The MCV MC159 protein inhibits late, but not early, events of TNF-α-induced NF-κB activation

Molluscum Contagiosum Virus: Biology and Immune Response

Molluscum contagiosum virus is a poxvirus belonging to the Poxviridae family, which includes Orthopoxvirus, Parapoxvirus, Yantapoxvirus, Molluscipoxvirus, Smallpox virus, Cowpox virus and Monkeypox virus. MCV belongs to the genus Molluscipoxvirus and has a tropism for skin tissue. MCV infects keratinocytes and, after an incubation period of 2 weeks to 6 weeks, causes a breakdown of the skin barrier with the development of papules of variable size depending on the proper functioning of the immune response (both adaptive and acquired). MCV only infects humans and does not cause viraemia. MCV encodes for several inhibitory proteins responsible to circumvent the immune response through different signalling pathways. Individuals who can be infected with MCV are children, immunocompromised individuals such as organ transplant recipients and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-infected individuals. Current treatments to manage MCV-induced lesions are different and include the use of immunomodulators, which, however, do not provide an effective response.

The MC160 protein of the molluscum contagiosum virus dampens cGAS/STING-induced interferon-β activation

Molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) is a poxvirus that causes benign, persistent skin lesions. MCV encodes a variety of immune evasion molecules to dampen host immune responses. Two of these proteins are the MC159 and MC160 proteins. Both MC159 and MC160 contain two tandem death effector domains and share homology to the cellular FLIPs, FADD, and procaspase-8. MC159 and MC160 dampen several innate immune responses such as NF-κB activation and mitochondrial antiviral signaling (MAVS)-mediated induction of type 1 interferon (IFN). The type 1 IFN response is also activated by the cytosolic DNA sensors cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) and stimulator of interferon genes (STING). Both cGAS and STING play a vital role in sensing a poxvirus infection. In this study, we demonstrate that there are nuanced differences between both MC160 and MC159 in terms of how the viral proteins modulate the cGAS/STING and MAVS pathways. Specifically, MC160 expression, but not MC159 expression, dampens cGAS/STING-mediated induction of IFN in HEK 293 T cells. Further, MC160 expression prevented the K63-ubiquitination of both STING and TBK1, a kinase downstream of cGAS/STING. Ectopic expression of the MC160 protein, but not the MC159 protein, resulted in a measurable decrease in the TBK1 protein levels as detected via immunoblotting. Finally, using a panel of MC160 truncation mutants, we report that the MC160 protein requires both DEDs to inhibit cGAS/STING-induced activation of IFN-β. Our model indicates MC160 likely alters the TBK1 signaling complex to decrease IFN-β activation at the molecular intersection of the cGAS/STING and MAVS signaling pathways.

Viral-mediated activation and inhibition of programmed cell death

Viruses are ubiquitous intracellular genetic parasites that heavily rely on the infected cell to complete their replication life cycle. This dependency on the host machinery forces viruses to modulate a variety of cellular processes including cell survival and cell death. Viruses are known to activate and block almost all types of programmed cell death (PCD) known so far. Modulating PCD in infected hosts has a variety of direct and indirect effects on viral pathogenesis and antiviral immunity. The mechanisms leading to apoptosis following virus infection is widely studied, but several modalities of PCD, including necroptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and paraptosis, are relatively understudied. In this review, we cover the mechanisms by which viruses activate and inhibit PCDs and suggest perspectives on how these affect viral pathogenesis and immunity.

Regulation of innate immune responses by cell death-associated caspases during virus infection

Viruses are obligate intracellular pathogens that rely on cellular machinery for successful replication and dissemination. The host cells encode a number of different strategies to sense and restrict the invading viral pathogens. Caspase-mediated programmed cell death pathways that are triggered by virus infection, such as apoptosis and pyroptosis, provide a means for the infected cells to limit viral proliferation, leading to suicidal cell death (apoptosis) or lytic cell death and alerting uninfected cells to mount anti-viral responses (pyroptosis). However, some viruses can employ activated caspases to dampen the anti-viral responses and facilitate viral replication through cleavage of critical molecules of the innate immune pathways. The regulation of innate immune responses by caspase activation during virus infection has recently become an important topic. In this review, we briefly introduce the characteristics of different classes of caspases and the cell death pathways regulated by these caspases. We then describe how viruses trigger or dampen caspase activation during infection and how these activated caspases regulate three major innate immune response pathways of viral infections: the retinoic acid-inducible gene I-like receptor, toll-like receptor and cyclic GMP-AMP synthase-stimulator of interferon genes pathways.

Rotavirus NSP1 Inhibits Type I and Type III Interferon Induction

Type I interferons (IFNs) are produced by most cells in response to virus infection and stimulate a program of anti-viral gene expression in neighboring cells to suppress virus replication. Type III IFNs have similar properties, however their effects are limited to epithelial cells at mucosal surfaces due to restricted expression of the type III IFN receptor. Rotavirus (RV) replicates in intestinal epithelial cells that respond predominantly to type III IFNs, and it has been shown that type III rather than type I IFNs are important for controlling RV infections in vivo. The RV NSP1 protein antagonizes the host type I IFN response by targeting IRF-3, IRF-5, IRF-7, or β-TrCP for proteasome-mediated degradation in a strain-specific manner. Here we provide the first demonstration that NSP1 proteins from several human and animal RV strains antagonize type III as well as type I IFN induction. We also show that NSP1 is a potent inhibitor of IRF-1, a previously undescribed property of NSP1 which is conserved among human and animal RVs. Interestingly, all NSP1 proteins were substantially more effective inhibitors of IRF-1 than either IRF-3 or IRF-7 which has significance for evasion of basal anti-viral immunity and type III IFN induction in the intestinal epithelium.

Poxviral Strategies to Overcome Host Cell Apoptosis

Apoptosis is a form of cellular suicide initiated either via extracellular (extrinsic apoptosis) or intracellular (intrinsic apoptosis) cues. This form of programmed cell death plays a crucial role in development and tissue homeostasis in multicellular organisms and its dysregulation is an underlying cause for many diseases. Intrinsic apoptosis is regulated by members of the evolutionarily conserved B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) family, a family that consists of pro- and anti-apoptotic members. Bcl-2 genes have also been assimilated by numerous viruses including pox viruses, in particular the sub-family of chordopoxviridae, a group of viruses known to infect almost all vertebrates. The viral Bcl-2 proteins are virulence factors and aid the evasion of host immune defenses by mimicking the activity of their cellular counterparts. Viral Bcl-2 genes have proved essential for the survival of virus infected cells and structural studies have shown that though they often share very little sequence identity with their cellular counterparts, they have near-identical 3D structures. However, their mechanisms of action are varied. In this review, we examine the structural biology, molecular interactions, and detailed mechanism of action of poxvirus encoded apoptosis inhibitors and how they impact on host–virus interactions to ultimately enable successful infection and propagation of viral infections.

