Vpu-Deficient HIV Strains Stimulate Innate Immune Signaling Responses in Target Cells

Acute virus infection induces a cell-intrinsic innate immune response comprising our first line of immunity to limit virus replication and spread, but viruses have developed strategies to overcome these defenses. HIV-1 is a major public health problem; however, the virus-host interactions that regulate innate immune defenses against HIV-1 are not fully defined. We have recently identified the viral protein Vpu to be a key determinant responsible for HIV-1 targeting and degradation of interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3), a central transcription factor driving host cell innate immunity. IRF3 plays a major role in pathogen recognition receptor (PRR) signaling of innate immunity to drive the expression of type I interferon (IFN) and interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs), including a variety of HIV restriction factors, that serve to limit viral replication directly and/or program adaptive immunity. Here we interrogate the cellular responses to target cell infection with Vpu-deficient HIV-1 strains. Remarkably, in the absence of Vpu, HIV-1 triggers a potent intracellular innate immune response that suppresses infection. Thus, HIV-1 can be recognized by PRRs within the host cell to trigger an innate immune response, and this response is unmasked only in the absence of Vpu. Vpu modulation of IRF3 therefore prevents virus induction of specific innate defense programs that could otherwise limit infection. These observations show that HIV-1 can indeed be recognized as a pathogen in infected cells and provide a novel and effective platform for defining the native innate immune programs of target cells of HIV-1 infection.

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RNA sensors as a mechanism of innate immune evasion among SARS-CoV2, HIV and Nipah viruses

Current Protein and Peptide Science ◽

10.2174/1389203722666210322142725 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 ◽

Author(s):

Dalia Cicily Kattiparambil Dixon ◽

Chameli Ratan ◽

Bhagyalakshmi Nair ◽

Sabitha Mangalath ◽

Rachy Abraham ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Immune Response ◽

Innate Immunity ◽

Innate Immune Response ◽

Vaccine Development ◽

Innate Immune ◽

Interferon Response ◽

Host Immune System ◽

Type I ◽

Adaptive Responses ◽

Rna Sensors

: Innate immunity is the first line of defence elicited by the host immune system to fight against invading pathogens such as viruses and bacteria. From this elementary immune response, the more complex antigen-specific adaptive responses are recruited to provide a long-lasting memory against the pathogens. Innate immunity gets activated when the host cell utilizes a diverse set of receptors known as pattern recognition receptors (PRR) to recognize the viruses that have penetrated the host and respond with cellular processes like complement system, phagocytosis, cytokine release and inflammation and destruction of NK cells. Viral RNA or DNA or viral intermediate products are recognized by receptors like toll-like receptors(TLRs), nucleotide oligomerization domain(NOD)-like receptors (NLRs) and retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I)-like receptors (RLRs) thereby, inducing type I interferon response (IFN) and other proinflammatory cytokines in infected cells or other immune cells. But certain viruses can evade the host innate immune response to replicate efficiently, triggering the spread of the viral infection. The present review describes the similarity in the mechanism chosen by viruses from different families -HIV, SARS-CoV2 and Nipah viruses to evade the innate immune response and how efficiently they establish the infection in the host. The review also addresses the stages of developments of various vaccines against these viral diseases and the challenges encountered by the researchers during vaccine development.

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Crosstalk between the α2β1 integrin and c-met/HGF-R regulates innate immunity

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2007-08-107664 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 111 (7) ◽

pp. 3562-3570 ◽

Cited By ~ 34

Author(s):

Karissa D. McCall-Culbreath ◽

Zhengzhi Li ◽

Mary M. Zutter

Keyword(s):

Immune Response ◽

Innate Immunity ◽

Innate Immune Response ◽

Cell Activation ◽

Type I Collagen ◽

Innate Immune ◽

Mast Cell Activation ◽

Type I ◽

Matrix Metalloproteinase 1 ◽

Α2β1 Integrin

AbstractData from several investigators suggest that the α2β1 integrin, a receptor for collagens, laminins, decorin, E-cadherin, matrix metalloproteinase-1, endorepellin, and several viruses, is required for innate immunity and regulation of autoimmune/allergic disorders. We demonstrated that the innate immune response to Listeria monocytogenes required α2β1 integrin expression by peritoneal mast cells (PMCs). Ligation of the α2β1 integrin by C1q contained in immune complexes comprised of Listeria and antibody was required for PMC activation in vitro and in vivo. However, ligation of the α2β1 integrin alone was insufficient to activate cytokine secretion, suggesting that one or more additional signals emanating from a coreceptor were required for PMC activation. Here, we demonstrate that C1q, but neither other complement proteins nor FcRγ, is required for early innate immune response to Listeria. The binding of Listeria's Internalin B (InlB) to hepatocyte growth factor receptor (HGF-R)/c-met provides the costimulatory function required for PMC activation. Either HGF or Listeria InlB bound to c-met and either C1q or type I collagen bound to α2β1 integrin stimulates PMC activation. These findings suggest that crosstalk between c-met and the α2β1 integrin may contribute to mast-cell activation in autoimmune and inflammatory disorders.

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Recognition of HIV-1 capsid licenses innate immune response to viral infection

10.1101/2022.01.10.472699 ◽

2022 ◽

Author(s):

sunnie M yoh ◽

Joao Mamede ◽

Derrick Lau ◽

Narae Ahn ◽

Maria T Sanchez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Immune Response ◽

Innate Immune Response ◽

Immune Surveillance ◽

Innate Immune ◽

Interferon Response ◽

Type I ◽

Dependent Manner ◽

Dna Viruses ◽

Rna Genome ◽

Hiv 1

Cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) is a primary sensor of aberrant DNA that governs an innate immune signaling cascade, leading to the induction of the type-I interferon response. We have previously identified polyglutamine binding protein 1, PQBP1, as an adaptor molecule required for cGAS-mediated innate immune response of lentiviruses, including the human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1), but dispensable for the recognition of DNA viruses. HIV-1-encoded DNA is synthesized as a single copy from its RNA genome, and is subsequently integrated into the host chromatin. HIV-1 then produces progeny through amplification and packaging of its RNA genome, thus, in contrast to DNA viruses, HIV-1 DNA is both transient and of low abundance. However, the molecular basis for the detection and verification of this low abundance HIV-1 DNA pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP) is not understood. Here, we elucidate a two-factor authentication strategy that is employed by the innate immune surveillance machinery to selectively respond to the low concentration of PAMP, while discerning these species from extranuclear DNA molecules. We find that, upon HIV-1 infection, PQBP1 decorates intact viral capsid, which serves as a primary verification step for the viral nucleic acid cargo. As the reverse transcription and capsid disassembly initiate, cGAS protein is then recruited to the capsid in a PQBP1-dependent manner, enabling cGAS molecules to be co-positioned at the site of PAMP generation. Thus, these data indicate that PQBP1 recognition of the HIV-1 capsid sanctions a robust cGAS-dependent response to a limited abundance and short-lived DNA PAMP. Critically, this illuminates a molecular strategy wherein the modular recruitment of co-factors to germline encoded pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) serves to enhance repertoire of pathogens that can be sensed by the innate immune surveillance machinery.

