Viral circular RNA–encoded protein, ceVP28, divulges an antiviral response in invertebrates
Abstract
Invertebrates mostly use innate immunity to counteract pathogenic infections. In this study, shrimp was used as a model organism to explore the functions of circular RNAs (circRNAs) derived from white spot syndrome virus (WSSV). We identified four viral circRNAs, termed circWSSV147, circWSSV326, circWSSV458, and circVP28, from transcriptomic data of WSSV-infected shrimp. CircVP28, which contains an internal ribosome entry site, was further characterized to determine its potential as a template for protein translation. We observed the presence of a truncated, circRNA-encoded VP28 (ceVP28) in infected shrimp. Both ceVP28 and its parental counterpart, VP28, share the same host cell binding partner Rab7, which is a host receptor for WSSV. Coadministration of recombinant ceVP28 protein and WSSV to penaeid shrimps reduced both viral copy numbers and mortality upon WSSV challenges. These findings uncovered a host defense mechanism by which a protein encoded by a viral circRNA modulates virus–receptor interactions, resulting in blocking of viral entry.
Article Details
Journal Info
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
National Academy of Sciences
Authors (15)
Sirawich Limkul
School of Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology
Tannatorn Phiwthong
School of Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology
Supitcha Wanvimonsuk
Center of Excellence for Molecular Biology and Genomics of Shrimp, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University
Tuangrak Seabkongseng
School of Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology
Phirom Aunkam
School of Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology
Phattarunda Jaree
Center of Applied Shrimp Research and Innovation, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University
Waruntorn Luangtrakul
Center of Excellence for Molecular Biology and Genomics of Shrimp, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University
Kanjana Mahanil
School of Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology
Kamonluck Teamtisong
The Center for Scientific and Technological Equipment, Suranaree University of Technology
Panlada Tittabutr
School of Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology
Neung Teaumroong
School of Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology
Peter Sarnow
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Stanford University
Han-Ching Wang
Department of Biotechnology and Bioindustry Sciences, College of Biosciences and Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University
Kunlaya Somboonwiwat
Center of Excellence for Molecular Biology and Genomics of Shrimp, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University
Pakpoom Boonchuen
School of Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology