A sorting signal suppresses IFITM1 restriction of viral entry

A Proteomics-Based Approach Identifies the NEDD4 Adaptor NDFIP2 as an Important Regulator of Ifitm3 Levels

IFITMs are a family of highly related interferon-induced transmembrane proteins that interfere with the processes of fusion between viral and cellular membranes and are thus endowed with broad antiviral properties. A number of studies have shown how the antiviral potency of IFITMs is highly dependent on their steady-state levels, their intracellular distribution and a complex pattern of post-translational modifications, parameters that are overall tributary of a number of cellular partners. In an effort to identify additional protein partners involved in the biology of IFITMs, we devised a proteomics-based approach based on the piggyback incorporation of IFITM3 partners into extracellular vesicles. MS analysis of the proteome of vesicles bearing or not bearing IFITM3 identified the NDFIP2 protein adaptor protein as an important regulator of IFITM3 levels. NDFIP2 is a membrane-anchored adaptor protein of the E3 ubiquitin ligases of the NEDD4 family that have already been found to be involved in IFITM3 regulation. We show here that NDFIP2 acts as a recruitment factor for both IFITM3 and NEDD4 and mediates their distribution in lysosomal vesicles. The genetic inactivation and overexpression of NDFIP2 drive, respectively, lower and higher levels of IFITM3 accumulation in the cell, overall suggesting that NDFIP2 locally competes with IFITM3 for NEDD4 binding. Given that NDFIP2 is itself tightly regulated and highly responsive to external cues, our study sheds light on a novel and likely dynamic layer of regulation of IFITM3.

Cyclosporines Antagonize the Antiviral Activity of IFITMProteins by Redistributing Them toward the Golgi Apparatus

Interferon-induced transmembrane proteins (IFITMs) block the fusion of diverse enveloped viruses, likely through increasing the cell membrane's rigidity. Previous studies have reported that the antiviral activity of the IFITM family member, IFITM3, is antagonized by cell pretreatment with rapamycin derivatives and cyclosporines A and H (CsA and CsH) that promote the degradation of IFITM3. Here, we show that CsA and CsH potently enhance virus fusion with IFITM1- and IFITM3-expressing cells by inducing their rapid relocalization from the plasma membrane and endosomes, respectively, towards the Golgi. This relocalization is not associated with a significant degradation of IFITMs. Although prolonged exposure to CsA induces IFITM3 degradation in cells expressing low endogenous levels of this protein, its levels remain largely unchanged in interferon-treated cells or cells ectopically expressing IFITM3. Importantly, the CsA-mediated redistribution of IFITMs to the Golgi occurs on a much shorter time scale than degradation and thus likely represents the primary mechanism of enhancement of virus entry. We further show that rapamycin also induces IFITM relocalization toward the Golgi, albeit less efficiently than cyclosporines. Our findings highlight the importance of regulation of IFITM trafficking for its antiviral activity and reveal a novel mechanism of the cyclosporine-mediated modulation of cell susceptibility to enveloped virus infection.

Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) MHC I localizes to endolysosomal compartments independently of cytosolic sorting signals

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and II are crucial for the adaptive immune system because they are involved in peptide presentation to T cells. Until recently, it was believed that MHC genes and their associated immune components had been conserved since their evolutionary emergence in jawed fish. However, sequencing of the Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) genome revealed a loss of MHC class II genes, and an extreme expansion of MHC class I genes. These findings lead to the hypothesis that a loss of the MHC class II pathway coincided with a more versatile use of MHC class I, but so far there is no direct experimental evidence in support of this. To gain a deeper understanding of the function of the expanded MHC class I, we selected five MHC class I gene variants representing five of the six clades identified in previous studies and investigated their intracellular localization in human and Atlantic cod larval cells. Intriguingly, we uncovered that all selected MHC class I variants localize to endolysosomal compartments in Atlantic cod cells. Additionally, by introducing point mutations or deletions in the cytosolic tail, we found that hypothetical sorting signals in the MHC class I cytosolic tail do not influence MHC class I trafficking. Moreover, we demonstrated that in Atlantic cod, tapasin and MHC class I colocalize on endolysosomes suggesting that peptide-loading assistance and stabilization of MHC class I occurs outside the endoplasmic reticulum. Altogether, our results demonstrate that MHC class I from Atlantic cod is sorted to the endolysosomal system, which may indicate that it interacts with exogenous peptides for potential cross presentation.

IFITM protein regulation and functions: Far beyond the fight against viruses

Interferons (IFNs) are important cytokines that regulate immune responses through the activation of hundreds of genes, including interferon-induced transmembrane proteins (IFITMs). This evolutionarily conserved protein family includes five functionally active homologs in humans. Despite the high sequence homology, IFITMs vary in expression, subcellular localization and function. The initially described adhesive and antiproliferative or pro-oncogenic functions of IFITM proteins were diluted by the discovery of their antiviral properties. The large set of viruses that is inhibited by these proteins is constantly expanding, as are the possible mechanisms of action. In addition to their beneficial antiviral effects, IFITM proteins are often upregulated in a broad spectrum of cancers. IFITM proteins have been linked to most hallmarks of cancer, including tumor cell proliferation, therapeutic resistance, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. Recent studies have described the involvement of IFITM proteins in antitumor immunity. This review summarizes various levels of IFITM protein regulation and the physiological and pathological functions of these proteins, with an emphasis on tumorigenesis and antitumor immunity.

