Biology subjects

Ludert, J. E.

Publications and source records attributed to Ludert, J. E..

8 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

Dengue virus NS1 undergoes partial nuclear translocation to modulate host transcription and support viral replication

The dengue virus (DENV) non-structural protein 1 (NS1) is a glycoprotein highly conserved among mosquito-borne orthoflaviviruses. NS1 is typically localized in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum, where it forms part of the replication complexes, and is also exposed at the plasma membrane. In addition, NS1 is secreted as a lipoprotein. Here, using a combination of approaches, including confocal microscopy with deconvolution, in situ analysis, and biochemical cell fractionation, we show that a substantial fraction of NS1 (up to 30%) translocates to the nucleus during infection. We identified a conserved, structurally exposed bipartite nuclear localization signal (NLS) within NS1. Pharmacological inhibition with ivermectin and site-directed mutagenesis of the NLS in recombinant confirmed that nuclear import of NS1 is an active process, dependent on the classical importin /{beta} pathway. Notably, both dimeric and multimeric forms of NS1 were detected in the nucleus in association with nuclear lamin. Introduction of the NLS mutations into DENV2 infectious clones resulted in a non-viable virus. Production of virus progeny and completion of the replicative cycle by the mutant genomes could be rescued by trans-complementation with wild-type NS1, but not with an NLS-mutated NS1, indicating that an NS1 nuclear phase is required for a productive infection. Transcriptomic analysis by RNA-seq further revealed that NS1 functions depend on its subcellular location. Nuclear NS1 induced the overexpression of genes associated with DNA-binding transcription factors, whereas NLS-mutated NS1, retained in the cytoplasm, failed to induce these genes and instead triggered pro-inflammatory and metabolic responses. Together, these findings reveal a previously unrecognized nuclear phase of NS1 that is required for an efficient viral life cycle, redefining NS1 as a modulator of the host transcriptional environment. These findings also suggest new avenues for antiviral and vaccine development. Authors summaryDengue virus NS1 is a glycoprotein of approximately 45-50 kDa that rapidly dimerizes after proteolytic maturation. Dimeric NS1 is located in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum where it acts as a scaffold component of the viral replication complexes. In addition, NS1 is secreted from infected cells as a tetramer or hexamer and circulates in the serum of infected individuals during the acute phase of dengue disease. Circulating NS1 is widely used as a diagnostic marker and has also been associated with dengue pathogenesis through several mechanisms. Here, we expand the current understanding of DENV NS1 by identifying a previously unrecognized and essential nuclear location of this protein. We show that NS1 contains a conserved nuclear localization signal that mediates import into the nucleus via the classical import pathway. Using wild-type and NLS-mutated infectious clones, we demonstrated that nuclear localization of NS1 is required for completion of the DENV replicative cycle. Transcriptomic analysis further revealed that nuclear NS1 promotes the expression of host genes involved in nucleic acid metabolism, whereas retention of NS1 in the cytoplasm triggers an antiviral and inflammatory response. Together, these findings identify the nucleus as an important site of dengue virus-host interactions and redefine NS1 as a regulator of the host transcriptional environment during infection.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2025

The dengue virus NS1 protein alters Aedes aegypti midgut permeability and favors virus dissemination

