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Schlafen 14 (SLFN14) is a novel antiviral factor involved in the control of viral replication

Rak-Kyun Seong1, Seong-Wook Seo1, Ji-Ae Kim1

  • 1Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.

Immunobiology
|July 24, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Schlafen 14 (SLFN14) acts as a novel antiviral factor. This protein inhibits viral replication for both RNA and DNA viruses by impacting viral translocation and enhancing immune signaling.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Virology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Schlafen (SLFN) proteins are implicated in cell proliferation and immune cell development.
  • The antiviral functions of SLFN14, an RNA-helicase domain-containing protein, were investigated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the antiviral activities of SLFN14 against viral infections.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms by which SLFN14 exerts its antiviral effects.

Main Methods:

  • Murine SLFN14 expression was analyzed in RAW264.7 macrophages induced by TLR3 and type I interferon (IFN).
  • Cells were infected with influenza viruses (PR8 and delNS1/PR8) to study SLFN14 induction.
  • SLFN14's effect on viral replication was assessed via overexpression in A549 cells and knockdown in RAW264.7 cells.
  • Viral NP translocation and RIG-I-mediated IFN-β signaling were evaluated.

Main Results:

  • SLFN14 expression was induced by TLR3-mediated pathways, type I IFN, and influenza virus infection.
  • SLFN14 overexpression reduced influenza virus replication, while SLFN14 knockdown enhanced viral titers.
  • SLFN14 delayed viral NP translocation and boosted RIG-I-mediated IFN-β signaling.
  • SLFN14 also demonstrated antiviral activity against varicella zoster virus (VZV), a DNA virus.

Conclusions:

  • SLFN14 is a novel antiviral factor effective against both RNA and DNA viruses.
  • SLFN14 functions by inhibiting viral replication, delaying nuclear translocation, and enhancing innate immune responses.
Keywords:
Anti-viralInfluenzaInterferonSLFN14VZV

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