Positive Regulation of the Antiviral Activity of Interferon-Induced Transmembrane Protein 3 by S-Palmitoylation

The interferon-induced transmembrane protein 3 (IFITM3), a small molecule transmembrane protein induced by interferon, is generally conserved in vertebrates, which can inhibit infection by a diverse range of pathogenic viruses such as influenza virus. However, the precise antiviral mechanisms of IFITM3 remain unclear. At least four post-translational modifications (PTMs) were found to modulate the antiviral effect of IFITM3. These include positive regulation provided by S-palmitoylation of cysteine and negative regulation provided by lysine ubiquitination, lysine methylation, and tyrosine phosphorylation. IFITM3 S-palmitoylation is an enzymatic addition of a 16-carbon fatty acid on the three cysteine residues within or adjacent to its two hydrophobic domains at positions 71, 72, and 105, that is essential for its proper targeting, stability, and function. As S-palmitoylation is the only PTM known to enhance the antiviral activity of IFITM3, enzymes that add this modification may play important roles in IFN-induced immune responses. This study mainly reviews the research progresses on the antiviral mechanism of IFITM3, the regulation mechanism of S-palmitoylation modification on its subcellular localization, stability, and function, and the enzymes that mediate the S-palmitoylation modification of IFITM3, which may help elucidate the mechanism by which this IFN effector restrict virus replication and thus aid in the design of therapeutics targeted at pathogenic viruses.

Interferon Control of Human Coronavirus Infection and Viral Evasion: Mechanistic Insights and Implications for Antiviral Drug and Vaccine Development

Recognition of viral infections by various pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) activates an inflammatory cytokine response that inhibits viral replication and orchestrates the activation of adaptive immune responses to control the viral infection. The broadly active innate immune response puts a strong selective pressure on viruses and drives the selection of variants with increased capabilities to subvert the induction and function of antiviral cytokines. This revolutionary process dynamically shapes the host ranges, cell tropism and pathogenesis of viruses. Recent studies on the innate immune responses to the infection of human coronaviruses (HCoV), particularly SARS-CoV-2, revealed that HCoV infections can be sensed by endosomal toll-like receptors and/or cytoplasmic RIG-I-like receptors in various cell types. However, the profiles of inflammatory cytokines and transcriptome response induced by a specific HCoV are usually cell type specific and determined by the virus-specific mechanisms of subverting the induction and function of interferons and inflammatory cytokines as well as the genetic trait of the host genes of innate immune pathways. We review herein the recent literatures on the innate immune responses and their roles in the pathogenesis of HCoV infections with emphasis on the pathobiological roles and therapeutic effects of type I interferons in HCoV infections and their antiviral mechanisms. The knowledge on the mechanism of innate immune control of HCoV infections and viral evasions should facilitate the development of therapeutics for induction of immune resolution of HCoV infections and vaccines for efficient control of COVID-19 pandemics and other HCoV infections.

Lessons in self-defence: inhibition of virus entry by intrinsic immunity

Virus entry, consisting of attachment to and penetration into the host target cell, is the first step of the virus life cycle and is a critical 'do or die' event that governs virus emergence in host populations. Most antiviral vaccines induce neutralizing antibodies that prevent virus entry into cells. However, while the prevention of virus invasion by humoral immunity is well appreciated, considerably less is known about the immune defences present within cells (known as intrinsic immunity) that interfere with virus entry. The interferon-induced transmembrane (IFITM) proteins, known for inhibiting fusion between viral and cellular membranes, were once the only factors known to restrict virus entry. However, the progressive development of genetic and pharmacological screening platforms and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic have galvanized interest in how viruses infiltrate cells and how cells defend against it. Several host factors with antiviral potential are now implicated in the regulation of virus entry, including cholesterol 25-hydroxylase (CH25H), lymphocyte antigen 6E (LY6E), nuclear receptor co-activator protein 7 (NCOA7), interferon-γ-inducible lysosomal thiol reductase (GILT), CD74 and ARFGAP with dual pleckstrin homology domain-containing protein 2 (ADAP2). This Review summarizes what is known and what remains to be understood about the intrinsic factors that form the first line of defence against virus infection.

Enhanced IFNα Signaling Promotes Ligand-Independent Activation of ERα to Promote Aromatase Inhibitor Resistance in Breast Cancer

Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) reduce estrogen levels up to 98% as the standard practice to treat postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer. However, approximately 30% of ER+ breast cancers develop resistance to treatment. Enhanced interferon-alpha (IFNα) signaling is upregulated in breast cancers resistant to AIs, which drives expression of a key regulator of survival, interferon-induced transmembrane protein 1 (IFITM1). However, how upregulated IFNα signaling mediates AI resistance is unknown. In this study, we utilized MCF-7:5C cells, a breast cancer cell model of AI resistance, and demonstrate that these cells exhibit enhanced IFNα signaling and ligand-independent activation of the estrogen receptor (ERα). Experiments demonstrated that STAT1, the mediator of intracellular signaling for IFNα, can interact directly with ERα. Notably, inhibition of IFNα signaling significantly reduced ERα protein expression and ER-regulated genes. In addition, loss of ERα suppressed IFITM1 expression, which was associated with cell death. Notably, chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments validated that both ERα and STAT1 associate with ERE sequences in the IFITM1 promoter. Overall, hyperactivation of IFNα signaling enhances ligand-independent activation of ERα, which promotes ER-regulated, and interferon stimulated gene expression to promote survival in AI-resistant breast cancer cells.

Evasion of Antiviral Innate Immunity by Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus

Innate immunity is the front line for antiviral immune responses and bridges adaptive immunity against viral infections. However, various viruses have evolved many strategies to evade host innate immunity. A typical virus is the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), one of the most globally devastating viruses threatening the swine industry worldwide. PRRSV engages several strategies to evade the porcine innate immune responses. This review focus on the underlying mechanisms employed by PRRSV to evade pattern recognition receptors signaling pathways, type I interferon (IFN-α/β) receptor (IFNAR)-JAK-STAT signaling pathway, and interferon-stimulated genes. Deciphering the antiviral immune evasion mechanisms by PRRSV will enhance our understanding of PRRSV’s pathogenesis and help us to develop more effective methods to control and eliminate PRRSV.

