Mechanisms of USP18 specificity toward ISG15 revealed by paralog sequence analysis comparison.

ABSTRACT: The ubiquitin-like protein ISG15 is activated in response to type 1 interferons, and its conjugation to proteins regulates the response to bacterial and viral infection. Its subsequent deconjugation, which is broadly achieved by the human enzyme USP18, critically controls interferon signaling and the defense against pathogens. However, the molecular determinants underlying USP18 specificity for ISG15 remain elusive. To identify such features, we took advantage of USP18's paralog USP41, which has a strikingly similar catalytic domain and yet lacks deISGylating activity. By performing a comparative sequence analysis coupled with biochemical and enzymatic assays, we identified hallmarks specific to USP18 that are critical for its enzymatic function and ISG15 recognition. Accordingly, AlphaFol

SUBMITTER: Bonacci T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12221285 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature