PARP14 is an interferon-induced host factor that promotes IFN production and affects the replication of multiple

Srivatsan Parthasarathy1, Pradtahna Saenjamsai1, Hongping Hao1

  • 1Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA.

Mbio
|September 12, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 14 (PARP14) protein enhances interferon production and restricts coronavirus and herpes simplex virus 1 replication. However, PARP14 also promotes vesicular stomatitis virus replication, revealing dual roles in host-pathogen interactions.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Immunology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 14 (PARP14) is an ADP-ribosyltransferase involved in DNA damage, inflammation, and cancer.
  • PARP14 is upregulated by interferon (IFN) and shows signs of positive selection, suggesting a role in host-pathogen conflict.
  • Previous research indicated PARP14's involvement in IFN-I production during coronavirus infection but its direct antiviral function remained unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the direct antiviral functions of PARP14 against various viruses.
  • To determine whether PARP14's catalytic activity is essential for its antiviral effects.
  • To elucidate the dual proviral and antiviral roles of PARP14 in viral infections.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized PARP14 knockout (KO) A549 cells to assess viral replication.
  • Infected KO cells with different viruses: ARH-deficient MHV, SARS-CoV-2, HSV-1, VSV, and LCMV.
  • Employed a PARP14 active site inhibitor to evaluate the role of catalytic activity.

Main Results:

  • PARP14 catalytic activity enhanced IFN-β and IFN-γ responses.
  • PARP14 restricted replication of ARH-deficient MHV, SARS-CoV-2, and HSV-1.
  • PARP14 enhanced replication of VSV, while LCMV replication was unaffected.
  • PARP14's effects on HSV-1 and VSV were independent of its catalytic activity.

Conclusions:

  • PARP14 possesses both antiviral functions (restricting CoVs and HSV-1) and proviral functions (enhancing VSV replication).
  • PARP14 plays a complex role in regulating viral infections, impacting multiple virus types.
  • Further research into PARP14's mechanisms is crucial for understanding its role in host-pathogen interactions and developing antiviral strategies.

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