Work

The Host DHX9 DExH-Box Helicase Is Recruited to Chikungunya Virus Replication Complexes for Optimal Genomic RNA Translation

Year: 2018

Type: article

Abstract: mosquitoes, is a serious global health threat. In the absence of effective antiviral drugs, CHIKV infection has a significant impact on human health, with chronic arthritis being one of the most serious complications. The molecular understanding of host-virus interactions is a prerequisite to the development of targeted therapeutics capable to interrupt viral replication and transmission. Here, we identify the host cell DHX9 DExH-Box helicase as an essential cofactor for early CHIKV genome translation. We demonstrate that CHIKV nsP3 protein acts as a key factor for DHX9 recruitment to replication complexes. Finally, we establish that DHX9 behaves as a switch that regulates the progression of the viral cycle from translation to genome replication. This study might therefore have a significant impact on the development of antiviral strategies.

Source: Journal of Virology

DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01764-18