Toscana virus induces interferon although its NSs protein reveals antagonistic activity

Publication

Toscana virus induces interferon although its NSs protein reveals antagonistic activity

Journal Paper/Review - Sep 22, 2010

Gori Savellini Gianni, Weber Friedemann, Terrosi Chiara, Habjan Matthias, Martorelli Barbara, Cusi Maria Grazia

Citation

Gori Savellini G, Weber F, Terrosi C, Habjan M, Martorelli B, Cusi M. Toscana virus induces interferon although its NSs protein reveals antagonistic activity. J Gen Virol 2010; 92:71-9.

Type

Journal Paper/Review (English)

Journal

J Gen Virol 2010; 92

Publication Date

Sep 22, 2010

Issn Electronic

1465-2099

Pages

71-9

Brief description/objective

Toscana virus (TOSV) is a phlebotomus-transmitted virus that belongs to the family Bunyaviridae and causes widespread infections in humans; about 30 % of these cases result in aseptic meningitis. In the present study, it was shown that TOSV is an inducer of beta interferon (IFN-?), although its non-structural protein (NSs) could inhibit the induction of IFN-? if expressed in a heterologous context. A recombinant Rift Valley fever virus expressing the TOSV NSs could suppress IFN-? expression in infected cells. Moreover, in cells expressing NSs protein from a cDNA plasmid, IFN-? transcripts were not inducible by poly(I : C). Unlike other members of the family Bunyaviridae, TOSV appears to express an NSs protein that is a weak antagonist of IFN induction. Characterization of the interaction of TOSV with the IFN system will help our understanding of virus-host cell interactions and may explain why the pathogenesis of this disease is mostly mild in humans.