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Japanese encephalitis virus capsid protein interacts with non-lipidated MAP1LC3 on replication membranes and lipid

Riya Sarkar1, Kiran Bala Sharma1,2, Anita Kumari1

  • 1Translational Health Science & Technology Institute, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana, India.

The Journal of General Virology
|October 23, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (MAP1LC3) binds to Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) capsid protein, inhibiting viral replication. This interaction occurs on replication complexes and lipid droplets, independent of autophagy pathways.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (MAP1LC3) plays roles in autophagy and other cellular processes.
  • MAP1LC3 is a known host-dependency factor for various viral infections.
  • Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) replication is linked to endoplasmic reticulum-derived membranes and lipid metabolism.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To further characterize the role of MAP1LC3 in JEV replication.
  • To investigate the interaction between MAP1LC3 and JEV proteins.
  • To identify the molecular mechanisms underlying JEV replication and host-cell involvement.

Main Methods:

  • Immunofluorescence microscopy to visualize protein localization.
  • Immunoprecipitation assays to detect protein-protein interactions.
  • High-resolution protein-protein docking studies to predict interaction sites.

Main Results:

  • MAP1LC3 (LC3-I) interacts with the JEV capsid protein in infected cells.
  • This interaction occurs on replication complexes and lipid droplets (LDs).
  • JEV infection reduces LDs, suggesting a link between lipid metabolism and viral replication. A specific LC3-interacting region (FTAL) was identified on the capsid protein.

Conclusions:

  • MAP1LC3 is crucial for JEV replication, interacting directly with the viral capsid protein.
  • The capsid-LC3 interaction is independent of autophagy pathways and specific to LC3.
  • Understanding this interaction may reveal new targets for antiviral therapies against JEV.
Keywords:
FlavivirusJapanese encephalitis virusMAP1LC3capsidlipid dropletsmolecular modellingreplication complex

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