Biology subjects

Luthra, P.

Publications and source records attributed to Luthra, P..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2025

Ebola virus VP35 NNLNS motif modulates viral RNA synthesis and MIB2-mediated signaling

Ebola virus (EBOV) is a non-segmented, negative-sense virus (NNSV) with a single-stranded RNA genome. EBOV encodes for a limited number of proteins and thus depends on host factors to facilitate viral replication and pathogenesis. Of the virus-encoded proteins, multifunctional EBOV VP35 (eVP35) is necessary for host immune evasion and viral RNA synthesis. Previous proteomics studies identified an interaction between eVP35 and the host E3 ubiquitin ligase Mindbomb 2 (MIB2). Here, we show how a previously uncharacterized NNLNS motif (residues 201-205) within eVP35 serves as a binding site for MIB2. This motif is critical for eVP35-dependent inhibition of MIB2-mediated IFN induction. It is also important for EBOV RNA synthesis as MIB2 binding to eVP35 inhibited EBOV minigenome activity. Altogether, these findings highlight the importance of the eVP35 protein and the role of host factors in EBOV infection. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe Ebola virus (EBOV) genome encodes for a limited number of proteins and depends on host factors to facilitate viral replication. Identification and characterization of host-viral interactions are needed to define infection, resolution, and to develop new therapeutics. EBOV VP35 (eVP35) is necessary for mediating host immune evasion and a cofactor for viral RNA synthesis. Here we characterized an interaction between eVP35 and MIB2. We show that the 201NNLNS205 motif in eVP35 is necessary and sufficient for MIB2 binding and inhibition of MIB2-mediated IFN production. Our results also reveal how the eVP35-MIB2 interaction impacts virus infection. These results support the importance of the multifunctional eVP35 to EBOV infection and highlight the significance of host proteins, including E3 ligases, during viral infection.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2021

Varenicline Prevents SARS-CoV-2 Infection In Vitro and in Rhesus Macaques

BackgroundSARS-CoV-2 infections have resulted in a global pandemic, but an antiviral therapy for this novel strain of coronavirus does not currently exist. The objective of our study was to investigate the antiviral potential of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nACHR) agonist varenicline tartrate against SARS-CoV-2. MethodsWe assessed antiviral activity using in vitro human cell assays and we assessed in vivo efficacy in a rhesus macaque model. ResultsIn vitro studies found that varenicline tartrate, over a range of concentrations, reduced the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 wildtype, alpha, and beta variants in Calu-3 cells and Caco-2 cells, with maintenance of cell viability. In vivo studies found that varenicline tartrate, administered as a nasal spray to rhesus macaques, reduced SARS-CoV-2 wildtype viral load and inhibited viral replication in the nasal mucosa and upper airway. ConclusionAlthough the study reported here was exploratory, we have confirmed that the nAChR agonist varenicline has the potential to interact with and inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection and replication.

immunology↗

bioRxiv2019

Impact of Mengla virus proteins on human and bat innate immune pathways

M[e]ngla virus (MLAV), identified in Rousettus bats, is a phylogenetically distinct member of the family Filoviridae. Because filoviruses Ebola virus (EBOV) and Marburg virus (MARV) modulate host innate immune pathways, MLAV VP35, VP40 and VP24 proteins were compared with their EBOV and MARV homologs for innate immune pathway modulation. In human and Rousettus cells, MLAV VP35 behaved like EBOV and MARV VP35s, inhibiting virus-induced activation of the interferon (IFN)-{beta} promoter. MLAV VP35 inhibited IRF3 phosphorylation and interacted with PACT, a host protein engaged by EBOV VP35 to inhibit RIG-I signaling. MLAV VP35 also inhibited PKR activation. MLAV VP40 was demonstrated to inhibit type I IFN induced gene expression in human and bat cells. It blocked STAT1 tyrosine phosphorylation induced either by type I IFN or over-expressed Jak1, paralleling MARV VP40. MLAV VP40 also inhibited virus-induced IFN{beta} promoter activation, a property shared by MARV VP40 and EBOV VP24. The inhibition of IFN induction was preserved in the presence of a Jak kinase inhibitor, demonstrating that inhibition of Jak-STAT signaling is not sufficient to explain inhibition of IFN{beta} promoter activation. MLAV VP24 did not inhibit IFN-induced gene expression or bind karyopherin 5, properties of EBOV VP24. MLAV VP24 also differed from MARV VP24 in that it failed to interact with Keap1 or activate an antioxidant response element reporter gene, due to the absence of a Keap1-binding motif. These studies demonstrate similarities between MLAV and MARV in how they suppress IFN responses and differences in how MLAV VP24 interacts with host pathways.\n\nImportanceEBOV and MARV, members of the family Filoviridae, are highly pathogenic zoonotic viruses that cause severe disease in humans. Both viruses use several mechanisms to modulate the host innate immune response, and these likely contribute to severity of disease. Here, we demonstrate that MLAV, a filovirus newly discovered in a bat, suppresses antiviral type I interferon responses in both human and bat cells. Inhibitory activities are possessed by MLAV VP35 and VP40, which parallels how MARV blocks IFN responses. However, whereas MARV activates cellular antioxidant responses through an interaction between its VP24 protein and host protein Keap1, MLAV VP24 lacks a Keap1 binding motif and fails to activate this cytoprotective response. These data indicate that MLAV possesses immune suppressing functions that could facilitate human infection. They also demonstrate key differences in MLAV versus either EBOV or MARV engagement of host signaling pathways.

microbiology↗