Abstract: Mammalian cells possess mechanisms to detect and defend themselves from invading viruses. In the cytosol, the RIG-I-like receptors (RLRs), RIG-I (retinoic acid-inducible gene I; encoded by DDX58) and MDA5 (melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5; encoded by IFIH1) sense atypical RNAs associated with virus infection. Detection triggers a signalling cascade via the adaptor MAVS that culminates in the production of type I interferons (IFN-α and β; hereafter IFN), which are key antiviral cytokines. RIG-I and MDA5 are activated by distinct viral RNA structures and much evidence indicates that RIG-I responds to RNAs bearing a triphosphate (ppp) moiety in conjunction with a blunt-ended, base-paired region at the 5'-end (reviewed in refs 1, 2, 3). Here we show that RIG-I also mediates antiviral responses to RNAs bearing 5'-diphosphates (5'pp). Genomes from mammalian reoviruses with 5'pp termini, 5'pp-RNA isolated from yeast L-A virus, and base-paired 5'pp-RNAs made by in vitro transcription or chemical synthesis, all bind to RIG-I and serve as RIG-I agonists. Furthermore, a RIG-I-dependent response to 5'pp-RNA is essential for controlling reovirus infection in cultured cells and in mice. Thus, the minimal determinant for RIG-I recognition is a base-paired RNA with 5'pp. Such RNAs are found in some viruses but not in uninfected cells, indicating that recognition of 5'pp-RNA, like that of 5'ppp-RNA, acts as a powerful means of self/non-self discrimination by the innate immune system.

Abstract: Most organisms rely on innate immune receptors to recognize conserved molecular structures from invading microbes. Two essential innate immune receptors, RIG-I and MDA5, detect viral double-stranded RNA in the cytoplasm. The inflammatory response triggered by these RIG-I-like receptors (RLRs) is one of the first and most important lines of defense against infection. RIG-I recognizes short RNA ligands with 5’-triphosphate caps. MDA5 recognizes long kilobase-scale genomic RNA and replication intermediates. Ligand binding induces conformational changes and oligomerization of RLRs that activate the signaling partner MAVS on the mitochondrial and peroxisomal membranes. This signaling process is under tight regulation, dependent on post-translational modifications of RIG-I and MDA5, and on regulatory proteins including unanchored ubiquitin chains and a third RLR, LGP2. Here we review recent advances that have shifted the paradigm of RLR signaling away from the conventional linear signaling cascade. In the emerging RLR signaling model, large multimeric signaling platforms generate a highly cooperative, self-propagating and context-dependent signal, which varies with the subcellular localization of the signaling platform.

Abstract: RIG-I-like receptors (RLRs) MDA5 and RIG-I are key players in the innate antiviral response. Upon recognition of viral RNA, they interact with MAVS, eventually inducing type I interferon production. The interferon induction pathway is commonly targeted by viruses. How enteroviruses suppress interferon production is incompletely understood. MDA5 has been suggested to undergo caspase- and proteasome-mediated degradation during poliovirus infection. Additionally, MAVS is reported to be cleaved during infection with coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) by the CVB3 proteinase 3C pro , whereas MAVS cleavage by enterovirus 71 has been attributed to 2A pro . As yet, a detailed examination of the RLR pathway as a whole during any enterovirus infection is lacking. We performed a comprehensive analysis of crucial factors of the RLR pathway, including MDA5, RIG-I, LGP2, MAVS, TBK1, and IRF3, during infection of CVB3, a human enterovirus B (HEV-B) species member. We show that CVB3 inhibits the RLR pathway upstream of TBK1 activation, as demonstrated by limited phosphorylation of TBK1 and a lack of IRF3 phosphorylation. Furthermore, we show that MDA5, MAVS, and RIG-I all undergo proteolytic degradation in CVB3-infected cells through a caspase- and proteasome-independent manner. We convincingly show that MDA5 and MAVS cleavages are both mediated by CVB3 2A pro , while RIG-I is cleaved by 3C pro . Moreover, we show that proteinases 2A pro and 3C pro of poliovirus (HEV-C) and enterovirus 71 (HEV-A) exert the same functions. This study identifies a critical role of 2A pro by cleaving MDA5 and MAVS and shows that enteroviruses use a common strategy to counteract the interferon response in infected cells. IMPORTANCE Human enteroviruses (HEVs) are important pathogens that cause a variety of diseases in humans, including poliomyelitis, hand, foot, and mouth disease, viral meningitis, cardiomyopathy, and more. Like many other viruses, enteroviruses target the host immune pathways to gain replication advantage. The MDA5/MAVS pathway is responsible for recognizing enterovirus infections in the host cell and leads to expression of type I interferons (IFN-I), crucial antiviral signaling molecules. Here we show that three species of HEVs all employ the viral proteinase 2A (2A pro ) to proteolytically target MDA5 and MAVS, leading to an efficient blockade upstream of IFN-I transcription. These observations suggest that MDA5/MAVS antagonization is an evolutionarily conserved and beneficial mechanism of enteroviruses. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of enterovirus immune evasion strategies will help to develop countermeasures to control infections with these viruses in the future.

Abstract: RIG-I is a DExD/H-box RNA helicase and functions as a critical cytoplasmic sensor for RNA viruses to initiate antiviral interferon (IFN) responses. Here we demonstrate that another DExD/H-box RNA helicase DHX36 is a key molecule for RIG-I signaling by regulating double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-dependent protein kinase (PKR) activation, which has been shown to be essential for the formation of antiviral stress granule (avSG). We found that DHX36 and PKR form a complex in a dsRNA-dependent manner. By forming this complex, DHX36 facilitates dsRNA binding and phosphorylation of PKR through its ATPase/helicase activity. Using DHX36 KO-inducible MEF cells, we demonstrated that DHX36 deficient cells showed defect in IFN production and higher susceptibility in RNA virus infection, indicating the physiological importance of this complex in host defense. In summary, we identify a novel function of DHX36 as a critical regulator of PKR-dependent avSG to facilitate viral RNA recognition by RIG-I-like receptor (RLR).

Abstract: Double-stranded (ds) RNA has diverse roles in host defense and disease prevention. dsRNA, produced by viral replication, elicits strong antiviral responses in host; similar protective responses can also be triggered by cellular dsRNA produced by necrotic, apoptotic, or otherwise stressed, uninfected cells. dsRNA is recognized in the cell by a large family of dsRNA-binding proteins, among which are the pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3), and retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I)-like receptors (RLRs). TLR3 signals from the endosomal membrane where it senses extracellular dsRNA that has been endocytosed, whereas RLRs signal from the cytoplasm using a mitochondrial adaptor protein. In this review, we will summarize the signaling pathways used by these 2 PRRs, which lead to the activation of specific transcription factors and the induction of many proinflammatory and antiviral genes. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that all host responses are not mediated by the products of these induced genes; signal-dependent post-translational modifications of existing proteins can also profoundly change cellular properties. We will discuss how Src activation by TLR3 changes cell migration, adhesion, and proliferation rates and how IRF-3 activation by RLR triggers a gene induction-independent pro-apoptotic pathway that provides strong antiviral protection.

