Elucidating the Interactions between Influenza Virus Polymerase and Host Factor ANP32A

The avian-origin influenza A virus polymerase is restricted in human cells. This restriction has been associated with species differences in host factor ANP32A. Avian ANP32A supports the activity of an avian-origin polymerase. However, the avian-origin polymerase is incompatible with human ANP32A. Avian ANP32A proteins harbor an additional 33 amino acids compared to human ANP32A proteins, which are crucial for their ability to support the avian-origin influenza virus polymerase. Here, we elucidate the interactions between ANP32A proteins and the influenza A virus polymerase using split luciferase complementation assays, coimmunoprecipitation, and in situ split Venus interaction assays. We show greater interaction of chicken ANP32A than human ANP32A with the viral polymerase and visualize these interactions in situ in the cell nucleus. We demonstrate that the 33 amino acids of chicken ANP32A and the PB2 627 domain of viral polymerase complex both contribute to this enhanced interaction. Finally, we show how these interactions are affected by the presence of viral RNA and the processivity of the polymerase, giving insights into the way that ANP32A might act during virus infection. IMPORTANCE Successful zoonotic transmission of influenza A virus into humans can lead to pandemics in an immunologically naive population. Host-encoded ANP32A proteins are required to support influenza A virus polymerase activity, and species differences in ANP32A can restrict the host range of influenza virus. Understanding how ANP32A proteins support the viral polymerase and how differences in ANP32A affect the ability of the polymerase to coopt these proteins will enhance our understanding of viral replication and species restriction as well as suggesting targeted antiviral approaches to treat influenza virus infection.