MC159 of Molluscum Contagiosum Virus Suppresses Autophagy by Recruiting Cellular SH3BP4 via an SH3 Domain-Mediated Interaction

MC159 is a viral FLIP (FLICE inhibitory protein) encoded by the molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) enabling MCV to evade antiviral immunity and to establish persistent infections in humans. Here, we show that MC159 contains a functional SH3 binding motif, which mediates avid and selective binding to SH3BP4, a signaling protein known to regulate endocytic trafficking and suppress cellular autophagy. The capacity to bind SH3BP4 was dispensable for regulation of NF-κB-mediated transcription and suppression of proapoptotic caspase activation but contributed to inhibition of amino acid starvation-induced autophagy by MC159. These results provide new insights into the cellular functions of MC159 and reveal SH3BP4 as a novel host cell factor targeted by a viral immune evasion protein.IMPORTANCE After the eradication of smallpox, molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) is the only poxvirus restricted to infecting humans. MCV infection is common and causes benign skin lesions that usually resolve spontaneously but may persist for years and grow large, especially in immunocompromised individuals. While not life threatening, MCV infections pose a significant global health burden. No vaccine or specific anti-MCV therapy is available. MCV encodes several proteins that enable it to evade antiviral immunity, a notable example of which is the MC159 protein. In this study, we describe a novel mechanism of action for MC159 involving hijacking of a host cell protein called SH3BP4 to suppress autophagy, a cellular recycling mechanism important for antiviral immunity. This study contributes to our understanding of the host cell interactions of MCV and the molecular function of MC159.

The molluscum contagiosum virus protein MC163 inhibits TNF-α-induced NF-κB activation

Aim: The molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) expresses several immune evasion molecules that inhibit activation of NF-κB. Presumably, inhibition of inflammatory responses mediated by NF-κB allows MCV to cause persistent infections. Materials & methods: MC163-IKK-α interactions were detected by immunoprecipitations. Results: Here, we identify a novel MCV inhibitor of NF-κB. Ectopic expression of the MC163 protein resulted in a significant decrease in TNF-α-induced NF-κB activation. However, MC163 had no detectable effect on mitochondrial antiviral-signaling protein-induced activation of the IFN-β-promoter. MC163 dampened NF-κB activation induced via the overexpression of either IKK-α or IKK-β suggesting MC163 targets the IKK complex. Conclusion: Our data highlight a previously unknown function for the MC163 protein and may represent an additional strategy used by MCV to subvert host immune responses.

Poxviruses Utilize Multiple Strategies to Inhibit Apoptosis

Cells have multiple means to induce apoptosis in response to viral infection. Poxviruses must prevent activation of cellular apoptosis to ensure successful replication. These viruses devote a substantial portion of their genome to immune evasion. Many of these immune evasion products expressed during infection antagonize cellular apoptotic pathways. Poxvirus products target multiple points in both the extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways, thereby mitigating apoptosis during infection. Interestingly, recent evidence indicates that poxviruses also hijack cellular means of eliminating apoptotic bodies as a means to spread cell to cell through a process called apoptotic mimicry. Poxviruses are the causative agent of many human and veterinary diseases. Further, there is substantial interest in developing these viruses as vectors for a variety of uses including vaccine delivery and as oncolytic viruses to treat certain human cancers. Therefore, an understanding of the molecular mechanisms through which poxviruses regulate the cellular apoptotic pathways remains a top research priority. In this review, we consider anti-apoptotic strategies of poxviruses focusing on three relevant poxvirus genera: Orthopoxvirus, Molluscipoxvirus, and Leporipoxvirus. All three genera express multiple products to inhibit both extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways with many of these products required for virulence.

Molluscum Contagiosum Virus Protein MC005 Inhibits NF-κB Activation by Targeting NEMO-Regulated IκB Kinase Activation

Molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV), the only known extant human-adapted poxvirus, causes a long-duration infection characterized by skin lesions that typically display an absence of inflammation despite containing high titers of live virus. Despite this curious presentation, MCV is very poorly characterized in terms of host-pathogen interactions. The absence of inflammation around MCV lesions suggests the presence of potent inhibitors of human antiviral immunity and inflammation. However, only a small number of MCV immunomodulatory genes have been characterized in detail. It is likely that many more remain to be discovered, given the density of such sequences in other poxvirus genomes. NF-κB activation occurs in response to both virus-induced pattern recognition receptor (PRR) signaling and cellular activation by virus-induced proinflammatory cytokines like tumor necrosis factor and interleukin-1. Activated NF-κB drives cytokine and interferon gene expression, leading to inflammation and virus clearance. We report that MC005, which has no orthologs in other poxvirus genomes, is a novel inhibitor of PRR- and cytokine-stimulated NF-κB activation. MC005 inhibited NF-κB proximal to the IκB kinase (IKK) complex, and unbiased affinity purification revealed that MC005 interacts with the IKK subunit NEMO (NF-κB essential modulator). MC005 binding to NEMO prevents the conformational priming of the IKK complex that occurs when NEMO binds to ubiquitin chains during pathway activation. These data reveal a novel mechanism of poxvirus inhibition of human innate immunity, validate current dynamic models of NEMO-dependent IKK complex activation, and further clarify how the human-adapted poxvirus MCV can so effectively evade antiviral immunity and suppress inflammation to persist in human skin lesions.IMPORTANCE Poxviruses adapt to specific hosts over time, evolving and tailoring elegantly precise inhibitors of the rate-limiting steps within the signaling pathways that control innate immunity and inflammation. These inhibitors reveal new features of the antiviral response, clarify existing models of signaling regulation while offering potent new tools for approaching therapeutic intervention in autoimmunity and inflammatory disease. Molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) is the only known extant poxvirus specifically adapted to human infection and appears adept at evading normal human antiviral responses, yet it remains poorly characterized. We report the identification of MCV protein MC005 as an inhibitor of the pathways leading to the activation of NF-κB, an essential regulator of innate immunity. Further, identification of the mechanism of inhibition of NF-κB by MC005 confirms current models of the complex way in which NF-κB is regulated and greatly expands our understanding of how MCV so effectively evades human immunity.

