Nucleolin interacts with influenza A nucleoprotein and contributes to viral ribonucleoprotein complexes nuclear trafficking and efficient influenza viral replication

Sci Rep. 2016 Jul 4:6:29006. doi: 10.1038/srep29006.

Abstract

Influenza viruses replicate their single-stranded RNA genomes in the nucleus of infected cells and these replicated genomes (vRNPs) are then exported from the nucleus to the cytoplasm and plasma membrane before budding. To achieve this export, influenza viruses hijack the host cell export machinery. However, the complete mechanisms underlying this hijacking remain not fully understood. We have previously shown that influenza viruses induce a marked alteration of the nucleus during the time-course of infection and notably in the nucleolar compartment. In this study, we discovered that a major nucleolar component, called nucleolin, is required for an efficient export of vRNPs and viral replication. We have notably shown that nucleolin interacts with the viral nucleoprotein (NP) that mainly constitutes vRNPs. Our results suggest that this interaction could allow vRNPs to "catch" the host cell export machinery, a necessary step for viral replication.

MeSH terms

  • A549 Cells
  • Active Transport, Cell Nucleus
  • Animals
  • Cell Nucleus / metabolism
  • Dogs
  • Humans
  • Influenza A Virus, H3N2 Subtype / physiology*
  • Madin Darby Canine Kidney Cells
  • Nucleocapsid Proteins
  • Nucleolin
  • Phosphoproteins / metabolism*
  • RNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Viral Core Proteins / metabolism*
  • Virus Replication

Substances

  • NP protein, Influenza A virus
  • Nucleocapsid Proteins
  • Phosphoproteins
  • RNA-Binding Proteins
  • Viral Core Proteins