Human cytomegalovirus exploits STING signaling and counteracts IFN/ISG induction to facilitate infection of dendritic cells

Nat Commun. 2024 Feb 26;15(1):1745. doi: 10.1038/s41467-024-45614-3.

Abstract

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a widespread pathogen that in immunocompromised hosts can cause life-threatening disease. Studying HCMV-exposed monocyte-derived dendritic cells by single-cell RNA sequencing, we observe that most cells are entered by the virus, whereas less than 30% of them initiate viral gene expression. Increased viral gene expression is associated with activation of the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) that usually induces anti-viral interferon responses, and with the induction of several pro- (RHOB, HSP1A1, DNAJB1) and anti-viral (RNF213, TNFSF10, IFI16) genes. Upon progression of infection, interferon-beta but not interferon-lambda transcription is inhibited. Similarly, interferon-stimulated gene expression is initially induced and then shut off, thus further promoting productive infection. Monocyte-derived dendritic cells are composed of 3 subsets, with one being especially susceptible to HCMV. In conclusion, HCMV permissiveness of monocyte-derived dendritic cells depends on complex interactions between virus sensing, regulation of the interferon response, and viral gene expression.

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine Triphosphatases / metabolism
  • Antiviral Agents / metabolism
  • Cytomegalovirus* / physiology
  • Dendritic Cells / metabolism
  • HSP40 Heat-Shock Proteins / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Interferons*
  • Signal Transduction / genetics
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases / metabolism

Substances

  • Interferons
  • Antiviral Agents
  • DNAJB1 protein, human
  • HSP40 Heat-Shock Proteins
  • RNF213 protein, human
  • Adenosine Triphosphatases
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases

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