The herpes simplex virus ICP0 RING finger domain inhibits IRF3- and IRF7-mediated activation of interferon-stimulated genes

J Virol. 2004 Feb;78(4):1675-84. doi: 10.1128/jvi.78.4.1675-1684.2004.

Abstract

Virus infection induces a rapid cellular response in cells characterized by the induction of interferon. While interferon itself does not induce an antiviral response, it activates a number of interferon-stimulated genes that collectively function to inhibit virus replication and spread. Previously, we and others reported that herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) induces an interferon -independent antiviral response in the absence of virus replication. Here, we report that the HSV-1 proteins ICP0 and vhs function in concert to disable the host antiviral response. In particular, we show that ICP0 blocks interferon regulatory factor IRF3- and IRF7-mediated activation of interferon-stimulated genes and that the RING finger domain of ICP0 is essential for this activity. Furthermore, we demonstrate that HSV-1 modifies the IRF3 pathway in a manner different from that of the small RNA viruses most commonly studied.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology
  • Cell Line
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Gene Expression Regulation*
  • Herpes Simplex / immunology
  • Herpes Simplex / virology
  • Herpesvirus 1, Human / immunology
  • Herpesvirus 1, Human / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Immediate-Early Proteins / chemistry
  • Immediate-Early Proteins / physiology*
  • Interferon Regulatory Factor-3
  • Interferon Regulatory Factor-7
  • Interferons / pharmacology*
  • Ribonucleases
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism*
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases
  • Viral Proteins / physiology
  • Zinc Fingers

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • IRF3 protein, human
  • IRF7 protein, human
  • Immediate-Early Proteins
  • Interferon Regulatory Factor-3
  • Interferon Regulatory Factor-7
  • Transcription Factors
  • Viral Proteins
  • virion host shutoff protein, Simplexvirus
  • Interferons
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases
  • Vmw110 protein, Human herpesvirus 1
  • Ribonucleases