Functional Heterogeneity of Mammalian IFITM Proteins against HIV-1

Interferon-induced transmembrane proteins (IFITMs) are a family of interferon-inducible proteins that inhibit a broad range of viruses by interfering with viral-to-cellular membrane fusion. The antiviral activity of IFITMs is highly regulated by several posttranslational modifications and by a number of protein domains that modulate steady-state protein levels, trafficking, and antiviral effectiveness. Taking advantage of the natural diversity existing among IFITMs of different animal species, we have compared 21 IFITMs for their ability to inhibit HIV-1 at two steps, during virus entry into cells (target cell protection) and during the production of novel virion particles (negative imprinting of virion particles' infectivity). We found a high functional heterogeneity among IFITM homologs with respect to both antiviral modalities, with IFITM members that exhibit enhanced viral inhibition, while others have no ability to block HIV-1. These differences could not be ascribed to known regulatory domains and could only be partially explained through differential protein stability, implying the existence of additional mechanisms. Through the use of chimeras between active and inactive IFITMs, we demonstrate that the cross talk between distinct domains of IFITMs is an important contributor of their antiviral potency. Finally, we identified murine IFITMs as natural variants competent for target cell protection, but not for negative imprinting of virion particles' infectivity, suggesting that the two properties may, at least in principle, be uncoupled. Overall, our results shed new light on the complex relationship between IFITMs and viral infection and point to the cross talk between IFITM domains as a novel layer of regulation of their activity. IMPORTANCE IFITMs are broad viral inhibitors capable of interfering with both early and late phases of the replicative cycle of many different viruses. By comparing 21 IFITM proteins issued from different animal species for their ability to inhibit HIV-1, we have identified several that exhibit either enhanced or impaired antiviral behavior. This functional diversity is not driven by differences in known domains and can only be partly explained through differential protein stability. Chimeras between active and inactive IFITMs point to the cross talk between individual IFITM domains as important for optimal antiviral activity. Finally, we show that murine IFITMs are not capable of decreasing the infectivity of newly produced HIV-1 virion particles, although they retain target cell protection abilities, suggesting that these properties may be, in principle, disconnected. Overall, our results shed new light on the complex layers of regulation of IFITM proteins and enrich our current understanding of these broad antiviral factors.

Interferon-induced transmembrane protein 1 (IFITM1) is essential for progression of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma in an Osteopontin/NF-κB-dependent manner

OBJECTIVE

To assess the expression levels of IFITM1 in human tissue samples and laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) cells, and to explore the potential mechanisms of IFITM1 in LSCC progression.

METHODS

Quantitative PCR and immunohistochemical (IHC) assays were performed to detect IFITM1 expression in 62 LSCC tissues and corresponding normal tissues. We further detected the effects of IFITM1 on the proliferation, migration and invasion of LSCC cells and NF-κB signaling pathway through colony formation assay, wound healing assay and transwell assay, respectively.

RESULTS

We demonstrated the possible involvement of IFITM1 in the progression of LSCC. We found the upregulated expression of IFITM1 in human LSCC tissues and cells, and analyzed the correlations between IFITM1 expression and osteopontin. Our data further confirmed that IFITM1 affected cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of LSCC cells via the regulation of NF-κB signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

We investigated the potential involvement of IFITM1 in the progression of LSCC, and therefore confirmed that IFITM1 was a potential therapeutic target for LSCC.

IFITM proteins that restrict the early stages of respiratory virus infection do not influence late-stage replication

Interferon-induced transmembrane (IFITM) proteins inhibit a broad range of enveloped viruses by blocking entry into host cells. We used an inducible overexpression system to investigate if IFITM1, IFITM2 and IFITM3 could modulate early and/or late stages of influenza A virus (IAV) or parainfluenza virus (PIV)-3 infection in human A549 airway epithelial cells. IAV and PIV-3 represent respiratory viruses which utilise distinct cellular entry pathways. We verify entry by endocytosis for IAV, whereas PIV-3 infection was consistent with fusion at the plasma membrane. Following induction prior to infection, all three IFITM proteins restricted the percentage of IAV-infected cells at 8 hours post-infection. In contrast, prior induction of IFITM1 and IFITM2 did not inhibit PIV-3 infection, although a modest reduction was observed with IFITM3. siRNA-mediated knockdown of endogenous IFITM1, IFITM2 and IFITM3 expression, in the presence or absence of pre-treatment with type I interferon, resulted in increased IAV, but not PIV-3, infection. This suggests that while all three IFITMs display antiviral activity against IAV, they do not restrict the early stages of PIV-3 infection. IAV and PIV-3 infection culminates in viral egress through budding at the plasma membrane. Inducible expression of IFITM1, IFITM2 or IFITM3 immediately after infection did not impact titres of infectious virus released from IAV or PIV-3 infected cells. Our findings show that IFITM proteins differentially restrict the early stages of infection of two respiratory viruses with distinct cellular entry pathways, but do not influence the late stages of replication for either virus. IMPORTANCE Interferon-induced transmembrane (IFITM) proteins restrict the initial stages of infection for several respiratory viruses, however their potential to modulate the later stages of virus replication has not been explored. In this study we highlight the utility of an inducible overexpression system to assess the impact of IFITM proteins on either early or late stage replication of two respiratory viruses. We demonstrate antiviral activity by IFITM1, IFITM2 and IFITM3 against influenza A virus (IAV) but not parainfluenza virus (PIV)-3 during the early stages of cellular infection. Furthermore, IFITM induction following IAV or PIV-3 infection does not restrict the late stages of replication of either virus. Our findings show that IFITM proteins can differentially restrict the early stages of infection of two viruses with distinct cellular entry pathways, yet do not influence the late stages of replication for either virus.

Current Progress on Host Antiviral Factor IFITMs

Host antiviral factor interferon-induced transmembrane proteins (IFITMs) are a kind of small-molecule transmembrane proteins induced by interferon. Their broad-spectrum antiviral activity and unique ability to inhibit viral invasion have made them a hot molecule in antiviral research in recent years. Since the first demonstration of their natural ability to resist viral infection in 1996, IFITMs have been reported to limit a variety of viral infections, including some major pathogens that seriously endanger human health and social stability, such as influenza A, Ebol, severe acute respiratory syndrome, AIDS, and Zika viruses, etc. Studies show that IFITMs mainly exert antiviral activity during virus entry, specifically interfering with the fusion of the envelope and the endosome membrane or forming fusion micropores to block the virus from entering the cytoplasm. However, their specific mechanism is still unclear. This article mainly reviews the research progress in the structure, evolution, function, and mechanism of IFITMs, which may provide a theoretical basis for clarifying the molecular mechanism of interaction between the molecules and viruses and the research and development of new antiviral drugs based on IFITMs.

