Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 16, 2026
11:20
Affinity Purification of Influenza Virus Ribonucleoprotein Complexes from the Chromatin of Infected Cells
Published on: June 3, 2012
13.5K
Tankyrases positively regulate influenza A virus replication via type I interferon response
Gayan Bamunuarachchi1,2, Kishore Vaddadi1,2, Yurong Liang1,2
1Oklahoma Center for Respiratory and Infectious Diseases, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA.
Journal of Virology
|October 2, 2025
Summary
Tankyrase 1 and 2 (TNKS1/2) are host factors that promote influenza A virus (IAV) replication. Knocking out TNKS1/2 in cells and mice reduces viral load and increases survival, highlighting them as potential antiviral targets.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Influenza A virus (IAV) poses a significant threat due to drug resistance and pandemic potential.
- Current antivirals target viral proteins, but host-targeting strategies are emerging.
- Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs) are host factors involved in cellular processes, with unclear roles in IAV infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To screen all 17 PARP members for their role in IAV replication.
- To identify host factors that can be targeted for novel antiviral therapies against IAV.
- To investigate the mechanism by which identified PARPs affect IAV infection.
Main Methods:
- CRISPR activation screening of 17 PARP members in lung epithelial A549 cells.
- CRISPR-Cas9 gene knockout of Tankyrase 1 and 2 (TNKS1/2) in HEK293T cells.
- Assessment of viral replication markers (mRNA, protein, viral titers) in vitro.
- Analysis of host signaling pathways (JNK/c-Jun, Stat) and type I interferon response.
- In vivo studies using Tnks1/2 knockout mice challenged with IAV.
Main Results:
- Tankyrase 1 and 2 (TNKS1/2) were identified as potent proviral factors for IAV.
- TNKS1/2 knockout significantly reduced viral replication and titers in vitro, with double knockout showing a greater effect.
- TNKS1/2 knockout enhanced type I interferon response and activated JNK/c-Jun and Stat signaling pathways.
- Tnks1/2 knockout mice exhibited reduced viral load, increased type I interferon response, and significantly higher survival rates after IAV challenge.
Conclusions:
- TNKS1 and TNKS2 are crucial host factors that promote influenza A virus replication.
- Targeting TNKS1/2 enhances the host's type I interferon response, leading to reduced viral load and increased survival.
- TNKS1/2 represent promising therapeutic targets for developing novel anti-influenza A virus strategies.
Related Concept Videos
02:28Leaky Scanning
5.6K
During most eukaryotic translation processes, the small 40S ribosome subunit scans an mRNA from its 5' end until it encounters the first start AUG codon. The large 60S ribosomal subunit then joins the smaller one to initiate protein synthesis. The location of the translation initiation is largely determined by the nucleotides near the start codon as there may be multiple translation initiation sites present on the mRNA. Marilyn Kozak discovered that the sequence RCCAUGG (where R...
5.6K
01:29Viruses with RNA Genomes
824
RNA viruses are categorized into positive-strand, negative-strand, or double-stranded groups based on their genomic structure and replication mechanisms. This classification dictates how they exploit host cellular machinery for protein synthesis and replication. Some RNA viruses also utilize reverse transcription as part of their life cycle, further diversifying their replication strategies.Positive-Strand RNA VirusesPositive-strand RNA viruses have genomes that function directly as messenger...
824
01:29Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens
1.8K
The immune system's response to viral infections is a complex and coordinated process involving natural killer (NK) cells, T cell-mediated responses, and antibody-mediated responses.
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
1.8K