Abstract: Polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C)) is a ligand of toll-like receptor (TLR) 3 that has been used as an immunostimulant in humans and mice against viral diseases based on its ability to enhance innate and adapt immunity. Antiviral effect of poly(I:C) has also been observed in teleost, however, the underling mechanism is not clear. In this study, we investigated the potential and signaling mechanism of poly(I:C) as an antiviral agent in a model of Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) infected with megalocytivirus. We found that poly(I:C) exhibited strong antiviral activity and enhanced activation of head kidney macrophages and peripheral blood leukocytes. In vivo studies showed that (i) TLR3 as well as MDA5 knockdown reduced poly(I:C)-mediated immune response and antiviral activity to significant extents; (ii) when Myd88 was overexpressed in flounder, poly(I:C)-mediated antiviral activity was significantly decreased; (iii) when Myd88 was inactivated, the antiviral effect of poly(I:C) was significantly increased. Cellular study showed that (i) the NF-κB activity induced by poly(I:C) was upregulated in Myd88-overexpressing cells and unaffected in Myd88-inactivated cells; (ii) Myd88 overexpression inhibited and upregulated the expression of poly(I:C)-induced antiviral genes and inflammatory genes respectively; (iii) Myd88 inactivation enhanced the expression of the antiviral genes induced by poly(I:C). Taken together, these results indicate that poly(I:C) is an immunostimulant with antiviral potential, and that the immune response of poly(I:C) requires TLR3 and MDA5 and is negatively regulated by Myd88 in a manner not involving NK-κB. These results provide insights to the working mechanism of poly(I:C), TLR3, and Myd88 in fish.

Abstract: Melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5) is an important intracellular receptor that recognizes long molecules of viral double-stranded RNA in innate immunity. To understand the mechanism of duck MDA5-mediated innate immunity, we cloned the MDA5 cDNA from the Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata). Quantitative real-time PCR analysis indicates that duck MDA5 mRNA was constitutively expressed in all sampled tissues. A significant increase of MDA5 mRNA was detected in the brain, spleen and lungs of ducks after infection with an H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV). We investigated the role of the predicted functional domains of MDA5. The results indicate the caspase activation and recruitment domain (CARD) of duck MDA5 had a signal transmission function through IRF-7-dependent signaling pathway. Overexpression of the CARD strongly activated the chicken IFN-β promoter and upregulated the mRNA expression of antiviral molecules (such as OAS, PKR and Mx), proinflammatory cytokines (such as IL-2, IL-6, IFN-α and IFN-γ, but not IL-1β and IL-8) and retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I)-like receptors (RLR) (RIG-I and LGP2) without exogenous stimulation. We also demonstrate the NS1 of the H5N1 HPAIV inhibited the duck MDA5-mediated signaling pathway in vitro. These results suggest that duck MDA5 is an important receptor for inducing antiviral activity in the host immune response of ducks.

Abstract: Zaire ebolavirus (EBOV) VP35 is a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-binding protein that inhibits RIG-I signaling and alpha/beta interferon (IFN-α/β) responses by both dsRNA-binding-dependent and -independent mechanisms. VP35 also suppresses dendritic cell (DC) maturation. Here, we define the pathways and mechanisms through which VP35 impairs DC maturation. Wild-type VP35 (VP35-WT) and two well-characterized VP35 mutants (F239A and R322A) that independently ablate dsRNA binding and RIG-I inhibition were delivered to primary human monocyte-derived DCs (MDDCs) using a lentivirus-based expression system. VP35-WT suppressed not only IFN-α/β but also proinflammatory responses following stimulation of MDDCs with activators of RIG-I-like receptor (RLR) signaling, including RIG-I activators such as Sendai virus (SeV) or 5′-triphosphate RNA, or MDA5 activators such as encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) or poly(I·C). The F239A and R322A mutants exhibited greatly reduced suppression of IFN-α/β and proinflammatory cytokine production following treatment of DCs with RLR agonists. VP35-WT also blocked the upregulation of DC maturation markers and the stimulation of allogeneic T cell responses upon SeV infection, whereas the mutants did not. In contrast to the RLR activators, VP35-WT and the VP35 mutants impaired IFN-β production induced by Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) or TLR4 agonists but failed to inhibit proinflammatory cytokine production induced by TLR2, TLR3, or TLR4 agonists. Furthermore, VP35 did not prevent lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced upregulation of surface markers of MDDC maturation and did not prevent LPS-triggered allogeneic T cell stimulation. Therefore, VP35 is a general antagonist of DC responses to RLR activation. However, TLR agonists can circumvent many of the inhibitory effects of VP35. Therefore, it may be possible to counteract EBOV immune evasion by using treatments that bypass the VP35-imposed block to DC maturation. IMPORTANCE The VP35 protein, which is an inhibitor of RIG-I signaling and alpha/beta interferon (IFN-α/β) responses, has been implicated as an EBOV-encoded factor that contributes to suppression of dendritic cell (DC) function. We used wild-type VP35 and previously characterized VP35 mutants to clarify VP35-DC interactions. Our data demonstrate that VP35 is a general inhibitor of RIG-I-like receptor (RLR) signaling that blocks not only RIG-I- but also MDA5-mediated induction of IFN-α/β responses. Furthermore, in DCs, VP35 also impairs the RLR-mediated induction of proinflammatory cytokine production, upregulation of costimulatory markers, and activation of T cells. These inhibitory activities require VP35 dsRNA-binding activity, an activity previously correlated to VP35 RIG-I inhibitory function. In contrast, while VP35 can inhibit IFN-α/β production induced by TLR3 or TLR4 agonists, this occurs in a dsRNA-independent fashion, and VP35 does not inhibit TLR-mediated expression of proinflammatory cytokines. These data suggest strategies to overcome VP35 inhibition of DC function.

Abstract: The innate immune system recognizes pathogen- and damage-associated molecular patterns using pattern-recognition receptors that activate a wide range of signalling cascades to maintain host homoeostasis against infection and inflammation. Endosomal TLR3 (Toll-like receptor 3), a type I transmembrane protein, senses RNAs derived from cells with viral infection or sterile tissue damage, leading to the induction of type I interferon and cytokine production, as well as dendritic cell maturation. It has been accepted that TLR3 recognizes perfect dsRNA, but little has been addressed experimentally with regard to the structural features of virus- or host-derived RNAs that activate TLR3. Recently, a TLR3 agonist was identified, which was a virus-derived 'structured' RNA with incomplete stem structures. Both dsRNA and structured RNA are similarly internalized through clathrin- and raftlin-dependent endocytosis and delivered to endosomal TLR3. The dsRNA uptake machinery, in addition to TLR3, is critical for extracellular viral RNA-induced immune responses. A wide spectrum of TLR3 ligand structures beyond dsRNA and their delivery systems provide new insights into the physiological role of TLR3 in virus- or host-derived RNA-induced immune responses. In the present paper, we focus on the system for extracellular recognition of RNA and its delivery to TLR3.

Abstract: Melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5) is one of the three members in the retinoic acid-inducible gene I-like receptor (RLR) family, which are cytoplasmic pathogen recognition receptors recognizing intracellular viruses. In the present study, MDA5 and its spliced shorter forms, named as MDA5a and MDA5b, were identified in zebrafish. MDA5a and MDA5b can be up-regulated in cell lines following the infection of a negative ssRNA virus, the spring viraemia of carp virus (SVCV), and an intracellular Gram-negative bacterial pathogen Edwardsiella tarda, implying that the RLR may also be able to sense elements released from bacteria. The over-expression of MDA5a and MDA5b in fish cells resulted in significant induction of type I interferon promoter activity and enabled the protection of transfected cells against SVCV infection. Furthermore, the shorter spliced form, MDA5b when co-transfected with MDA5a or mitochondrial antiviral signalling protein (MAVS), induced a significantly higher level of interferon promoter activity, indicating that MDA5b may function as an enhancer in the interaction between MDA5 and MAVS.

