Highly pathogenic avian influenza A virus H5N1 NS1 protein induces caspase-dependent apoptosis in human alveolar basal epithelial cells

The Effector Domain of the Influenza A Virus Nonstructural Protein NS1 Triggers Host Shutoff by Mediating Inhibition and Global Deregulation of Host Transcription When Associated with Specific Structures in the Nucleus

Host shutoff in influenza A virus (IAV) infection is a key process contributing to viral takeover of the cellular machinery and resulting in the downregulation of host gene expression. Analysis of nascently transcribed RNA in a cellular model that allows the functional induction of NS1 demonstrates that NS1 suppresses host transcription. NS1 inhibits the expression of genes driven by RNA polymerase II as well as RNA polymerase I-driven promoters, but not by the noneukaryotic T7 polymerase. Additionally, transcriptional termination is deregulated in cells infected with wild-type IAV. The NS1 effector domain alone is able to mediate both effects, whereas NS1 mutant GLEWN184-188RFKRY (184-188) is not. Overexpression of CPSF30 counteracts NS1-mediated inhibition of RNA polymerase II-driven reporter gene expression, but knockdown of CPSF30 expression does not attenuate gene expression. Although NS1 is associated with nuclear chromatin, superresolution microscopy demonstrates that NS1 does not colocalize with genomic DNA. Moreover, NS1 mutants and NS1 fusion proteins, unable to associate with nuclear chromatin and displaying an altered subcellular distribution are still able to attenuate reporter gene expression. However, tethering NS1 artificially to the cytoskeleton results in the loss of reporter gene inhibition. A NS1 deficient in both native nuclear localization signals (NLS) is able to inhibit gene expression as effective as wild-type NS1 when a synthetic NLS relocates it to specific structures of the nucleus. Colocalization experiments and reporter gene cotransfection experiments with a NS1 fusion guiding it to nuclear speckles suggest that the presence of NS1 in nuclear speckles seems to be essential for host shutoff.

NS1: A Key Protein in the "Game" Between Influenza A Virus and Host in Innate Immunity

Since the influenza pandemic occurred in 1918, people have recognized the perniciousness of this virus. It can cause mild to severe infections in animals and humans worldwide, with extremely high morbidity and mortality. Since the first day of human discovery of it, the “game” between the influenza virus and the host has never stopped. NS1 protein is the key protein of the influenza virus against host innate immunity. The interaction between viruses and organisms is a complex and dynamic process, in which they restrict each other, but retain their own advantages. In this review, we start by introducing the structure and biological characteristics of NS1, and then investigate the factors that affect pathogenicity of influenza which determined by NS1. In order to uncover the importance of NS1, we analyze the interaction of NS1 protein with interferon system in innate immunity and the molecular mechanism of host antagonism to NS1 protein, highlight the unique biological function of NS1 protein in cell cycle.

The roles of apoptosis, autophagy and unfolded protein response in arbovirus, influenza virus, and HIV infections

Virus infection induces different cellular responses in infected cells. These include cellular stress responses like autophagy and unfolded protein response (UPR). Both autophagy and UPR are connected to programed cell death I (apoptosis) in chronic stress conditions to regulate cellular homeostasis via Bcl2 family proteins, CHOP and Beclin-1. In this review article we first briefly discuss arboviruses, influenza virus, and HIV and then describe the concepts of apoptosis, autophagy, and UPR. Finally, we focus upon how apoptosis, autophagy, and UPR are involved in the regulation of cellular responses to arboviruses, influenza virus and HIV infections. Abbreviation: AIDS: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; ATF6: Activating Transcription Factor 6; ATG6: Autophagy-specific Gene 6; BAG3: BCL Associated Athanogene 3; Bak: BCL-2-Anatagonist/Killer1; Bax; BCL-2: Associated X protein; Bcl-2: B cell Lymphoma 2x; BiP: Chaperon immunoglobulin heavy chain binding Protein; CARD: Caspase Recruitment Domain; cART: combination Antiretroviral Therapy; CCR5: C-C Chemokine Receptor type 5; CD4: Cluster of Differentiation 4; CHOP: C/EBP homologous protein; CXCR4: C-X-C Chemokine Receptor Type 4; Cyto c: Cytochrome C; DCs: Dendritic Cells; EDEM1: ER-degradation enhancing-a-mannosidase-like protein 1; ENV: Envelope; ER: Endoplasmic Reticulum; FasR: Fas Receptor;G2: Gap 2; G2/M: Gap2/Mitosis; GFAP: Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein; GP120: Glycoprotein120; GP41: Glycoprotein41; HAND: HIV Associated Neurodegenerative Disease; HEK: Human Embryonic Kidney; HeLa: Human Cervical Epithelial Carcinoma; HIV: Human Immunodeficiency Virus; IPS-1: IFN-β promoter stimulator 1; IRE-1: Inositol Requiring Enzyme 1; IRGM: Immunity Related GTPase Family M protein; LAMP2A: Lysosome Associated Membrane Protein 2A; LC3: Microtubule Associated Light Chain 3; MDA5: Melanoma Differentiation Associated gene 5; MEF: Mouse Embryonic Fibroblast; MMP: Mitochondrial Membrane Permeabilization; Nef: Negative Regulatory Factor; OASIS: Old Astrocyte Specifically Induced Substrate; PAMP: Pathogen-Associated Molecular Pattern; PERK: Pancreatic Endoplasmic Reticulum Kinase; PRR: Pattern Recognition Receptor; Puma: P53 Upregulated Modulator of Apoptosis; RIG-I: Retinoic acid-Inducible Gene-I; Tat: Transactivator Protein of HIV; TLR: Toll-like receptor; ULK1: Unc51 Like Autophagy Activating Kinase 1; UPR: Unfolded Protein Response; Vpr: Viral Protein Regulatory; XBP1: X-Box Binding Protein 1.

A 113-amino-acid truncation at the NS1 C-terminus is a determinant for viral replication of H5N6 avian influenza virus in vitro and in vivo

Virulence of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (AIV) is determined by multiple genes and their encoded proteins. In particular, the nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) of viruses is a multifunctional protein that plays an important role in type I interferon (IFN) antagonism, pathogenicity, and determining viral host range. Naturally-occurring truncation or mutation of NS1 during virus evolution attenuates viral replication and pathogenicity, but the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain poorly understood. In the present study, we rescued an H5N6 AIV harboring a 113-amino-acid (aa) truncated NS1 at the C-terminus that had previously naturally occurred in an H3N8 equine influenza virus (designated as rHN109 NS1/112). The replication and pathogenicity of the rescued and parental viruses were then assessed in vitro in cells and in vivo in chickens and mice. Replication of rHN109 NS1/112 virus was significantly attenuated in various cells compared to its parental virus. The attenuation of rHN109 NS1/112 virus was subsequently clarified by investigating the effects on IFN and apoptosis signaling pathways via multiple experiments. The results indicated that the 113-aa truncation of NS1 impairs viral inhibition of IFN production and enhances cellular apoptosis in avian and mammalian cells. Animal studies further indicated that replication of the rHN109 NS1/112 virus is remarkably attenuated in chickens. The results of this study improve our understanding of C-terminal region function for NS1 proteins of influenza viruses.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza A virus H5N1 non-structural protein 1 is associated with apoptotic activation of the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway

Outbreaks of avian influenza A (H5N1) virus infection have significant health and economic consequences. Non-structural protein 1 (NS1) is an essential virulence factor of the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus and of the apoptosis associated with the pathogenesis of H5N1. Previous studies have revealed that the NS1 protein is able to induce apoptosis via an extrinsic pathway. However, it remains unclear whether the intrinsic pathway is also associated with this apoptosis. The present study used a clone of the NS1 gene from avian influenza A/Jiangsu/1/2007 and observed the localization of the NS1 protein and cytochrome c release from mitochondria and the change of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in lung cancer cells. Cytotoxicity was detected using an MTT assay and the number of apoptotic cells was counted using a flow cytometer. Following the isolation of mitochondria, western blotting was performed to compare cytochrome c release from the mitochondria in cells before and after apoptosis. The change of MMP was detected using JC-1 staining. Furthermore, the results reveal that the majority of the NS1 protein was localized in the cell nucleus, and that it may induce apoptosis of human lung epithelial cells. The apoptosis occurred with marked cytochrome c release from mitochondria and a change of the MMP. This indicated that the NS1 protein may be associated with apoptosis induced by an intrinsic mitochondrial pathway.

G45R on nonstructural protein 1 of influenza A virus contributes to virulence by increasing the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in mice

Nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) is a multifunctional protein that is a viral replication enhancer and virulence factor. In this study, we investigated the effect of the amino acid substitution G45R on the NS1 of A/Puerto Rico/8/1934 (H1N1) (G45R/NS1) on viral virulence and host gene expression in a mouse model and the human lung cell line A549. The G45R/NS1 virus had increased virulence by inducing an earlier and robust proinflammatory cytokine response in mice. Mice infected with the G45R/NS1 virus lost more body weight and had lower survival rates than mice infected with the wild type (WT/NS1) virus. Replication of the G45R/NS1 virus was higher than that of the WT/NS1 virus in vitro, but the replication of both viruses was similar in mouse lungs. In A549 cells, the majority of G45R/NS1 protein was localized in the cytoplasm whereas the majority of WT/NS1 protein was localized in the nucleus. Microarray analysis revealed that A549 cells infected with the G45R/NS1 virus had higher expression of genes encoding proteins associated with the innate immune response and cytokine activity than cells infected with the WT/NS1 virus. These data agree with cytokine production observed in mouse lungs. Our findings suggest that G45R on NS1 protein contributes to viral virulence by increasing the expression of inflammatory cytokines early in infection.

Employing XIAP to enhance the duration of antigen expression and immunity against an avian influenza H5 DNA vaccine

DNA vaccine represents a powerful approach for prevention of avian H5N1 influenza infection. Yet, DNA vaccine-induced immune responses might be limited by the short duration of antigen expression. As a strategy to enhance adaptive immune responses elicited by a hemagglutinin 5 (H5) DNA vaccine, we explored the effect of co-administration of a DNA encoding X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) as a modulator of apoptosis and a stimulator of inflammatory signaling. In cultured cells as early as 24 hours (h), we found that the DNA vaccine encoded H5 antigen was a potent stimulator of apoptosis, and the H5 pro-apoptotic activity was significantly suppressed by the co-expression of full-length XIAP or mutant XIAP (ΔRING). However, full-length XIAP showed a higher potency than mutant XIAP (ΔRING) in the inhibition of H5-induced apoptosis. We also compared the immunizing ability of transmembrane and secretory forms of H5. Mice vaccinated (twice with 3-week intervals) with the secretory form of H5 showed higher hemagglutination inhibition (HI) antibody titers than mice vaccinated with the transmembrane form of H5. Furthermore, co-administration of XIAP with the secretory form of H5 resulted into a stronger antibody response than the transmembrane form of H5. Our findings suggest that in the design of DNA vaccines for a given pro-apoptotic antigen, using an anti-apoptotic molecular adjuvant and the secretory form of antigen may be a greater stimulus to induce immune responses.

Towards a better understanding of the novel avian-origin H7N9 influenza A virus in China

Recently, a highly dangerous bird flu has infected over 130 patients in China, and the outbreak was attributed to a novel avian-origin H7N9 virus. Here, we performed a systematic analysis of the virus. We clarified the controversial viewpoint on neuraminidase (NA) origin and confirmed it was reassorted from Korean wild birds with higher confidence, whereas common ancestors of pathogenic H7N9 genes existed only one or two years ago. Further analysis of NA sequences suggested that most variations are not drug resistant and current drugs are still effective for the therapy. We also identified a potentially optimal 9-mer epitope, which can be helpful for vaccine development. The interaction of hemagglutinin (HA) and human receptor analog was confirmed by structural modeling, while NA might influence cellular processes through a PDZ-binding motif. A simplified virus infection model was proposed. Taken together, our studies provide a better understanding of the newly reassorted H7N9 viruses.

mTOR/p70S6K signaling distinguishes routine, maintenance-level autophagy from autophagic cell death during influenza A infection

Autophagy, a stress response activated in influenza A virus infection helps the cell avoid apoptosis. However, in the absence of apoptosis infected cells undergo vastly expanded autophagy and nevertheless die in the presence of necrostatin but not of autophagy inhibitors. Combinations of inhibitors indicate that the controls of protective and lethal autophagy are different. Infection that triggers apoptosis also triggers canonical autophagy signaling exhibiting transient PI3K and mTORC1 activity. In terminal autophagy phospho-mTOR(Ser2448) is suppressed while mTORC1, PI3K and mTORC2 activities increase. mTORC1 substrate p70S6K becomes highly phosphorylated while its activity, now regulated by mTORC2, is required for LC3-II formation. Inhibition of mTORC2/p70S6K, unlike that of PI3K/mTORC1, blocks expanded autophagy in the absence of apoptosis but not moderate autophagy. Inhibitors of expanded autophagy limit virus reproduction. Thus expanded, lethal autophagy is activated by a signaling mechanism different from autophagy that helps cells survive toxic or stressful episodes.