Molluscum Contagiosum Virus MC159 Abrogates cIAP1-NEMO Interactions and Inhibits NEMO Polyubiquitination

Molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) is a dermatotropic poxvirus that causes benign skin lesions. MCV lesions persist because of virally encoded immune evasion molecules that inhibit antiviral responses. The MCV MC159 protein suppresses NF-κB activation, a powerful antiviral response, via interactions with the NF-κB essential modulator (NEMO) subunit of the IκB kinase (IKK) complex. Binding of MC159 to NEMO does not disrupt the IKK complex, implying that MC159 prevents IKK activation via an as-yet-unidentified strategy. Here, we demonstrated that MC159 inhibited NEMO polyubiquitination, a posttranslational modification required for IKK and downstream NF-κB activation. Because MCV cannot be propagated in cell culture, MC159 was expressed independent of infection or during a surrogate vaccinia virus infection to identify how MC159 prevented polyubiquitination. Cellular inhibitor of apoptosis protein 1 (cIAP1) is a cellular E3 ligase that ubiquitinates NEMO. Mutational analyses revealed that MC159 and cIAP1 each bind to the same NEMO region, suggesting that MC159 may competitively inhibit cIAP1-NEMO interactions. Indeed, MC159 prevented cIAP1-NEMO interactions. MC159 also diminished cIAP1-mediated NEMO polyubiquitination and cIAP1-induced NF-κB activation. These data suggest that MC159 competitively binds to NEMO to prevent cIAP1-induced NEMO polyubiquitination. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a viral protein disrupting NEMO-cIAP1 interactions to strategically suppress IKK activation. All viruses must antagonize antiviral signaling events for survival. We hypothesize that MC159 inhibits NEMO polyubiquitination as a clever strategy to manipulate the host cell environment to the benefit of the virus.IMPORTANCE Molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) is a human-specific poxvirus that causes persistent skin neoplasms. The persistence of MCV has been attributed to viral downregulation of host cell immune responses such as NF-κB activation. We show here that the MCV MC159 protein interacts with the NEMO subunit of the IKK complex to prevent NEMO interactions with the cIAP1 E3 ubiquitin ligase. This interaction correlates with a dampening of cIAP1 to polyubiquitinate NEMO and to activate NF-κB. This inhibition of cIAP1-NEMO interactions is a new viral strategy to minimize IKK activation and to control NEMO polyubiquitination. This research provides new insights into mechanisms that persistent viruses may use to cause long-term infection of host cells.

The molluscum contagiosum virus death effector domain containing protein MC160 RxDL motifs are not required for its known viral immune evasion functions

The molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) uses a variety of immune evasion strategies to antagonize host immune responses. Two MCV proteins, MC159 and MC160, contain tandem death effector domains (DEDs). They are reported to inhibit innate immune signaling events such as NF-κB and IRF3 activation, and apoptosis. The RxDL motif of MC159 is required for inhibition of both apoptosis and NF-κB activation. However, the role of the conserved RxDL motif in the MC160 DEDs remained unknown. To answer this question, we performed alanine mutations to neutralize the arginine and aspartate residues present in the MC160 RxDL in both DED1 and DED2. These mutations were further modeled against the structure of the MC159 protein. Surprisingly, the RxDL motif was not required for MC160's ability to inhibit MAVS-induced IFNβ activation. Further, unlike previous results with the MC159 protein, mutations within the RxDL motif of MC160 had no effect on the ability of MC160 to dampen TNF-α-induced NF-κB activation. Molecular modeling predictions revealed no overall changes to the structure in the MC160 protein when the amino acids of both RxDL motifs were mutated to alanine (DED1 = R67A D69A; DED2 = R160A D162A). Taken together, our results demonstrate that the RxDL motifs present in the MC160 DEDs are not required for known functions of the viral protein.

Molluscum Contagiosum Virus Transcriptome in Abortively Infected Cultured Cells and a Human Skin Lesion

Molluscum contagiosum virus (MOCV), the only circulating human-specific poxvirus, has a worldwide distribution and causes benign skin lesions that may persist for months in young children and severe infections in immunosuppressed adults. Studies of MOCV are restricted by the lack of an efficient animal model or a cell culture replication system. We used next-generation sequencing to analyze and compare polyadenylated RNAs from abortive MOCV infections of several cell lines and a human skin lesion. Viral RNAs were detected for 14 days after MOCV infection of cultured cells; however, there was little change in the RNA species during this time and a similar pattern occurred in the presence of an inhibitor of protein synthesis, indicating a block preventing postreplicative gene expression. Moreover, a considerable number of MOCV RNAs mapped to homologs of orthopoxvirus early genes, but few did so to homologs of intermediate or late genes. The RNAs made during in vitro infections represent a subset of RNAs detected in human skin lesions which mapped to homologs of numerous postreplicative as well as early orthopoxvirus genes. Transfection experiments using fluorescent protein and luciferase reporters demonstrated that vaccinia virus recognized MOCV intermediate and late promoters, indicating similar gene regulation. The specific recognition of the intermediate promoter in MOCV-infected cells provided evidence for the synthesis of intermediate transcription factors, which are products of early genes, but not for late transcription factors. Transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) and reporter gene assays may be useful for testing engineered cell lines and conditions that ultimately could provide an in vitro replication system.

IMPORTANCE

The inability to propagate molluscum contagiosum virus, which causes benign skin lesions in young children and more extensive infections in immunosuppressed adults, has constrained our understanding of the biology of this human-specific virus. In the present study, we characterized the RNAs synthesized in abortively infected cultured cells and a human skin lesion by next-generation sequencing. These studies provided an initial transcription map of the MOCV genome, suggested temporal regulation of gene expression, and indicated that the in vitro replication block occurs prior to intermediate and late gene expression. RNA-seq and reporter assays, as described here, may help to further evaluate MOCV gene expression and define conditions that could enable MOCV replication in vitro.

