Human Bocavirus NS1 and NS1-70 Proteins Inhibit TNF-α-Mediated Activation of NF-κB by targeting p65

Sci Rep. 2016 Jun 22:6:28481. doi: 10.1038/srep28481.

Abstract

Human bocavirus (HBoV), a parvovirus, is a single-stranded DNA etiologic agent causing lower respiratory tract infections in young children worldwide. Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) transcription factors play crucial roles in clearance of invading viruses through activation of many physiological processes. Previous investigation showed that HBoV infection could significantly upregulate the level of TNF-α which is a strong NF-κB stimulator. Here we investigated whether HBoV proteins modulate TNF-α-mediated activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. We showed that HBoV NS1 and NS1-70 proteins blocked NF-κB activation in response to TNF-α. Overexpression of TNF receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF2)-, IκB kinase alpha (IKKα)-, IκB kinase beta (IKKβ)-, constitutively active mutant of IKKβ (IKKβ SS/EE)-, or p65-induced NF-κB activation was inhibited by NS1 and NS1-70. Furthermore, NS1 and NS1-70 didn't interfere with TNF-α-mediated IκBα phosphorylation and degradation, nor p65 nuclear translocation. Coimmunoprecipitation assays confirmed the interaction of both NS1 and NS1-70 with p65. Of note, NS1 but not NS1-70 inhibited TNF-α-mediated p65 phosphorylation at ser536. Our findings together indicate that HBoV NS1 and NS1-70 inhibit NF-κB activation. This is the first time that HBoV has been shown to inhibit NF-κB activation, revealing a potential immune-evasion mechanism that is likely important for HBoV pathogenesis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Active Transport, Cell Nucleus
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Human bocavirus / genetics
  • Human bocavirus / immunology
  • Human bocavirus / pathogenicity*
  • Humans
  • NF-KappaB Inhibitor alpha / metabolism
  • NF-kappa B / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Parvoviridae Infections / immunology
  • Parvoviridae Infections / virology
  • Phosphorylation
  • Proteolysis
  • Signal Transduction
  • Transcription Factor RelA / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / metabolism*
  • Viral Nonstructural Proteins / genetics
  • Viral Nonstructural Proteins / immunology*
  • Viral Nonstructural Proteins / physiology

Substances

  • NF-kappa B
  • NS1 protein, parvovirus
  • RELA protein, human
  • Transcription Factor RelA
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • Viral Nonstructural Proteins
  • NF-KappaB Inhibitor alpha