The Epstein-Barr virus-encoded BILF1 protein modulates immune recognition of endogenously processed antigen by targeting major histocompatibility complex class I molecules trafficking on both the exocytic and endocytic pathways

J Virol. 2011 Feb;85(4):1604-14. doi: 10.1128/JVI.01608-10. Epub 2010 Dec 1.

Abstract

Despite triggering strong immune responses, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has colonized more than 90% of the adult human population. Successful persistence of EBV depends on the establishment of a balance between host immune responses and viral immune evasion. Here we have extended our studies on the EBV-encoded BILF1 protein, which was recently identified as an immunoevasin that functions by enhancing degradation of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) antigens via lysosomes. We now demonstrate that disruption of the EKT signaling motif of BILF1 by a K122A mutation impairs the ability of BILF1 to enhance endocytosis of surface MHC-I molecules, while subsequent lysosomal degradation was impaired by deletion of the 21-residue C-terminal tail of BILF1. Furthermore, we identified another mechanism of BILF1 immunomodulation: it targets newly synthesized MHC-I/peptide complexes en route to the cell surface. Importantly, although the diversion of MHC-I on the exocytic pathway caused a relatively modest reduction in cell surface MHC-I, presentation of endogenously processed target peptides to immune CD8(+) effector T cells was reduced by around 65%. The immune-modulating functions of BILF1 in the context of the whole virus were confirmed in cells lytically infected with a recombinant EBV in which BILF1 was deleted. This study therefore extends our initial observations on BILF1 to show that this immunoevasin can target MHC-I antigen presentation via both the exocytic and endocytic trafficking pathways. The results also emphasize the merits of including functional T cell recognition assays to gain a more complete picture of immunoevasin effects on the antigen presentation pathway.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigen Presentation / immunology*
  • Cell Line
  • Endocytosis / immunology*
  • Exocytosis / immunology*
  • Gene Expression Regulation / immunology
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human / pathogenicity*
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human / physiology
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / genetics
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / immunology*
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction
  • T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / immunology
  • Viral Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • BILF1 protein, Epstein-Barr virus
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
  • Viral Proteins