DAMP molecule S100A9 acts as a molecular pattern to enhance inflammation during influenza A virus infection: role of DDX21-TRIF-TLR4-MyD88 pathway

Pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) trigger host immune response by activating pattern recognition receptors like toll-like receptors (TLRs). However, the mechanism whereby several pathogens, including viruses, activate TLRs via a non-PAMP mechanism is unclear. Endogenous “inflammatory mediators” called damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) have been implicated in regulating immune response and inflammation. However, the role of DAMPs in inflammation/immunity during virus infection has not been studied. We have identified a DAMP molecule, S100A9 (also known as Calgranulin B or MRP-14), as an endogenous non-PAMP activator of TLR signaling during influenza A virus (IAV) infection. S100A9 was released from undamaged IAV-infected cells and extracellular S100A9 acted as a critical host-derived molecular pattern to regulate inflammatory response outcome and disease during infection by exaggerating pro-inflammatory response, cell-death and virus pathogenesis. Genetic studies showed that the DDX21-TRIF signaling pathway is required for S100A9 gene expression/production during infection. Furthermore, the inflammatory activity of extracellular S100A9 was mediated by activation of the TLR4-MyD88 pathway. Our studies have thus, underscored the role of a DAMP molecule (i.e. extracellular S100A9) in regulating virus-associated inflammation and uncovered a previously unknown function of the DDX21-TRIF-S100A9-TLR4-MyD88 signaling network in regulating inflammation during infection.

The lung disease severity following influenza A virus (IAV) infection is dependent on the extent of inflammation in the respiratory tract. Severe inflammation in the lung manifests in development of pneumonia. Therefore, it is very critical to identify cellular factors and dissect the molecular/cellular mechanism controlling inflammation in the respiratory tract during IAV infection. Knowledge derived from these studies will be instrumental in development of therapeutics to combat the lung disease associated with IAV infection. Towards that end, in the current study we have identified a cellular factor S100A9 which is responsible for enhanced inflammation during IAV infection. In addition, we have characterized a signal transduction pathway involving various cellular receptors and signaling adaptors that are involved in mediating S100A9-dependent inflammatory response. Thus, our studies have illuminated a cellular/molecular mechanism that can be intervened by therapeutics to reduce and control IAV-associated lung inflammatory disease like pneumonia.

The interactomes of influenza virus NS1 and NS2 proteins identify new host factors and provide insights for ADAR1 playing a supportive role in virus replication

Influenza A NS1 and NS2 proteins are encoded by the RNA segment 8 of the viral genome. NS1 is a multifunctional protein and a virulence factor while NS2 is involved in nuclear export of viral ribonucleoprotein complexes. A yeast two-hybrid screening strategy was used to identify host factors supporting NS1 and NS2 functions. More than 560 interactions between 79 cellular proteins and NS1 and NS2 proteins from 9 different influenza virus strains have been identified. These interacting proteins are potentially involved in each step of the infectious process and their contribution to viral replication was tested by RNA interference. Validation of the relevance of these host cell proteins for the viral replication cycle revealed that 7 of the 79 NS1 and/or NS2-interacting proteins positively or negatively controlled virus replication. One of the main factors targeted by NS1 of all virus strains was double-stranded RNA binding domain protein family. In particular, adenosine deaminase acting on RNA 1 (ADAR1) appeared as a pro-viral host factor whose expression is necessary for optimal viral protein synthesis and replication. Surprisingly, ADAR1 also appeared as a pro-viral host factor for dengue virus replication and directly interacted with the viral NS3 protein. ADAR1 editing activity was enhanced by both viruses through dengue virus NS3 and influenza virus NS1 proteins, suggesting a similar virus-host co-evolution.