Toward a Macaque Model of HIV-1 Infection: Roadblocks, Progress, and Future Strategies

The human-specific tropism of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) has complicated the development of a macaque model of HIV-1 infection/AIDS that is suitable for preclinical evaluation of vaccines and novel treatment strategies. Several innate retroviral restriction factors, such as APOBEC3 family of proteins, TRIM5α, BST2, and SAMHD1, that prevent HIV-1 replication have been identified in macaque cells. Accessory proteins expressed by Simian Immunodeficiency virus (SIV) such as viral infectivity factor (Vif), viral protein X (Vpx), viral protein R (Vpr), and negative factor (Nef) have been shown to play key roles in overcoming these restriction factors in macaque cells. Thus, substituting HIV-1 accessory genes with those from SIV may enable HIV-1 replication in macaques. We and others have constructed macaque-tropic HIV-1 derivatives [also called simian-tropic HIV-1 (stHIV-1) or Human-Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (HSIV)] carrying SIV vif to overcome APOBEC3 family proteins. Additional modifications to HIV-1 gag in some of the macaque-tropic HIV-1 have also been done to overcome TRIM5α restriction in rhesus and cynomolgus macaques. Although these viruses replicate persistently in macaque species, they do not result in CD4 depletion. Thus, these studies suggest that additional blocks to HIV-1 replication exist in macaques that prevent high-level viral replication. Furthermore, serial animal-to-animal passaging of macaque-tropic HIV-1 in vivo has not resulted in pathogenic variants that cause AIDS in immunocompetent macaques. In this review, we discuss recent developments made toward developing macaque model of HIV-1 infection.

Topology, Antiviral Functional Residues and Mechanism of IFITM1

Interferon-inducible transmembrane proteins (IFITM1/2/3) have been reported to suppress the entry of a wide range of viruses. However, their antiviral functional residues and specific mechanisms are still unclear. Here, we firstly resolved the topology of IFITM1 on the plasma membrane where N-terminus points into the cytoplasm and C-terminus resides extracellularly. Further, KRRK basic residues of IFITM1 locating at 62–67 of the conserved intracellular loop (CIL) were found to play a key role in the restriction on the Zika virus (ZIKV) and dengue virus (DENV). Similarly, KRRK basic residues of IFITM2/3 also contributed to suppressing ZIKV replication. Finally, IFITM1 was revealed to be capable of restricting the release of ZIKV particles from endosome to cytosol so as to impede the entry of ZIKV into host cells, which was tightly related with the inhibition of IFITM1 on the acidification of organelles. Overall, our study provided topology, antiviral functional residues and the mechanism of interferon-inducible transmembrane proteins.

Bat IFITM3 restriction depends on S-palmitoylation and a polymorphic site within the CD225 domain

Host interferon-induced transmembrane proteins (IFITMs) are broad-spectrum antiviral restriction factors. Of these, IFITM3 potently inhibits viruses that enter cells through acidic endosomes, many of which are zoonotic and emerging viruses with bats (order Chiroptera) as their natural hosts. We previously demonstrated that microbat IFITM3 is antiviral. Here, we show that bat IFITMs are characterized by strong adaptive evolution and identify a highly variable and functionally important site-codon 70-within the conserved CD225 domain of IFITMs. Mutation of this residue in microbat IFITM3 impairs restriction of representatives of four different virus families that enter cells via endosomes. This mutant shows altered subcellular localization and reduced S-palmitoylation, a phenotype copied by mutation of conserved cysteine residues in microbat IFITM3. Furthermore, we show that microbat IFITM3 is S-palmitoylated on cysteine residues C71, C72, and C105, mutation of each cysteine individually impairs virus restriction, and a triple C71A-C72A-C105A mutant loses all restriction activity, concomitant with subcellular re-localization of microbat IFITM3 to Golgi-associated sites. Thus, we propose that S-palmitoylation is critical for Chiropteran IFITM3 function and identify a key molecular determinant of IFITM3 S-palmitoylation.

Porcine IFITM1 is a host restriction factor that inhibits pseudorabies virus infection

Interferon-inducible transmembrane proteins (IFITMs) restrict infection by several viruses, such as influenza A virus, West Nile virus and dengue virus. It has not been determined whether porcine IFITMs (pIFITMs) inhibit infection by pseudorabies virus (PRV), an enveloped, double-stranded DNA virus, which is the etiological agent of Aujeszky's disease in pigs. Here, we report that PRV infection elicited pIFITM1 expression in PK15 porcine kidney epithelial cells and 3D4/21 alveolar macrophages. pIFITM2 and pIFITM3 expression was only elevated in PK15 cells during PRV infection. Depletion of pIFITM1 using RNA interference, either in PK15 or in 3D4/21 cells, enhanced PRV infection while overexpression of pIFITM1 had the opposite effect. Knockdown of pIFITM2 and pIFITM3 did not influence PRV infection, suggesting that pIFITM2 and pIFITM3 are independent of PRV infection. PRV-induced pIFITM1 expression was dependent on the cGAS/STING/TBK1/IRF3 innate immune pathway and interferon-alpha receptor-1, suggesting that pIFITM1 is up-regulated by the type I interferon signaling pathway. The anti-PRV role of pIFITM1 was inhibited upon PRV entry. Our data demonstrate that pIFITM1 is a host restriction factor that inhibits PRV entry that may shed light on a strategy for prevention of PRV infection.

Interferon-induced transmembrane protein 1 and Myxovirus resistance protein 1 are induced by polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid in cultured hCMEC/D3 human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells

The molecular mechanisms of antiviral innate immune reactions in brain microvascular endothelial cells remain unclear. Interferon (IFN)-induced transmembrane protein 1 (IFITM1) and Myxovirus resistance protein 1 (MX1), the members of IFN-stimulated genes, are known as antiviral molecules. IFITM1 inhibits virus entry into host cell cytoplasm, whereas MX1 antagonizes virus replication. Here we observed that IFITM1 and MX1, and a proinflammatory cytokine IL-6 expression was induced by polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly IC) in hCMEC/D3 human brain microvascular endothelial cells. Poly IC-induced IFITM1 and MX1 expression were decreased by NF-κB inhibitor SN50, IFN regulatory factor 3 inhibitor MRT67307 and human type I IFN neutralizing antibody mixture. These findings suggest that IFITM1 and MX1 may help protect the brain from viruses.

