Study on molecular mechanism of herpesvirus tropism

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20H03496
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 49060:Virology-related
• Research Institution: Kobe University
• Principal Investigator: Arii Jun 神戸大学, 医学研究科, 特命准教授 (30704928)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: ヘルペスウイルス / MEK/ERK / 脂質 / ウイルス増殖 / NF-kB / ATF1

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The nine species of human herpesviruses cause their own characteristic pathologies, but it is not known how their tropism is determined. This study aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which herpesviruses prefer their respective target cells. The study revealed the molecular basis for the efficient cell-to-cell transmission of HSV-1, which prefers epithelia, and the contribution of glycerophospholipids in viral replication. Furthermore, we showed a specific interaction between HHV-6A, which has a relatively slow infection cycle and prefers T cells, and cell signaling. This study may reveal some of the virus-host interactions required for the adaptation of diverse herpesviruses to their respective target cells.

Free Research Field

ウイルス学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

ヒトを宿主とするヘルペスウイルスは9種存在するが、その中には抗ウイルス剤がほぼ効果がないものも存在する。本研究では、これらのヘルペスウイルスがそれぞれの標的細胞での増殖に必要な宿主因子を複数取得した。特にグリセロリン脂質であるPEの産生に関わるPcyt2の阻害剤は、マウス病態モデルにおける脳炎発症を抑制可能であった。すなわち、本研究は、さまざまなヘルペスウイルスに効果のある治療・予防薬を創生するための基盤となりうると考えられる。