Epstein-Barr virus tegument protein BGLF2 in exosomes released from virus-producing cells facilitates de novo infection.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Viruses must adapt to the environment of their host cells to establish infection and persist. Diverse mammalian cells, including virus-infected cells, release extracellular vesicles such as exosomes containing proteins and miRNAs, and use these vesicles to mediate intercellular communication. However, the roles of exosomes in viral infection remain unclear.

RESULTS:

We screened viral proteins to identify those responsible for the exosome-mediated enhancement of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. We identified BGLF2 protein encapsulated in exosomes, which were released by EBV-infected cells. BGLF2 protein is a tegument protein that exists in the space between the envelope and nucleocapsid, and it is released into the cytoplasm shortly after infection. BGLF2 protein-containing exosomes enhanced viral gene expression and repressed innate immunity, thereby supporting the EBV infection.

CONCLUSIONS:

The EBV tegument protein BGLF2 is encapsulated in exosomes and released by infected cells to facilitate the establishment of EBV infection. These findings suggest that tegument proteins support viral infection not only between the envelope and nucleocapsid, as well as in extraviral particles such as exosomes. Video abstract.

• Authors: Yoshitaka Sato, Masahiro Yaguchi, Yusuke Okuno, Hanako Ishimaru, Ken Sagou, Somi Ozaki, Takeshi Suzuki, Tomoki Inagaki, Miki Umeda, Takahiro Watanabe, Masahiro Fujimuro, Takayuki Murata, Hiroshi Kimura
• Journal: Cell communication and signaling : CCS (Cell Commun Signal) Vol. 20 Issue 1 Pg. 95 (06 21 2022) ISSN: 1478-811X [Electronic] England
• PMID: 35729616 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Video-Audio Media, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: © 2022. The Author(s).

Chemical References

• BGLF2 protein, Epstein-barr virus
• Viral Fusion Proteins
• Viral Proteins

Topics

• Animals
• Epstein-Barr Virus Infections (genetics, metabolism)
• Exosomes (metabolism)
• Herpesvirus 4, Human (genetics, metabolism)
• Mammals (metabolism)
• Viral Fusion Proteins
• Viral Proteins