Induction of HOXA3 by Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus Inhibits Type I Interferon Response through Negative Regulation of HO-1 Transcription
Yingtong Feng, Xuyang Guo, Hong Tian, Yuan He, Yang Li, Xuelian Jiang, Haixue Zheng, Shuqi Xiao
Abstract
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), caused by PRRSV, causes significant worldwide economic losses in the pork industry. HOXA3 is generally considered to be an important molecule in the process of body development and cell differentiation. Here, we found that a novel transcription factor of the HO-1 gene, HOXA3, can negatively regulate the transcription of the HO-1 gene and play an important role in the suppression of IFN-I response by PRRSV. PRRSV induces the upregulation of HOXA3, which can negatively regulate HO-1 gene transcription, thereby weakening the interaction between HO-1 and IRF3 for inhibiting the type I IFN response. This study extends the function of HOXA3 and provides new insights into the PRRSV immune evasion mechanism.