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bioRxiv · 10.64898/2026.02.04.703699

RSAD2/VIPERIN and CMPK2 Coordinate an Immunometabolic Response to Epstein-Barr Virus

Zankharia, U. S.·Glass, A. M.·Zhu, Q.·Machhar, J. S.·Ye, Y.·Karisetty, B. C.·Wikramasinghe, J.·Kossenkov, A.·Madzo, J.·Chung, S. S.·Soldan, S. S.·Lamontagne, R.·Harris, L.·Grove, T. L.·Jacobson, S.·Liang, C.·Lieberman, P. M.
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Abstract

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) infection and reactivation in B-lymphocytes is tightly regulated by host antiviral response genes. In the present study, we identify interferon stimulated genes RSAD2 (radical S-adenosyl methionine domain-containing 2) and CMPK2 (Cytidine/Uridine Monophosphate Kinase 2) as key modulators of EBV expression and cellular response during EBV infection and reactivation. EBV primary infection and reactivation lead to a coordinated up-regulation of RSAD2 and CMPK2. Depletion of RSAD2 reduced cell viability and limited EBV reactivation, while depletion of CMPK2 led to reactivation of EBV lytic gene expression during latency. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that RSAD2 and CMPK2 have overlapping functions in regulating IFN-signaling pathways, as well as oxidative phosphorylation, protein translation, and unfolded protein response during reactivation. Despite distinct subcellular localizations, RSAD2 at the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER), and CMPK2 in mitochondria, both genes converge on shared immunometabolic pathways, including control of Gasdermin D (GSDMD) associated pyroptosis and ATF-4 associated unfolded protein response (UPR). EBV reactivation induced formation of antiviral ribonucleotide ddhCTP during lytic EBV reactivation which was strictly dependent on RSAD2. Knockdown of RSAD2 and CMPK2 had significant effects on global metabolites consistent with a remodeling of glycolysis, fatty acid biosynthesis and degradation of superoxides. These observations demonstrate that RSAD2-CMPK2 function in a coordinated ER-mitochondria stress-Interferon signaling axis that shapes EBV reactivation and host immune control, including a novel layer of immunometabolic regulation modulating viral latency and reactivation. Authors SummaryUnderstanding how Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) regulates host factors to control infection, latency and reactivation is critical for developing targeted therapies against EBV-associated diseases. This study identifies Interferon Stimulated Genes RSAD2 (Viperin) and CMPK2 as key regulators of EBV reactivation and host interferon responses in B-cells. Despite distinct organelle localizations, both genes converge on a shared immunometabolic pathways, revealing a coordinated ER-mitochondria axis that shapes viral expression and immune signaling. These findings provide new insights into the roles of host antiviral effectors and uncover potential targets for modulating EBV activity in inflammatory and oncogenic contexts.

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Zankharia, U. S., Glass, A. M., Zhu, Q., Machhar, J. S., Ye, Y., Karisetty, B. C., Wikramasinghe, J., Kossenkov, A., Madzo, J., Chung, S. S., Soldan, S. S., Lamontagne, R., Harris, L., Grove, T. L., Jacobson, S., Liang, C., Lieberman, P. M.. 2026-02-04. RSAD2/VIPERIN and CMPK2 Coordinate an Immunometabolic Response to Epstein-Barr Virus. https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.02.04.703699

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