DNA-dependent Activator Of IFN-regulatory Factors Research Articles

ZBP1 and heatstroke.

Heatstroke, which is associated with circulatory failure and multiple organ dysfunction, is a heat stress-induced life-threatening condition characterized by a raised core body temperature and central nervous system dysfunction. As global warming continues to worsen, heatstroke is expected to become the leading cause of death globally. Despite the severity of this condition, the detailed mechanisms that underlie the pathogenesis of heatstroke still remain largely unknown. Z-DNA-binding protein 1 (ZBP1), also referred to as DNA-dependent activator of IFN-regulatory factors (DAI) and DLM-1, was initially identified as a tumor-associated and interferon (IFN)-inducible protein, but has recently been reported to be a Z-nucleic acid sensor that regulates cell death and inflammation; however, its biological function is not yet fully understood. In the present study, a brief review of the main regulators is presented, in which the Z-nucleic acid sensor ZBP1 was identified to be a significant factor in regulating the pathological characteristics of heatstroke through ZBP1-dependent signaling. Thus, the lethal mechanism of heatstroke is revealed, in addition to a second function of ZBP1 other than as a nucleic acid sensor.

DAI-1 Receptor Expression in Placenta in Earlyand Late-Onset Preeclampsia.

DAI-1 receptor (DNA-dependent activator of IFN-regulatory factors; DLM-1/ZBP-1) is an innate immunity cytoplasmic receptor of the DNA-recognition receptor class of antiviral immunity. DAI-1 expression reflects the severity of the inflammatory response that plays the key role in the pathogenesis of pregnancy complications. We studied DAI-1 receptor expression in the placental villi in early- and late-onset preeclampsia. In case of early-onset preeclampsia DAI-1 staining intensity was lower (p=0.01), and in case of late preeclampsia - significantly higher (p<0.005) than in the reference groups at the corresponding gestational age. There was revealed a correlation between the decrease in DAI-1 receptor expression and the severity of disease progression.

EspL is a bacterial cysteine protease effector that cleaves RHIM proteins to block necroptosis and inflammation.

Cell death signalling pathways contribute to tissue homeostasis and provide innate protection from infection. Adaptor proteins such as receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 1 (RIPK1), receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 3 (RIPK3), TIR-domain-containing adapter-inducing interferon-β (TRIF) and Z-DNA-binding protein 1 (ZBP1)/DNA-dependent activator of IFN-regulatory factors (DAI) that contain receptor-interacting protein (RIP) homotypic interaction motifs (RHIM) play a key role in cell death and inflammatory signalling1-3. RHIM-dependent interactions help drive a caspase-independent form of cell death termed necroptosis4,5. Here, we report that the bacterial pathogen enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) uses the type III secretion system (T3SS) effector EspL to degrade the RHIM-containing proteins RIPK1, RIPK3, TRIF and ZBP1/DAI during infection. This requires a previously unrecognized tripartite cysteine protease motif in EspL (Cys47, His131, Asp153) that cleaves within the RHIM of these proteins. Bacterial infection and/or ectopic expression of EspL leads to rapid inactivation of RIPK1, RIPK3, TRIF and ZBP1/DAI and inhibition of tumour necrosis factor (TNF), lipopolysaccharide or polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C))-induced necroptosis and inflammatory signalling. Furthermore, EPEC infection inhibits TNF-induced phosphorylation and plasma membrane localization of mixed lineage kinase domain-like pseudokinase (MLKL). In vivo, EspL cysteine protease activity contributes to persistent colonization of mice by the EPEC-like mouse pathogen Citrobacter rodentium. The activity of EspL defines a family of T3SS cysteine protease effectors found in a range of bacteria and reveals a mechanism by which gastrointestinal pathogens directly target RHIM-dependent inflammatory and necroptotic signalling pathways.

Mechanisms of RIPK3-induced inflammation.

Receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 (RIP3/RIPK3) is a multifunctional regulator of cell death and inflammation. It controls signalling downstream of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor family, DNA-dependent activator of IFN-regulatory factors (DAI) and toll-like receptors (TLRs). Today, it is also widely recognized as a component of caspase-independent cell death known as necroptosis, and cytokine production via activation of the inflammasome. Its role in inflammasome activation, in particular, make the interpretation of its role in vivo more complex. In this review, we focus on divergent roles for RIPK3 in cell death and inflammation.

ZBP1/DAI is an innate sensor of influenza virus triggering the NLRP3 inflammasome and programmed cell death pathways.

The interferon-inducible protein Z-DNA binding protein 1 (ZBP1, also known as DNA-dependent activator of IFN-regulatory factors (DAI) and DLM-1) was identified as a dsDNA sensor, which instigates innate immune responses. However, this classification has been disputed and whether ZBP1 functions as a pathogen sensor during an infection has remained unknown. Herein, we demonstrated ZBP1-mediated sensing of the influenza A virus (IAV) proteins NP and PB1, triggering cell death and inflammatory responses via the RIPK1-RIPK3-Caspase-8 axis. ZBP1 regulates NLRP3 inflammasome activation as well as induction of apoptosis, necroptosis and pyroptosis in IAV-infected cells. Importantly, ZBP1 deficiency protected mice from mortality during IAV infection owing to reduced inflammatory responses and epithelial damage. Overall, these findings indicate that ZBP1 is an innate immune sensor of IAV and highlight its importance in the pathogenesis of IAV infection.

Lifting the veil on fungal toxins.

Lifting the veil on fungal toxins.

Expression of DAI by an oncolytic vaccinia virus boosts the immunogenicity of the virus and enhances antitumor immunity

In oncolytic virotherapy, the ability of the virus to activate the immune system is a key attribute with regard to long-term antitumor effects. Vaccinia viruses bear one of the strongest oncolytic activities among all oncolytic viruses. However, its capacity for stimulation of antitumor immunity is not optimal, mainly due to its immunosuppressive nature. To overcome this problem, we developed an oncolytic VV that expresses intracellular pattern recognition receptor DNA-dependent activator of IFN-regulatory factors (DAI) to boost the innate immune system and to activate adaptive immune cells in the tumor. We showed that infection with DAI-expressing VV increases expression of several genes related to important immunological pathways. Treatment with DAI-armed VV resulted in significant reduction in the size of syngeneic melanoma tumors in mice. When the mice were rechallenged with the same tumor, DAI-VV-treated mice completely rejected growth of the new tumor, which indicates immunity established against the tumor. We also showed enhanced control of growth of human melanoma tumors and elevated levels of human T-cells in DAI-VV-treated mice humanized with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. We conclude that expression of DAI by an oncolytic VV is a promising way to amplify the vaccine potency of an oncolytic vaccinia virus to trigger the innate—and eventually the long-lasting adaptive immunity against cancer.

71. Boosting the Immunogenicity of an Oncolytic Vaccinia Virus By Expression of DAI Can Enhance Anti-Tumor Immunity in Humanized Mice

In oncolytic virotherapy the ability of an oncolytic virus to activate immune system against the tumor is nowadays generally understood to be the major mechanism to fully fight the cancer and to achieve long-term anti-tumor effects. Vaccinia viruses (VV) are immunosuppressive viruses encoding for a plethora of genes for neutralization of the host immune responses. To overcome this problem, we developed an oncolytic VV that expresses intracellular pattern recognition receptor DAI to obtain a self-immuno-boosting system to activate the immune responses in the tumor. DAI (DNA-dependent activator of IFN-regulatory factors) is a cytosolic dsDNA sensor and a potent activator of innate immune responses. We showed that DAI is able to recognize vaccinia DNA and to induce IFN-mediated immune responses after VV infection in vitro. We have also shown by wide genome expression profile analyses that infection with DAI-expressing VV increases expression of several genes related to important immunological pathways such as DC migration, immunogenic cell death and chemokine production. Intra-tumoral treatments with DAI-armed VV resulted in significant reduction in the size of B16-OVA tumors in C57BL/6 mice due to increased levels of anti-tumor CD8+ T cells in the tumors. When we re-challenged the mice with the same tumor, the DAI-VV treated mice rejected the growth of the new tumor completely, which also indicates immunity established against the tumor. To even better illustrate the immunogenicity of our virus in vivo we performed studies in PBMC humanized mice – a model closer to human system. Human melanoma tumors (HS294T) were grown in NSG mice and human PBMCs were injected intravenously to create a human-like immune system. Tumors were treated two times with DAI-VV or controls. We showed enhanced control of tumor growth in the DAI-VV treated group of mice. We also observed elevated levels of various human immune cells (e.g. active CD8+ T cells and CD4+ T cells) in the DAI-VV treated mice. In an IFN-gamma ELISpot analysis we could see increase in the amount of activated human T cells against tumor antigens in splenocyte samples of the DAI-VV treated mice.We conclude that expression of DAI by an oncolytic VV is a promising way to self-amplify immunostimulatory and vaccine potency of an oncolytic vaccinia virus to trigger the innate – and eventually the long-lasting adaptive immune responses against cancer. View Large Image | Download PowerPoint Slide