Poxvirus Protein MC132 from Molluscum Contagiosum Virus Inhibits NF-B Activation by Targeting p65 for Degradation

Molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) is unique in being the only known extant, human-adapted poxvirus, yet to date, it is very poorly characterized in terms of host-pathogen interactions. MCV causes persistent skin lesions filled with live virus, but these are generally immunologically silent, suggesting the presence of potent inhibitors of human antiviral immunity and inflammation. Fewer than five MCV immunomodulatory genes have been characterized in detail, but it is likely that many more remain to be discovered given the density of such sequences in all well-characterized poxviruses. Following virus infection, NF-B activation occurs in response to both pattern recognition receptor (PRR) signaling and cellular activation by virus-elicited proinflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF). As such, NF-B activation is required for virus detection, antiviral signaling, inflammation, and clearance of viral infection. Hence, we screened a library of MCV genes for effects on TNF-stimulated NF-B activation. This revealed MC132, a unique protein with no orthologs in other poxviral genomes, as a novel inhibitor of NF-B. Interestingly, MC132 also inhibited PRR- and virus-activated NF-B, since MC132 interacted with the NF-B subunit p65 and caused p65 degradation. Unbiased affinity purification to identify host targets of MC132 revealed that MC132 acted by targeting NF-B p65 for ubiquitin-dependent proteasomal degradation by recruiting p65 to a host Cullin-5/Elongin B/Elongin C complex. These data reveal a novel mechanism for poxviral inhibition of human innate immunity and further clarify how the human-adapted poxvirus MCV can so effectively evade antiviral immunity to persist in skin lesions.

Functional Comparison of Molluscum Contagiosum Virus vFLIP MC159 with Murine Cytomegalovirus M36/vICA and M45/vIRA Proteins

Molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) gene MC159 encodes a viral FLICE inhibitory protein (vFLIP) that inhibits caspase-8-mediated apoptosis. The MC159 protein was also reported to inhibit programmed necrosis (necroptosis) and modulate NF-κB activation by interacting with RIP1 and NEMO. The importance of MC159 during MCV infection has remained unknown, as there is no system for propagation and genetic manipulation of this virus. Here we investigated the functions of MC159 during viral infection using murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) as a surrogate virus. MC159 was inserted into the MCMV genome, replacing M36 or M45, two MCMV genes with functions similar to those reported for MC159. M36 encodes a viral inhibitor of caspase-8-induced apoptosis (vICA) and M45 a viral inhibitor of RIP activation (vIRA), which inhibits RIP1/RIP3-mediated necroptosis. The M45 protein also blocks NF-κB activation by interacting with NEMO. When expressed by MCMV, MC159 blocked tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)-induced apoptosis of infected cells and partially restored MCMV replication in macrophages. However, MC159 did not fully replace M45, as it did not inhibit necroptosis in murine cells, but it reduced TNF-α-induced necroptosis in MCMV-infected human HT-29 cells. MC159 also differed from M45 in its effect on NF-κB. While MCMV-encoded M45 blocked NF-κB activation by TNF-α and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), MC159 inhibited TNF-α- but not IL-1β-induced NF-κB activation in infected mouse fibroblasts. These results indicate that the spectrum of MC159's functions differs depending on cell type and expression system and that a cell culture system for the propagation of MCV is needed to determine the biological relevance of presumed viral gene functions.

IMPORTANCE

MCV is a human-pathogenic poxvirus that cannot be propagated in cell culture or laboratory animals. Therefore, MCV gene products have been studied predominantly in cells expressing individual viral genes. In this study, we analyzed the function of the MCV gene MC159 by expressing it from a different virus and comparing its functions to those of two well-characterized MCMV genes. In this system, MC159 displayed some but not all of the previously described functions, suggesting that the functions of a viral gene depend on the conditions under which it is expressed. Until a cell culture system for the analysis of MCV becomes available, it might be necessary to analyze MCV genes in several different systems to extrapolate their biological importance.

Immune evasion strategies of molluscum contagiosum virus

Molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) is the causative agent of molluscum contagiosum (MC), the third most common viral skin infection in children, and one of the five most prevalent skin diseases worldwide. No FDA-approved treatments, vaccines, or commercially available rapid diagnostics for MCV are available. This review discusses several aspects of this medically important virus including: physical properties of MCV, MCV pathogenesis, MCV replication, and immune responses to MCV infection. Sequencing of the MCV genome revealed novel immune evasion molecules which are highlighted here. Special attention is given to the MCV MC159 and MC160 proteins. These proteins are FLIPs with homologs in gamma herpesviruses and in the cell. They are of great interest because each protein regulates apoptosis, NF-κB, and IRF3. However, the mechanism that each protein uses to impart its effects is different. It is important to elucidate how MCV inhibits immune responses; this knowledge contributes to our understanding of viral pathogenesis and also provides new insights into how the immune system neutralizes virus infections.

Immune escape phenomenon in molluscum contagiosum and the induction of apoptosis

Molluscum contagiosum (MC) may persist for many weeks, evading host immunity. We studied the mechanism of immune escape phenomenon in MC, and the possible inducer of apoptosis. Using tissue samples of MC, we examined the numbers of epidermal Langerhans cells (LC), the expression levels of macrophage inflammatory protein-3α (MIP-3α) and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), and the apoptotic signals. After molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) genotyping, we studied the expression of MCV-encoded MC148 mRNA and MC159 mRNA which correspond to viral antagonist for CCR8 and viral Fas-linked interleukin (IL)-1β converting enzyme (FLICE)-like inhibitor protein (vFLIP), respectively. The nutlin-3-induced apoptosis in MC was observed ex vivo. The numbers of CD1a(+) or Langerin(+) epidermal LC and the expression levels of MIP-3α were markedly decreased in MC. The expression of TSLP was enhanced in the lesional epidermis of atopic dermatitis and human papillomavirus-induced warts, whereas the expression was observed locally in MC. All 14 MC samples examined harbored MCV type 1. The MC148 mRNA was detected in all 14 samples and the MC159 mRNA was detected in 13 samples. Apoptotic cells were absent or at a background level in the living layers of MC, but their numbers were increased in the molluscum bodies by overnight incubation with 5 μmol/L nutlin-3 in culture medium. In conclusion, molluscum bodies are protected from host immune responses and apoptotic signals by being surrounded by LC-depleted epidermal walls and viral immunosuppressive molecules, but could be eradicated by reagents inducing p53-dependent apoptosis.