The dengue virus is an arbovirus of public health importance transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. The NS1 protein is a multifunctional glycoprotein, highly conserved among Orthoflaviviruses, that is secreted from infected cells, circulate in the sera of dengue patients at high concentrations and has been involved with pathogenesis by several mechanisms, including vascular leakage and immune evasion. However, the role of NS1 within the mosquito vector is not fully understood. In this study, we observed that feeding female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes with blood meals supplemented with recombinant NS1 resulted in increased midgut permeability, as evaluated by the diffusion of the non-toxic dye Brilliant Blue FCF into the hemocoel. Histological and transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed epithelial damage and disruption of the midgut cellular junctions. Immunofluorescence assays further demonstrated the delocalization of septate junction proteins essential for epithelial integrity. In addition, metalloproteinase expression in the midgut was also reduced. All these effects were abolished when NS1 was heat-inactivated indicating that they were NS1-dependent. Significantly, virus blood meals containing NS1 resulted in enhanced dissemination of DENV to secondary organs and earlier virus presence in the mosquito salivary glands, in comparison with meals treated with specific NS1 antibodies. Our findings reveal a novel function for NS1 in mosquitoes, and expand the understanding of NS1 functions beyond its human pathophysiological role. In addition, highlight NS1 as a strategic intervention point to reduce transmission efficiency in mosquitoes. ImportanceDengue is the most important virus disease transmitted by mosquitoes to humans. Thus, a deeper understanding of the virus-vector interaction is required for the development of control measures and the mosquito transmission capacity. In this work, we present evidence indicating that the NS1 protein plays a role in the establishment and dissemination of the dengue virus infection in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Ingested NS1 was found to disrupt the septate junctions and to inhibit metalloproteinase expression of the midgut, allowing the virus to escape the digestive tract. In addition, NS1 was found to promote virus dissemination into the hemocoel, carcass and salivary glands. These findings uncover new functions for NS1 in the mosquito and highpoint ways to interfere with vector competence.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2025

Kinesin light chain 1 (KLC1) interacts with NS1 and is a susceptibility factor for dengue virus infection in mosquito cells

A hallmark of the dengue virus (DENV) infection is the manipulation of host cell membranes, lipid trafficking and lipid droplets (LDs), all cellular functions that depend on the cytoskeleton and the cytoplasmatic streaming system. We previously reported the interaction between DENV NS1 protein and members of the kinesin motor complex in the Aedes albopictus cell line C6/36. In this work, we present evidence indicating that the protein kinesin light chain 1 (KLC1) is indeed a susceptibility factor for DENV replicative cycle in mosquito cells. The interaction between NS1 and KLC1 was confirmed by proximity ligation and co-immunoprecipitation assays in cells harvested 24 hpi. In addition, transmission immunoelectron microscopy showed KLC1 decorating the surface of vacuoles in association with NS1. Increased levels of KLC1 were observed starting at 6 hpi, suggesting that virus infection stimulates KLC1 synthesis. Silencing KLC1 expression results in a reduction in viral genome synthesis, decreased secretion of NS1, and a reduction of virus progeny by nearly 1 log. In agreement, similar affectations were observed in infected cells transfected with a peptide that competes and interferes with the interaction between KLC1 and its cargo molecules. Of note, both silencing the expression or interfering with the function of KLC1 resulted in a disorganization of LDs, which decreased in number and increased in area, in mock or infected cells. These results, taken together, suggest that KLC1 is a host susceptibility factor for DENV in mosquito cells, necessary for the proper transport and homeostasis of LDs required for flavivirus replication. However, modest colocalization was observed between NS1 and LDs, and the significance of the KLC1 and NS1 interactions need to be further investigated.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2023

Cytotrophoblast cells are selectively permissive and favor Zika virus, but no other related flavivirus, invasion to the placental stroma

BACKGROUNDZika virus (ZIKV) is highly teratogenic, in contrast with dengue virus (DENV) or the yellow fever virus vaccine (YFV-17D). The mechanisms employed by ZIKV to cross the placenta need to be elucidated. METHODSParallel infections with ZIKV, DENV and YFV-17D were compared in terms of efficiency, activation of mTOR pathways and cytokine secretion profile in human cytotrophoblastic HTR8 cells (CTB), and monocytic U937 cells, differentiated to M2 macrophages (M2-MO). RESULTSIn CTB, ZIKV replication was significantly more efficient than DENV or YFV-17D. In M2-MO, ZIKV replication continued to be more efficient, although differences between strains were reduced. Significantly greater activation of Phospho-S6r and Phospho-AKT/Ser473 fractions in CTB infected with ZIKV than with DENV or YFV-17D, was observed. CTB treated with the mTOR inhibitors rapamycin or AZD8055, showed a 20-fold-reduction in ZIKV yield, versus 5 and 3.5-fold for DENV and YFV-17D, respectively. Finally, we detected that ZIKV infection, but not DENV or YFV-17D, efficiently inhibited the interferon response of CTB cells. CONCLUSIONSThese results suggest that CTB cells are permissive and act favoring ZIKV entry into the placental stroma, over DENV and YFV-17D and that the mTOR complex is a switch that enhances the replication of ZIKV in CTB cells.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2022

Molecular Transport of the Zika Virus by the Human Cytoplasmic Dynein-1

Zika virus (ZIKV) infection is a major public health threat, making the study of its biology a matter of great importance. By analyzing the viral-host protein interactions and proposing them as new drug targets, we would diminish the emergence of new resistant strains. In this work, we have shown that human cytoplasmic dynein-1 (Dyn) interacts with the ZIKV. We additionally demonstrate that the envelope protein of the ZIKV and the dimerization domain of the heavy chain of Dyn binds directly without dynactin or cargo adaptor. In addition, we have analyzed this interaction in Vero cells, where we are proposing that the interaction ZIKV-Dyn is finely tuned within the replication cycle. Altogether, our data suggest a new step in the previously described replication cycle of the ZIKV, introducing a suitable molecular target to modulate infection by ZIKV.

biochemistry↗

bioRxiv2019

The secretory fate of flavivirus NS1 in mosquito cells is influenced by the caveolin binding domain

Flaviviruses of major medical importance worldwide such as dengue (DENV), Zika (ZIKV), and yellow fever (YFV) viruses are transmitted by mosquitoes Aedes sp. The non-structural protein 1 (NS1) of these flaviviruses is secreted from the infected cells using different secretion routes depending on the cell and virus nature. The NS1 of DENV and ZIKV contain in the hydrophobic region a conserved caveolin binding domain (CBD) ({Phi}XX{Phi}XXXX{Phi}), which is not conserved in YFV NS1. To ascertain the role of the CBD in the secretory route followed by flavivirus NS1, expression vectors for the NS1 of DENV2, ZIKV and YFV were constructed. Using site-directed mutagenesis, substitutions were made in the aromatic residues within CBD; in addition, the full domain was replaced by those of other flaviviruses, creating chimeras in the CBD of NS1. Substitutions of the aromatic residues to Ala or Thr, or CBD chimeras, results in increased sensitivity of NS1 secretion to brefeldin A treatment, indicating a change to a classical secretion pathway. Likewise, the insertion of the DENV/ZIKV CBD into the recombinant Gaussia-Luciferase results in a loss of sensitivity to BFA treatment, in luciferase secretion. These results suggest that the CBD sequence is a molecular determinant for the unconventional secretory route followed by DENV and ZIKV NS1 in mosquito cells. However, the cellular components that recognize the CBD in the NS1 of DENV and ZIKV and redirect them to an unconventional route and if this secretion route confers unique functions to NS1 within the vector mosquito are aspects currently unknown. ImportanceFlaviviruses are an important cause of mosquito borne diseases to humans. We have previously demonstrated that the non-structural protein 1 from dengue and zika virus are secreted efficiently from mosquito cells using an unconventional route, that depends on caveolin and molecular chaperones. In this work, we show evidence indicating that a caveolin binding domain, well conserved and exposed in dengue and Zika virus NS1, but absent in other flaviviruses such as yellow fever virus or West Nile virus, is important in determining the unconventional secretion pathway followed by dengue and zika virus NS1 in mosquito cells. The unique secretory pathway followed by NS1 in mosquito cells may result in distinctive viral-cellular protein associations required to facilitate viral infection in the mosquito vector. To identify viral and cellular elements that could disturb the traffic of dengue and Zika virus NS1 may be important to design of strategies for vector control.

molecular biology↗

bioRxiv2019

The dengue virus non-structural protein 1 (NS1) use the scavenger receptor B1 as cell receptor in human hepatic and mosquito cells

