Suppression of ZBP1-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome by the tegument protein VP22 facilitates pseudorabies virus infection.

ABSTRACT: The interaction between Z-DNA binding protein 1 (ZBP1) and the NLR family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome has been uncovered in several viral infections. However, the role of this molecular pathway during infection with the alpha-herpesvirus pseudorabies virus (PRV) remains largely elusive. Here, we report that during PRV infection, ZBP1-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation is inhibited by the viral tegument protein VP22, thereby facilitating viral infection. Through a combination of RNA sequencing and genetic studies, we demonstrate that PRV VP22 functions as a virus-encoded virulence factor by evading the inhibitory effects of ZBP1 on virus infection. Importantly, the replication and pathogenicity of a recombinant PRV lacking VP22 are significantly increased in ZBP1-defi

SUBMITTER: Ma Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11633114 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature