RIG-I self-oligomerization is either dispensable or very transient for signal transduction

PLoS One. 2014 Sep 26;9(9):e108770. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0108770. eCollection 2014.

Abstract

Effective host defence against viruses depends on the rapid triggering of innate immunity through the induction of a type I interferon (IFN) response. To this end, microbe-associated molecular patterns are detected by dedicated receptors. Among them, the RIG-I-like receptors RIG-I and MDA5 activate IFN gene expression upon sensing viral RNA in the cytoplasm. While MDA5 forms long filaments in vitro upon activation, RIG-I is believed to oligomerize after RNA binding in order to transduce a signal. Here, we show that in vitro binding of synthetic RNA mimicking that of Mononegavirales (Ebola, rabies and measles viruses) leader sequences to purified RIG-I does not induce RIG-I oligomerization. Furthermore, in cells devoid of endogenous functional RIG-I-like receptors, after activation of exogenous Flag-RIG-I by a 62-mer-5'ppp-dsRNA or by polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid, a dsRNA analogue, or by measles virus infection, anti-Flag immunoprecipitation and specific elution with Flag peptide indicated a monomeric form of RIG-I. Accordingly, when using the Gaussia Luciferase-Based Protein Complementation Assay (PCA), a more sensitive in cellula assay, no RIG-I oligomerization could be detected upon RNA stimulation. Altogether our data indicate that the need for self-oligomerization of RIG-I for signal transduction is either dispensable or very transient.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Chlorocebus aethiops
  • DEAD Box Protein 58
  • DEAD-box RNA Helicases / metabolism*
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Innate / physiology*
  • Interferon-beta / genetics*
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic
  • RNA, Viral / genetics
  • Receptors, Immunologic
  • Signal Transduction / physiology*
  • Vero Cells

Substances

  • RNA, Viral
  • Receptors, Immunologic
  • Interferon-beta
  • RIGI protein, human
  • DEAD Box Protein 58
  • DEAD-box RNA Helicases

Grants and funding

This work was supported by grant from FINOVI foundation and ANR (CARDINNATE grant). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.