The Type 1-interferon (IFN-?/?) response is the first line of defense against viral infections. Hundreds of proteins, referred to as ISGs (Interferon-Stimulate Gene products) are synthesized in response to IFN-? or ? stimulation, and these proteins mediate an extremely broad spectrum of anti- viral effects. ISG15 was one of the first ISGs to be identified and the first ubiquitin-like modifier (Ubl) to be discovered, however it is only recently that we begin to have an understanding of the remarkable biochemical functions of this protein. ISG15 has anti-viral activity against a wide range of human viruses, including Influenza, Herpesviruses, Retroviruses, Sindbis, and Ebola. ISG15 is conjugated to hundreds of cellular proteins in IFN-stimulated cells, and a single IFN-induced ligase, Herc5, mediates conjugation to these target proteins. Herc5 is ribosome-associated and ?ISGylates? newly synthesized protiens in a co-translational manner, with little or no target protein specificity. We hypothesize that in the context of an interferon response, newly translated viral proteins, rather than cellular proteins, are the primary targets of this system, and that ISG15 acts by sterically interfering with the function of viral proteins, particularly those that form oligomeric structures (such as capsid proteins). Surprisingly, ISG15 has a second function as an extracellular protein that stimulates the production of Type 2 Interferon, IFN-?. While this function was reported over two decades ago, there was little follow-up to the original studies. This function returned to the fore with the recent discovery of ISG15-deficient patients who were highly susceptible to mycobacterial infection as a result of being unable to mount an effect IFN-? response. Further characterization of this activity has shown that ISG15 is highly synergistic with IL-12 in stimulating production of IFN-? by Natural Killer (NK) cells. This project will address critical biochemical questions in both of the ISG15 functions described above ? the intracellular conjugation of ISG15, and the extracellular IFN-? signaling by ISG15. In the first aim we will characterize the factors that localize Herc5 to the ribosome, identify the determinants that confer ISG15 ligase activity to Herc5, and gain insights into Herc5 activities through characterization of an unusual viral inhibitor of ISGylation. In the second aim we will characterize the determinants within the ISG15 protein required for IFN-? signaling, identify the putative cell surface receptor for ISG15 receptor, and characterize the down-stream ISG15 signaling events. We anticipate that these biochemical studies will provide important insights into the innate immune response to both human viral and microbial infections.

Public Health Relevance

ISG15 is an important molecule in the innate immune response against a wide range of human viral and microbial infections. While interferon therapies are approved for many disease states, this is a blunt tool because of the tremendous range of effects induced by interferons. It is therefore essential to characterize the individual facets of the interferon response system, including the ISG15 pathway, in order to improve and modulate anti-viral and anti-microbial therapies.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01AI096090-07
Application #
9282675
Study Section
Membrane Biology and Protein Processing Study Section (MBPP)
Program Officer
Singleton, Kentner L
Project Start
2011-05-01
Project End
2021-05-31
Budget Start
2017-06-01
Budget End
2018-05-31
Support Year
7
Fiscal Year
2017
Total Cost
$385,035
Indirect Cost
$135,035
Name
University of Texas Austin
Department
Biology
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
170230239
City
Austin
State
TX
Country
United States
Zip Code
78712
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Swaim, Caleb D; Scott, Ariella F; Canadeo, Larissa A et al. (2017) Extracellular ISG15 Signals Cytokine Secretion through the LFA-1 Integrin Receptor. Mol Cell 68:581-590.e5
Wang, Feng; Canadeo, Larissa A; Huibregtse, Jon M (2015) Ubiquitination of newly synthesized proteins at the ribosome. Biochimie 114:127-33
Wang, Feng; Durfee, Larissa A; Huibregtse, Jon M (2013) A cotranslational ubiquitination pathway for quality control of misfolded proteins. Mol Cell 50:368-78
Durfee, Larissa A; Huibregtse, Jon M (2012) The ISG15 conjugation system. Methods Mol Biol 832:141-9
Bogunovic, Dusan; Byun, Minji; Durfee, Larissa A et al. (2012) Mycobacterial disease and impaired IFN-? immunity in humans with inherited ISG15 deficiency. Science 337:1684-8
Durfee, Larissa A; Huibregtse, Jon M (2010) Identification and Validation of ISG15 Target Proteins. Subcell Biochem 54:228-37