Ndfip1 negatively regulates RIG-I-dependent immune signaling by enhancing E3 ligase Smurf1-mediated MAVS degradation

Ndfip1 functions as both a recruiter and an activator of multiple HECT domain E3 ubiquitin ligases of the Nedd4 family. In this study, we demonstrate that Ndfip1 is involved in the ubiquitin-mediated degradation of mitochondrial antiviral signaling (MAVS), which is a key adaptor protein in RIG-I-like receptor-mediated immune signaling. We found that overexpression of Ndfip1 severely impaired MAVS and Sendai virus-mediated activation of IFN-stimulated response element, NF-κB, IFN-β promoter, and polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid or influenza virus RNA-stimulated IRF-3 phosphorylation, as well as the transcription of IFN-β. This functional interaction was confirmed by knockdown of Ndfip1, which facilitated MAVS-mediated downstream signaling and elevated MAVS protein levels. Further analysis indicated that Ndfip1 enhances both self-ubiquitination of HECT domain-containing E3 ubiquitin ligase Smurf1 and its interaction with MAVS, and eventually promotes MAVS degradation. In addition, the activation of IFN-β by MAVS, influenza virus RNA, polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid, and Sendai virus was enhanced in Ndfip1 knockdown cells. These results reveal that Ndfip1 is a potent inhibitor of MAVS-mediated antiviral response.