Multi-proteomic profiling of the varicella-zoster virus–host interface reveals host susceptibilities to severe infection
2025
Girault, Virginie | Stukalov, Alexey | Carter-Timofte, Madalina Elena | Hertzog, Jonny | Verin, Melissa | Austen, Katharina | Haas, Darya A. | Oubraham, Lila | Piras, Antonio | Kaufer, Benedikt B.
Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infects most humans and causes chickenpox, shingles and central nervous system pathologies. The molecular basis for these phenotypes remains elusive. Here we conducted a multi-proteomic survey on 64 individual VZV proteins and infection-induced perturbations in a neuronal cell line, identifying 900 interactors and 3,618 regulated host proteins. Data integration suggested molecular functions of viral proteins, such as a mechanism for the ORF61-mediated IFI16 degradation via the recruitment of E3 ligase co-factors. Moreover, we identified proviral host factors (MPP8 and ZNF280D) as potential targets to limit infection. Integration of exome sequencing analysis from patients with VZV-associated central nervous system pathologies identified nephrocystin 4 as a viral restriction factor, and its S862N variant, which showed reduced activity and decreased binding to the regulatory proteins 14-3-3. Collectively, our study provides a comprehensive herpesvirus–host interface resource, which aids our understanding of disease-associated molecular perturbations and data-driven identification of antiviral treatment options.
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