Interplay between Intrinsic and Innate Immunity during HIV Infection

Restriction factors are antiviral components of intrinsic immunity which constitute a first line of defense by blocking different steps of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) replication cycle. In immune cells, HIV infection is also sensed by several pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), leading to type I interferon (IFN-I) and inflammatory cytokines production that upregulate antiviral interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs). Several studies suggest a link between these two types of immunity. Indeed, restriction factors, that are generally interferon-inducible, are able to modulate immune responses. This review highlights recent knowledge of the interplay between restriction factors and immunity inducing antiviral defenses. Counteraction of this intrinsic and innate immunity by HIV viral proteins will also be discussed.

HIV-1 Envelope Glycoprotein at the Interface of Host Restriction and Virus Evasion

Without viral envelope proteins, viruses cannot enter cells to start infection. As the major viral proteins present on the surface of virions, viral envelope proteins are a prominent target of the host immune system in preventing and ultimately eliminating viral infection. In addition to the well-appreciated adaptive immunity that produces envelope protein-specific antibodies and T cell responses, recent studies have begun to unveil a rich layer of host innate immune mechanisms restricting viral entry. This review focuses on the exciting progress that has been made in this new direction of research, by discussing various known examples of host restriction of viral entry, and diverse viral countering strategies, in particular, the emerging role of viral envelope proteins in evading host innate immune suppression. We will also highlight the effective cooperation between innate and adaptive immunity to achieve the synergistic control of viral infection by targeting viral envelope protein and checking viral escape. Given that many of the related findings were made with HIV-1, we will use HIV-1 as the model virus to illustrate the basic principles and molecular mechanisms on host restriction targeting HIV-1 envelope protein.

Interferon-Induced Transmembrane Protein 1 Restricts Replication of Viruses That Enter Cells via the Plasma Membrane

The acute antiviral response is mediated by a family of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs), providing cell-intrinsic immunity. Mutations in genes encoding these proteins are often associated with increased susceptibility to viral infections. One family of ISGs with antiviral function is the interferon-inducible transmembrane proteins (IFITMs), of which IFITM3 has been studied extensively. In contrast, IFITM1 has not been studied in detail. Since IFITM1 can localize to the plasma membrane, we investigated its function with a range of enveloped viruses thought to infect cells by fusion with the plasma membrane. Overexpression of IFITM1 prevented infection by a number of Paramyxoviridae and Pneumoviridae, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), mumps virus, and human metapneumovirus (HMPV). IFITM1 also restricted infection with an enveloped DNA virus that can enter via the plasma membrane, herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1). To test the importance of plasma membrane localization for IFITM1 function, we identified blocks of amino acids in the conserved intracellular loop (CIL) domain that altered the subcellular localization of the protein and reduced antiviral activity. By screening reported data sets, 12 rare nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified in human IFITM1, some of which are in the CIL domain. Using an Ifitm1-/- mouse, we show that RSV infection was more severe, thereby extending the range of viruses restricted in vivo by IFITM proteins and suggesting overall that IFITM1 is broadly antiviral and that this antiviral function is associated with cell surface localization.IMPORTANCE Host susceptibility to viral infection is multifactorial, but early control of viruses not previously encountered is predominantly mediated by the interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) family. There are upwards of 300 of these genes, the majority of which do not have a clearly defined function or mechanism of action. The cellular location of these proteins may have an important effect on their function. One ISG located at the plasma membrane is interferon-inducible transmembrane protein 1 (IFITM1). Here we demonstrate that IFITM1 can inhibit infection with a range of viruses that enter via the plasma membrane. Mutant IFITM1 proteins that were unable to localize to the plasma membrane did not restrict viral infection. We also observed for the first time that IFITM1 plays a role in vivo, and Ifitm1-/- mice were more susceptible to viral lung infection. These data contribute to our understanding of how ISGs prevent viral infections.

IFITM Genes, Variants, and Their Roles in the Control and Pathogenesis of Viral Infections

Interferon-induced transmembrane proteins (IFITMs) are a family of small proteins that localize in the plasma and endolysosomal membranes. IFITMs not only inhibit viral entry into host cells by interrupting the membrane fusion between viral envelope and cellular membranes, but also reduce the production of infectious virions or infectivity of progeny virions. Not surprisingly, some viruses can evade the restriction of IFITMs and even hijack the antiviral proteins to facilitate their infectious entry into host cells or promote the assembly of virions, presumably by modulating membrane fusion. Similar to many other host defense genes that evolve under the selective pressure of microorganism infection, IFITM genes evolved in an accelerated speed in vertebrates and many single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been identified in the human population, some of which have been associated with severity and prognosis of viral infection (e.g., influenza A virus). Here, we review the function and potential impact of genetic variation for IFITM restriction of viral infections. Continuing research efforts are required to decipher the molecular mechanism underlying the complicated interaction among IFITMs and viruses in an effort to determine their pathobiological roles in the context of viral infections in vivo.

Restriction Factors: From Intrinsic Viral Restriction to Shaping Cellular Immunity Against HIV-1

Antiviral restriction factors are host cellular proteins that constitute a first line of defense blocking viral replication and propagation. In addition to interfering at critical steps of the viral replication cycle, some restriction factors also act as innate sensors triggering innate responses against infections. Accumulating evidence suggests an additional role for restriction factors in promoting antiviral cellular immunity to combat viruses. Here, we review the recent progress in our understanding on how restriction factors, particularly APOBEC3G, SAMHD1, Tetherin, and TRIM5α have the cell-autonomous potential to induce cellular resistance against HIV-1 while promoting antiviral innate and adaptive immune responses. Also, we provide an overview of how these restriction factors may connect with protein degradation pathways to modulate anti-HIV-1 cellular immune responses, and we summarize the potential of restriction factors-based therapeutics. This review brings a global perspective on the influence of restrictions factors in intrinsic, innate, and also adaptive antiviral immunity opening up novel research avenues for therapeutic strategies in the fields of drug discovery, gene therapy, and vaccines to control viral infections.

