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Updated: Jan 17, 2026

siRNA Electroporation to Modulate Autophagy in Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1-Infected Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells
Published on: October 28, 2019
Cytoplasmic translocation of tripartite motif-containing 28 is critical for PRRSV-induced autophagy through promoting
Meng Chen1,2, Yuna Zhao1, Hui An1
1Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong, China.
Abstract:
Autophagy, as a highly conserved cellular metabolic regulation mechanism, is a double-edged sword and plays multiple roles in viral infections processes. As a member of the Arteriviridae family within the order Nidovirales, the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) induces cell autophagy both in vitro and in vivo. However, the direct or indirect causation of autophagy by PRRSV remains unclear. Identified as an autophagy-related factor, tripartite motif-containing 28 (TRIM28) shows an undefined relationship with autophagy during PRRSV infection. This study investigates the dynamic changes in autophagy and TRIM28 during PRRSV infection, revealing that PRRSV Nsp4 is identified as a key component responsible for the nuclear export of TRIM28 via a CRM1-dependent pathway, promoting the formation of the Vps34-Beclin1 complex and ultimately initiating autophagy. As a host protein, TRIM28 has exerted a certain antiviral effect, but the mechanism is not yet clear. This study provides detailed insight into the mechanism of PRRSV-mediated autophagy for the first time, offering valuable information for understanding the pathogenesis of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome.
Importance:
PRRS is one of the major diseases affecting the global swine industry. Infection with PRRSV can cause respiratory disease in pigs of all ages and reproductive disorders in sows. Therefore, understanding the interaction between PRRSV and host factors may help to develop new antiviral strategies against PRRSV. We found that PRRSV Nsp4 was important for nuclear export of TRIM28 in a CRM1-dependent manner during PRRSV infection. TRIM28 in the cytoplasm increases the formation of VPS34-Beclin1 complex by interacting with Vps34, further initiating autophagy. Hence, our study reveals a novel mechanism of PRRSV-mediated autophagy and provides valuable information for further understanding the pathogenesis of PRRS, which might contribute to the development of novel antiviral drugs.
Insights
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) hijacks the host protein TRIM28 to trigger autophagy, a cellular process that can aid viral replication. This study uncovers the Nsp4 protein
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Cellular Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Autophagy plays a complex role in viral infections, including those caused by porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV).
- The interaction between PRRSV and autophagy-related factors like tripartite motif-containing 28 (TRIM28) is not fully understood.
- PRRSV infection causes significant economic losses in the swine industry due to respiratory and reproductive issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the mechanism by which PRRSV induces autophagy.
- To investigate the role of TRIM28 in PRRSV-mediated autophagy.
- To identify viral components responsible for initiating autophagy during PRRSV infection.
Main Methods:
- Investigated dynamic changes in autophagy and TRIM28 during PRRSV infection in vitro and in vivo.
- Utilized a CRM1-dependent pathway assay to track TRIM28 nuclear export.
- Examined the interaction between TRIM28, Vps34, and Beclin1 to assess Vps34-Beclin1 complex formation.
Main Results:
- PRRSV Nsp4 protein mediates the nuclear export of TRIM28 through a CRM1-dependent pathway.
- Cytoplasmic TRIM28 promotes the formation of the Vps34-Beclin1 complex, initiating autophagy.
- TRIM28 exhibits antiviral properties, though the exact mechanism requires further investigation.
Conclusions:
- PRRSV Nsp4 is a key viral factor that triggers autophagy by inducing TRIM28 nuclear export.
- TRIM28 plays a crucial role in initiating PRRSV-mediated autophagy by facilitating Vps34-Beclin1 complex formation.
- This study provides novel insights into PRRSV pathogenesis and suggests potential targets for antiviral drug development.
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