ZNF33B facilitates Japanese encephalitis virus replication by controlling HSPB1/8-mediated SUMOylation of nonstructural protein 5.

ABSTRACT: Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is a significant flavivirus that poses a threat to public health, as it induces encephalitis in humans and reproductive disorders in sows. We have recently identified that zinc finger protein 33B (ZNF33B) is required for JEV infection by CRISPR-based functional genomic screening, yet the precise functions and mechanisms are not fully comprehended. In this study, ZNF33B was found to be involved in JEV infection, wherein it bound with JEV RNA to enhance its stability during replication. Additionally, ZNF33B underwent translocation from the nucleus to the cytoplasm to associate with viral replication complexes during JEV infection. Furthermore, ZNF33B stabilized JEV nonstructural protein 5 (NS5), rather than NS3, by inhibiting its polyubiquitination and promo

SUBMITTER: Du J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12548438 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature