS3, NS3/4A, NS4B, or NS5A were found to inhibit the activation of the TLR2, TLR4, TLR7, and TLR9 signaling pathways. Various genotypes of NS5A bound to MyD88, a major adaptor molecule in TLR, inhibited the recruitment of interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 1 to MyD88, and impaired cytokine production in response to TLR ligands. Amino acid residues 240 to 280, previously identified as the interferon sensitivity-determining region (ISDR) in NS5A, interacted with the death domain of MyD88, and the expression of a mutant NS5A lacking the ISDR partially restored cytokine production. These results suggest that the expression of HCV proteins modulates the TLR signaling pathway in immune cells.

Viral suppression of the interferon system

Type I interferons (IFN-alpha/beta) were originally discovered by their strong and direct antiviral activity [A. Isaacs, J. Lindenmann, Virus interference. I. The interferon, Proc. R. Soc. Lond. B Biol. Sci. 147 (1957) 258-267]. (see review by J. Lindenmann on p. 719, in this issue). Nevertheless, only very recently it was entirely realized that viruses would not succeed without efficient tools to undermine this potent host defense system. Current investigations are revealing an astonishing variety of viral IFN antagonistic strategies targeting virtually all parts of the IFN system, often in a highly specific manner. Viruses were found to interfere with induction of IFN synthesis, IFN-induced signaling events, the antiviral effector proteins, or simply shut off the host cell macromolecule synthesis machinery to avoid booting of the antiviral host defense. Here, we will describe a few well-characterized examples to illustrate the sophisticated and often multi-layered anti-IFN mechanisms employed by viruses.

Ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of interferon regulatory factor-3 induced by Npro from a cytopathic bovine viral diarrhea virus

The pathogenesis of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) infections is complex and only partly understood. It remains controversial whether interferon is produced in cells infected with cytopathic(cp) BVDVs which do not persist in vivo. We show here that a cpBVDV (NADL strain) does not induce interferon responses in cell culture and blocks induction of interferon-stimulated genes by a super-infecting paramyxovirus. cpBVDV infection causes a marked loss of interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF-3), a cellular transcription factor that controls interferon synthesis. This is attributed to expression of Npro, but not its protease activity. Npro interacts with IRF-3, prior to its activation by virus-induced phosphorylation, resulting in polyubiquitination and subsequent proteasomal degradation of IRF-3. Thermal inactivation of the E1 ubiquitin-activating enzyme prevents Npro-induced IRF-3 loss. These data suggest that inhibition of interferon production is a shared feature of both ncp and cpBVDVs and provide new insights regarding IRF-3 regulation in pestivirus pathogenesis.

The interferon inducing pathways and the hepatitis C virus

The innate immune response is triggered by a variety of pathogens, including viruses, and requires rapid induction of type I interferons (IFN), such as IFNβ and IFNα. IFN induction occurs when specific pathogen motifs bind to specific cellular receptors. In non-professional immune, virally-infected cells, IFN induction is essentially initiated after the binding of dsRNA structures to TLR3 receptors or to intracytosolic RNA helicases, such as RIG-I /MDA5. This leads to the recruitment of specific adaptors, such as TRIF for TLR3 and the mitochondrial-associated IPS-1/VISA/MAVS/CARDIF adapter protein for the RNA helicases, and the ultimate recruitment of kinases, such as MAPKs, the canonical IKK complex and the TBK1/IKKε kinases, which activate the transcription factors ATF-2/c-jun, NF-κB and IRF3, respectively. The coordinated action of these transcription factors leads to induction of IFN and of pro-inflammatory cytokines and to the establishment of the innate immune response. HCV can cleave both the adapters TRIF and IPS-1/VISA/MAVS/CARDIF through the action of its NS3/4A protease. This provokes abrogation of the induction of the IFN and cytokine pathways and favours viral propagation and presumably HCV chronic infection.

Hepatitis C virus proteins

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) encodes a single polyprotein, which is processed by cellular and viral proteases to generate 10 polypeptides. The HCV genome also contains an overlapping +1 reading frame that may lead to the synthesis of an additional protein. Until recently, studies of HCV have been hampered by the lack of a productive cell culture system. Since the identification of HCV genome approximately 17 years ago, structural, biochemical and biological information on HCV proteins has mainly been obtained with proteins produced by heterologous expression systems. In addition, some functional studies have also been confirmed with replicon systems or with retroviral particles pseudotyped with HCV envelope glycoproteins. The data that have accumulated on HCV proteins begin to provide a framework for understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in the major steps of HCV life cycle. Moreover, the knowledge accumulated on HCV proteins is also leading to the development of antiviral drugs among which some are showing promising results in early-phase clinical trials. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the functions and biochemical features of HCV proteins.

Regulation of interferon production by RIG-I and LGP2: a lesson in self-control

The cytoplasmic CARD-containing DExD/H box RNA helicases RIG-I and MDA5 act as sensors of viral infections through recognition of viral double-stranded (ds) RNAs. They both associate with the mitochondrial adaptor IPS-1 (also referred to as MAVS, VISA, and CARDIF) through homotypic CARD-CARD interactions. IPS-1, in turn, triggers signaling pathways, including activation of the protein kinases TBK1 and IKKepsilon, responsible for the phosphorylation of IRF3, a key transcription factor involved in interferon (IFN) synthesis, one essential element of the innate immune response. RIG-I remains in an autoinhibited state in the absence of dsRNA, through an internal repressor domain (RD) that binds within both its CARD and its RNA helicase domains and therefore acts in cis to control its multimerization and interaction with IPS-1. Ectopic expression of the RD prevents signaling and increases cell permissiveness to viruses, including hepatitis C virus. LGP2, which is another DExD/H RNA helicase of the RIG-I and MDA5 family and which is devoid of CARD domain, negatively controls IFN induction at different levels: by sequestering dsRNA, by blocking RIG-I's multimerization in trans through a domain analogous to the RIG-I RD, and by competing with the protein kinase IKKepsilon for a common interaction site on IPS-1. The ability of RIG-I and LGP2 to exert such a feedback control at the earliest steps of IFN synthesis allows the cells to exert a tight regulation of the induction of the innate immune response.

The NEMO adaptor bridges the nuclear factor-kappaB and interferon regulatory factor signaling pathways

Intracellular detection of RNA virus infection is mediated by the RNA helicase RIG-I, which is recruited to mitochondria by the adaptor protein MAVS and triggers activation of the transcription factors NF-kappaB, IRF3 and IRF7. Here we demonstrate that virus-induced activation of IRF3 and IRF7 depended on the NF-kappaB modulator NEMO, which acted 'upstream' of the kinases TBK1 and IKKepsilon. IRF3 phosphorylation, formation of IRF3 dimers and DNA binding, as well as IRF3-dependent gene expression, were abrogated in NEMO-deficient cells. IRF3 phosphorylation and interferon production were restored by ectopic expression of NEMO. Thus, NEMO, like MAVS, acts as an adaptor protein that allows RIG-I to activate both the NF-kappaB and IRF signaling pathways.

SARS coronavirus and innate immunity

The emergence of the highly pathogenic SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV) has reignited interest in coronavirus biology and pathogenesis. An emerging theme in coronavirus pathogenesis is that the interaction between specific viral genes and the host immune system, specifically the innate immune system, functions as a key determinant in regulating virulence and disease outcomes. Using SARS-CoV as a model, we will review the current knowledge of the interplay between coronavirus infection and the host innate immune system in vivo, and then discuss the mechanisms by which specific gene products antagonize the host innate immune response in cell culture models. Our data suggests that the SARS-CoV uses specific strategies to evade and antagonize the sensing and signaling arms of the interferon pathway. We summarize by identifying future points of consideration that will contribute greatly to our understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing coronavirus pathogenesis and virulence, and the development of severe disease in humans and animals.

Subversion of innate host antiviral strategies by the hepatitis C virus

Since its discovery in 1989, Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) has been recognized as a major cause of chronic hepatitis, end-stage cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma affecting world wide more than 210 million people. The fact that 80% of newly infected patients fail to control infection, the slow development of overt disease and immune-response as well as the unsatisfying results of current IFN/ribavirin combination therapy suggests that the hepatitis C virus developed powerful strategies to evade and to antagonize the immune response of the host and to resist the antiviral actions of interferons. During the last 10 years several viral strategies have been uncovered for control and evasion from cellular antiviral host response initiated by the pathogen-associated molecular pattern recognizing receptors RIG1 and TLR3 and mediated by the release of type I interferon and subsequent induction of interferon stimulated genes. This review highlights recent results providing an idea of how the hepatitis C virus interferes with the different steps of initial antiviral host-response and establishes persistent infection.