Structural basis for Z-DNA binding and stabilization by the zebrafish Z-DNA dependent protein kinase PKZ

The RNA-dependent protein kinase PKR plays a central role in the antiviral defense of vertebrates by shutting down protein translation upon detection of viral dsRNA in the cytoplasm. In some teleost fish, PKZ, a homolog of PKR, performs the same function, but surprisingly, instead of dsRNA binding domains, it harbors two Z-DNA/Z-RNA-binding domains belonging to the Zalpha domain family. Zalpha domains have also been found in other proteins, which have key roles in the regulation of interferon responses such as ADAR1 and DNA-dependent activator of IFN-regulatory factors (DAI) and in viral proteins involved in immune response evasion such as the poxviral E3L and the Cyprinid Herpesvirus 3 ORF112. The underlying mechanism of nucleic acids binding and stabilization by Zalpha domains is still unclear. Here, we present two crystal structures of the zebrafish PKZ Zalpha domain (DrZalphaPKZ) in alternatively organized complexes with a (CG)6 DNA oligonucleotide at 2 and 1.8 Å resolution. These structures reveal novel aspects of the Zalpha interaction with DNA, and they give insights on the arrangement of multiple Zalpha domains on DNA helices longer than the minimal binding site.

An alternative receptor to poly I:C on cell surfaces for interferon induction

Not-self or denatured nucleic acids are recognized by pattern recognition receptors localized mainly in endosomes and cytoplasm, such as Toll-like receptor (TLR) 3, TLR7, TLR9, retinoic acid-inducible gene-I, DNA-dependent activator of IFN-regulatory factors and other receptors. The binding of polyriboinosinic:polyribocytidylic acid (poly I:C), a synthetic dsRNA that robustly induces type I interferon, to a putative cell-surface receptor on a rabbit kidney cell line, RK13, has been analyzed by the authors and RK13 cells found to capture poly I:C in a specific fashion with sufficient affinity. These findings suggest that an alternative receptor to poly I:C participates in the induction of type 1 interferon, which localizes on cell surfaces. Although the nature of this molecule has not yet been identified, accumulating evidence has led the present authors to speculate that there are undefined classes of RNA-recognition molecules on cell surfaces and that these are unlikely to be categorized as previously reported dsRNA receptors. Although many years have passed since this possibility was first reported by the present authors, it remains attractive. In this article, previously reported cell-surface dsRNA receptors are reviewed in comparison with other receptors reported to date that are firmly involved in the innate immune-sensing of nucleic acids.

An alternative receptor to Poly I:C on cell surface for interferon induction

Not-self or denatured nucleic acids are recognized by pattern recognition receptors localized mainly in endosomes and cytoplasm, such as Toll-like receptor (TLR) 3, TLR7, TLR9, retinoic acid-inducible gene-I, DNA-dependent activator of IFN-regulatory factors and other receptors. The binding of polyriboinosinic:polyribocytidylic acid (poly I:C), a synthetic dsRNA that robustly induces type I interferon, to a putative cell-surface receptor on a rabbit kidney cell line, RK13, has been analyzed by the authors and RK13 cells found to capture poly I:C in a specific fashion with sufficient affinity. These findings suggest that an alternative receptor to poly I:C participates in the induction of type 1 interferon, which localizes on cell surfaces. Although the nature of this molecule has not yet been identified, accumulating evidence has led the present authors to speculate that there are undefined classes of RNA-recognition molecules on cell surfaces and that these are unlikely to be categorized as previously reported dsRNA receptors. Although many years have passed since this possibility was first reported by the present authors, it remains attractive. In this article, previously reported cell-surface dsRNA receptors are reviewed in comparison with other receptors reported to date that are firmly involved in the innate immune-sensing of nucleic acids.

