Single-chain intracellular antibodies inhibit influenza virus replication by disrupting interaction of proteins involved in viral replication and transcription

Int J Biochem Cell Biol. 2009 Mar;41(3):554-60. doi: 10.1016/j.biocel.2008.07.001. Epub 2008 Jul 18.

Abstract

Influenza A virus is responsible for influenza epidemics in avian and human populations and poses a great threat to human health. Many researches have been focused on the prevention and treatment of influenza A virus infection. The nucleoprotein (NP) of the virus is an important protein due to its ability to interact with a variety of viral and cellular factors and its role in the viral RNA synthesis. In this study, we have used the influenza A virus nucleoprotein as target for anti-viral therapy through a new approach. By screening a human single-chain intracellular antibody (intrabody) cDNA library using nucleoprotein as bait in a yeast antigen-antibody two-hybrid system, we have identified several intrabodies that specifically interact with the viral nucleoprotein. Interaction between nucleoprotein and anti-nucleoprotein intrabodies was further confirmed by mammalian two-hybrid analysis. Results showed that anti-nucleoprotein intrabodies changed their cellular distribution in association with the viral nucleoprotein. Further studies indicated that anti-nucleoprotein intrabodies abolished the accumulation of not only the complementary RNA and virion RNA but also messenger RNA of influenza virus. In addition, anti-nucleoprotein intrabodies significantly inhibited influenza A virus transcription and replication through blocking the interaction of nucleoprotein with the viral polymerase proteins, polymerase basic protein 1 and polymerase basic protein 2. Thus, this study not only provides a powerful tool for the study of viral protein's functions, but also opens a new potential avenue for the prevention and treatment of influenza virus infections.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Viral / immunology
  • Antibodies, Viral / metabolism*
  • Antigens, Viral / immunology
  • Gene Library
  • Humans
  • Influenza A virus / genetics
  • Influenza A virus / growth & development
  • Influenza A virus / immunology*
  • Influenza, Human / immunology*
  • Influenza, Human / prevention & control
  • Nucleoproteins / immunology
  • Protein Binding / immunology
  • Protein Transport / immunology
  • RNA, Viral / analysis
  • RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Transcription, Genetic
  • Two-Hybrid System Techniques
  • Viral Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Virus Replication / immunology*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Antigens, Viral
  • Nucleoproteins
  • PB2 protein, Influenzavirus A
  • RNA, Viral
  • Viral Proteins
  • influenza virus polymerase basic protein 1
  • RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase