A role for autophagolysosomes in dengue virus 3 production in HepG2 cells

J Gen Virol. 2009 May;90(Pt 5):1093-1103. doi: 10.1099/vir.0.007914-0. Epub 2009 Mar 4.

Abstract

We have recently proposed that amphisomes act as a site for translation and replication of dengue virus (DENV)-2 and that DENV-2 entry and replication are linked through an ongoing association with membranes of an endosomal-autophagosomal lineage. In this report, we present the results of an investigation into the interaction between DENV-3 and the autophagy machinery. Critically, treatment with the lysosomal fusion inhibitor l-asparagine differentiated the interaction of DENV-3 from that of DENV-2. Inhibition of fusion of autophagosomes and amphisomes with lysosomes resulted in decreased DENV-3 production, implying a role for the autophagolysosome in the DENV-3 life cycle. Evidence based upon the co-localization of LC3 and cathepsin D with double stranded RNA and NS1 protein, as assessed by confocal microscopy, support a model in which DENV-3 interacts with both amphisomes and autophagolysosomes. These results demonstrate that the interactions between DENV and the host cell autophagy machinery are complex and may be determined in part by virus-encoded factors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Autophagy / physiology*
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Dengue Virus / classification
  • Dengue Virus / physiology*
  • Hepatocytes / cytology
  • Hepatocytes / virology*
  • Humans
  • Phagosomes / physiology*