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Placenta‐derived interferon‐stimulated gene 20 controls ZIKA virus infection
Author(s) -
Ding Jiahui,
Aldo Paulomi,
Roberts Cai M,
Stabach Paul,
Liu Hong,
You Yuan,
Qiu Xuemin,
Jeong Jiwon,
Maxwell Anthony,
Lindenbach Brett,
Braddock Demetrios,
Liao Aihua,
Mor Gil
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
embo reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 4.584
H-Index - 184
eISSN - 1469-3178
pISSN - 1469-221X
DOI - 10.15252/embr.202152450
Subject(s) - zika virus , biology , virology , trophoblast , virus , interferon , viral replication , placenta , immune system , interferon stimulated gene , immunology , pregnancy , fetus , innate immune system , genetics
Zika virus is a positive‐sense single‐stranded RNA virus, which can be transmitted across the placenta and has adverse effects on fetal development during pregnancy. The severity of these complications highlights the importance of prevention and treatment. However, no vaccines or drugs are currently available. In this study, we characterize the IFNβ‐mediated anti‐viral response in trophoblast cells in order to identify critical components that are necessary for the successful control of viral replication and determine whether components of the IFN‐induced response can be used as a replacement therapy for ZIKA virus infection during pregnancy. We identify and characterize interferon‐stimulated gene 20 (ISG20) as playing a central role in controlling Zika virus infection in trophoblast cells and successfully establish a recombinant ISG20‐Fc protein that effectively decreases viral titers in vitro and in vivo by maintaining its exonuclease activity and displaying potential immune modulatory functions. Recombinant ISG20‐Fc has thus the potential to be further developed as an anti‐viral treatment against ZIKA viral infection in high‐risk populations, particularly in pregnant women.