The Interferon-Stimulated Gene Ifitm3 Restricts West Nile Virus Infection and Pathogenesis.

ABSTRACT:

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The interferon-induced transmembrane protein (IFITM) family of proteins inhibit infection of several different enveloped viruses in cell culture by virtue of their ability to restrict entry and fusion from late endosomes. As few studies have evaluated the importance of Ifitm3 in vivo in restricting viral pathogenesis, we investigated its significance as an antiviral gene against West Nile virus (WNV), an encephalitic flavivirus, in cells and mice. Ifitm3(-/-) mice were more vulnerable to lethal WNV infection, and this was associated with greater virus accumulation in peripheral organs and central nervous system tissues. As no difference in viral burden in the brain or spinal cord was observed after direct intracranial inoculation, Ifitm3 likely functions as an antiviral

SUBMITTER: Gorman MJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5008082 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature