MCPIP1/regnase-I inhibits simian immunodeficiency virus and is not counteracted by Vpx

We have previously shown that the cellular RNase MCPIP1/regnase-1 potently blocks HIV-1 infection in resting CD4+ T-cells. As simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) encodes an accessory protein named Vpx, which enhances viral replication in resting CD4+ T-cells by degrading the cellular restriction factor SAMHD1, we investigated whether MCPIP1 restricts SIV infection and whether Vpx protein antagonizes MCPIP1-mediated restriction. In co-transfection studies, human MCPIP1 markedly reduced the production of infectious SIV, whereas MCPIP2 and MCPIP3 had little effect. MCPIP1 derived from cynomolgus monkey also inhibited human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) and SIV production, albeit to a lesser degree. Lastly, expression of SIV Vpx protein did not reduce MCPIP1 at the protein level, nor did it ablate the MCPIP1-mediated restriction. In conclusion, both human and cynomolgus monkey MCPIP1 restrict SIV replication. Unlike SAMHD1, MCPIP1-mediated HIV-1 restriction cannot be overcome by SIV Vpx.