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SLC29A3, also known as ENT3, is a lysosomal transmembrane protein that transports nucleosides from the lysosomes to the cytoplasm1. Loss-of-function mutations inSLC29A3cause lysosomal nucleoside storage and histiocytosis: phagocyte accumulation in multiple organs2,3. However, little is known about the mechanism through which lysosomal nucleoside storage drives histiocytosis. Herein, histiocytosis inSlc29a3−/−mice was demonstrated to depend on TLR7, which senses a combination of nucleosides and oligoribonucleotides4,5. TLR7 responded to lysosomal nucleoside storage and enhanced proliferation of Ly6ChiCX3CR1lowimmature monocytes and their maturation into Ly6Clowphagocytes inSlc29a3−/−mice. Because accumulated nucleosides primarily originated from cell corpse phagocytosis, TLR7 in immature monocytes recognized nucleoside storage as lysosomal stress and increased phagocyte numbers. This non-inflammatory compensatory response is referred to as the TLR7 stress response where Syk, GSK3β, β-catenin, and mTORC1 serve as downstream signalling molecules. In SLC29A3 disorders, histiocytosis accompanies inflammation6,7. Nucleoside storage failed to induce pro-inflammatory cytokine production inSlc29a3−/−mice, but enhanced ssRNA-dependent pro-inflammatory cytokine production in Ly6Chiclassical monocytes and peripheral macrophages, not proliferating immature monocytes. Patient-derived monocytes harbouring G208RSLC29A3mutation showed higher survival and proliferation in the presence of M-CSF and produced larger amounts of IL-6 upon ssRNA stimulation than did those derived from healthy subjects. A TLR8 antagonist inhibited the survival/proliferation of patient-derived macrophages. These results demonstrated that TLR7/8 responses to lysosomal nucleoside stress drive SLC29A3 disorders.

While a common symptom of influenza and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is fever, its physiological role on host resistance to viral infection remains less clear. Here, we demonstrate that exposure of mice to the high ambient temperature of 36 °C increase host resistance to viral pathogens including influenza virus and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). High heat-exposed mice increase basal body temperature over 38 °C to enable more bile acids production in a gut microbiota-dependent manner. The gut microbiota-derived deoxycholic acid (DCA) and its plasma membrane-bound receptor Takeda G-protein-coupled receptor 5 (TGR5) signaling increase host resistance to influenza virus infection by suppressing virus replication and neutrophil-dependent tissue damage. Furthermore, the DCA and its nuclear farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonist protect Syrian hamster from lethal SARS-CoV-2 infection. Moreover, we demonstrate that certain bile acids are reduced in the plasma of COVID-19 patients who developed moderate I/II disease compared with minor illness group. These findings uncover an unexpected mechanism by which virus-induced high fever increases host resistance to influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2 in a gut microbiota-dependent manner.

While a common symptom of influenza and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is fever, its physiological role on host resistance to viral infection remains less clear. Here, we demonstrate that exposure of mice to the high ambient temperature of 36 °C increase host resistance to viral pathogens including influenza virus and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). High heat-exposed mice increase basal body temperature over 38 °C to enable more bile acids production in a gut microbiota-dependent manner. The microbiota-derived deoxycholic acid (DCA) and its plasma membrane-bound receptor Takeda G-protein-coupled receptor 5 (TGR5) signaling increase host resistance to influenza virus infection by suppressing virus replication and neutrophil-dependent tissue damage. Furthermore, the DCA and its nuclear farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonist protect Syrian hamster from lethal SARS-CoV-2 infection. Moreover, we demonstrate that certain bile acids are reduced in the plasma of COVID-19 patients who developed moderate I/II disease compared with minor illness group. These findings uncover an unexpected mechanism by which virus-induced high fever increases host resistance to influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2 in a microbiota-dependent manner.

In order to reduce infection risk of novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), we developed photocatalysts with nanoscale rutile TiO2 (4–8 nm) and CuxO (1–2 nm or less). Their extraordinarily small size leads to high dispersity and good optical transparency, besides large active surface area. Those photocatalysts can be applied to white and translucent latex paints and a transparent varnish. Although Cu2O clusters involved in the paint coating undergo gradual aerobic oxidation in the dark, the oxidized clusters are re-reduced under >380 nm light. The paint coating inactivated novel coronavirus and its alpha (B.1.1.7) variant under irradiation with fluorescent light for 3 h. The coating also exhibited antivirus effects on influenza A virus, feline calicivirus and bacteriophage Qβ. The photocatalysts would be applied to practical coatings and lower the risk of coronavirus infection via solid surfaces.