Dengue is the most common virus disease transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. The dengue virus NS1 is a multifunctional protein that form part of replication complexes. In addition, NS1 is also secreted, as a hexamer, to the extracellular milieu. Circulating NS1 has been associated with dengue pathogenesis by several different mechanisms. Cell binding and internalization of soluble NS1 result in the disruption of tight junctions and in down regulation of the innate immune response. In this work, we report that the HDL scavenger receptor B1 (SRB1) in human hepatic cells, and a scavenger receptor B1-like in mosquito C6/36 cells act as cell surface binding receptor for dengue virus NS1. The presence of the SRB1 on the plasma membrane of C6/36 cells, as well as in Huh-7 cells, was demonstrated by confocal microcopy. Internalization of NS1 can be efficiently blocked by anti-SRB1 antibodies and previous incubation of the cells with HDL significantly reduces NS1 internalization. In addition, the transient expression of SRB1 in Vero cells, which lack the receptor, renders these cells susceptible to NS1 entry. Direct interaction between soluble NS1 and the SRB1 in Huh7 and C6/36 cells was demonstrated in vivo by proximity ligation assays an in vitro by surface plasmon resonance. Finally, data is presented indicating that the SRB1 also act as cell receptor for zika virus NS1. These results demonstrate that dengue virus NS1, a bona fide lipoprotein, usurps the HDL receptor for cell entry and offers explanations for the altered serum lipoprotein homeostasis observed in dengue patients.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2018

The dengue virus non-structural protein 1 (NS1) is secreted from mosquito cells in association with the intracellular cholesterol transporter chaperone caveolin complex

Dengue virus (DENV) is a mosquito-borne virus of the family Flaviviridae. The RNA viral genome encodes for a polyprotein that is co-translationally processed into three structural proteins and seven non-structural proteins. The non-structural protein 1 (NS1) is a multifunctional viral protein actively secreted in vertebrate and mosquito cells during DENV infection. In mosquito cells, NS1 is secreted in a caveolin-1 (CAV-1) dependent manner by an unconventional pathway. The caveolin chaperone complex (CCC) is a cytoplasmic complex formed by caveolin-1 and the chaperones FKBP52, Cy40 and CyA which is responsible for cholesterol traffic inside the cell. In this work, we demonstrate that in infected mosquito cells, DENV NS1 is secreted by an early and unconventional route that bypasses the Golgi apparatus in close association with the CCC. Treatment of mosquito cells with classic secretion inhibitors such as brefeldin A, golgicide A and Fli-06 showed no effect on NS1 secretion, but significant reductions in recombinant luciferase secretion and virion release. Silencing the expression of CAV1, FKBP52 with siRNAs or the inhibition of CyA by cyclosporine A resulted in significant decrease in NS1 secretion without affecting virion release. Using co-localization, co-inmunoprecipitation and proximity ligation assays, NS1 was found to co-localize and interact with all the protein components of the CCC in mosquito infected cells. In addition, CAV-1 and FKBP52 expression was found augmented in DENV infected cells. Finally, the treatment of ZIKV infected mosquito cells with brefeldin A and golgicide A showed no effect on NS1 secretion, while affecting virion release. ZIKV NS1 was also found to co-localize with CAV-1 in infected mosquito cells. These results suggest that in mosquito cells, ZIKV NS1 follows the same secretory pathway observed for DENV NS1. The association of NS1 with the cholesterol transporter CCC agrees with the lipoprotein nature of secreted hexameric NS1.\n\nAUTHOR SUMMARYDengue protein NS1 is secreted in infected mosquito and vertebrate cells. In humans, secreted NS1 have been associated with pathogenesis. In mosquito cells, NS1 follows an unconventional secretion pathway that is dependent on Caveolin-1. This work shows that in mosquito cells, NS1 secretion is associated to the chaperone caveolin complex, a complex formed by caveolin-1 and several chaperones, in charge of cholesterol transport within the cells. Reduction of the expression or the activity of chaperone caveolin complex in mosquito infected cells, diminished the secretion of NS1 without affecting virion release. Direct interaction between NS1 and the chaperone caveolin complex proteins was demonstrated by several assays. Moreover, increased expression of the caveolin-1 and co-chaperone FKBP52 during dengue infection was found, presumably in response to the higher requirements of these proteins during dengue virus infection. Results obtained with ZIKV infected mosquito cells suggest that also ZIKV NS1 is released following an unconventional secretory route in association with the chaperone caveolin complex. The functions of secreted NS1 within mosquito are unclear. However, giving the importance of the soluble NS1 in the vertebrate host, manipulation of the NS1 secretory route may prove a valuable strategy for dengue mosquito control and patient treatment.

microbiology↗