Bat-specific adaptations in interferon signaling and GBP1 contribute to enhanced antiviral capacity.

ABSTRACT: Bats are reservoirs of emerging zoonotic viruses that may cause severe disease in humans and agricultural animals. However, it is poorly understood how bats can tolerate diverse viral infections. Here, we characterized type I interferon response pathways in kidney cell lines derived from two divergent bat species, Pteropus alecto and Eptesicus fuscus, identifying distinct mechanisms underlying their enhanced control of viral infection. We demonstrate the critical roles of STAT1/STAT2 in IFNβ signaling, along with species-specific adaptations that contribute towards a steady and ready antiviral state. Unlike in humans, bat IFNβ signaling processes resist the immune antagonistic properties of MERS-CoV which further explains the ability of bats to tolerate coronavirus infections. Transcriptom

SUBMITTER: Gonzalez V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12218298 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature