Citation

  • Authors: Crameri, M., Bauer, M., Caduff, N., Walker, R., Steiner, F., Franzoso, F. D., Gujer, C., Boucke, K., Kucera, T., Zbinden, A., Munz, C., Fraefel, C., Greber, U. F., Pavlovic, J.
  • Year: 2018
  • Journal: Nat Commun 9 1980
  • Applications: in vitro / DNA / jetPRIME
  • Cell type: HeLa
    Description: Human cervix epitheloid carcinoma cells

Abstract

The type I interferon (IFN) system plays an important role in controlling herpesvirus infections, but it is unclear which IFN-mediated effectors interfere with herpesvirus replication. Here we report that human myxovirus resistance protein B (MxB, also designated Mx2) is a potent human herpesvirus restriction factor in the context of IFN. We demonstrate that ectopic MxB expression restricts a range of herpesviruses from the Alphaherpesvirinae and Gammaherpesvirinae, including herpes simplex virus 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2), and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). MxB restriction of HSV-1 and HSV-2 requires GTPase function, in contrast to restriction of lentiviruses. MxB inhibits the delivery of incoming HSV-1 DNA to the nucleus and the appearance of empty capsids, but not the capsid delivery to the cytoplasm or tegument dissociation from the capsid. Our study identifies MxB as a potent pan-herpesvirus restriction factor which blocks the uncoating of viral DNA from the incoming viral capsid.

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