Tetraspanin 6 (TSPAN6) negatively regulates retinoic acid-inducible gene I-like receptor-mediated immune signaling in a ubiquitination-dependent manner

J Biol Chem. 2012 Oct 5;287(41):34626-34. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M112.390401. Epub 2012 Aug 20.

Abstract

The recognition between retinoic acid-inducible gene I-like receptors (RLRs) and viral RNA triggers an intracellular cascade of signaling to induce the expression of type I IFNs. Both positive and negative regulation of the RLR signaling pathway are important for the host antiviral immune response. Here, we demonstrate that the tetraspanin protein TSPAN6 inhibits RLR signaling by affecting the formation of the adaptor MAVS (mitochondrial antiviral signaling)-centered signalosome. We found that overexpression of TSPAN6 impaired RLR-mediated activation of IFN-stimulated response element, NF-κB, and IFN-β promoters, whereas knockdown of TSPAN6 enhanced the RLR-mediated signaling pathway. Interestingly, as the RLR pathway was activated, TSPAN6 underwent Lys-63-linked ubiquitination, which promoted its association with MAVS. The interaction of TSPAN6 and MAVS interfered with the recruitment of RLR downstream molecules TRAF3, MITA, and IRF3 to MAVS. Further study revealed that the first transmembrane domain of TSPAN6 is critical for its ubiquitination and association with MAVS as well as its inhibitory effect on RLR signaling. We concluded that TSPAN6 functions as a negative regulator of the RLR pathway by interacting with MAVS in a ubiquitination-dependent manner.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / genetics
  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / metabolism
  • Cell Line
  • DEAD Box Protein 58
  • DEAD-box RNA Helicases / genetics
  • DEAD-box RNA Helicases / metabolism*
  • Gene Expression Regulation / physiology
  • Humans
  • Interferon Regulatory Factor-3 / genetics
  • Interferon Regulatory Factor-3 / metabolism
  • Interferon-Induced Helicase, IFIH1
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism
  • NF-kappa B / genetics
  • NF-kappa B / metabolism
  • Receptors, Immunologic
  • Signal Transduction / physiology*
  • TNF Receptor-Associated Factor 3 / genetics
  • TNF Receptor-Associated Factor 3 / metabolism
  • Tetraspanins / genetics
  • Tetraspanins / metabolism*
  • Ubiquitination / physiology*

Substances

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
  • IRF3 protein, human
  • Interferon Regulatory Factor-3
  • MAVS protein, human
  • Membrane Proteins
  • NF-kappa B
  • Receptors, Immunologic
  • STING1 protein, human
  • TNF Receptor-Associated Factor 3
  • TRAF3 protein, human
  • TSPAN6 protein, human
  • Tetraspanins
  • RIGI protein, human
  • IFIH1 protein, human
  • DEAD Box Protein 58
  • DEAD-box RNA Helicases
  • Interferon-Induced Helicase, IFIH1