Avian Reovirus σA Protein Inhibits Type I Interferon Production by Abrogating Interferon Regulatory Factor 7 Activation
Li Gao, Rui Liu, Dan Luo, Kai Li, Xiaole Qi, Changjun Liu, Yanping Zhang, Hongyu Cui, Suyan Wang, Yulong Gao, Xiaomei Wang
Abstract
ARV, the causative agent of viral arthritis or tenosynovitis in chickens, has a significant economic impact as it results in poor weight gain and increased feed conversion ratios. The MDA5-mediated IFN-β signal pathway plays an important role in host antiviral defense. Therefore, RNA viruses have developed mechanisms to counter this signaling pathway and successfully establish infection. However, the strategies adopted by ARV to block MDA5-IRF7 signaling remain unclear. In the current study, we demonstrated that ARV σA inhibits this pathway by binding to IRF7, which blocked IRF7 dimerization and nuclear translocation. Our findings may provide insights into how avian reovirus counteracts the innate antiviral immunity of the host to ensure viral replication.