The Inhibition of HIV-1 Entry Imposed by Interferon Inducible Transmembrane Proteins Is Independent of Co-Receptor Usage

Interferon inducible transmembrane proteins (IFITMs) are one of several IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) that restrict entry of enveloped viruses, including flaviviruses, filoviruses and retroviruses. It has been recently reported that in U87 glioblastoma cells IFITM proteins inhibit HIV-1 entry in a co-receptor-dependent manner, that is, IFITM1 is more inhibitory on CCR5 tropic HIV-1 whereas IFITM2/3 confers a greater suppression of CXCR4 counterparts. However, how entry of HIV-1 with distinct co-receptor usage is modulated by different IFITM orthologs in physiologically relevant CD4⁺ T cells and monocytes/macrophages has not been investigated in detail. Here, we report that overexpression of IFITM1, 2 and 3 in human CD4⁺ HuT78 cells, SupT1 cells, monocytic THP-1 cells and U87 cells expressing CD4 and co-receptor CCR5 or CXCR4, suppressed entry of CXCR4 tropic viruses NL4.3 and HXB2, CCR5 tropic viruses AD8 and JRFL, dual tropic 89.6 virus, as well as a panel of 32 transmitted founder (T/F) viruses, with a consistent order of potency, that is, IFITM3 > IFITM2 > IFITM1. Consistent with previous reports, we found that some CCR5-using HIV-1 isolates, such as AD8 and JRFL, were relatively resistant to inhibition by IFITM2 and IFITM3, although the effect can be cell-type dependent. However, in no case have we observed that IFITM1 had a stronger inhibition on entry of any HIV-1 strains tested, including those of CCR5-using T/Fs. We knocked down the endogenous IFITMs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and purified CD4⁺ T cells and observed that, while this treatment did greatly enhance the multiple-round of HIV-1 replication but had modest effect to rescue the single-round HIV-1 infection, reinforcing our previous conclusion that the predominant effect of IFITMs on HIV-1 infection is in viral producer cells, rather than in target cells to block viral entry. Overall, our results argue against the idea that IFITM proteins distinguish co-receptors CCR5 and CXCR4 to inhibit entry but emphasize that the predominant role of IFITMs on HIV-1 is in producer cells that intrinsically impair the viral infectivity.

Identification of key genes and pathways in regulating immune‑induced diseases of dendritic cells by bioinformatic analysis

Dendritic cells (DCs) serve crucial roles in the activation of the immune response, and imbalance in the activation or inhibition of DCs has been associated with an increased susceptibility to develop immune-induced diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms of regulating immune-induced diseases of DCs are not well understood. The aim of the present study was to identify the gene signatures and uncover the potential regulatory mechanisms in DCs. A total of 4 gene expression profiles (GSE52894, GSE72893, GSE75938 and GSE77969) were integrated and analyzed in depth. In total, 241 upregulated genes and 365 downregulated genes were detected. Gene ontology and pathway enrichment analysis showed that the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were significantly enriched in the inflammatory response, the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathway, the nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling pathway and antigen processing. The top 10 hub genes were identified from the protein-protein analysis. The most significant 2 modules were filtered from the protein-protein network. The genes in 2 modules were involved in type I interferon signaling, the NF-κB signaling pathway and the TNF signaling pathway. Furthermore, the microRNA-mRNA network analysis was performed. The results of the present study revealed that the identified DEGs and pathways may improve our understanding of the mechanisms of the maturation of DCs, and the candidate hub genes that may be therapeutic targets for immune-induced diseases.

Identification of Residues Controlling Restriction versus Enhancing Activities of IFITM Proteins on Entry of Human Coronaviruses

Interferon-induced transmembrane proteins (IFITMs) are restriction factors that inhibit the infectious entry of many enveloped RNA viruses. However, we demonstrated previously that human IFITM2 and IFITM3 are essential host factors facilitating the entry of human coronavirus (HCoV) OC43. In a continuing effort to decipher the molecular mechanism underlying IFITM differential modulation of HCoV entry, we investigated the roles of structural motifs important for IFITM protein posttranslational modifications, intracellular trafficking, and oligomerization in modulating the entry of five HCoVs. We found that three distinct mutations in IFITM1 or IFITM3 converted the host restriction factors to enhance entry driven by the spike proteins of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and/or Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). First, replacement of IFITM3 tyrosine 20 with either alanine or aspartic acid to mimic unphosphorylated or phosphorylated IFITM3 reduced its activity to inhibit the entry of HCoV-NL63 and -229E but enhanced the entry of SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. Second, replacement of IFITM3 tyrosine 99 with either alanine or aspartic acid reduced its activity to inhibit the entry of HCoV-NL63 and SARS-CoV but promoted the entry of MERS-CoV. Third, deletion of the carboxyl-terminal 12 amino acid residues from IFITM1 enhanced the entry of MERS-CoV and HCoV-OC43. These findings suggest that these residues and structural motifs of IFITM proteins are key determinants for modulating the entry of HCoVs, most likely through interaction with viral and/or host cellular components at the site of viral entry to modulate the fusion of viral envelope and cellular membranes.IMPORTANCE The differential effects of IFITM proteins on the entry of HCoVs that utilize divergent entry pathways and membrane fusion mechanisms even when using the same receptor make the HCoVs a valuable system for comparative investigation of the molecular mechanisms underlying IFITM restriction or promotion of virus entry into host cells. Identification of three distinct mutations that converted IFITM1 or IFITM3 from inhibitors to enhancers of MERS-CoV or SARS-CoV spike protein-mediated entry revealed key structural motifs or residues determining the biological activities of IFITM proteins. These findings have thus paved the way for further identification of viral and host factors that interact with those structural motifs of IFITM proteins to differentially modulate the infectious entry of HCoVs.

