RNA-binding protein isoforms ZAP-S and ZAP-L have distinct antiviral and immune resolution functions

Johannes Schwerk, Frank W Soveg, Andrew P Ryan, Kerri R Thomas, Lauren D Hatfield, Snehal Ozarkar, Adriana Forero, Alison M Kell, Justin A Roby, Lomon So, Jennifer L Hyde, Michael Gale, Matthew D Daugherty, Ram Savan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

82 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The initial response to viral infection is anticipatory, with host antiviral restriction factors and pathogen sensors constantly surveying the cell to rapidly mount an antiviral response through the synthesis and downstream activity of interferons. After pathogen clearance, the host's ability to resolve this antiviral response and return to homeostasis is critical. Here, we found that isoforms of the RNA-binding protein ZAP functioned as both a direct antiviral restriction factor and an interferon-resolution factor. The short isoform of ZAP bound to and mediated the degradation of several host interferon messenger RNAs, and thus acted as a negative feedback regulator of the interferon response. In contrast, the long isoform of ZAP had antiviral functions and did not regulate interferon. The two isoforms contained identical RNA-targeting domains, but differences in their intracellular localization modulated specificity for host versus viral RNA, which resulted in disparate effects on viral replication during the innate immune response.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1610-1620
Number of pages11
JournalNature Immunology
Volume20
Issue number12
Early online date18 Nov 2019
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2019

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'RNA-binding protein isoforms ZAP-S and ZAP-L have distinct antiviral and immune resolution functions'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this