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Subversion of Host Innate Immunity by Human Papillomavirus Oncoproteins

Pathogens ◽

10.3390/pathogens9040292 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (4) ◽

pp. 292 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Irene Lo Cigno ◽

Federica Calati ◽

Silvia Albertini ◽

Marisa Gariglio

Keyword(s):

Immune Response ◽

Innate Immunity ◽

Human Papillomavirus ◽

Signaling Pathways ◽

Innate Immune Response ◽

Immune Escape ◽

Innate Immune ◽

Transformed Cells ◽

Type I ◽

E6 And E7

The growth of human papillomavirus (HPV)-transformed cells depends on the ability of the viral oncoproteins E6 and E7, especially those from high-risk HPV16/18, to manipulate the signaling pathways involved in cell proliferation, cell death, and innate immunity. Emerging evidence indicates that E6/E7 inhibition reactivates the host innate immune response, reversing what until then was an unresponsive cellular state suitable for viral persistence and tumorigenesis. Given that the disruption of distinct mechanisms of immune evasion is an attractive strategy for cancer therapy, the race is on to gain a better understanding of E6/E7-induced immune escape and cancer progression. Here, we review recent literature on the interplay between E6/E7 and the innate immune signaling pathways cGAS/STING/TBK1, RIG-I/MAVS/TBK1, and Toll-like receptors (TLRs). The overall emerging picture is that E6 and E7 have evolved broad-spectrum mechanisms allowing for the simultaneous depletion of multiple rather than single innate immunity effectors. The cGAS/STING/TBK1 pathway appears to be the most heavily impacted, whereas the RIG-I/MAVS/TBK1, still partially functional in HPV-transformed cells, can be activated by the powerful RIG-I agonist M8, triggering the massive production of type I and III interferons (IFNs), which potentiates chemotherapy-mediated cell killing. Overall, the identification of novel therapeutic targets to restore the innate immune response in HPV-transformed cells could transform the way HPV-associated cancers are treated.

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A Stronger Innate Immune Response During Hyperacute HIV-1 Infection is associated with ACUTE retroviral syndrome

Clinical Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1093/cid/ciab139 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Amin S Hassan ◽

Jonathan Hare ◽

Kamini Gounder ◽

Jamirah Nazziwa ◽

Sara Karlson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Immune Response ◽

Innate Immunity ◽

Immune Responses ◽

Innate Immune Response ◽

Latent Class ◽

Principal Component ◽

Innate Immune ◽

Innate Immune Responses ◽

Acute Retroviral Syndrome ◽

Hiv 1

Abstract Background Acute retroviral syndrome (ARS) is associated with HIV-1 subtype and disease progression, but the underlying immunopathological pathways are poorly understood. We aimed to elucidate associations between innate immune responses during hyperacute HIV-1 infection (hAHI) and ARS. Methods Plasma samples obtained from volunteers (≥18.0 years) before and during hAHI, defined as HIV-1 antibody negative and RNA or p24 antigen positive from Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia and Sweden were analysed. Forty soluble innate immune markers were measured using multiplexed assays. Immune responses were differentiated into volunteers with stronger and comparatively weaker responses using principal component analysis. Presence or absence of ARS was defined based on eleven symptoms using latent class analysis. Logistic regression was used to determine associations between immune responses and ARS. Results Of 55 volunteers, 31 (56%) had ARS. Volunteers with stronger immune responses (n=36 [65%]) had increased odds of ARS which was independent of HIV-1 subtype, age, and risk group (adjusted odds ratio, 7.1 [95% CI: 1.7–28.8], p=0.003). IP-10 was fourteen-fold higher during hAHI, elevated in seven of the eleven symptoms, and independently associated with ARS. IP-10 threshold >466.0 pg/mL differentiated stronger immune responses with a sensitivity of 84.2% (95% CI: 60.4–96.6) and specificity of 100.0% (95% CI: 90.3–100.0). Conclusions A stronger innate immune response during hAHI was associated with ARS. Plasma IP-10 may be a candidate biomarker of stronger innate immunity. Our findings provide further insights on innate immune responses in regulating ARS and may inform the design of vaccine candidates harnessing innate immunity.

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The Small t Antigen of JC Virus Antagonizes RIG-I-Mediated Innate Immunity by Inhibiting TRIM25’s RNA Binding Ability

mBio ◽

10.1128/mbio.00620-21 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (2) ◽

Author(s):

Cindy Chiang ◽

Steve Dvorkin ◽

Jessica J. Chiang ◽

Rachel B. Potter ◽

Michaela U. Gack

Keyword(s):

Immune Response ◽

Innate Immunity ◽

Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy ◽

Innate Immune Response ◽

Persistent Infection ◽

T Antigen ◽

Innate Immune ◽

Type I ◽

Jc Polyomavirus ◽

Small T Antigen

ABSTRACT JC polyomavirus (JCV), a DNA virus that leads to persistent infection in humans, is the causative agent of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, a lethal brain disease that affects immunocompromised individuals. Almost nothing is currently known about how JCV infection is controlled by the innate immune response and, further, whether JCV has evolved mechanisms to antagonize antiviral immunity. Here, we show that the innate immune sensors retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) and cGMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) control JCV replication in human astrocytes. We further identify that the small t antigen (tAg) of JCV functions as an interferon (IFN) antagonist by suppressing RIG-I-mediated signal transduction. JCV tAg interacts with the E3 ubiquitin ligase TRIM25, thereby preventing its ability to bind RNA and to induce the K63-linked ubiquitination of RIG-I, which is known to facilitate RIG-I-mediated cytokine responses. Antagonism of RIG-I K63-linked ubiquitination and antiviral signaling is also conserved in the tAg of the related polyomavirus BK virus (BKV). These findings highlight how JCV and BKV manipulate a key innate surveillance pathway, which may stimulate research into designing novel therapies. IMPORTANCE The innate immune response is the first line of defense against viral pathogens, and in turn, many viruses have evolved strategies to evade detection by the host’s innate immune surveillance machinery. Investigation of the interplay between viruses and the innate immune response provides valuable insight into potential therapeutic targets against viral infectious diseases. JC polyomavirus (JCV) is associated with a lifelong, persistent infection that can cause a rare neurodegenerative disease, called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, in individuals that are immunosuppressed. The molecular mechanisms of JCV infection and persistence are not well understood, and very little is currently known about the relevance of innate immunity for the control of JCV replication. Here, we define the intracellular innate immune sensors responsible for controlling JCV infection and also demonstrate a novel mechanism by which a JCV-encoded protein acts as an antagonist of the type I interferon-mediated innate immune response.

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Lymphocytes are detrimental during the early innate immune response against Listeria monocytogenes

Journal of Experimental Medicine ◽

10.1084/jem.20060045 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 203 (4) ◽

pp. 933-940 ◽

Cited By ~ 99

Author(s):

Javier A. Carrero ◽

Boris Calderon ◽

Emil R. Unanue

Keyword(s):

Immune Response ◽

Listeria Monocytogenes ◽

Innate Immune Response ◽

Early Stage ◽

Bacterial Pathogen ◽

Interleukin 10 ◽

Innate Immune ◽

Type I ◽

Phagocytic Cells ◽

Immunodeficient Mice

Mice deficient in lymphocytes are more resistant than normal mice to Listeria monocytogenes infection during the early innate immune response. This paradox remains unresolved: lymphocytes are required for sterilizing immunity, but their presence during the early stage of the infection is not an asset and may even be detrimental. We found that lymphocyte-deficient mice, which showed limited apoptosis in infected organs, were resistant during the first four days of infection but became susceptible when engrafted with lymphocytes. Engraftment with lymphocytes from type I interferon receptor–deficient (IFN-αβR−/−) mice, which had reduced apoptosis, did not confer increased susceptibility to infection, even when the phagocytes were IFN-αβR+/+. The attenuation of innate immunity was due, in part, to the production of the antiinflammatory cytokine interleukin 10 by phagocytic cells after the apoptotic phase of the infection. Thus, immunodeficient mice were more resistant relative to normal mice because the latter went through a stage of lymphocyte apoptosis that was detrimental to the innate immune response. This is an example of a bacterial pathogen creating a cascade of events that leads to a permissive infective niche early during infection.