Inhibition of interferon gene activation by death-effector domain-containing proteins from the molluscum contagiosum virus

Apoptosis, NF-κB activation, and IRF3 activation are a triad of intrinsic immune responses that play crucial roles in the pathogenesis of infectious diseases, cancer, and autoimmunity. FLIPs are a family of viral and cellular proteins initially found to inhibit apoptosis and more recently to either up- or down-regulate NF-κB. As such, a broad role for FLIPs in disease regulation is postulated, but exactly how a FLIP performs such multifunctional roles remains to be established. Here we examine FLIPs (MC159 and MC160) encoded by the molluscum contagiosum virus, a dermatotropic poxvirus causing skin infections common in children and immunocompromised individuals, to better understand their roles in viral pathogenesis. While studying their molecular mechanisms responsible for NF-κB inhibition, we discovered that each protein inhibited IRF3-controlled luciferase activity, identifying a unique function for FLIPs. MC159 and MC160 each inhibited TBK1 phosphorylation, confirming this unique function. Surprisingly, MC159 coimmunoprecipitated with TBK1 and IKKε but MC160 did not, suggesting that these homologs use distinct molecular mechanisms to inhibit IRF3 activation. Equally surprising was the finding that the FLIP regions necessary for TBK1 inhibition were distinct from those MC159 or MC160 regions previously defined to inhibit NF-κB or apoptosis. These data reveal previously unappreciated complexities of FLIPs, and that subtle differences within the conserved regions of FLIPs possess distinct molecular and structural fingerprints that define crucial differences in biological activities. A future comparison of mechanistic differences between viral FLIP proteins can provide new means of precisely manipulating distinct aspects of intrinsic immune responses.

Molluscum contagiosum virus: persistence pays off

The molluscum contagiosum (MC) virus (MCV) is a dermatotropic poxvirus, and the causative agent of MC. Unlike smallpox and human monkeypox diseases, MC is nonlethal, common and worldwide. Additionally, little inflammation is associated with MC papules, and MC can persist for months to years. Such a prolonged infection implies that MCV successfully manipulates the host environment. This review highlights recent findings that reveal how MCV infections manipulate localized host immune responses and which immune response are key for the eventual resolution of MC. Also highlighted here are the MCV proteins that inhibit apoptosis, inflammation and immune cell recruitment or that induce cellular proliferation, with discussion as to how these proteins dampen localized antiviral immune responses. Lastly, this review discusses how the immune evasion tactics of MCV have led to insights about specific functions of the human innate and adaptive immune responses.

The MC159 protein from the molluscum contagiosum poxvirus inhibits NF-κB activation by interacting with the IκB kinase complex

Molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) causes persistent neoplasms in healthy and immunocompromised people. Its ability to persist likely is due to its arsenal of viral immunoevasion proteins. For example, the MCV MC159 protein inhibits TNF-R1-induced NF-κB activation and apoptosis. The MC159 protein is a viral FLIP and, as such, possesses two tandem death effector domains (DEDs). We show in this article that, in human embryonic kidney 293 T cells, the expression of wild-type MC159 or a mutant MC159 protein containing the first DED (MC159 A) inhibited TNF-induced NF-κB, or NF-κB activated by PMA or MyD88 overexpression, whereas a mutant protein lacking the first DED (MC159 B) did not. We hypothesized that the MC159 protein targeted the IκB kinase (IKK) complex to inhibit these diverse signaling events. Indeed, the MC159 protein, but not MC159 B, coimmunoprecipitated with IKKγ. MC159 coimmunoprecipitated with IKKγ when using mouse embryonic fibroblasts that lack either IKKα or IKKβ, suggesting that the MC159 protein interacted directly with IKKγ. MC159-IKKγ coimmunoprecipitations were detected during infection of cells with either MCV isolated from human lesions or with a recombinant MC159-expressing vaccinia virus. MC159 also interacts with TRAF2, a signaling molecule involved in NF-κB activation. However, mutational analysis of MC159 failed to reveal a correlation between MC159-TRAF2 interactions and MC159's inhibitory function. We propose that MC159-IKK interactions, but not MC159-TRAF2 interactions, are responsible for inhibiting NF-κB activation.

Viral interference with innate immunity by preventing NF-κB activity

Viruses are the most abundant and diverse pathogens challenging the host immune system, and as such are a severe threat to human health. To this end, viruses have evolved multiple strategies to evade and subvert the host immune response. Host-pathogen interactions are usually initiated via recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) by host sensors known as pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), which include, Toll-like receptors (TLRs), RIG-I-like receptors (RLRs), NOD-like receptors (NLRs) and DNA receptors. Effective sensing of PAMPs rapidly triggers host immune responses, via activation of complex signalling pathways that culminates in the induction of inflammatory responses and the eradication of pathogens. Activation of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) transcription pathway is crucial for the immediate early step of immune activation. This review discusses the recent evidence describing a variety of viral effectors that have been shown to prevent NF-κB signalling. Most of these viral effectors can be broadly classified into three categories based on the site of inhibition within the NF-κB pathway, that is, at the (i) TLRs, (ii) IKK complex or (iii) the transcriptional level.

Isolation and characterization of two flavonoids, engeletin and astilbin, from the leaves of Engelhardia roxburghiana and their potential anti-inflammatory properties

Engeletin, a flavonoid compound, was isolated from the leaves of Engelhardia roxburghiana for the first time, along with astilbin, another flavonoid. The chemical structures of engeletin and astilbin were confirmed by (1)H and (13)C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometry (MS) spectra, and their anti-inflammatory activities were studied in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated mouse J774A.1 macrophage cells. LPS induced the inflammatory state in macrophage cells and increased mRNA expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Engeletin and astilbin exhibited remarkable inhibitory effects on interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 mRNA expression. Significant inhibition of LPS-mediated mRNA expressions were also seen in LPS binding toll-like receptor (TLR)-4, pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-10, chemoattractant monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1, and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 genes. The reduced expression of these cytokines may alleviate immune response and reduce inflammatory activation, indicating that engeletin and astilbin may serve as potential anti-inflammatory agents.

Modulation of NF-κB signalling by microbial pathogens

The nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) family of transcription factors plays a central part in the host response to infection by microbial pathogens, by orchestrating the innate and acquired host immune responses. The NF-κB proteins are activated by diverse signalling pathways that originate from many different cellular receptors and sensors. Many successful pathogens have acquired sophisticated mechanisms to regulate the NF-κB signalling pathways by deploying subversive proteins or hijacking the host signalling molecules. Here, we describe the mechanisms by which viruses and bacteria micromanage the host NF-κB signalling circuitry to favour the continued survival of the pathogen.

