Human cytomegalovirus protein RL1 degrades the antiviral factor SLFN11 via recruitment of the CRL4 E3 ubiquitin ligase complex.

Authors
Fielding, Ceri A 
Zerbe, Cassie M 

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Article
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Abstract

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is an important human pathogen and a paradigm of viral immune evasion, targeting intrinsic, innate, and adaptive immunity. We have employed two orthogonal multiplexed tandem mass tag-based proteomic screens to identify host proteins down-regulated by viral factors expressed during the latest phases of viral infection. This approach revealed that the HIV-1 restriction factor Schlafen-11 (SLFN11) was degraded by the poorly characterized, late-expressed HCMV protein RL1, via recruitment of the Cullin4-RING E3 Ubiquitin Ligase (CRL4) complex. SLFN11 potently restricted HCMV infection, inhibiting the formation and spread of viral plaques. Overall, we show that a restriction factor previously thought only to inhibit RNA viruses additionally restricts HCMV. We define the mechanism of viral antagonism and also describe an important resource for revealing additional molecules of importance in antiviral innate immunity and viral immune evasion.

Publication Date
2022-02-08
Online Publication Date
2022-02
Acceptance Date
2021-12-14
Keywords
Schlafen, host–pathogen interaction, human cytomegalovirus, innate immunity, restriction factor, Cytomegalovirus, Cytomegalovirus Infections, Humans, Immune Evasion, Nuclear Proteins, Proteolysis, Ubiquitin-Protein Ligase Complexes, Viral Envelope Proteins
Journal Title
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A
Journal ISSN
0027-8424
1091-6490
Volume Title
119
Publisher
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Sponsorship
Wellcome Trust (108070/Z/15/Z)