The IFITMs Inhibit Zika Virus Replication

Cell Rep. 2016 Jun 14;15(11):2323-30. doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2016.05.074. Epub 2016 Jun 3.

Abstract

Zika virus has emerged as a severe health threat with a rapidly expanding range. The IFITM family of restriction factors inhibits the replication of a broad range of viruses, including the closely related flaviruses West Nile virus and dengue virus. Here, we show that IFITM1 and IFITM3 inhibit Zika virus infection early in the viral life cycle. Moreover, IFITM3 can prevent Zika-virus-induced cell death. These results suggest that strategies to boost the actions and/or levels of the IFITMs might be useful for inhibiting a broad range of emerging viruses.

Keywords: IFITM; IFITM1; IFITM3; Zika virus; flavivirus; host factors; interferon; intrinsic immunity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • A549 Cells
  • Animals
  • Antigens, Differentiation / metabolism*
  • Cytopathogenic Effect, Viral
  • Gene Deletion
  • Genetic Loci
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Protein Transport
  • RNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Virus Replication / physiology*
  • Zika Virus / physiology*
  • Zika Virus Infection

Substances

  • Antigens, Differentiation
  • IFITM3 protein, human
  • Membrane Proteins
  • RNA-Binding Proteins
  • fragilis protein, mouse
  • leu-13 antigen