MxB is an interferon-induced restriction factor of human herpesviruses

Nat Commun. 2018 May 17;9(1):1980. doi: 10.1038/s41467-018-04379-2.

Abstract

The type I interferon (IFN) system plays an important role in controlling herpesvirus infections, but it is unclear which IFN-mediated effectors interfere with herpesvirus replication. Here we report that human myxovirus resistance protein B (MxB, also designated Mx2) is a potent human herpesvirus restriction factor in the context of IFN. We demonstrate that ectopic MxB expression restricts a range of herpesviruses from the Alphaherpesvirinae and Gammaherpesvirinae, including herpes simplex virus 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2), and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). MxB restriction of HSV-1 and HSV-2 requires GTPase function, in contrast to restriction of lentiviruses. MxB inhibits the delivery of incoming HSV-1 DNA to the nucleus and the appearance of empty capsids, but not the capsid delivery to the cytoplasm or tegument dissociation from the capsid. Our study identifies MxB as a potent pan-herpesvirus restriction factor which blocks the uncoating of viral DNA from the incoming viral capsid.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Capsid / immunology
  • Capsid Proteins / immunology
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Nucleus / immunology
  • Cell Nucleus / virology
  • Cytoplasm
  • DNA, Viral / immunology
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Herpesviridae / pathogenicity
  • Herpesviridae / physiology*
  • Herpesviridae Infections / immunology*
  • Herpesviridae Infections / virology
  • Humans
  • Interferon Type I / immunology*
  • Myxovirus Resistance Proteins / genetics
  • Myxovirus Resistance Proteins / immunology*
  • RNA, Small Interfering / metabolism
  • Virus Replication / immunology*
  • Virus Uncoating / immunology

Substances

  • Capsid Proteins
  • DNA, Viral
  • Interferon Type I
  • MX2 protein, human
  • Myxovirus Resistance Proteins
  • RNA, Small Interfering