Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 24, 2025

Dissecting Host-virus Interaction in Lytic Replication of a Model Herpesvirus
Published on: October 7, 2011
Intracellular mono-ADP-ribosyltransferases at the host-virus interphase
Bernhard Lüscher1, Maud Verheirstraeten2, Sarah Krieg2
1Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany. luescher@rwth-aachen.de.
Abstract:
The innate immune system, the primary defense mechanism of higher organisms against pathogens including viruses, senses pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). In response to PAMPs, interferons (IFNs) are produced, allowing the host to react swiftly to viral infection. In turn the expression of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) is induced. Their products disseminate the antiviral response. Among the ISGs conserved in many species are those encoding mono-ADP-ribosyltransferases (mono-ARTs). This prompts the question whether, and if so how, mono-ADP-ribosylation affects viral propagation. Emerging evidence demonstrates that some mono-ADP-ribosyltransferases function as PAMP receptors and modify both host and viral proteins relevant for viral replication. Support for mono-ADP-ribosylation in virus-host interaction stems from the findings that some viruses encode mono-ADP-ribosylhydrolases, which antagonize cellular mono-ARTs. We summarize and discuss the evidence linking mono-ADP-ribosylation and the enzymes relevant to catalyze this reversible modification with the innate immune response as part of the arms race between host and viruses.
Related Concept Videos
Retroviruses
Retrovirus Life Cycles
Intracellular Movement of Viruses and Bacteria
Viruses with RNA Genomes
Leaky Scanning
Rab Proteins
Rab proteins switch between a cytosolic, GDP-bound inactive state and a membrane-anchored, GTP-bound active state. By themselves, Rabs show slow rates of GDP/GTP exchange and GTP hydrolysis. Thus, Rab proteins are considered...