Functional and therapeutic analysis of hepatitis C virus NS3.4A protease control of antiviral immune defense

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major global public health problem. HCV infection is supported by viral strategies to evade the innate antiviral response wherein the viral NS3.4A protease complex targets and cleaves the interferon promoter stimulator-1 (IPS-1) adaptor protein to ablate signaling of interferon alpha/beta immune defenses. Here we examined the structural requirements of NS3.4A and the therapeutic potential of NS3.4A inhibitors to control the innate immune response against virus infection. The structural composition of NS3 includes an amino-terminal serine protease domain and a carboxyl-terminal RNA helicase domain. NS3 mutants lacking the helicase domain retained the ability to control virus signaling initiated by retinoic acid-inducible gene-I (RIG-I) or melanoma differentiation antigen 5 and suppressed the downstream activation of interferon regulatory factor-3 (IRF-3) and nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) through the targeted proteolysis of IPS-1. This regulation was abrogated by truncation of the NS3 protease domain or by point mutations that ablated protease activity. NS3.4A protease control of antiviral immune signaling was due to targeted proteolysis of IPS-1 by the NS3 protease domain and minimal NS4A cofactor. Treatment of HCV-infected cells with an NS3 protease inhibitor prevented IPS-1 proteolysis by the HCV protease and restored RIG-I immune defense signaling during infection. Thus, the NS3.4A protease domain can target IPS-1 for cleavage and is essential for blocking RIG-I signaling to IRF-3 and NF-kappaB, whereas the helicase domain is dispensable for this action. Our results indicate that NS3.4A protease inhibitors have immunomodulatory potential to restore innate immune defenses to HCV infection.

Fas-associated death domain-containing protein-mediated antiviral innate immune signaling involves the regulation of Irf7

The induction of type I (alphabeta) IFN following virus infection is necessary for the stimulation of effective antiviral host defense. In fibroblasts, a subset of primary genes (including those encoding IFN-beta and IFN-alpha4) are induced directly by intracellular dsRNA generated by the virus during its replication. These primary type I IFNs induce expression of IFN regulatory factor (IRF)-7, required for production of a second cascade of IFN-alpha subtypes and the further establishment of a complete antiviral state. Previously, we had reported on a role for Fas-associated death domain-containing protein (FADD) in the control of TLR-independent innate immune responses to virus infection. Our data in this study demonstrate that FADD is not only required for efficient primary gene induction, but is also essential for induction of Irf7 and effective expression of secondary IFN-alphas and other antiviral genes. Ectopic overexpression of IRF-7 partially rescued dsRNA responsiveness and IFN-alpha production, and a constitutively active variant of IRF-7 displayed normal activity in Fadd(-/-) murine embryonic fibroblasts. MC159, a FADD-interacting viral protein encoded by the molluscum contagiosum poxvirus was found to inhibit dsRNA-activated signaling events upstream of IRF-7. These data indicate that FADD's antiviral activity involves regulation of IRF-7-dependent production of IFN-alpha subtypes and consequent induction of secondary antiviral genes.

Triggering antiviral response by RIG-I-related RNA helicases

TLRs detect several classes of virus-associated molecules, such as ssRNA, CpG-DNA and dsRNA, and transduce signals leading to the production of IFN. Recently discovered cytoplasmic RNA helicases, RIG-I and MDA5, selectively sense viral RNA species. Gene disruption studies revealed the critical but non-redundant function of RIG-I and MDA5 in host antiviral responses.

Inhibition of retinoic acid-inducible gene I-mediated induction of beta interferon by the NS1 protein of influenza A virus

The retinoic acid-inducible gene I product (RIG-I) has been identified as a cellular sensor of RNA virus infection resulting in beta interferon (IFN-beta) induction. However, many viruses are known to encode viral products that inhibit IFN-beta production. In the case of influenza A virus, the viral nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) prevents the induction of the IFN-beta promoter by inhibiting the activation of transcription factors, including IRF-3, involved in IFN-beta transcriptional activation. The inhibitory properties of NS1 appear to be due at least in part to its binding to double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), resulting in the sequestration of this viral mediator of RIG-I activation. However, the precise effects of NS1 on the RIG-I-mediated induction of IFN-beta have not been characterized. We now report that the NS1 of influenza A virus interacts with RIG-I and inhibits the RIG-I-mediated induction of IFN-beta. This inhibition was apparent even when a mutant RIG-I that is constitutively activated (in the absence of dsRNA) was used to trigger IFN-beta production. Coexpression of RIG-I, its downstream signaling partner, IPS-1, and NS1 resulted in increased levels of RIG-I and NS1 within an IPS-1-rich, solubilization-resistant fraction after cell lysis. These results suggest that RIG-I, IPS-1, and NS1 become part of the same complex. Consistent with this idea, NS1 was also found to inhibit IFN-beta promoter activation by IPS-1 overexpression. Our results indicate that, in addition to sequestering dsRNA, the NS1 of influenza A virus binds to RIG-I and inhibits downstream activation of IRF-3, preventing the transcriptional induction of IFN-beta.