Orf virus ORFV121 encodes a novel inhibitor of NF-kappaB that contributes to virus virulence

Orf virus (ORFV), the type member of the genus Parapoxvirus of the Poxviridae, has evolved novel strategies (proteins and/or mechanisms of action) to modulate host cell responses regulated by the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway. Here, we present data indicating that ORFV ORFV121, a gene unique to parapoxviruses, encodes a novel viral NF-κB inhibitor that binds to and inhibits the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of NF-κB-p65. The infection of cells with an ORFV121 deletion mutant virus (OV-IA82Δ121) resulted in increased NF-κB-mediated gene transcription, and the expression of ORFV121 in cell cultures significantly suppressed NF-κB-regulated reporter gene expression. ORFV ORFV121 physically interacts with NF-κB-p65 in the cell cytoplasm, thus providing a mechanism for the inhibition of NF-κB-p65 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation. Notably, the deletion of ORFV121 from the viral genome markedly decreased ORFV virulence and disease pathogenesis in sheep, indicating that ORFV121 is a virulence determinant for ORFV in the natural host.

A nuclear inhibitor of NF-kappaB encoded by a poxvirus

Poxviruses have evolved various strategies to inhibit cytoplasmic events leading to activation of the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway, with individual viruses often encoding multiple NF-κB inhibitors. Here, the novel orf virus (ORFV)-encoded protein ORFV002 was shown to inhibit nuclear events regulating NF-κB transcriptional activity. ORFV002 expression in cell cultures significantly decreased wild-type-virus-, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)-, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NF-κB-mediated gene expression. Expression of ORFV002 in cells, while not affecting phosphorylation or nuclear translocation of NF-κB-p65, markedly decreased TNF-α- and wild-type-virus-induced acetylation of NF-κB-p65, a p300-mediated nuclear modification of NF-κB-p65 that regulates its transactivating activity. ORFV002 was shown to colocalize and interact with NF-κB-p65, and expression of ORFV002 in cell cultures resulted in a reduced interaction of NF-κB-p65 with p300, suggesting that ORFV002 interferes with NF-κB-p65/p300 association. Deletion of ORFV002 from the OV-IA82 genome had no significant effect on ORFV pathogenesis in sheep, indicating that ORFV002 is nonessential for virus virulence in the natural host. This represents the first description of a nuclear inhibitor of NF-κB encoded by a poxvirus.

Going up in flames: necrotic cell injury and inflammatory diseases

Recent evidence indicates that cell death can be induced through multiple mechanisms. Strikingly, the same death signal can often induce apoptotic as well as non-apoptotic cell death. For instance, inhibition of caspases often converts an apoptotic stimulus to one that causes necrosis. Because a dedicated molecular circuitry distinct from that controlling apoptosis is required for necrotic cell injury, terms such as "programmed necrosis" or "necroptosis" have been used to distinguish stimulus-dependent necrosis from those induced by non-specific traumas (e.g., heat shock) or secondary necrosis induced as a consequence of apoptosis. In several experimental models, programmed necrosis/necroptosis has been shown to be a crucial control point for pathogen- or injury-induced inflammation. In this review, we will discuss the molecular mechanisms that regulate programmed necrosis/necroptosis and its biological significance in pathogen infections, drug-induced cell injury, and trauma-induced tissue damage.

Viral cell death inhibitor MC159 enhances innate immunity against vaccinia virus infection

Viral inhibitors of host programmed cell death (PCD) are widely believed to promote viral replication by preventing or delaying host cell death. Viral FLIPs (Fas-linked ICE-like protease [FLICE; caspase-8]-like inhibitor proteins) are potent inhibitors of death receptor-induced apoptosis and programmed necrosis. Surprisingly, transgenic expression of the viral FLIP MC159 from molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) in mice enhanced rather than inhibited the innate immune control of vaccinia virus (VV) replication. This effect of MC159 was specifically manifested in peripheral tissues such as the visceral fat pad, but not in the spleen. VV-infected MC159 transgenic mice mounted an enhanced innate inflammatory reaction characterized by increased expression of the chemokine CCL-2/MCP-1 and infiltration of γδ T cells into peripheral tissues. Radiation chimeras revealed that MC159 expression in the parenchyma, but not in the hematopoietic compartment, is responsible for the enhanced innate inflammatory responses. The increased inflammation in peripheral tissues was not due to resistance of lymphocytes to cell death. Rather, we found that MC159 facilitated Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)- and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-induced NF-κB activation. The increased NF-κB responses were mediated in part through increased binding of RIP1 to TNFRSF1A-associated via death domain (TRADD), two crucial signal adaptors for NF-κB activation. These results show that MC159 is a dual-function immune modulator that regulates host cell death as well as NF-κB responses by innate immune signaling receptors.

The role of translationally controlled tumor protein in tumor growth and metastasis of colon adenocarcinoma cells

Translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP) plays a major role in a broad array of biological processes. However, the TCTP-related biological process and interactive proteins still remain poorly characterized. In the present study, we found that knockdown of TCTP inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion activities of LoVo cells in vitro and in vivo. The whole-cell proteomes were compared by 2D gel electrophoresis before and after knockdown of TCTP. Alterations in 27 proteins were detected and their identities were revealed by mass spectrometry analysis. Components of Ubiquitin-Proteasome System, proteins involved in the cytoskeleton biosynthesis and tumor metastasis were found to be changed upon TCTP removal. These results imply that TCTP might play at least a partial role in colon adenocarcinoma progression.

A novel inhibitor of the NF-{kappa}B signaling pathway encoded by the parapoxvirus orf virus

The parapoxvirus orf virus (ORFV) is a pathogen of sheep and goats that has been used as a preventive and therapeutic immunomodulatory agent in several animal species. However, the functions (genes, proteins, and mechanisms of action) evolved by ORFV to modulate and manipulate immune responses are poorly understood. Here, the novel ORFV protein ORFV024 was shown to inhibit activation of the NF-kappaB signaling pathway, an important modulator of early immune responses against viral infections. Infection of primary ovine cells with an ORFV024 deletion mutant virus resulted in a marked increase in expression of NF-kappaB-regulated chemokines and other proinflammatory host genes. Expression of ORFV024 in cell cultures significantly decreased lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha)-induced NF-kappaB-responsive reporter gene expression. Further, ORFV024 expression decreased TNF-alpha-induced phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB-p65, phosphorylation, and degradation of IkappaBalpha, and phosphorylation of IkappaB kinase (IKK) subunits IKKalpha and IKKbeta, indicating that ORFV024 functions by inhibiting activation of IKKs, the bottleneck for most NF-kappaB activating stimuli. Although ORFV024 interferes with activation of the NF-kappaB signaling pathway, its deletion from the OV-IA82 genome had no significant effect on disease severity, progression, and time to resolution in sheep, indicating that ORFV024 is not essential for virus virulence in the natural host. This represents the first description of a NF-kappaB inhibitor encoded by a parapoxvirus.

