USP22 controls type III interferon signaling and SARS-CoV-2 infection through activation of STING

Karlowitz, R.; Stanifer, M. L.; Roedig, J.; Andrieux, G.; Bojkova, D.; Smith, S.; Kowald, L.; Schubert, R.; Boerries, M.; Cinatl, J.; Boulant, S.; van Wijk, S. J.

doi:10.1101/2022.02.01.478628

bioRxiv · 10.1101/2022.02.01.478628

USP22 controls type III interferon signaling and SARS-CoV-2 infection through activation of STING

Karlowitz, R.·Stanifer, M. L.·Roedig, J.·Andrieux, G.·Bojkova, D.·Smith, S.·Kowald, L.·Schubert, R.·Boerries, M.·Cinatl, J.·Boulant, S.·van Wijk, S. J.

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Abstract

Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and interferons (IFNs) serve as essential antiviral defense against SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of the COVID-19 pandemic. Type III IFN (IFN-{lambda}) exhibit cell-type specific and long-lasting functions in autoinflammation, tumorigenesis and antiviral defense. Here, we identify the deubiquitinating enzyme USP22 as central regulator of basal IFN-{lambda} secretion and SARS-CoV-2 infections in native human intestinal epithelial cells (hIECs). USP22-deficient hIECs strongly upregulate genes involved in IFN signaling and viral defense, including numerous IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs), with increased secretion of IFN-{lambda} and enhanced STAT1 signaling, even in the absence of exogenous IFNs or viral infection. Interestingly, USP22 controls basal and 23-cGAMP-induced STING activation and loss of STING reversed STAT activation and ISG and IFN-{lambda} expression. Intriguingly, USP22-deficient hIECs are protected against SARS-CoV-2 infection, viral replication and the formation of de novo infectious particles, in a STING-dependent manner. These findings reveal USP22 as central host regulator of STING and type III IFN signaling, with important implications for SARS-CoV-2 infection and antiviral defense.

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Karlowitz, R., Stanifer, M. L., Roedig, J., Andrieux, G., Bojkova, D., Smith, S., Kowald, L., Schubert, R., Boerries, M., Cinatl, J., Boulant, S., van Wijk, S. J.. 2022-02-02. USP22 controls type III interferon signaling and SARS-CoV-2 infection through activation of STING. https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.02.01.478628

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