Analysis on RNA virus sensing machinery in the cell nucleus

2015 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26670225
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Challenging Exploratory Research
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Virology
• Research Institution: Kyoto University
• Principal Investigator: Keizo Tomonaga 京都大学, ウイルス研究所, 教授 (10301920)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2016-03-31
• Keywords: ウイルス / 細胞核 / RNA / 自然免疫

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Viral RNAs are recognized by nucleic acid sensors in the cytoplasm of host cells. However, it is still unclear whether or not the host cells sense RNA virus infection inside the nuclear membrane. Here we demonstrate that host cells harbor the sensing machinery of intranuclear viral ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) leading to antiviral responses. We found that RNPs of intranuclear replicating RNA viruses, Borna disease virus and influenza virus, are recognized by IFI16 in the nucleus. Knockdown of IFI16 enhanced the replication of these viruses in the nucleus. Our data may provide a novel host machinery to recognize intranuclear non-self RNAs in the nucleus.

Free Research Field

ウイルス学