ARFGAP1 serves as a critical host factor during E30 infection: QS11 inhibits viral pathogenesis in hFcRn-IFNAR-/-

Jichen Li1,2,3, Wei Duan1,2,3, Ying Liu1,2,3

  • 1National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases (NITFID), National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China.

Virology Journal
|October 30, 2025
PubMed

Insights

ADP-ribosylation factor GTPase activating protein 1 (ARFGAP1) is essential for Echovirus 30 (E30) replication. Inhibiting ARFGAP1 reduces viral load and improves survival in mice, offering new therapeutic strategies for E30 infections.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Echovirus 30 (E30) is a significant human pathogen causing severe diseases.
  • The precise mechanisms of E30 viral infection are not well understood.
  • Identifying host factors is crucial for developing antiviral strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of E30 infection.
  • To identify host factors essential for E30 replication.
  • To explore potential therapeutic targets against E30.

Main Methods:

  • Whole-genome CRISPR/Cas9 gene knockout screening.
  • Analysis of viral replication and internalization.
  • Transcriptomic analysis.
  • In vivo studies using genetically modified mice (hFcRn-IFNAR-/-).

Main Results:

  • Knockout of ADP-ribosylation factor GTPase activating protein 1 (ARFGAP1) significantly inhibited E30 replication.
  • ARFGAP1 influences early viral infection stages and cellular uptake.
  • ARFGAP1 is critical for vesicular transport pathways.
  • QS11 inhibition of ARFGAP1 reduced viral load, tissue damage, and improved survival in mice.

Conclusions:

  • ARFGAP1 is a key host factor promoting E30 infection.
  • ARFGAP1's role in vesicular transport is vital for viral replication.
  • Targeting ARFGAP1 presents a promising therapeutic strategy for E30 infections.