IFITM3 requires an amphipathic helix for antiviral activity

Interferon-induced transmembrane protein 3 (IFITM3) is a cellular factor that blocks virus fusion with cell membranes. IFITM3 has been suggested to alter membrane curvature and fluidity, though its exact mechanism of action is unclear. Using a bioinformatic approach, we predict IFITM3 secondary structures and identify a highly conserved, short amphipathic helix within a hydrophobic region of IFITM3 previously thought to be a transmembrane domain. Consistent with the known ability of amphipathic helices to alter membrane properties, we show that this helix and its amphipathicity are required for the IFITM3-dependent inhibition of influenza virus, Zika virus, vesicular stomatitis virus, Ebola virus, and human immunodeficiency virus infections. The homologous amphipathic helix within IFITM1 is also required for the inhibition of infection, indicating that IFITM proteins possess a conserved mechanism of antiviral action. We further demonstrate that the amphipathic helix of IFITM3 is required to block influenza virus hemagglutinin-mediated membrane fusion. Overall, our results provide evidence that IFITM proteins utilize an amphipathic helix for inhibiting virus fusion.

Predicted protein interactions of IFITMs may shed light on mechanisms of Zika virus-induced microcephaly and host invasion

After the first reported case of Zika virus (ZIKV) in Brazil, in 2015, a significant increase in the reported cases of microcephaly was observed. Microcephaly is a neurological condition in which the infant's head is significantly smaller with complications in brain development. Recently, two small membrane-associated interferon-inducible transmembrane proteins (IFITM1 and IFITM3) have been shown to repress members of the flaviviridae family which includes ZIKV. However, the exact mechanisms leading to the inhibition of the virus are yet unknown. Here, we assembled an interactome of IFITM1 and IFITM3 with known protein-protein interactions (PPIs) collected from publicly available databases and novel PPIs predicted using the High-confidence Protein-Protein Interaction Prediction (HiPPIP) model. We analyzed the functional and pathway associations of the interacting proteins, and found that there are several immunity pathways (toll-like receptor signaling, cd28 signaling in T-helper cells, crosstalk between dendritic cells and natural killer cells), neuronal pathways (axonal guidance signaling, neural tube closure and actin cytoskeleton signaling) and developmental pathways (neural tube closure, embryonic skeletal system development) that are associated with these interactors. Our novel PPIs associate cilia dysfunction in ependymal cells to microcephaly, and may also shed light on potential targets of ZIKV for host invasion by immunosuppression and cytoskeletal rearrangements. These results could help direct future research in elucidating the mechanisms underlying host defense to ZIKV and other flaviviruses.

Predicted protein interactions of IFITMs may shed light on mechanisms of Zika virus-induced microcephaly and host invasion

After the first reported case of Zika virus (ZIKV) in Brazil, in 2015, a significant increase in the reported cases of microcephaly was observed. Microcephaly is a neurological condition in which the infant’s head is significantly smaller with complications in brain development. Recently, two small membrane-associated interferon-inducible transmembrane proteins (IFITM1 and IFITM3) have been shown to repress members of the flaviviridae family which includes ZIKV. However, the exact mechanisms leading to the inhibition of the virus are yet unknown. Here, we assembled an interactome of IFITM1 and IFITM3 with known protein-protein interactions (PPIs) collected from publicly available databases and novel PPIs predicted using the High-confidence Protein-Protein Interaction Prediction (HiPPIP) model. We analyzed the functional and pathway associations of the interacting proteins, and found that there are several immunity pathways (toll-like receptor signaling, cd28 signaling in T-helper cells, crosstalk between dendritic cells and natural killer cells), neuronal pathways (axonal guidance signaling, neural tube closure and actin cytoskeleton signaling) and developmental pathways (neural tube closure, embryonic skeletal system development) that are associated with these interactors. Our novel PPIs associate cilia dysfunction in ependymal cells to microcephaly, and may also shed light on potential targets of ZIKV for host invasion by immunosuppression and cytoskeletal rearrangements. These results could help direct future research in elucidating the mechanisms underlying host defense to ZIKV and other flaviviruses.

Nonhuman Primate IFITM Proteins Are Potent Inhibitors of HIV and SIV

Interferon-induced transmembrane (IFITM) proteins are potent antiviral factors shown to restrict the infection of many enveloped viruses, including HIV. Here we report cloning and characterization of a panel of nonhuman primate IFITMs. We show that, similar to human IFITM, nonhuman primate IFITM proteins inhibit HIV and other primate lentiviruses. While some nonhuman primate IFITM proteins are more potent than human counterparts to inhibit HIV-1, they are generally not effective against HIV-2 similar to that of human IFITMs. Notably, depending on SIV strains and also IFITM species tested, nonhuman primate IFITM proteins exhibit distinct activities against SIVs; no correlation was found to support the notion that IFITM proteins are most active in non-natural primate hosts. Consistent with our recent findings for human IFITMs, nonhuman primate IFITM proteins interact with HIV-1 Env and strongly act in viral producer cells to impair viral infectivity and block cell-to-cell transmission. Accordingly, knockdown of primate IFITM3 increases HIV-1 replication in nohuman primate cells. Interestingly, analysis of DNA sequences of human and nonhuman primate IFITMs suggest that IFITM proteins have been undergoing purifying selection, rather than positive selection typical for cellular restriction factors. Overall, our study reveals some new and unexpected features of IFITMs in restricting primate lentiviruses, which enhances our understanding of virus-host interaction and AIDS pathogenesis.

A Review of Functional Motifs Utilized by Viruses

Short linear motifs (SLiM) are short peptides that facilitate protein function and protein-protein interactions. Viruses utilize these motifs to enter into the host, interact with cellular proteins, or egress from host cells. Studying functional motifs may help to predict protein characteristics, interactions, or the putative cellular role of a protein. In virology, it may reveal aspects of the virus tropism and help find antiviral therapeutics. This review highlights the recent understanding of functional motifs utilized by viruses. Special attention was paid to the function of proteins harboring these motifs, and viruses encoding these proteins. The review highlights motifs involved in (i) immune response and post-translational modifications (e.g., ubiquitylation, SUMOylation or ISGylation); (ii) virus-host cell interactions, including virus attachment, entry, fusion, egress and nuclear trafficking; (iii) virulence and antiviral activities; (iv) virion structure; and (v) low-complexity regions (LCRs) or motifs enriched with residues (Xaa-rich motifs).