Co-regulation of NF-kappaB and inflammasome-mediated inflammatory responses by myxoma virus pyrin domain-containing protein M013

NF-kappaB and inflammasomes both play central roles in orchestrating anti-pathogen responses by rapidly inducing a variety of early-response cytokines and chemokines following infection. Myxoma virus (MYXV), a pathogenic poxvirus of rabbits, encodes a member of the cellular pyrin domain (PYD) superfamily, called M013. The viral M013 protein was previously shown to bind host ASC-1 protein and inhibit the cellular inflammasome complex that regulates the activation and secretion of caspase 1-regulated cytokines such as IL-1beta and IL-18. Here, we report that human THP-1 monocytic cells infected with a MYXV construct deleted for the M013L gene (vMyxM013-KO), in stark contrast to the parental MYXV, rapidly induce high levels of secreted pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF, IL-6, and MCP-1, all of which are regulated by NF-kappaB. The induction of these NF-kappaB regulated cytokines following infection with vMyxM013-KO was also confirmed in vivo using THP-1 derived xenografts in NOD-SCID mice. vMyxM013-KO virus infection specifically induced the rapid phosphorylation of IKK and degradation of IkappaBalpha, which was followed by nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB/p65. Even in the absence of virus infection, transiently expressed M013 protein alone inhibited cellular NF-kappaB-mediated reporter gene expression and nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB/p65. Using protein/protein interaction analysis, we show that M013 protein also binds directly with cellular NF-kappaB1, suggesting a direct physical and functional linkage between NF-kappaB1 and ASC-1. We further demonstrate that inhibition of the inflammasome with a caspase-1 inhibitor did not prevent the induction of NF-kappaB regulated cytokines following infection with vMyxM013-KO virus, but did block the activation of IL-1beta. Thus, the poxviral M013 inhibitor exerts a dual immuno-subversive role in the simultaneous co-regulation of both the cellular inflammasome complex and NF-kappaB-mediated pro-inflammatory responses.

Poxvirus host range protein CP77 contains an F-box-like domain that is necessary to suppress NF-kappaB activation by tumor necrosis factor alpha but is independent of its host range function

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) activates the nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) signaling pathway that regulates expression of many cellular factors playing important roles in innate immune responses and inflammation in infected hosts. Poxviruses employ many strategies to inhibit NF-kappaB activation in cells. In this report, we describe a poxvirus host range protein, CP77, which blocked NF-kappaB activation by TNF-alpha. Immunofluorescence analyses revealed that nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB subunit p65 protein in TNF-alpha-treated HeLa cells was blocked by CP77. CP77 did so without blocking IkappaBalpha phosphorylation, suggesting that upstream kinase activation was not affected by CP77. Using GST pull-down, we showed that CP77 bound to the NF-kappaB subunit p65 through the N-terminal six-ankyrin-repeat region in vitro. CP77 also bound to Cullin-1 and Skp1 of the SCF complex through a C-terminal 13-amino-acid F-box-like sequence. Both regions of CP77 are required to block NF-kappaB activation. We thus propose a model in which poxvirus CP77 suppresses NF-kappaB activation by two interactions: the C-terminal F-box of CP77 binding to the SCF complex and the N-terminal six ankyrins binding to the NF-kappaB subunit p65. In this way, CP77 attenuates innate immune response signaling in cells. Finally, we expressed CP77 or a CP77 F-box deletion protein from a vaccinia virus host range mutant (VV-hr-GFP) and showed that either protein was able to rescue the host range defect, illustrating that the F-box region, which is important for NF-kappaB modulation and binding to SCF complex, is not required for CP77's host range function. Consistently, knocking down the protein level of NF-kappaB did not relieve the growth restriction of VV-hr-GFP in HeLa cells.

Poxvirus MC160 protein utilizes multiple mechanisms to inhibit NF-kappaB activation mediated via components of the tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 signal transduction pathway

Poxviruses express proteins that limit host immune responses to infection. For example, the molluscum contagiosum virus MC160 protein inhibits tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha)-induced NF-kappaB activation. This event correlates with MC160-induced IKK1 protein degradation, suggesting a mechanism for the above-mentioned phenotype. IKK1 is stabilized when it associates with the cellular heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90). Here, Hsp90 overexpression restored IKK1 levels in MC160-expressing cells, suggesting that MC160 competitively interacted with Hsp90. In support of this, further investigation showed that a mutant MC160 protein comprising only the C-terminal region (C protein) immunoprecipitated with Hsp90. In contrast, Hsp90 IP with a mutant MC160 protein consisting of only the N-terminal tandem death effector domains (DEDs) (N protein) was dramatically decreased. Since cells expressing either the N or C mutant MC160 protein remained similarly resistant to TNF-alpha-induced NF-kappaB activation, the N mutant protein probably utilized a different mechanism for inhibiting NF-kappaB. One likely mechanism for the N protein lies in its association with the DED-containing procaspase-8 protein, a cellular apoptosis precursor protein that regulates NF-kappaB activation. Here, IPs revealed that this association relied on the presence of the DED-containing N terminus of the MC160 protein but not the C-terminal portion. These interactions appear to have relevance with NF-kappaB activation, since the expression of the viral DEDs strongly inhibited procaspase-8-mediated NF-kappaB activation, an event not substantially altered by the C protein. Thus, the MC160 protein utilizes at least two distinct mechanisms for impeding NF-kappaB activation, association with Hsp90 to result in IKK1 protein degradation or interaction with procaspase-8.

Targeting the retinoblastoma protein by MC007L, gene product of the molluscum contagiosum virus: detection of a novel virus-cell interaction by a member of the poxviruses

The human pathogenic poxvirus molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) is the causative agent of benign neoplasm, with worldwide incidence, characterized by intraepidermal hyperplasia and hypertrophy of cells. Here, we present evidence that the MC007L protein of MCV targets retinoblastoma protein (pRb) via a conserved LxCxE motif, which is present in many viral oncoproteins. The deregulation of the pRb pathway plays a central role in tumor pathogenesis. The oncoproteins of small DNA viruses contain amino acid sequences that bind to and inactivate pRb. Isolated expression of these oncoproteins induces apoptosis, cell proliferation, and cellular transformation. The MC007L gene displays no homology to other genes within the poxvirus family. The protein anchors into the outer mitochondrial membrane via an N-terminal mitochondrial targeting sequence. Through the LxCxE motifs, MC007L induces a cytosolic sequestration of pRb at mitochondrial membranes, leading to the inactivation of the protein by mislocalization. MC007L precipitates the endogenous pRb/E2F-1 complex. Moreover, MC007L is able to cooperate to transform primary rat kidney cells. The interaction between MC007L and pRb provides a novel mechanism by which a virus can perturb the cell cycle.