The protein kinase IKKepsilon can inhibit HCV expression independently of IFN and its own expression is downregulated in HCV-infected livers

During a viral infection, binding of viral double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) to the cytosolic RNA helicase RIG-1 leads to recruitment of the mitochondria-associated Cardif protein, involved in activation of the IRF3-phosphorylating IKKepsilon/TBK1 kinases, interferon (IFN) induction, and development of the innate immune response. The hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS3/4A protease cleaves Cardif and abrogates both IKKepsilon/TBK1 activation and IFN induction. By using an HCV replicon model, we previously showed that ectopic overexpression of IKKepsilon can inhibit HCV expression. Here, analysis of the IKKepsilon transcriptome profile in these HCV replicon cells showed induction of several genes associated with the antiviral action of IFN. Interestingly, IKKepsilon still inhibits HCV expression in the presence of neutralizing antibodies to IFN receptors or in the presence of a dominant negative STAT1alpha mutant. This suggests that good IKKepsilon expression levels are important for rapid activation of the cellular antiviral response in HCV-infected cells, in addition to provoking IFN induction. To determine the physiological importance of IKKepsilon in HCV infection, we then analyzed its expression levels in liver biopsy specimens from HCV-infected patients. This analysis also included genes of the IFN induction pathway (RIG-I, MDA5, LGP2, Cardif, TBK1), and three IKKepsilon-induced genes (IFN-beta, CCL3, and ISG15). The results show significant inhibition of expression of IKKepsilon and of the RNA helicases RIG-I/MDA5/LGP2 in the HCV-infected patients, whereas expression of TBK1 and Cardif was not significantly altered. In conclusion, given the antiviral potential of IKKepsilon and of the RNA helicases, these in vivo data strongly support an important role for these genes in the control of HCV infection.

GB virus B disrupts RIG-I signaling by NS3/4A-mediated cleavage of the adaptor protein MAVS

Understanding the mechanisms of hepatitis C virus (HCV) pathogenesis and persistence has been hampered by the lack of small, convenient animal models. GB virus B (GBV-B) is phylogenetically the closest related virus to HCV. It causes generally acute and occasionally chronic hepatitis in small primates and is used as a surrogate model for HCV. It is not known, however, whether GBV-B has evolved strategies to circumvent host innate defenses similar to those of HCV, a property that may contribute to HCV persistence in vivo. We show here in cultured tamarin hepatocytes that GBV-B NS3/4A protease, but not a related catalytically inactive mutant, effectively blocks innate intracellular antiviral responses signaled through the RNA helicase, retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I), an essential sensor molecule that initiates host defenses against many RNA viruses, including HCV. GBV-B NS3/4A protease specifically cleaves mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein (MAVS; also known as IPS-1/Cardif/VISA) and dislodges it from mitochondria, thereby disrupting its function as a RIG-I adaptor and blocking downstream activation of both interferon regulatory factor 3 and nuclear factor kappa B. MAVS cleavage and abrogation of virus-induced interferon responses were also observed in Huh7 cells supporting autonomous replication of subgenomic GBV-B RNAs. Our data indicate that, as in the case of HCV, GBV-B has evolved to utilize its major protease to disrupt RIG-I signaling and impede innate antiviral defenses. These data provide further support for the use of GBV-B infection in small primates as an accurate surrogate model for deciphering virus-host interactions in hepacivirus pathogenesis.