Viruses are obligate intracellular parasites that rely on cellular functions for efficient replication. As most biological processes are sustained by protein-protein interactions, the identification of interactions between viral and host proteins can provide a global overview about the cellular functions engaged during viral replication. Influenza viruses express 13 viral proteins, including NS1 and NS2, which are translated from an alternatively spliced RNA derived from the same genome segment. We present here a comprehensive overview of possible interactions of cellular proteins with NS1 and NS2 from 9 viral strains. Seventy nine cellular proteins were identified to interact with NS1, NS2 or both NS1 and NS2. These interacting host cell proteins are potentially involved in many steps of the virus life cycle and 7 can directly control the viral replication. Most of the cellular targets are shared by the majority of the virus strains, especially the double-stranded RNA binding domain protein family that is strikingly targeted by NS1. One of its members, ADAR1, is essential for influenza virus replication. ADAR1 colocalizes with NS1 in nuclear structures and its editing activity is enhanced by NS1 expressed on its own and during virus infection. A similar phenomenon is observed for dengue virus whose NS3 protein also interacts with ADAR1, suggesting a parallel virus-host co-evolution.

KLF6 and iNOS regulates apoptosis during respiratory syncytial virus infection

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a highly pathogenic lung-tropic virus that causes severe respiratory diseases. Enzymatic activity of inducible nitric oxide (iNOS) is required for NO generation. Although NO contributes to exaggerated lung disease during RSV infection, the role of NO in apoptosis during infection is not known. In addition, host trans-activator(s) required for iNOS gene expression during RSV infection is unknown. In the current study we have uncovered the mechanism of iNOS gene induction by identifying kruppel-like factor 6 (KLF6) as a critical transcription factor required for iNOS gene expression during RSV infection. Furthermore, we have also uncovered the role of iNOS as a critical host factor regulating apoptosis during RSV infection.

Non structural protein of avian influenza A (H11N1) virus is a weaker suppressor of immune responses but capable of inducing apoptosis in host cells

Background

The Non-Structural (NS1) protein of Influenza A viruses is an extensively studied multifunctional protein which is commonly considered as key viral component to fight against host immune responses. Even though there has been a lot of studies on the involvement of NS1 protein in host immune responses there are still ambiguities regarding its role in apoptosis in infected cells. Interactions of NS1 protein with host factors, role of NS1 protein in regulating cellular responses and apoptosis are quite complicated and further studies are still needed to understand it completely.

Results

NS1 genes of influenza A/Chicken/India/WBNIV2653/2008 (H5N1) and A/Aquatic bird/India/NIV-17095/2007(H11N1) were cloned and expressed in human embryonic kidney (293T) cells. Microarray based approach to study the host cellular responses to NS1 protein of the two influenza A viruses of different pathogenicity showed significant differences in the host gene expression profile. NS1 protein of H5N1 resulted in suppression of IFN-β mediated innate immune responses, leading to down-regulation of the components of JAK-STAT pathway like STAT1 which further suppressed the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines like CXCL10 and CCL5. The degree of suppression of host immune genes was found considerable with NS1 protein of H11N1 but was not as prominent as with H5N1-NS1. TUNEL assay analyses were found to be positive in both the NS1 transfected cells indicating both H5N1 as well as H11N1 NS1 proteins were able to induce apoptosis in transfected cells.

Conclusions

We propose that NS1 protein of both H5N1 and H11N1 subtypes of influenza viruses are capable of influencing host immune responses and possess necessary functionality to support apoptosis in host cells. H11N1, a low pathogenic virus without any proven evidence to infect mammals, contains a highly potential NS1 gene which might contribute to greater virus virulence in different gene combinations.

Key role of regulated upon activation normal T-cell expressed and secreted, nonstructural protein1 and myeloperoxidase in cytokine storm induced by influenza virus PR-8 (A/H1N1) infection in A549 bronchial epithelial cells