Significance Immunogenic damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), typically released from dying cells, can evoke chronic inflammatory or autoimmune disorders via their activation of innate immune receptors. Since an association of RNA-sensing Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) signaling with autoimmunity is well-documented, identification of a DAMP(s) that triggers TLR7 is critical to understanding the disease pathogenesis. By generating the synthetic compound KN69 that inhibits autoimmunity in mouse models, we identified U11 small nuclear RNA (U11snRNA) as a target of KN69 and strong activator of TLR7. We found a correlation between high serum level of U11snRNA and autoimmune diseases in human subjects and mouse models. Finally, we generated TLR7 agonists and TLR7 antagonists. Our study provides therapeutic insight into autoimmunity and other diseases., The activation of innate immune receptors by pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) is central to host defense against infections. On the other hand, these receptors are also activated by immunogenic damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), typically released from dying cells, and the activation can evoke chronic inflammatory or autoimmune disorders. One of the best known receptors involved in the immune pathogenesis is Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7), which recognizes RNA with single-stranded structure. However, the causative DAMP RNA(s) in the pathogenesis has yet to be identified. Here, we first developed a chemical compound, termed KN69, that suppresses autoimmunity in several established mouse models. A subsequent search for KN69-binding partners led to the identification of U11 small nuclear RNA (U11snRNA) as a candidate DAMP RNA involved in TLR7-induced autoimmunity. We then showed that U11snRNA robustly activated the TLR7 pathway in vitro and induced arthritis disease in vivo. We also found a correlation between high serum level of U11snRNA and autoimmune diseases in human subjects and established mouse models. Finally, by revealing the structural basis for U11snRNA’s ability to activate TLR7, we developed more potent TLR7 agonists and TLR7 antagonists, which may offer new therapeutic approaches for autoimmunity or other immune-driven diseases. Thus, our study has revealed a hitherto unknown immune function of U11snRNA, providing insight into TLR7-mediated autoimmunity and its potential for further therapeutic applications.

Cytosolic mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) activates cGAS-mediated antiviral immune responses, but the mechanism by which RNA viruses stimulate mtDNA release remains unknown. Here we show that viroporin activity of influenza virus M2 or encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) 2B protein triggers translocation of mtDNA into the cytosol in a MAVS-dependent manner. Although influenza virus-induced cytosolic mtDNA stimulates cGAS- and DDX41-dependent innate immune responses, the nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) of influenza virus associates with mtDNA to evade the STING-dependent antiviral immunity. The STING-dependent antiviral signaling is amplified in neighboring cells through gap junctions. In addition, we find that STING-dependent recognition of influenza virus is essential for limiting virus replication in vivo. Our results show a mechanism by which influenza virus stimulates mtDNA release and highlight the importance of DNA sensing pathway in limiting influenza virus replication., Cytosolic mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) plays a role in innate antiviral immunity but how this is triggered during infection remains unclear. Here, the authors provide evidence that the Influenza virus protein M2 stimulates translocation of mtDNA into the cytosol in a MAVS-dependent manner.

RNase T2, a ubiquitously expressed RNase, degrades RNAs in the endosomal compartments. RNA sensors, double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-sensing Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) and single-stranded RNA (ssRNA)-sensing TLR7, are localized in the endosomal compartment in mouse macrophages. We here studied the role of RNase T2 in TLR3 and TLR7 responses in macrophages. Macrophages expressed RNase T2 and a member of the RNase A family RNase 4. RNase T2 was also expressed in plasmacytoid and conventional dendritic cells. Treatment with dsRNAs or type I interferon (IFN) up-regulated expression of RNase T2 but not RNase 4. RNase T2-deficiency in macrophages up-regulated TLR3 responses but impaired TLR7 responses. Mechanistically, RNase T2 degraded both dsRNAs and ssRNAs in vitro, and its mutants showed a positive correlation between RNA degradation and the rescue of altered TLR3 and TLR7 responses. H122A and C188R RNase T2 mutations, not H69A and E118V mutations, impaired both RNA degradation and the rescue of altered TLR3 and TLR7 responses. RNase T2 in bone marrow-derived macrophages was broadly distributed from early endosomes to lysosomes, and colocalized with the internalized TLR3 ligand poly(I:C). These results suggest that RNase T2-dependent RNA degradation in endosomes/lysosomes negatively and positively regulates TLR3 and TLR7 responses, respectively, in macrophages.