Poxviral regulation of the host NF-kappaB response: the vaccinia virus M2L protein inhibits induction of NF-kappaB activation via an ERK2 pathway in virus-infected human embryonic kidney cells

Exposure of eukaryotic cells to viruses will activate the host NF-kappaB transcription factor, resulting in proinflammatory and immune protein production. Vaccinia virus (VV), the prototypic orthopoxvirus, expresses products that inhibit this antiviral event. To identify novel mechanisms responsible for this effect, we made use of a VV deletion mutant (MVA) that stimulates NF-kappaBeta activation in infected 293T cells. In this virus-host system, the extents of NF-kappaBeta-regulated gene expression and nuclear translocation were reduced in the presence of either PD 98059 or U0126, two compounds capable of blocking ERK1 and ERK2 phosphorylation. A similar repression was also observed in cells that contained a dominant, nonactive form of ERK2 but not in cells where ERK1 phosphorylation was inhibited via overexpression of a dominant-negative mutant MEK1 protein. Presumably, proteins expressed from a wild-type VV that block ERK2 activity would also inhibit MVA-induced NF-kappaB activation. Indeed, the expression of one such open reading frame, M2L, supported this prediction. First, ectopic M2L expression hampered ERK2 phosphorylation induced by exposure to phorbol myristate acetate. Second, viral M2L expression via infection of cells with a recombinant MVA construct that stably expressed M2L decreased the phosphorylation of ERK2 compared to that in cells infected with the parental MVA strain. Finally, the recombinant M2L-expressing virus restored the "wild-type" NF-kappaB-inhibitory phenotype, as indicated by decreased NF-kappaB migration to infected cell nuclei and interference in transcription. Thus, in 293T cells, VV apparently utilizes its M2L protein to interfere with a step(s) that would otherwise enable ERK2 phosphorylation and the consequential activation of an NF-kappaBeta response.

Near death experiences: poxvirus regulation of apoptotic death

Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, plays a critical role in the elimination of virus-infected cells. As a result, a growing number of viruses encode numerous potent anti-apoptotic proteins to counteract apoptosis in an effort to prolong their own survival. This review describes the numerous mechanisms by which poxviruses inhibit apoptosis thereby modulating life and death of the cell.

Modulation of tumor necrosis factor by microbial pathogens

In response to invasion by microbial pathogens, host defense mechanisms get activated by both the innate and adaptive arms of the immune responses. TNF (tumor necrosis factor) is a potent proinflammatory cytokine expressed by activated macrophages and lymphocytes that induces diverse cellular responses that can vary from apoptosis to the expression of genes involved in both early inflammatory and acquired immune responses. A wide spectrum of microbes has acquired elegant mechanisms to overcome or deflect the host responses mediated by TNF. For example, modulatory proteins encoded by multiple families of viruses can block TNF and TNF-mediated responses at multiple levels, such as the inhibition of the TNF ligand or its receptors, or by modulating key transduction molecules of the TNF signaling pathway. Bacteria, on the other hand, tend to modify TNF-mediated responses specifically by regulating components of the TNF signaling pathway. Investigation of these diverse strategies employed by viral and bacterial pathogens has significantly advanced our understanding of both host TNF responses and microbial pathogenesis. This review summarizes the diverse microbial strategies to regulate TNF and how such insights into TNF modulation could benefit the treatment of inflammatory or autoimmune diseases.

The MC160 protein expressed by the dermatotropic poxvirus molluscum contagiosum virus prevents tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced NF-kappaB activation via inhibition of I kappa kinase complex formation

The pluripotent cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) binds to its cognate TNF receptor I (TNF-RI) to stimulate inflammation via activation of the NF-kappaB transcription factor. To prevent the detrimental effects of TNF-alpha in keratinocytes infected with the molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV), this poxvirus is expected to produce proteins that block at least one step of the TNF-RI signal transduction pathway. One such product, the MC160 protein, is predicted to interfere with this cellular response because of its homology to other proteins that regulate TNF-RI-mediated signaling. We report here that expression of MC160 molecules did significantly reduce TNF-alpha-mediated NF-kappaB activation in 293T cells, as measured by gene reporter and gel mobility shift assays. Since we observed that MC160 decreased other NF-kappaB activation pathways, namely those activated by receptor-interacting protein, TNF receptor-associated factor 2, NF-kappaB-inducing kinase, or MyD88, we hypothesized that the MC160 product interfered with I kappa kinase (IKK) activation, an event common to multiple signal transduction pathways. Indeed, MC160 protein expression was associated with a reduction in in vitro IKK kinase activity and IKK subunit phosphorylation. Further, IKK1-IKK2 interactions were not detected in MC160-expressing cells, under conditions demonstrated to induce IKK complex formation, but interactions between the MC160 protein and the major IKK subunits were undetectable. Surprisingly, MC160 expression correlated with a decrease in IKK1, but not IKK2 levels, suggesting a mechanism for MC160 disruption of IKK1-IKK2 interactions. MCV has probably retained its MC160 gene to inhibit NF-kappaB activation by interfering with signaling via multiple biological mediators. In the context of an MCV infection in vivo, MC160 protein expression may dampen the cellular production of proinflammatory molecules and enhance persistent infections in host keratinocytes.

The TRAF3-binding site of human molluscipox virus FLIP molecule MC159 is critical for its capacity to inhibit Fas-induced apoptosis

Members of the viral Flice/caspase-8 inhibitory protein (v-FLIP) family prevent induction of apoptosis by death receptors through inhibition of the processing and activation of procaspase-8 and -10 at the level of the receptor-associated death-inducing signaling complex (DISC). Here, we have addressed the molecular function of the v-FLIP member MC159 of the human molluscum contagiosum virus. MC159 FLIP powerfully inhibited both caspase-dependent and caspase-independent cell death induced by Fas. The C-terminal region of MC159 bound TNF receptor-associated factor (TRAF)3, was necessary for optimal TRAF2 binding, and mediated the recruitment of both TRAFs into the Fas DISC. TRAF-binding-deficient mutants of MC159 showed impaired inhibition of FasL-induced caspase-8 processing and Fas internalization, and had reduced antiapoptotic activity. Our findings provide evidence that a MC159/TRAF2/TRAF3 complex regulates a new aspect of Fas signaling, and identify MC159 FLIP as a molecule that targets multiple features of Fas-induced cell death.