Work

IL-18 binding and inhibition of interferon γ induction by human poxvirus-encoded proteins

Year: 1999

Type: article

Abstract: Molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) is a common, human poxvirus that causes small papular skin lesions that persist for long periods without signs of inflammation. Previous studies revealed that MCV encodes a family of proteins with homology to mammalian IL-18 binding proteins. IL-18 is a proinflammatory cytokine that induces synthesis of interferon gamma, activates NK cells, and is required for a T-lymphocyte helper type 1 response. We expressed and purified the proteins encoded by the MC53L and MC54L genes of MCV, as well as their human and murine homologs. All four recombinant proteins were able to bind with high affinity to human and murine IL-18 molecules and inhibited IL-18 mediated interferon gamma production in a dose-dependent manner. The pirating of IL-18 binding proteins by poxviruses and their use as decoy receptors is consistent with the critical role of IL-18 in defense against virus infections and provides a mechanism for evasion of the immune system by MCV.

Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

DOI: 10.1073/pnas.96.20.11537

Authors: Yan Xiang, Bernard Moss

Institutions: National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

Language: English

Topic: Poxvirus research and outbreaks

Subfield: Virology

Field: Immunology and Microbiology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W1963728385

FWCI: 5.753

Cites: 45

Cited by: 200

Related to: 10