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DEAD/H-box helicases:Anti-viral and pro-viral roles during infections

Rizwan Ullah1, Jia Li1, Puxian Fang1

  • 1State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China; College of Animal Science and Technology/Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China; The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China.

Virus Research
|December 20, 2021
PubMed

Insights

DEAD/H-box RNA helicases are crucial for RNA processes and antiviral immunity, acting as sensors or co-sensors. Some DEAD/H-box helicases exhibit dual roles, mediating antiviral responses while also aiding viral replication.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Immunology
  • Virology

Background:

  • DEAD/H-box RNA helicases are vital for numerous RNA-related cellular processes.
  • These helicases are increasingly recognized for their significant roles in antiviral immunity.
  • They function alongside other pattern recognition receptors in detecting viral nucleic acids.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the multifaceted roles of DEAD/H-box RNA helicases in innate immunity.
  • To highlight their involvement in both antiviral defense and viral replication.
  • To summarize current knowledge on representative DEAD/H-box helicases.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on DEAD/H-box RNA helicases and their immune functions.
  • Analysis of their roles as viral nucleic acid sensors and in signaling pathways.
  • Examination of their involvement in cellular structures like stress and processing bodies.

Main Results:

  • Several DEAD/H-box helicases (e.g., DDX3, DHX9) act as viral nucleic acid sensors, activating interferon and cytokine production via MAVS and STING pathways.
  • These helicases can function as adaptor molecules, components of cellular bodies, or negative regulators of immune responses.
  • A subset of these helicases, including DDX1 and DHX9, can be exploited by viruses to suppress innate immunity, indicating a dual role.

Conclusions:

  • DEAD/H-box RNA helicases possess critical and often dual functions in the innate immune response to viral infections.
  • Understanding these roles is essential for developing novel antiviral strategies.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the complex interplay between these helicases and viral pathogenesis.
Keywords:
DEAD/H-box RNA helicaseInnate immune responsePro-inflammatory cytokinesType-I interferonsViral replication

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