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Viral interactions with non-homologous end-joining: a game of hide-and-seek

Dayana B Hristova1, Katharina B Lauer1,2, Brian J Ferguson1

  • 1Department of Pathology, Division of Immunology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.

The Journal of General Virology
|August 1, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Viruses extensively interact with the host DNA damage response (DDR) machinery. The non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) pathway

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Virology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Viruses interact extensively with the host DNA damage response (DDR) machinery.
  • These interactions affect viral genome replication and host stress response pathways.
  • The non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) pathway repairs DNA double-strand breaks and influences host-pathogen interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the interactions between viral components and the host NHEJ machinery.
  • To elucidate the consequences of these interactions for both host and virus.
  • To explore how NHEJ can be pro- or antiviral depending on the specific infection.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on virus-NHEJ interactions.
  • Analysis of the dual role of NHEJ in viral infections.
  • Description of signaling pathways activated by NHEJ components like DNA-PK.

Main Results:

  • NHEJ components, particularly DNA-PK, directly impact viral nucleic acids and replication.
  • NHEJ activation triggers downstream signaling, including antiviral, cell cycle, and apoptosis pathways.
  • The outcome of NHEJ involvement can be either pro-viral or antiviral, contingent on the infecting virus.

Conclusions:

  • The interplay between viruses and the host NHEJ pathway is complex and multifaceted.
  • NHEJ plays a critical role in modulating the host antiviral response and viral propagation.
  • Understanding these interactions is key to deciphering viral pathogenesis and developing therapeutic strategies.
Keywords:
DNA damageDNA-PKNHEJPRR sensingdouble-stranded breakvirus

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