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Type I interferons and the innate immune response—more than just antiviral cytokines

Molecular Immunology ◽

10.1016/j.molimm.2004.11.008 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 42 (8) ◽

pp. 869-877 ◽

Cited By ~ 80

Author(s):

Peter L Smith ◽

Giovanna Lombardi ◽

Graham R Foster

Keyword(s):

Immune Response ◽

Innate Immune Response ◽

Innate Immune ◽

Type I Interferons ◽

Type I

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High content screening and computational prediction reveal viral genes that suppress innate immune response

10.1101/2021.12.14.472572 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Tai L Ng ◽

Erika J Olson ◽

Tae Yeon Yoo ◽

H. Sloane Weiss ◽

Yukiye Koide ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Immune Response ◽

Innate Immune Response ◽

Nuclear Transport ◽

Computational Prediction ◽

Viral Proteins ◽

Innate Immune ◽

Type I ◽

Viral Genes ◽

Genes Encoding

Suppression of the host innate immune response is a critical aspect of viral replication. Upon infection, viruses may introduce one or more proteins that inhibit key immune pathways, such as the type I interferon pathway. However, the ability to predict and evaluate viral protein bioactivity on targeted pathways remains challenging and is typically done on a single virus/gene basis. Here, we present a medium-throughput high-content cell-based assay to reveal the immunosuppressive effects of viral proteins. To test the predictive power of our approach, we developed a library of 800 genes encoding known, predicted, and uncharacterized human viral genes. We find that previously known immune suppressors from numerous viral families such as Picornaviridae and Flaviviridae recorded positive responses. These include a number of viral proteases for which we further confirmed that innate immune suppression depends on protease activity. A class of predicted inhibitors encoded by Rhabdoviridae viruses was demonstrated to block nuclear transport, and several previously uncharacterized proteins from uncultivated viruses were shown to inhibit nuclear transport of the transcription factors NF-kB and IRF3. We propose that this pathway-based assay, together with early sequencing, gene synthesis, and viral infection studies, could partly serve as the basis for rapid in vitro characterization of novel viral proteins.

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Longitudinal single-cell immune profiling revealed distinct innate immune response in asymptomatic COVID-19 patients

10.1101/2020.09.02.276865 ◽

2020 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Xiang-Na Zhao ◽

Yue You ◽

Guo-Lin Wang ◽

Hui-Xia Gao ◽

Xiao-Ming Cui ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Immune Response ◽

T Cells ◽

T Cell ◽

Single Cell ◽

Innate Immune Response ◽

Clonal Expansion ◽

Innate Immune ◽

Type I ◽

Severe Condition ◽

Asymptomatic Patients

SUMMARYRecent studies have characterized the single-cell immune landscape of host immune response of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), specifically focus on the severe condition. However, the immune response in mild or even asymptomatic patients remains unclear. Here, we performed longitudinal single-cell transcriptome sequencing and T cell/B cell receptor sequencing on 3 healthy donors and 10 COVID-19 patients with asymptomatic, moderate, and severe conditions. We found asymptomatic patients displayed distinct innate immune responses, including increased CD56briCD16− NK subset, which was nearly missing in severe condition and enrichment of a new Th2-like cell type/state expressing a ciliated cell marker. Unlike that in moderate condition, asymptomatic patients lacked clonal expansion of effector CD8+ T cells but had a robust effector CD4+ T cell clonal expansion, coincide with previously detected SARS-CoV-2-reactive CD4+ T cells in unexposed individuals. Moreover, NK and effector T cells in asymptomatic patients have upregulated cytokine related genes, such as IFNG and XCL2. Our data suggest early innate immune response and type I immunity may contribute to the asymptomatic phenotype in COVID-19 disease, which could in turn deepen our understanding of severe COVID-19 and guide early prediction and therapeutics.

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