Solution structure of the Zbeta domain of human DNA-dependent activator of IFN-regulatory factors and its binding modes to B- and Z-DNAs.

The DNA-dependent activator of IFN-regulatory factors (DAI), also known as DLM-1/ZBP1, initiates an innate immune response by binding to foreign DNAs in the cytosol. For full activation of the immune response, three DNA binding domains at the N terminus are required: two Z-DNA binding domains (ZBDs), Zα and Zβ, and an adjacent putative B-DNA binding domain. The crystal structure of the Zβ domain of human DAI (hZβ(DAI)) in complex with Z-DNA revealed structural features distinct from other known Z-DNA binding proteins, and it was classified as a group II ZBD. To gain structural insights into the DNA binding mechanism of hZβ(DAI), the solution structure of the free hZβ(DAI) was solved, and its bindings to B- and Z-DNAs were analyzed by NMR spectroscopy. Compared to the Z-DNA-bound structure, the conformation of free hZβ(DAI) has notable alterations in the α3 recognition helix, the "wing," and Y145, which are critical in Z-DNA recognition. Unlike some other Zα domains, hZβ(DAI) appears to have conformational flexibility, and structural adaptation is required for Z-DNA binding. Chemical-shift perturbation experiments revealed that hZβ(DAI) also binds weakly to B-DNA via a different binding mode. The C-terminal domain of DAI is reported to undergo a conformational change on B-DNA binding; thus, it is possible that these changes are correlated. During the innate immune response, hZβ(DAI) is likely to play an active role in binding to DNAs in both B and Z conformations in the recognition of foreign DNAs.

DNA-dependent activator of IFN-regulatory factors enhances the transcription of HIV-1 through NF-κB

Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) play a pivotal role in host innate immune responses against microbial infection. Viruses are primarily recognized by PRRs such as Toll-like receptor 3, 7, 8 and 9, and RIG-I-like receptors. Recent studies have demonstrated that DNA-dependent activator of IFN-regulatory factors (DAI) is a cytosolic sensor molecule for dsDNA, and is implicated in antiviral responses to some DNA viruses. Soon after infection, human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) synthesizes viral dsDNA in the cytoplasm by reverse transcriptase. In addition, an immune compromised state due to chronic HIV-1 infection results in opportunistic infection with some microbes that potentially activate DAI. However, it has not been elucidated whether DAI affects HIV-1 replication, or its possible mechanisms. Here, we showed that forced expression of DAI markedly enhanced HIV-1 replication, which was largely impaired by mutations at κB sites in HIV-1 LTR or by suppressing activation of NF-κB. Moreover, intact structure around the D3 region (174–232 aa) and two RIP homotypic interaction motifs (198–214 aa and 256–272 aa) within DAI were critical for its activity. These results suggest that activation of DAI might contribute to augment HIV-1 replication through DAI- NF-κB pathway.

Molecular cloning and functional characterization of porcine DNA-dependent activator of IFN-regulatory factors (DAI)

The DNA-dependent activator of IFN-regulatory factors (DAI) is a recently identified DNA sensor for intracellular DNA that triggers a signal for the production of type I IFN. Here we report the cloning and characterization of porcine DAI (poDAI). The full-length of poDAI encodes 439 amino acids, contains two N-terminal DNA-binding domains and shows similarity to mouse, rat, dog, monkey, human, horse and cattle counterparts ranging from 44% to 67%. poDAI mRNA expression was mainly detected in spleen, lung, kidney and small intestine. Over-expression of poDAI activated transcription factors IRF3 and NF-κB and induced IFN-β in different porcine cell lines, but to varying degrees. Deletion mutant analysis revealed that both the DNA-binding domains and the C-terminus are required for full activation of IFN-β. siRNA targeting poDAI significantly decreased poly(dAT:dAT)- or Pseudorabies virus (PRV)-induced IFN-β activation. These results indicate that DAI is an important immuno-regulator of the porcine innate immune system.