Duck Interferon-Inducible Transmembrane Protein 3 Mediates Restriction of Influenza Viruses

Interferon-inducible transmembrane proteins (IFITMs) can restrict the entry of a wide range of viruses. IFITM3 localizes to endosomes and can potently restrict the replication of influenza A viruses (IAV) and several other viruses that also enter host cells through the endocytic pathway. Here, we investigate whether IFITMs are involved in protection in ducks, the natural host of influenza virus. We identify and sequence duck IFITM1, IFITM2, IFITM3, and IFITM5. Using quantitative PCR (qPCR), we demonstrate the upregulation of these genes in lung tissue in response to highly pathogenic IAV infection by 400-fold, 30-fold, 30-fold, and 5-fold, respectively. We express each IFITM in chicken DF-1 cells and show duck IFITM1 localizes to the cell surface, while IFITM3 localizes to LAMP1-containing compartments. DF-1 cells stably expressing duck IFITM3 (but not IFITM1 or IFITM2) show increased restriction of replication of H1N1, H6N2, and H11N9 IAV strains but not vesicular stomatitis virus. Although duck and human IFITM3 share only 38% identity, critical residues for viral restriction are conserved. We generate chimeric and mutant IFITM3 proteins and show duck IFITM3 does not require its N-terminal domain for endosomal localization or antiviral function; however, this N-terminal end confers endosomal localization and antiviral function on IFITM1. In contrast to mammalian IFITM3, the conserved YXXθ endocytosis signal sequence in the N-terminal domain of duck IFITM3 is not essential for correct endosomal localization. Despite significant structural and amino acid divergence, presumably due to host-virus coevolution, duck IFITM3 is functional against IAV.

IMPORTANCE

Immune IFITM genes are poorly conserved across species, suggesting that selective pressure from host-specific viruses has driven this divergence. We wondered whether coevolution between viruses and their natural host would result in the evasion of IFITM restriction. Ducks are the natural host of avian influenza A viruses and display few or no disease symptoms upon infection with most strains, including highly pathogenic avian influenza. We have characterized the duck IFITM locus and identified IFITM3 as an important restrictor of several influenza A viruses, including avian strains. With only 38% amino acid identity to human IFITM3, duck IFITM3 possesses antiviral function against influenza virus. Thus, despite long coevolution of virus and host effectors in the natural host, influenza virus evasion of IFITM3 restriction in ducks is not apparent.

IFITM Proteins Restrict HIV-1 Infection by Antagonizing the Envelope Glycoprotein

The interferon-induced transmembrane (IFITM) proteins have been recently shown to restrict HIV-1 and other viruses. Here, we provide evidence that IFITM proteins, particularly IFITM2 and IFITM3, specifically antagonize the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env), thereby inhibiting viral infection. IFITM proteins interact with HIV-1 Env in viral producer cells, leading to impaired Env processing and virion incorporation. Notably, the level of IFITM incorporation into HIV-1 virions does not strictly correlate with the extent of inhibition. Prolonged passage of HIV-1 in IFITM-expressing T lymphocytes leads to emergence of Env mutants that overcome IFITM restriction. The ability of IFITMs to inhibit cell-to-cell infection can be extended to HIV-1 primary isolates, HIV-2 and SIVs; however, the extent of inhibition appears to be virus-strain dependent. Overall, our study uncovers a mechanism by which IFITM proteins specifically antagonize HIV-1 Env to restrict HIV-1 infection and provides insight into the specialized role of IFITMs in HIV infection.

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IFITMs inhibit HIV-1 cell-to-cell infection and impair viral infectivity

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IFITMs specifically interact with HIV-1 Env and inhibit Env processing

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IFITM incorporation into HIV-1 virions does not correlate with inhibition

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IFITM inhibition of primate lentiviruses is virus-strain specific

IFITMs from Mycobacteria Confer Resistance to Influenza Virus When Expressed in Human Cells

Interferon induced transmembrane proteins (IFITMs) found in vertebrates restrict infections by specific viruses. IFITM3 is known to be essential for restriction of influenza virus infections in both mice and humans. Vertebrate IFITMs are hypothesized to have derived from a horizontal gene transfer from bacteria to a primitive unicellular eukaryote. Since bacterial IFITMs share minimal amino acid identity with human IFITM3, we hypothesized that examination of bacterial IFITMs in human cells would provide insight into the essential characteristics necessary for antiviral activity of IFITMs. We examined IFITMs from Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacterium abscessus for potential antiviral activity. Both of these IFITMs conferred a moderate level of resistance to influenza virus in human cells, identifying them as functional homologues of IFITM3. Analysis of sequence elements shared by bacterial IFITMs and IFITM3 identified two hydrophobic domains, putative S-palmitoylation sites, and conserved phenylalanine residues associated with IFITM3 interactions, which are all necessary for IFITM3 antiviral activity. We observed that, like IFITM3, bacterial IFITMs were S-palmitoylated, albeit to a lesser degree. We also demonstrated the ability of a bacterial IFITM to co-immunoprecipitate with IFITM3 suggesting formation of a complex, and also visualized strong co-localization of bacterial IFITMs with IFITM3. However, the mycobacterial IFITMs lack the endocytic-targeting motif conserved in vertebrate IFITM3. As such, these bacterial proteins, when expressed alone, had diminished colocalization with cathepsin B-positive endolysosomal compartments that are the primary site of IFITM3-dependent influenza virus restriction. Though the precise evolutionary origin of vertebrate IFITMs is not known, our results support a model whereby transfer of a bacterial IFITM gene to eukaryotic cells may have provided a selective advantage against viral infection that was refined through the course of vertebrate evolution to include more robust signals for S-palmitoylation and localization to sites of endocytic virus trafficking.