Identification of chikungunya virus interacting proteins in mammalian cells

J Biosci. 2014 Jun;39(3):389-99. doi: 10.1007/s12038-014-9436-x.

Abstract

Identification and characterization of virus host interactions is an essential step for the development of novel antiviral strategies. Very few studies have been targeted towards identification of chikungunya virus (CHIKV) interacting host proteins. In current study, virus overlay protein binding assay (VOPBA) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ ionization time of flight analysis (MALDI TOF/TOF) were employed for the identification of CHIKV binding proteins in mammalian cells. HSP70 and actin were identified as virus binding proteins in HEK-293T and Vero-E6 cells, whereas STAT-2 was identified as an additional protein in Vero-E6 cells. Pre-incubation with anti-HSP70 antibody and miRNA silencing of HSP70 significantly reduced the CHIKV production in HEK-293T and Vero-E6 cells at early time points. These results suggest that CHIKV exploits the housekeeping molecules such as actin, HSP70 and STAT-2 to establish infection in the mammalian cells.

MeSH terms

  • Actins / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Chikungunya virus / physiology*
  • Chlorocebus aethiops
  • HEK293 Cells
  • HSP70 Heat-Shock Proteins / metabolism*
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions*
  • Humans
  • Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization
  • Vero Cells
  • Viral Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • Actins
  • HSP70 Heat-Shock Proteins
  • Viral Proteins