Open AccessViral interactions with non-homologous end-joining: a game of hide-and-seek
Author(s) -
Dayana Hristova,
Katharina B. Lauer,
Brian J. Ferguson
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of general virology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.55
H-Index - 167
eISSN - 1465-2099
pISSN - 0022-1317
DOI - 10.1099/jgv.0.001478
Subject(s) - biology , homologous recombination , microbiology and biotechnology , dna damage , non homologous end joining , dna , dna repair , genome , viral replication , g2 m dna damage checkpoint , genetics , cell cycle checkpoint , virology , cell cycle , cell , virus , gene
There are extensive interactions between viruses and the host DNA damage response (DDR) machinery. The outcome of these interactions includes not only direct effects on viral nucleic acids and genome replication, but also the activation of host stress response signalling pathways that can have further, indirect effects on viral life cycles. The non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) pathway is responsible for the rapid and imprecise repair of DNA double-stranded breaks in the nucleus that would otherwise be highly toxic. Whilst directly repairing DNA, components of the NHEJ machinery, in particular the DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK), can activate a raft of downstream signalling events that activate antiviral, cell cycle checkpoint and apoptosis pathways. This combination of possible outcomes results in NHEJ being pro- or antiviral depending on the infection. In this review we will describe the broad range of interactions between NHEJ components and viruses and their consequences for both host and pathogen.