SARS-CoV-2 N Protein Targets TRIM25-Mediated RIG-I Activation to Suppress Innate Immunity
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Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
2
“S. Maria delle Scotte” Hospital, Viale Bracci, 1, 53100 Siena, Italy
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Academic Editors: Concetta Castilletti, Luisa Barzon and Francesca Colavita
Viruses 2021, 13(8), 1439; https://doi.org/10.3390/v13081439
Received: 22 June 2021
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Revised: 19 July 2021
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Accepted: 22 July 2021
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Published: 23 July 2021
(This article belongs to the Special Issue SARS-CoV-2 Host Cell Interactions)
A weak production of INF-β along with an exacerbated release of pro-inflammatory cytokines have been reported during infection by the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus. SARS-CoV-2 encodes several proteins able to counteract the host immune system, which is believed to be one of the most important features contributing to the viral pathogenesis and development of a severe clinical picture. Previous reports have demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 N protein, along with some non-structural and accessory proteins, efficiently suppresses INF-β production by interacting with RIG-I, an important pattern recognition receptor (PRR) involved in the recognition of pathogen-derived molecules. In the present study, we better characterized the mechanism by which the SARS-CoV-2 N counteracts INF-β secretion and affects RIG-I signaling pathways. In detail, when the N protein was ectopically expressed, we noted a marked decrease in TRIM25-mediated RIG-I activation. The capability of the N protein to bind to, and probably mask, TRIM25 could be the consequence of its antagonistic activity. Furthermore, this interaction occurred at the SPRY domain of TRIM25, harboring the RNA-binding activity necessary for TRIM25 self-activation. Here, we describe new findings regarding the interplay between SARS-CoV-2 and the IFN system, filling some gaps for a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms affecting the innate immune response in COVID-19.
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Keywords:
innate immunity; SARS-CoV-2 N protein; RIG-I activation
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MDPI and ACS Style
Gori Savellini, G.; Anichini, G.; Gandolfo, C.; Cusi, M.G. SARS-CoV-2 N Protein Targets TRIM25-Mediated RIG-I Activation to Suppress Innate Immunity. Viruses 2021, 13, 1439. https://doi.org/10.3390/v13081439
AMA Style
Gori Savellini G, Anichini G, Gandolfo C, Cusi MG. SARS-CoV-2 N Protein Targets TRIM25-Mediated RIG-I Activation to Suppress Innate Immunity. Viruses. 2021; 13(8):1439. https://doi.org/10.3390/v13081439
Chicago/Turabian StyleGori Savellini, Gianni, Gabriele Anichini, Claudia Gandolfo, and Maria G. Cusi. 2021. "SARS-CoV-2 N Protein Targets TRIM25-Mediated RIG-I Activation to Suppress Innate Immunity" Viruses 13, no. 8: 1439. https://doi.org/10.3390/v13081439
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