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Full-Text Articles in Microbiology
Molecular Characterization Of The Antiviral Properties Of The Small Herc Family Of Proteins, Ermela Paparisto
Molecular Characterization Of The Antiviral Properties Of The Small Herc Family Of Proteins, Ermela Paparisto
Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository
Although viruses are obligate intracellular parasites, they have their own evolutionary trajectory, their genomes are in a constant battle to overcome the defenses of the host. This thesis investigates the role of the small HERC family of proteins in the battle against two deadly viruses: Human Immunodeficiency Virus -1 (HIV) and Zaire ebolavirus (EBOV). Although their discovery occurred decades ago, little knowledge is available about the small HERC family, their functions, and modes of interactions with other cellular proteins. In the first chapter, the structural evolution of the small HERC family and related functional changes that have occurred over time …
Interferon-Induced Herc5 Is A Novel And Potent Inhibitor Of Ebola Virus-Like Particle Production, Nina Hunt
Interferon-Induced Herc5 Is A Novel And Potent Inhibitor Of Ebola Virus-Like Particle Production, Nina Hunt
Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository
Ebola’s severe pathogenesis can be attributed to its suppression of the Type I interferon (IFN) response, suggesting this pathway plays a role in restricting viral replication. One IFN-induced protein, HERC5, warrants further investigation as it inhibits the replication of evolutionarily diverse viruses. We showed that HERC5 drastically reduces the expression of structural protein VP40 at the protein and mRNA level. Mutagenesis of HERC5 demonstrated that the RCC-1-like domain is necessary and sufficient for restriction. This domain is also responsible for HERC5’s interaction with ZAP, a protein required for VP40 mRNA degradation. Finally, we showed that Ebola GP antagonizes HERC5 activity. …