The influenza A virus NS1 protein binds small interfering RNAs and suppresses RNA silencing in plants

• DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.19734-0
• Publication Date: 2004-03-23T19:42:56Z
• Authors: Etienne Bucher; Hans Hemmes; Peter de Haan; Rob Goldbach; Marcel Prins
• Keywords: Trans-acting siRNA; RNA Silencing; RNA-induced silencing complex; RNA-induced transcriptional silencing; Argonaute

RNA silencing comprises a set of sequence-specific degradation pathways that occur in wide range eukaryotes, including animals, fungi and plants. A hallmark is the presence small interfering molecules (siRNAs). The siRNAs are generated by cleavage larger double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) provide sequence specificity for cognate molecules. In plants, plays key role developmental processes control virus replication. It has been shown many plant viruses encode proteins, denoted suppressors, interfere with this antiviral response. Although to vertebrates, no relationship inhibition replication demonstrated date. Here we show NS1 protein human influenza an suppression activity similar established suppressor proteins viruses. addition, was be capable binding siRNAs. data presented here fit potential counteracting innate responses vertebrates sequestering