IFN-λs inhibit Hantaan virus infection through the JAK-STAT pathway and expression of Mx2 protein

Genes Immun. 2019 Mar;20(3):234-244. doi: 10.1038/s41435-018-0028-x. Epub 2018 May 15.

Abstract

Hantaan virus (HTNV), member of the newly defined Hantaviridae family, within the order Bunyavirales, can cause a hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome with high fatality rates in humans. However, no specific antiviral agents are currently available for HTNV infection approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. Although interferon lambdas (IFN-λs) have been shown to induce an antiviral state against HTNV, the molecular mechanisms remain to be determined. In this study, we found that IFN-λs exerted its anti-HTNV effect by activating Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK-STAT) pathway-mediated antiviral immunity in A549 cells. Simultaneously, IFN-λs downregulated suppressor of cytokine signaling proteins, which are the known negative feedback regulators of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. Additionally, we demonstrated the role of IFN-λs-induced myxovirus resistance 2 (Mx2, also known as MxB) protein as a potential inhibitor for HTNV infection. These findings indicate that IFN-λs play an important role in cellular defenses against HTNV infection at an early stage and that human Mx2 may represent a potential therapeutic target for HTNV infection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Chlorocebus aethiops
  • Hantaan virus / drug effects*
  • Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Interferons / pharmacology*
  • Janus Kinases / metabolism*
  • Myxovirus Resistance Proteins / genetics
  • Myxovirus Resistance Proteins / metabolism*
  • STAT Transcription Factors / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects
  • Vero Cells

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • MX2 protein, human
  • Myxovirus Resistance Proteins
  • STAT Transcription Factors
  • interferon-lambda, human
  • Interferons
  • Janus Kinases