A Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesviral protein inhibits virus-mediated induction of type I interferon by blocking IRF-7 phosphorylation and nuclear accumulation

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.082420599
• Publication Date: 2002-07-26T14:45:09Z
• Authors: Fan Xiu Zhu; Sonya M. King; Eric J. Smith; David E. Levy; Yan Yuan
• Keywords: IRF1

Interferons constitute the earliest immune response against viral infection. They elicit antiviral effects as well multiple biological responses involved in cell growth regulation and activation. Because interferon-induced cellular is primary defense mechanism infection, many viruses have evolved strategies to antagonize inhibitory of interferon. Here, we demonstrate a strategy that Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus uses block virus-mediated induction type I We found immediate-early protein, namely ORF45, interacts with interferon-regulatory factor 7 (IRF-7). In consequence, IRF-7 phosphorylation inhibited accumulation nucleus infection blocked. transcription regulator responsible for activation interferon genes. By blocking nuclear translocation IRF-7, ORF45 efficiently inhibits α β genes during Inhibition gene expression through protein crucial novel evasion.