UMP-CMP kinase 2 Inhibits ZIKV Replication through Activation of Type I
IFN Signaling Pathway
Abstract
Abstract: Background: Cytidine/uridine monophosphate
kinase 2 (UMP-CMP kinase 2, CMPK2) has been reported as an antiviral
interferon-stimulated gene (ISG). We previously observed that the
expression of CMPK2 was significantly upregulated after Zika Virus
(ZIKV) infection in A549 cells. However, the role of CMPK2 in ZIKV
replication remains to be determined. Methods: CMPK2 or
retinoic acid inducible gene I (RIG-I) was overexpressed by plasmid
transfection or knocked down by siRNA, respectively in A549 cells before
the cells were infected with ZIKV. ZIKV RNA and NS1 protein were
detected by RT-qPCR and Western Blot, respectively. The activation
status of Jak-STAT signaling pathway was determined by the evaluation of
the phosphorylation level of STAT1 (p-STAT1, by Western Blot),
interferon stimulated response element (ISRE) activity (by dual
luciferase assay) and interferon stimulated gene (ISG) expression (by
RT-qPCR). Results: We found that ZIKV infection induced CMPK2
expression dependent on RIG-I. Overexpression of CMPK2 inhibited while
CMPK2 knockdown promoted ZIKV replication. Mechanically, we found that
CMPK2 inhibited ZIKV replication probably through the activation of
Jak/STAT signaling pathway as shown by the increased level of p-STAT1,
enhanced activity of ISRE, and the up-regulated expression of some
downstream ISGs. Conclusion: ZIKV infection induced CMPK2
expression, which activated the Jak/STAT signaling pathway to inhibit
ZIKV replication. Keywords: CMPK2; ZIKV; Jak/STAT signaling
pathway