Influenza virus infection causes severe respiratory disease such as that due to avian influenza (H5N1). Influenza A viruses proliferate in human epithelial cells, which produce inflammatory cytokines/chemokines as a "cytokine storm" attenuated with the viral nonstructural protein 1 (NS1). Cytokine/chemokine production in A549 epithelial cells infected with influenza A/H1N1 virus (PR-8) or nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) plasmid was examined in vitro. Because tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and regulated upon activation normal T-cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) are predominantly produced from cells infected with PR-8 virus, the effects of mRNA knockdown of these cytokines were investigated. Small interfering (si)TNF-α down-regulated RANTES expression and secretion of RANTES, interleukin (IL)-8, and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1). In addition, siRANTES suppressed interferon (IFN)-γ expression and secretion of RANTES, IL-8, and MCP-1, suggesting that TNF-α stimulates production of RANTES, IL-8, MCP-1, and IFN-γ, and RANTES also increased IL-8, MCP-1, and IFN-γ. Furthermore, administration of TNF-α promoted increased secretion of RANTES, IL-8, and MCP-1. Administration of RANTES enhanced IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1 production without PR-8 infection. These results strongly suggest that, as an initial step, TNF-α regulates RANTES production, followed by increase of IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1 and IFNs concentrations. At a later stage, cells transfected with viral NS1 plasmid showed production of a large amount of IL-8 and MCP-1 in the presence of the H(2)O(2)-myeloperoxidse (MPO) system, suggesting that NS1 of PR-8 may induce a "cytokine storm" from epithelial cells in the presence of an H(2)O(2)-MPO system.

Transactivation of inducible nitric oxide synthase gene by Kruppel-like factor 6 regulates apoptosis during influenza A virus infection

Influenza A virus (flu) is a respiratory tract pathogen causing high morbidity and mortality among the human population. NO is a cellular mediator involved in tissue damage through its apoptosis of target cells and resulting enhancement of local inflammation. Inducible NO synthase (iNOS) is involved in the production of NO following infection. Although NO is a key player in the development of exaggerated lung disease during flu infection, the underlying mechanism, including the role of NO in apoptosis during infection, has not been reported. Similarly, the mechanism of iNOS gene induction during flu infection is not well defined in terms of the host transactivator(s) required for iNOS gene expression. In the current study, we identified Kruppel-like factor 6 (KLF6) as a critical transcription factor essential for iNOS gene expression during flu infection. We also underscored the requirement for iNOS in inducing apoptosis during infection. KLF6 gene silencing in human lung epithelial cells resulted in the drastic loss of NO production, iNOS promoter-specific luciferase activity, and expression of iNOS mRNA following flu infection. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay revealed a direct interaction of KLF6 with iNOS promoter during in vitro and in vivo flu infection of human lung cells and mouse respiratory tract, respectively. A significant reduction in flu-mediated apoptosis was noted in KLF6-silenced cells, cells treated with iNOS inhibitor, and primary murine macrophages derived from iNOS knockout mice. A similar reduction in apoptosis was noted in the lungs following intratracheal flu infection of iNOS knockout mice.

Activation of type I and III interferon signalling pathways occurs in lung epithelial cells infected with low pathogenic avian influenza viruses

The host response to the low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) H5N2, H5N3 and H9N2 viruses were examined in A549, MDCK, and CEF cells using a systems-based approach. The H5N2 and H5N3 viruses replicated efficiently in A549 and MDCK cells, while the H9N2 virus replicated least efficiently in these cell types. However, all LPAI viruses exhibited similar and higher replication efficiencies in CEF cells. A comparison of the host responses of these viruses and the H1N1/WSN virus and low passage pH1N1 clinical isolates was performed in A549 cells. The H9N2 and H5N2 virus subtypes exhibited a robust induction of Type I and Type III interferon (IFN) expression, sustained STAT1 activation from between 3 and 6 hpi, which correlated with large increases in IFN-stimulated gene (ISG) expression by 10 hpi. In contrast, cells infected with the pH1N1 or H1N1/WSN virus showed only small increases in Type III IFN signalling, low levels of ISG expression, and down-regulated expression of the IFN type I receptor. JNK activation and increased expression of the pro-apoptotic XAF1 protein was observed in A549 cells infected with all viruses except the H1N1/WSN virus, while MAPK p38 activation was only observed in cells infected with the pH1N1 and the H5 virus subtypes. No IFN expression and low ISG expression levels were generally observed in CEF cells infected with either AIV, while increased IFN and ISG expression was observed in response to the H1N1/WSN infection. These data suggest differences in the replication characteristics and antivirus signalling responses both among the different LPAI viruses, and between these viruses and the H1N1 viruses examined. These virus-specific differences in host cell signalling highlight the importance of examining the host response to avian influenza viruses that have not been extensively adapted to mammalian tissue culture.

Inhibitory effects of silver nanoparticles on H1N1 influenza A virus in vitro

Silver nanoparticles have demonstrated efficient inhibitory activities against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV). However, the effects of silver nanoparticles against H1N1 influenza A virus remain unexplored. In this study, the interaction of silver nanoparticles with H1N1 influenza A virus was investigated. Silver nanoparticles with mean particle diameters of 10nm were prepared for the hemagglutination inhibition test, the embryo inoculation assay, and the Mosmann-based 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, where these tests were used to determine the inhibitory activity of silver nanoparticles on H1N1 influenza A virus. MDCK cells were used as the infection model. Electron microscopy analysis and flow cytometry assay were used to determine whether silver nanoparticles could reduce H1N1 influenza A virus-induced apoptosis in MDCK cells. This study demonstrates that silver nanoparticles have anti-H1N1 influenza A virus activities. The inhibitory effects of silver nanoparticles on influenza A virus may be a novel clinical strategy for the prevention of influenza virus infection during the early dissemination stage of the virus.

The NS1 protein of influenza A virus interacts with heat shock protein Hsp90 in human alveolar basal epithelial cells: implication for virus-induced apoptosis

Background

Our previous study showed that the NS1 protein of highly pathogenic avian influenza A virus H5N1 induced caspase-dependent apoptosis in human alveolar basal epithelial cells (A549), supporting its function as a proapoptotic factor during viral infection, but the mechanism is still unknown.

Results

To characterize the mechanism of NS1-induced apoptosis, we used a two-hybrid system to isolate the potential NS1-interacting partners in A549 cells. We found that heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) was able to interact with the NS1 proteins derived from both H5N1 and H3N2 viruses, which was verified by co-immunoprecitation assays. Significantly, the NS1 expression in the A549 cells dramatically weakened the interaction between Apaf-1 and Hsp90 but enhanced its interaction with cytochrome c (Cyt c), suggesting that the competitive binding of NS1 to Hsp90 might promote the Apaf-1 to associate with Cyt c and thus facilitate the activation of caspase 9 and caspase 3.

Conclusions

The present results demonstrate that NS1 protein of Influenza A Virus interacts with heat hock protein Hsp90 and meidates the apoptosis induced by influenza A virus through the caspase cascade.

Host gene expression profiling in influenza A virus-infected lung epithelial (A549) cells: a comparative analysis between highly pathogenic and modified H5N1 viruses

Background

To understand the molecular mechanism of host responses to highly pathogenic avian influenza virus infection and to get an insight into the means through which virus overcomes host defense mechanism, we studied global gene expression response of human lung carcinoma cells (A549) at early and late stages of infection with highly pathogenic avian Influenza A (H5N1) virus and compared it with a reverse genetics modified recombinant A (H5N1) vaccine virus using microarray platform.

Results

The response was studied at time points 4, 8, 16 and 24 hours post infection (hpi). Gene ontology analysis revealed that the genes affected by both the viruses were qualitatively similar but quantitatively different. Significant differences were observed in the expression of genes involved in apoptosis and immune responses, specifically at 16 hpi.

Conclusion

We conclude that subtle differences in the ability to induce specific host responses like apoptotic mechanism and immune responses make the highly pathogenic viruses more virulent.

Gene expression profiles comparison between 2009 pandemic and seasonal H1N1 influenza viruses in A549 cells

OBJECTIVE

To perform gene expression profiles comparison so that to identify and understand the potential differences in pathogenesis between the pandemic and seasonal A (H1N1) influenza viruses.

METHODS

A549 cells were infected with A/California/07/09 (H1N1) and A/GuangdongBaoan/51/08 (H1N1) respectively at the same MOI of 2 and collected at 2, 4, 8, and 24 h post infection (p.i.). Gene expression profiles of A549 cells were obtained using the 22 K Human Genome Oligo Array, and differentially expressed genes were analyzed at selected time points.

RESULTS

Microarrays results indicated that both of the viruses suppressed host immune response related pathways including cytokine production while pandemic H1N1 virus displayed weaker suppression of host immune response than seasonal H1N1 virus. Observation on similar anti-apoptotic events such as activation of apoptosis inhibitor and down-regulation of key genes of apoptosis pathways in both infections showed that activities of promoting apoptosis were different in later stage of infection.

CONCLUSIONS

The immuno-suppression and anti-apoptosis events of pandemic H1N1 virus were similar to those seen by seasonal H1N1 virus. The pandemic H1N1 virus had an ability to inhibit biological pathways associated with cytokine responses, NK activation and macrophage recognition.