The HN protein of Newcastle disease virus induces cell apoptosis through the induction of lysosomal membrane permeabilization

PLoS Pathog. 2024 Feb 14;20(2):e1011981. doi: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011981. eCollection 2024 Feb.

Abstract

Lysosomes are acidic organelles that mediate the degradation and recycling of cellular waste materials. Damage to lysosomes can cause lysosomal membrane permeabilization (LMP) and trigger different types of cell death, including apoptosis. Newcastle disease virus (NDV) can naturally infect most birds. Additionally, it serves as a promising oncolytic virus known for its effective infection of tumor cells and induction of intensive apoptotic responses. However, the involvement of lysosomes in NDV-induced apoptosis remains poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that NDV infection profoundly triggers LMP, leading to the translocation of cathepsin B and D and subsequent mitochondria-dependent apoptosis in various tumor and avian cells. Notably, the released cathepsin B and D exacerbate NDV-induced LMP by inducing the generation of reactive oxygen species. Additionally, we uncover that the viral Hemagglutinin neuraminidase (HN) protein induces the deglycosylation and degradation of lysosome-associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP1) and LAMP2 dependent on its sialidase activity, which finally contributes to NDV-induced LMP and cellular apoptosis. Overall, our findings elucidate the role of LMP in NDV-induced cell apoptosis and provide novel insights into the function of HN during NDV-induced LMP, which provide innovative approaches for the development of NDV-based oncolytic agents.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apoptosis
  • Cathepsin B
  • HN Protein* / metabolism
  • Lysosomes / metabolism
  • Newcastle disease virus* / metabolism

Substances

  • HN Protein
  • Cathepsin B

Grants and funding

This work was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (32202767 to Y. C); Modern Agriculture Development Special Fund of Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, China (YZZY202303, to Y. C); Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions (None, to Y. C). We confirm that the funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.