Defining the role of Host Hsp70 Subnetworks in Dengue Virus Replication Abstract: Viral protein folding and homeostasis depends entirely on the machinery of the host cell. Here we define the dependence of Dengue virus (DENV) on the complex network of Hsp70 chaperones and cochaperones which mediate distinct steps of the virus life cycle. We find that several cytosolic Hsp70 isoforms are required at multiple steps of the viral life cycle to prevent viral protein degradation, promote virion assembly and support viral enzyme function. At each step, Hsp70 function is specified by distinct subnetworks of cofactors, called DnaJs and NEFs, that modulate Hsp70 action and localization at each step. We hypothesize that combinations of DnaJs and NEFs dictate the specific cellular locations, substrate specificities and downstream effectors of Hsp70 in viral replication. We propose to define the mechanism and function of Hsp70 subnetworks in DENV replication through the integration of genetic and proteomic analyses with biochemical and cell biological experiments. Specifically we propose to: (1) Define the mechanism and function of DnaJs in DENV replication; (2) Dissect the role and mechanism of Hsp70 NEFs in DENV replication and (3) Define the mechanism of restriction by the Bag6-centered network. Defining the chaperone subnetworks required for distinct steps of DENV replication will provide new insights into key aspects of the cell biology and molecular mechanism of viral infection. Importantly, Hsp70 provides a susceptible node for antiviral drugs, since compounds inhibiting the Hsp70 cycle blocks DENV infection with negligible toxicity to the host. Our work will thus identify novel targets for pharmacological antiviral intervention and uncover unanticipated cellular mechanisms for viral restriction.

Public Health Relevance

Defining the role of Host Hsp70 Subnetworks in Dengue Virus Replication Narrative: The chaperone Hsp70 is required for DENV replication at various steps of the viral life cycle. Specific sets of Hsp70 co-chaperones: the DnaJ proteins and nucleotide exchange factors (NEFs) specify Hsp70 action in the viral cycle by providing functional and spatial specificity to Hsp70. Defining the role of the Hsp70 subnetworks in DENV replication will illuminate the biology of virus replication machineries, uncover new host restriction systems and open the way to new antiviral therapies.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01AI127447-05
Application #
10054971
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1)
Program Officer
Morabito, Kaitlyn Melissa
Project Start
2016-11-14
Project End
2021-10-31
Budget Start
2020-11-01
Budget End
2021-10-31
Support Year
5
Fiscal Year
2021
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Stanford University
Department
Biology
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
009214214
City
Stanford
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
94305
Knowlton, Jonathan J; Fernández de Castro, Isabel; Ashbrook, Alison W et al. (2018) The TRiC chaperonin controls reovirus replication through outer-capsid folding. Nat Microbiol 3:481-493