The RNA helicase DDX39A binds a conserved structure in chikungunya virus RNA to control infection
Year: 2023
Type: article
Abstract: Alphaviruses are a large group of re-emerging arthropod-borne RNA viruses. The compact viral RNA genomes harbor diverse structures that facilitate replication. These structures can be recognized by antiviral cellular RNA-binding proteins, including DExD-box (DDX) helicases, that bind viral RNAs to control infection. The full spectrum of antiviral DDXs and the structures that are recognized remain unclear. Genetic screening identified DDX39A as antiviral against the alphavirus chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and other medically relevant alphaviruses. Upon infection, the predominantly nuclear DDX39A accumulates in the cytoplasm inhibiting alphavirus replication, independent of the canonical interferon pathway. Biochemically, DDX39A binds to CHIKV genomic RNA, interacting with the 5' conserved sequence element (5'CSE), which is essential for the antiviral activity of DDX39A. Altogether, DDX39A relocalization and binding to a conserved structural element in the alphavirus genomic RNA attenuates infection, revealing a previously unknown layer to the cellular control of infection.
Source: Molecular Cell
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $9,080
Awards: The role of pattern recognition and autophagy in innate anti-bunyaviral immunity, G1433686416, Elucidating the functional roles of long noncoding RNAs in Chikungunya virus infection, G2700640572, G6282923221, Defining the functional interface between the ER and flaviviruses, G8704006545, G9000069410, G9000155401, Molecular Biology of Viral Diseases Predoctoral Training Grant
OpenAlex ID: W4388540584