The crystal structure of the second Z-DNA binding domain of human DAI (ZBP1) in complex with Z-DNA reveals an unusual binding mode to Z-DNA

Mammalian DAI (DNA-dependent activator of IFN-regulatory factors), an activator of the innate immune response, senses cytosolic DNA by using 2 N-terminal Z-DNA binding domains (ZBDs) and a third putative DNA binding domain located next to the second ZBD. Compared with other previously known ZBDs, the second ZBD of human DAI (hZbeta(DAI)) shows significant variation in the sequence of the residues that are essential for DNA binding. In this article, the crystal structure of the hZbeta(DAI)/Z-DNA complex reveals that hZbeta(DAI) has a similar fold to that of other ZBDs, but adopts an unusual binding mode for recognition of Z-DNA. A residue in the first beta-strand rather than residues in the beta-loop contributes to DNA binding, and part of the (alpha3) recognition helix adopts a 3(10) helix conformation. The role of each residue that makes contact with DNA was confirmed by mutational analysis. The 2 ZBDs of DAI can together bind to DNA and both are necessary for full B-to-Z conversion. It is possible that binding 2 DAIs to 1 dsDNA brings about dimerization of DAI that might facilitate DNA-mediated innate immune activation.

Viral targeting of DEAD box protein 3 reveals its role in TBK1/IKKɛ-mediated IRF activation

Viruses are detected by different classes of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), such as Toll-like receptors and RIG-like helicases. Engagement of PRRs leads to activation of interferon (IFN)-regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) and IRF7 through IKKepsilon and TBK1 and consequently IFN-beta induction. Vaccinia virus (VACV) encodes proteins that manipulate host signalling, sometimes by targeting uncharacterised proteins. Here, we describe a novel VACV protein, K7, which can inhibit PRR-induced IFN-beta induction by preventing TBK1/IKKepsilon-mediated IRF activation. We identified DEAD box protein 3 (DDX3) as a host target of K7. Expression of DDX3 enhanced Ifnb promoter induction by TBK1/IKKepsilon, whereas knockdown of DDX3 inhibited this, and virus- or dsRNA-induced IRF3 activation. Further, dominant-negative DDX3 inhibited virus-, dsRNA- and cytosolic DNA-stimulated Ccl5 promoter induction, which is also TBK1/IKKepsilon dependent. Both K7 binding and enhancement of Ifnb induction mapped to the N-terminus of DDX3. Furthermore, virus infection induced an association between DDX3 and IKKepsilon. Therefore, this study shows for the first time the involvement of a DEAD box helicase in TBK1/IKKepsilon-mediated IRF activation and Ifnb promoter induction.

DAI (DLM-1/ZBP1) is a cytosolic DNA sensor and an activator of innate immune response

Central to innate immunity is the sensing of pathogen-associated molecular patterns by cytosolic and membrane-associated receptors. In particular, DNA is a potent activator of immune responses during infection or tissue damage, and evidence indicates that, in addition to the membrane-associated Toll-like receptor 9, an unidentified cytosolic DNA sensor(s) can activate type I interferon (IFN) and other immune responses. Here we report on a candidate DNA sensor, previously named DLM-1 (also called Z-DNA binding protein 1 (ZBP1)), for which biological function had remained unknown; we now propose the alternative name DAI (DNA-dependent activator of IFN-regulatory factors). The artificial expression of otherwise IFN-inducible DAI (DLM-1/ZBP1) in mouse fibroblasts selectively enhances the DNA-mediated induction of type I IFN and other genes involved in innate immunity. On the other hand, RNA interference of messenger RNA for DAI (DLM-1/ZBP1) in cells inhibits this gene induction programme upon stimulation by DNA from various sources. Moreover, DAI (DLM-1/ZBP1) binds to double-stranded DNA and, by doing so, enhances its association with the IRF3 transcription factor and the TBK1 serine/threonine kinase. These observations underscore an integral role of DAI (DLM-1/ZBP1) in the DNA-mediated activation of innate immune responses, and may offer new insight into the signalling mechanisms underlying DNA-associated antimicrobial immunity and autoimmune disorders.