The human interferon-induced MxA protein inhibits early stages of influenza A virus infection by retaining the incoming viral genome in the cytoplasm

J Virol. 2013 Dec;87(23):13053-8. doi: 10.1128/JVI.02220-13. Epub 2013 Sep 18.

Abstract

The induction of an interferon-induced antiviral state is a powerful cellular response against viral infection that limits viral spread. Here, we show that a preexisting antiviral state inhibits the replication of influenza A viruses in human A549 cells by preventing transport of the viral genome to the nucleus and that the interferon-induced MxA protein is necessary but not sufficient for this process. This represents a previously unreported antiviral function of MxA against influenza A virus infection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line
  • Cell Nucleus / metabolism
  • Cell Nucleus / virology
  • Cytoplasm / metabolism
  • Cytoplasm / virology*
  • Down-Regulation
  • Genome, Viral*
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions
  • Humans
  • Influenza A Virus, H3N2 Subtype / genetics*
  • Influenza A Virus, H3N2 Subtype / physiology
  • Influenza, Human / genetics
  • Influenza, Human / metabolism*
  • Influenza, Human / virology*
  • Interferon-alpha / metabolism*
  • Myxovirus Resistance Proteins / genetics
  • Myxovirus Resistance Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • Interferon-alpha
  • MX1 protein, human
  • Myxovirus Resistance Proteins