Abstract: Chicken MDA5 (chMDA5), the sole known pattern recognition receptor for cytoplasmic viral RNA in chickens, initiates type I interferon (IFN) production. Infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) evades host innate immunity, but the mechanism is unclear. We report here that IBDV inhibited antiviral innate immunity via the chMDA5-dependent signaling pathway. IBDV infection did not induce efficient type I interferon (IFN) production but antagonized the antiviral activity of beta interferon (IFN-β) in DF-1 cells pretreated with IFN-α/β. Dual-luciferase assays and inducible expression systems demonstrated that IBDV protein VP3 significantly inhibited IFN-β expression stimulated by naked IBDV genomic double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). The VP3 protein competed strongly with chMDA5 to bind IBDV genomic dsRNA in vitro and in vivo, and VP3 from other birnaviruses also bound dsRNA. Site-directed mutagenesis confirmed that deletion of the VP3 dsRNA binding domain restored IFN-β expression. Our data demonstrate that VP3 inhibits antiviral innate immunity by blocking binding of viral genomic dsRNA to MDA5. IMPORTANCE MDA5, a known pattern recognition receptor and cytoplasmic viral RNA sensor, plays a critical role in host antiviral innate immunity. Many pathogens escape or inhibit the host antiviral immune response, but the mechanisms involved are unclear for most pathogens. We report here that birnaviruses inhibit host antiviral innate immunity via the MDA5-dependent signaling pathway. The antiviral innate immune system involving IFN-β did not function effectively during birnavirus infection, and the viral protein VP3 significantly inhibited IFN-β expression stimulated by naked viral genomic dsRNA. We also show that VP3 blocks MDA5 binding to viral genomic dsRNA in vitro and in vivo. Our data reveal that birnavirus-encoded viral protein VP3 is an inhibitor of the antiviral innate immune response and inhibits the antiviral innate immune response via the MDA5-dependent signaling pathway.

Abstract: In eukaryotes, there are at least 60 members of the DExD/H helicase family, many of which are able to sense viral nucleic acids. By screening all known family members, we identified the helicase DHX33 as a novel double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) sensor in myeloid dendritic cells (mDCs). The knockdown of DHX33 using small heteroduplex RNA (shRNA) blocked the ability of mDCs to produce type I interferon (IFN) in response to poly I:C and reovirus. The HELICc domain of DHX33 was shown to bind poly I:C. The interaction between DHX33 and IPS-1 is mediated by the HELICc region of DHX33 and the C-terminal domain of IPS-1 (also referred to MAVS and VISA). The inhibition of DHX33 expression by RNA interference blocked the poly I:C-induced activation of MAP kinases, NF-κB and IRF3. The interaction between the helicase DHX33 and IPS-1 was independent of RIG-I/MDA5 and may be a novel pathway for sensing poly I:C and RNA viruses in mDCs.

Abstract: TLR3 senses viral dsRNA in endolysosomes. The TLR3 ectodomain is cleaved by proteases such as cathepsins in endolysosomes. It remains controversial whether the N-terminal fragment of TLR3 ectodomain (TLR3N) is cleaved off or remains associated with the C-terminal TLR3 fragment (TLR3C). In addition to endosomes, TLR3 is reported to be expressed on the surface of human fibroblasts, but not of human monocyte-derived dendritic cells. Less is known about roles of TLR3N and cell surface TLR3 in dsRNA sensing. In this study, we show the cleavage site of the TLR3 ectodomain and cell surface expression of TLR3 on mouse primary immune cells. TLR3C, which started at 343S, was associated with TLR3N. Both TLR3N and TLR3C were required for activation of IFN-β and NF-κB promoters by dsRNA, demonstrating that dsRNA is sensed by the TLR3N+C complex. Newly established mAbs to mouse TLR3 revealed that cell surface TLR3 was highly expressed on splenic CD8(+) dendritic cells and marginal zone B cells. Cell surface expression of TLR3 on these cells was dependent on the TLR-specific transporter Unc93B1. Although cell surface TLR3 was only weakly expressed on macrophages, TLR3 mAb specifically enhanced TLR3 responses to dsRNA. These results demonstrate that dsRNA is sensed by the TLR3N+C complex and that cell surface TLR3 is a promising target for modulating TLR3 responses.

Abstract: The interferon antiviral system is a primary barrier to virus replication triggered upon recognition of nonself RNAs by the cytoplasmic sensors encoded by retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I), melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5), and laboratory of genetics and physiology gene 2 (LGP2). Paramyxovirus V proteins are interferon antagonists that can selectively interact with MDA5 and LGP2 through contact with a discrete helicase domain region. Interaction with MDA5, an activator of antiviral signaling, disrupts interferon gene expression and antiviral responses. LGP2 has more diverse reported roles as both a coactivator of MDA5 and a negative regulator of both RIG-I and MDA5. This functional dichotomy, along with the concurrent interference with both cellular targets, has made it difficult to assess the unique consequences of V protein interaction with LGP2. To directly evaluate the impact of LGP2 interference, MDA5 and LGP2 variants unable to be recognized by measles virus and parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5) V proteins were tested in signaling assays. Results indicate that interaction with LGP2 specifically prevents coactivation of MDA5 signaling and that LGP29s negative regulatory capacity was not affected. V proteins only partially antagonize RIG-I at high concentrations, and their expression had no additive effects on LGP2-mediated negative regulation. However, conversion of RIG-I to a direct V protein target was accomplished by only two amino acid substitutions that allowed both V protein interaction and efficient interference. These results clarify the unique consequences of MDA5 and LGP2 interference by paramyxovirus V proteins and help resolve the distinct roles of LGP2 in both activation and inhibition of antiviral signal transduction. IMPORTANCE Paramyxovirus V proteins interact with two innate immune receptors, MDA5 and LGP2, but not RIG-I. V proteins prevent MDA5 from signaling to the beta interferon promoter, but the consequences of LGP2 targeting are poorly understood. As the V protein targets MDA5 and LGP2 simultaneously, and LGP2 is both a positive and negative regulator of both MDA5 and RIG-I, it has been difficult to evaluate the specific advantages conferred by LGP2 targeting. Experiments with V-insensitive proteins revealed that the primary outcome of LGP2 interference is suppression of its ability to synergize with MDA5. LGP29s negative regulation of MDA5 and RIG-I remains intact irrespective of V protein interaction. Complementary experiments demonstrate that RIG-I can be converted to V protein sensitivity by two amino acid substitutions. These findings clarify the functions of LGP2 as a positive regulator of MDA5 signaling, demonstrate the basis for V-mediated LGP2 targeting, and broaden our understanding of paramyxovirus-host interactions.

Abstract: Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a group of transmembrane receptors that recognize molecular motifs of pathogen origin and activate immune response. Although TLRs were first identified in immune system cells, recent studies show they can also be expressed in tumor cells. TLR3 recognizes dsRNA or its synthetic ligand poly (I: C) and is responsible primarily for the defense against viral infections. Recent studies showed that TLR3 can trigger apoptosis in cancer cell. Furthermore, other dsRNA binding receptors (MDA5 and RIG-I), localized in cytoplasm, can also bind poly (I: C) and therefore contribute to this effect. With TLR3's capacity to induce apoptosis and activate the immune system at the same time, TLR3 ligands are an attractive therapeutic option for treatment of cancer. Novel therapies include combining poly (I: C) with other components such as chemotherapeutics, apoptosis enhancers, other TLR ligands and peptides activating the immune system. Slightly modified TLR3 agonists (Ampligen®, Hiltonol®, poly IC-LC) are already being used in clinical studies for cancer therapy as single agents or in combination with other drugs. On the other hand, latest studies forewarn that TLR3 activation can also have tumor promoting role so it is crucial to identify the terms by which TLR3 has pro-tumor/anti-tumor effect in order to safely implement TLR3 ligand based therapy into clinical trials.

Abstract: The V proteins of paramyxoviruses control the innate immune response. In particular, the V protein of the genus Morbillivirus interferes with the signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), STAT2, and melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5 (mda5) signaling pathways. To characterize the contributions of these pathways to canine distemper virus (CDV) pathogenesis, we took advantage of the knowledge about the mechanisms of interaction between the measles virus V protein with these key regulators of innate immunity. We generated recombinant CDVs with V proteins unable to properly interact with STAT1, STAT2, or mda5. A virus with combined STAT2 and mda5 deficiencies was also generated, and available wild-type and V-protein-knockout viruses were used as controls. Ferrets infected with wild-type and STAT1-blind viruses developed severe leukopenia and loss of lymphocyte proliferation activity and succumbed to the disease within 14 days. In contrast, animals infected with viruses with STAT2 or mda5 defect or both STAT2 and mda5 defects developed a mild self-limiting disease similar to that associated with the V-knockout virus. This study demonstrates the importance of interference with STAT2 and mda5 signaling for CDV immune evasion and provides a starting point for the development of morbillivirus vectors with reduced immunosuppressive properties. IMPORTANCE The V proteins of paramyxoviruses interfere with the recognition of the virus by the immune system of the host. For morbilliviruses, the V protein is known to interact with the signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) and STAT2 and the melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5 (mda5), which are involved in interferon signaling. Here, we examined the contribution of each of these signaling pathways to the pathogenesis of the carnivore morbillivirus canine distemper virus. Using viruses selectively unable to interfere with the respective signaling pathway to infect ferrets, we found that inhibition of STAT2 and mda5 signaling was critical for lethal disease. Our findings provide new insights in the mechanisms of morbillivirus immune evasion and may lead to the development of new vaccines and oncolytic vectors.

Abstract: Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) is arguably the most potent viral trigger of innate immune signaling. Its activity has been recognized for over 5 decades, first as a toxin, then as a central component of the interferon system, as an efficient activator of antiviral responses and an immunomodulator for therapeutic applications. Nucleic acid sensing is the main basis for antiviral defense systems throughout the diverse forms of life from bacteria to plants and animals. Pattern recognition receptors of the host defense system not only sense viral dsRNA as a pathogen-associated molecular pattern in infected cells, but also recognize circulating endogenous dsRNA, a nonmicrobial signal, as a danger-associated molecular pattern, often leading to autoimmunity. Despite the effects of extracellular viral and host dsRNA associated with infection and autoimmunity, respectively, the understanding of cellular mechanisms for its recognition and uptake has only been appreciated in recent years. This review presents an overview of this unique form of nucleic acid, addressing its roles in infection, autoimmunity, and host sensing mechanisms. The goal of this review is to highlight the novel findings with a focus on extracellular recognition and uptake by the cell.

Abstract: Human rhinovirus (HRV) triggers exacerbations of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Cigarette smoking is the primary risk factor for the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and 25% of individuals with asthma smoke. Smokers experience both longer and more severe colds. We previously showed that cigarette smoke extract (CSE) inhibited HRV-induced expression of a range of epithelial antiviral molecules. Here, we use CXCL10 as a model antiviral gene to examine the mechanisms by which CSE inhibits epithelial antiviral immunity. HRV-induced CXCL10 transcription depends on activation of NF-ĸB and IFN-regulatory factor-1 (IRF-1), and we now also implicate two signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) consensus sequences in the CXCL10 promoter in HRV-induced CXCL10 expression. CSE inhibited HRV-induced activation and nuclear translocation/binding of both NF-ĸB, and IRF-1 to their respective recognition sequences in the CXCL10 promoter. HRV also induced formation of complexes at the STAT region in the CXCL10 promoter, and HRV-induced activation of STAT-1 was inhibited by CSE. In addition, CSE inhibited HRV-induced chromatin accessibility around the transcriptional start site of the CXCL10 promoter. Although CSE inhibited HRV-induced expression of both the viral double-stranded RNA sensors, retinoic acid-inducible gene-I and melanoma differentiation-associated gene (MDA) 5, only specific short interfering RNA (siRNA) to MDA5, but not nontargeting siRNA, or siRNA to retinoic acid-inducible gene-I, inhibited HRV-induced CXCL10 induction. We conclude that CSE reduces chromatin accessibility and inhibits viral signaling via NF-ĸB, IRF-1, STAT-1, and MDA5. Thus, we show that CSE can simultaneously modulate multiple pathways linked to innate immune responses to HRV infection.

