SMARCA2-regulated host cell factors are required for MxA restriction of influenza A viruses

Sci Rep. 2018 Feb 1;8(1):2092. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-20458-2.

Abstract

The human interferon (IFN)-induced MxA protein is a key antiviral host restriction factor exhibiting broad antiviral activity against many RNA viruses, including highly pathogenic avian influenza A viruses (IAV) of the H5N1 and H7N7 subtype. To date the mechanism for how MxA exerts its antiviral activity is unclear, however, additional cellular factors are believed to be essential for this activity. To identify MxA cofactors we performed a genome-wide siRNA-based screen in human airway epithelial cells (A549) constitutively expressing MxA using an H5N1 reporter virus. These data were complemented with a proteomic screen to identify MxA-interacting proteins. The combined data identified SMARCA2, the ATPase subunit of the BAF chromatin remodeling complex, as a crucial factor required for the antiviral activity of MxA against IAV. Intriguingly, our data demonstrate that although SMARCA2 is essential for expression of some IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs), and the establishment of an antiviral state, it is not required for expression of MxA, suggesting an indirect effect on MxA activity. Transcriptome analysis of SMARCA2-depleted A549-MxA cells identified a small set of SMARCA2-regulated factors required for activity of MxA, in particular IFITM2 and IGFBP3. These findings reveal that several virus-inducible factors work in concert to enable MxA restriction of IAV.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • A549 Cells
  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions
  • Humans
  • Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype / drug effects
  • Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype / growth & development*
  • Influenza A Virus, H7N7 Subtype / drug effects
  • Influenza A Virus, H7N7 Subtype / growth & development*
  • Influenza, Human / drug therapy
  • Influenza, Human / metabolism
  • Influenza, Human / virology*
  • Interferons / pharmacology
  • Myxovirus Resistance Proteins / genetics
  • Myxovirus Resistance Proteins / metabolism*
  • Proteome / analysis
  • Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism*
  • Virus Replication

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Myxovirus Resistance Proteins
  • Proteome
  • SMARCA2 protein, human
  • Transcription Factors
  • Interferons