TRIM9 short isoform preferentially promotes DNA and RNA virus-induced production of type I interferon by recruiting GSK3β to TBK1

Cell Res. 2016 May;26(5):613-28. doi: 10.1038/cr.2016.27. Epub 2016 Feb 26.

Abstract

Type I interferon (IFN) is an important component of antiviral innate immune signaling mediated by viral DNA and RNA recognition by the DNA sensor cGAS and RNA sensors RIG-I and MDA5. Activation of these DNA and RNA sensors leads to the recruitment of STING and MAVS, respectively, and converges on TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) signaling for subsequent phosphorylation of IFN regulatory factor 3 (IRF3). However, the mechanisms that control TBK1 activation are still poorly defined. Here, we identify tripartite motif 9 short isoform (TRIM9s) as a positive regulator in type I IFN signaling. Upon viral infection, TRIM9s undergoes Lys-63-linked auto-polyubiquitination and serves as a platform to bridge GSK3β to TBK1, leading to the activation of IRF3 signaling. Interestingly, we found that TRIM9s selectively inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, but enhances the expression of type I IFNs as well as IFN-stimulated genes, in response to viral infection. Our findings reveal novel dual functions of TRIM9s in antiviral immunity, which serve to balance pro-inflammatory response and production of type I IFNs.

MeSH terms

  • DNA Viruses / metabolism*
  • Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 beta / metabolism*
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Interferon Regulatory Factor-3 / metabolism
  • Interferon Type I / metabolism*
  • Lysine / metabolism
  • Models, Biological
  • NF-kappa B / metabolism
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / metabolism*
  • Phosphorylation
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Isoforms / metabolism
  • Protein Multimerization
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / metabolism*
  • RNA Viruses / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction
  • Tripartite Motif Proteins / metabolism*
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases / metabolism*
  • Ubiquitination
  • Virus Diseases / metabolism

Substances

  • Interferon Regulatory Factor-3
  • Interferon Type I
  • NF-kappa B
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • Protein Isoforms
  • Tripartite Motif Proteins
  • TRIM9 protein, human
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases
  • Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 beta
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases
  • TBK1 protein, human
  • Lysine