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Chk1 and the Host Cell DNA Damage Response as a Potential Antiviral Target in BK Polyomavirus Infection.

ABSTRACT: The human BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) is latent in the kidneys of most adults, but can be reactivated in immunosuppressed states, such as following renal transplantation. If left unchecked, BK polyomavirus nephropathy (PyVAN) and possible graft loss may result from viral destruction of tubular epithelial cells and interstitial fibrosis. When coupled with regular post-transplant screening, immunosuppression reduction has been effective in limiting BKPyV viremia and the development of PyVAN. Antiviral drugs that are safe and effective in combating BKPyV have not been identified but would be a benefit in complementing or replacing immunosuppression reduction. The present study explores inhibition of the host DNA damage response (DDR) as an antiviral strategy. Immunohistochemical and immunofluorescent analyses of PyVAN biopsies provide evidence for stimulation of a DDR in vivo. DDR pathways were also stimulated in vitro following BKPyV infection of low-passage human renal proximal tubule epithelial cells. The role of Chk1, a protein kinase known to be involved in the replication stress-induced DDR, was examined by inhibition with the small molecule LY2603618 and by siRNA-mediated knockdown. Inhibition of Chk1 resulted in decreased replication of BKPyV DNA and viral spread. Activation of mitotic pathways was associated with the reduction in BKPyV replication. Chk1 inhibitors that are found to be safe and effective in clinical trials for cancer should also be evaluated for antiviral activity against BKPyV.

SUBMITTER: Hainley LE

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8310304 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Project description:UNLABELLED:BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) reactivation is associated with severe human disease in kidney and bone marrow transplant patients. The interplay between viral and host factors that regulates the productive infection process remains poorly understood. We have previously reported that the cellular DNA damage response (DDR) is activated upon lytic BKPyV infection and that its activation is required for optimal viral replication in primary kidney epithelial cells. In this report, we set out to determine what viral components are responsible for activating the two major phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-like kinases (PI3KKs) involved in the DDR: ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) kinase and ATM and Rad3-related (ATR) kinase. Using a combination of UV treatment, lentivirus transduction, and mutant virus infection experiments, our results demonstrate that neither the input virus nor the expression of large T antigen (TAg) alone is sufficient to trigger the activation of ATM or ATR in our primary culture model. Instead, our data suggest that the activation of both the ATM- and ATR-mediated DDR pathways is linked to viral DNA replication. Intriguingly, a TAg mutant virus that is unable to activate the DDR causes substantial host DNA damage. Our study provides insight into how DDRs are activated by polyomaviruses in primary cells with intact cell cycle checkpoints and how the activation might be linked to the maintenance of host genome stability. IMPORTANCE:Polyomaviruses are opportunistic pathogens that are associated with several human diseases under immunosuppressed conditions. BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) affects mostly kidney and bone marrow transplant patients. The detailed replication mechanism of these viruses remains to be determined. We have previously reported that BKPyV activates the host DNA damage response (DDR), a response normally used by the host cell to combat genotoxic stress, to aid its own replication. In this study, we identified that the trigger for DDR activation is viral replication. Furthermore, we show that the virus is able to cause host DNA damage in the absence of viral replication and DDR activation. These results suggest an intricate relationship between viral replication, DDR activation, and host genome instability.

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Chk1 and the Host Cell DNA Damage Response as a Potential Antiviral Target in BK Polyomavirus Infection.

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