Manipulation of the nuclear factor-kappaB pathway and the innate immune response by viruses

Viral and microbial constituents contain specific motifs or pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) that are recognized by cell surface- and endosome-associated Toll-like receptors (TLRs). In addition, intracellular viral double-stranded RNA is detected by two recently characterized DExD/H box RNA helicases, RIG-I and Mda-5. Both TLR-dependent and -independent pathways engage the IkappaB kinase (IKK) complex and related kinases TBK-1 and IKKvarepsilon. Activation of the nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) and interferon regulatory factor (IRF) transcription factor pathways are essential immediate early steps of immune activation; as a result, both pathways represent prime candidates for viral interference. Many viruses have developed strategies to manipulate NF-kappaB signaling through the use of multifunctional viral proteins that target the host innate immune response pathways. This review discusses three rapidly evolving areas of research on viral pathogenesis: the recognition and signaling in response to virus infection through TLR-dependent and -independent mechanisms, the involvement of NF-kappaB in the host innate immune response and the multitude of strategies used by different viruses to short circuit the NF-kappaB pathway.

mda-5, but not RIG-I, is a common target for paramyxovirus V proteins

The induction of IFN-beta by the paramyxovirus PIV5 (formerly known as SV5) is limited by the action of the viral V protein that targets the cellular RNA helicase mda-5. Here we show that 12 other paramyxoviruses also target mda-5 by a direct interaction between the conserved cysteine-rich C-terminus of their V proteins and the helicase domain of mda-5. The inhibition of IFN-beta induction is not species-restricted, being observed in a range of mammalian cells as well as in avian cells, and we show that the inhibition of mda-5 function is also not restricted to mammalian cells. In contrast, the V proteins do not bind to the related RNA helicase RIG-I and do not inhibit its activity. The relative contributions of mda-5 and RIG-I to IFN-beta induction are discussed.

RNA- and virus-independent inhibition of antiviral signaling by RNA helicase LGP2

Antiviral innate immune responses can be triggered by accumulation of intracellular nucleic acids resulting from virus infections. Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) can be detected by the cytoplasmic RNA helicase proteins RIG-I and MDA5, two proteins that share sequence similarities within a caspase recruitment domain (CARD) and a DExD/H box RNA helicase domain. These proteins are considered dsRNA sensors and are thought to transmit the signal to the mitochondrial adapter, IPS-1 (also known as MAVS, VISA, or CARDIF) via CARD interactions. IPS-1 coordinates the activity of protein kinases that activate transcription factors needed to induce beta interferon (IFN-beta) gene transcription. Another helicase protein, LGP2, lacks the CARD region and does not activate IFN-beta gene expression. LGP2 mRNA is induced by interferon, dsRNA treatments, or Sendai virus infection and acts as a feedback inhibitor for antiviral signaling. Results indicate that LGP2 can inhibit antiviral signaling independently of dsRNA or virus infection intermediates by engaging in a protein complex with IPS-1. Experiments suggest that LGP2 can compete with the kinase IKKi (also known as IKKepsilon) for a common interaction site on IPS-1. These results provide the first demonstration of protein interaction as an element of negative-feedback regulation of intracellular antiviral signaling by LGP2.

Recruitment of an interferon molecular signaling complex to the mitochondrial membrane: disruption by hepatitis C virus NS3-4A protease

Recent advances in the understanding of the signaling pathways leading to the host antiviral response to hepatitis C virus (HCV), the mechanisms used by HCV to evade the immune response, and the development of small molecule inhibitors of HCV have generated optimism that novel therapeutic approaches to control HCV disease may soon be available. HCV infection is detected by the cytoplasmic, RNA helicase RIG-I that plays an essential role in signaling to the host antiviral response. Recently the adapter molecule that links RIG-I sensing of incoming viral RNA to downstream signaling and gene activation events was characterized by four different groups: MAVS/IPS-1-1/VISA/Cardif contains an amino-terminal CARD domain and carboxyl-terminal mitochondrial transmembrane sequence that localizes to the mitochondrial membrane. Furthermore, the hepatitis C virus NS3-4A protease complex specifically targets MAVS/IPS-1/VISA/Cardif for cleavage as part of its immune evasion strategy. Using a combination of biochemical analysis, subcellular fractionation and confocal microscopy, we demonstrate that: (1) NS3-4A cleavage of MAVS/IPS-1/VISA/Cardif causes relocation from the mitochondrial membrane to the cytosolic fraction, resulting in disruption of signaling to the antiviral immune response; (2) disruption requires a function NS3-4A protease; (3) a point mutant of MAVS/IPS-1/VISA/Cardif (Cys508Ala) is not cleaved from the mitochondria by active protease; and (4) the virus-induced IKK epsilon kinase, but not TBK1, co-localizes strongly with MAVS at the mitochondrial membrane and the localization of both molecules is disrupted by NS3-4A expression. These observations provide an outline of the mechanism by which HCV evades the IFN antiviral response.