Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 18, 2026

A High Resolution Method to Monitor Phosphorylation-dependent Activation of IRF3
Published on: January 24, 2016
Viral infection activates the IRF1-BAK axis to drive mitochondria-derived inflammation
Meidi Ye1, Yifei Wang1, Zhenqiong Guan1
1State Key Laboratory of Virology and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
Abstract:
Mitochondria can drive the development of inflammatory pathogenesis through releasing pro-inflammatory DAMPs, a process often triggered during virus infection. Whether a common mechanism exists that promotes virus-triggered mitochondria-derived inflammation is currently unknown. Here, we report that BAK is an interferon-stimulated gene that is up-regulated by the STAT1-IRF1 axis during virus infection to induce mitochondria-derived inflammatory pathogenesis. Viral infection triggers STAT1-dependent up-regulation of IRF1, which binds to an identified ISRE site in the BAK-promoter, inducing BAK up-regulation. Up-regulated BAK accumulates in the mitochondria triggering mitochondrial outer-membrane permeabilization and inflammatory responses. Both RNA and DNA viruses trigger the IRF1-mediated BAK up-regulation and mitochondria-derived inflammation. Using the Bak-/- mouse model, we showed that both IAV and SFTSV, two viruses that induce severe inflammation in patients, trigger BAK up-regulation and BAK-dependent lethal inflammation. These results reveal a common mechanism that drives mitochondria-derived pathogenic inflammation, which can be targeted for developing anti-inflammatory therapeutics.
Related Concept Videos
Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens
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...
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Pathway
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Mechanism
The heterodimer of NF-κB...
Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis
Inflammatory Response
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
NF-kB-dependent Signaling Pathway
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Mechanism
The heterodimer of NF-κB...
Inflammation