Abstract: Although wide range of viruses can infect adipose tissues, innate antiviral response of adipose cells has not been investigated. This study focused on innate antiviral system in mouse adipose cells. Major virus sensors including Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3), melanoma differentiation-associated antigen 5 (MDA5) and retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) are constitutively expressed in preadipocytes and adipocytes. Poly(I:C), a common agonist of TLR3, MDA5 and RIG-I, induced the expression of type I interferons (IFN-α/β) in the two types of adipose cells through the activation of IFN-regulatory factor 3 and upregulated pro-inflammatory factors such as TNF-α and IL-6 through the activation nuclear factor kappa B. Moreover, poly(I:C) induced multiple antiviral proteins including IFN-stimulating gene 15, 2′5′-oligoadenylate synthetase and Mx GTPase 1 in preadipocytes and adipocytes. The poly(I:C)-induced innate antiviral response was reduced by TLR3 deficiency and knockdown of MDA5 or RIG-I. Poly(I:C) also inhibited the differentiation of preadipocytes to adipocytes and suppressed the expression of leptin, adiponectin and resistin in mature adipocytes. The results demonstrated that adipose cells are equipped with innate antiviral system, which may modulate the function of adipocytes.

Abstract: In the autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), our normal antiviral defenses are inappropriately activated, resulting in over-activity of the type I interferon (IFN) pathway. This increased activity of the type I IFN pathway is an important primary pathogenic factor in the disease. Emerging evidence has implicated the antiviral helicases in this process. The antiviral helicases normally function as nucleic acid receptors in viral immunity. Genetic variations in antiviral helicase genes have been associated with SLE, supporting the idea that helicase pathways are involved in the primary pathogenesis of SLE. Studies have documented functional consequences of these genetic variations within the type I IFN pathway in human cell lines and SLE patients. In this review, we summarize the function of helicases in the anti-viral immune response, and how this response is dysregulated in SLE patients. In particular, we will focus on known functional genetic polymorphisms in the IFIH1 (MDA5) and mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein genes which have been implicated in human SLE. These data provide fascinating evidence for dysregulation of helicase-mediated innate immunity in SLE, and may support novel therapeutic strategies in the disease.

Abstract: Upon viral infections, pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and stimulate an antiviral state associated with the production of type I interferons (IFNs) and inflammatory markers Type I IFNs play crucial roles in innate antiviral responses by inducing expression of interferon-stimulated genes and by activating components of the adaptive immune system Although pegylated IFNs have been used to treat hepatitis B and C virus infections for decades, they exert substantial side effects that limit their use Current efforts are directed toward the use of PRR agonists as an alternative approach to elicit host antiviral responses in a manner similar to that achieved in a natural infection RIG-I is a cytosolic PRR that recognizes 5' triphosphate (5'ppp)-containing RNA ligands Due to its ubiquitous expression profile, induction of the RIG-I pathway provides a promising platform for the development of novel antiviral agents and vaccine adjuvants In this study, we investigated whether structured RNA elements in the genome of coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3), a picornavirus that is recognized by MDA5 during infection, could activate RIG-I when supplied with 5'ppp We show here that a 5'ppp-containing cloverleaf (CL) RNA structure is a potent RIG-I inducer that elicits an extensive antiviral response that includes induction of classical interferon-stimulated genes, as well as type III IFNs and proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines In addition, we show that prophylactic treatment with CVB3 CL provides protection against various viral infections including dengue virus, vesicular stomatitis virus and enterovirus 71, demonstrating the antiviral efficacy of this RNA ligand