Background: Gut microbiota and these microbial-derived products play a critical role in the induction of adaptive immune responses to influenza virus infection. However, the role of nasal bacteria in the induction of the virus-specific adaptive immunity is less clear. Here, we examine whether nasal bacteria critically regulates the generation of influenza virus specific adaptive immune response after infection or intranasal vaccination. Results: We demonstrated that disruption of nasal bacteria by topical mucosal application of antibiotic enhances the virus-specific antibody responses to influenza virus infection. Although intranasal administration of hemagglutinin (HA) vaccine alone was insufficient to induce the HA-specific antibody responses, disruption of nasal bacteria by lysozyme or addition of culturable oral bacteria from a healthy human volunteer rescued inability of the nasal bacteria to generate antibody responses to intranasally administered split-virus vaccines. Myd88-depdnent signaling in the hematopoietic compartment was required for adjuvant activity of intranasally administered oral bacteria. In addition, we found that the oral bacteria-combined intranasal vaccine induced protective antibody response to influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2 infection.Conclusion: We show for the first time that disruption of nasal bacteria enhances protective immune responses to influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our findings here have identified a previously unappreciated role for nasal bacteria in the induction of the virus-specific adaptive immune responses.

Toll-like receptor 8 (TLR8), a sensor for pathogen-derived single-stranded RNA (ssRNA), binds to uridine (Uri) and ssRNA to induce defense responses. We here show that cytidine (Cyd) with ssRNA also activated TLR8 in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) and a myeloid cell line U937, but not in an embryonic kidney cell line 293T. Cyd deaminase (CDA), an enzyme highly expressed in leukocytes, deaminates Cyd to Uri. CDA expression enabled TLR8 response to Cyd and ssRNA in 293T cells. CDA deficiency and a CDA inhibitor both reduced TLR8 responses to Cyd and ssRNA in U937. The CDA inhibitor also reduced PBL response to Cyd and ssRNA. A Cyd analogue, azacytidine, is used for the therapy of myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia. Azacytidine with ssRNA induced tumor necrosis factor-α expression in U937 and PBLs in a manner dependent on CDA and TLR8. These results suggest that CDA enables TLR8 activation by Cyd or its analogues with ssRNA through deaminating activity. Nucleoside metabolism might impact TLR8 responses in a variety of situations such as the treatment with nucleoside analogues.

Fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4), a cytosolic lipid chaperone predominantly expressed in adipocytes and macrophages, modulates lipid fluxes, trafficking, signaling, and metabolism. Recent studies have demonstrated that FABP4 regulates metabolic and inflammatory pathways, and in mouse models its inhibition can improve type 2 diabetes mellitus and atherosclerosis. However, the role of FABP4 in bacterial infection, metabolic crosstalk between host and pathogen, and bacterial pathogenesis have not been studied. As an obligate intracellular pathogen, Chlamydia pneumoniae needs to obtain nutrients such as ATP and lipids from host cells. Here, we show that C. pneumoniae successfully infects and proliferates in murine adipocytes by inducing hormone sensitive lipase (HSL)-mediated lipolysis. Chemical inhibition or genetic manipulation of HSL significantly abrogated the intracellular growth of C. pneumoniae in adipocytes. Liberated free fatty acids were utilized to generate ATP via β-oxidation, which C. pneumoniae usurped for its replication. Strikingly, chemical inhibition or genetic silencing of FABP4 significantly abrogated C. pneumoniae infection-induced lipolysis and mobilization of liberated FFAs, resulting in reduced bacterial growth in adipocytes. Collectively, these results demonstrate that C. pneumoniae exploits host FABP4 to facilitate fat mobilization and intracellular replication in adipocytes. This work uncovers a novel strategy used by intracellular pathogens for acquiring energy via hijacking of the host lipid metabolism pathway.

The cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response plays a key role in host recovery from influenza virus infection and in subsequent immunity. Compared to natural infection with influenza virus, however, intranasal vaccination with adjuvant-combined inactivated vaccine elicits only moderate CTL responses. Here we demonstrate that 5 days of consecutive, intranasal vaccination with a combination of inactivated influenza vaccine and poly(I:C) elicits a strong CTL response in the lung. Antigen-captured respiratory DCs did efficiently migrate from the lung to the mediastinal lymph node (mLN) after the 5 day series of inoculations with vaccine and poly(I:C). Importantly, formalin-inactivated whole virus vaccine and poly(I:C) adjuvant have synergic effects on consecutive vaccinations to elicit a strong CTL response in the lung. Although the CTL response was less effective against heterologous influenza virus, we show for the first time that intranasal administration of inactivated influenza virus vaccine and poly(I:C) for 5 consecutive days can elicit high levels of influenza virus-specific CD8+ T cells in the lung.

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) sense viral RNA through toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7), form self-adhesive pDC–pDC clusters, and produce type I interferons. This cell adhesion enhances type I interferon production, but little is known about the underlying mechanisms. Here we show that MyD88-dependent TLR7 signaling activates CD11a/CD18 integrin to induce microtubule elongation. TLR7+ lysosomes then become linked with these microtubules through the GTPase Arl8b and its effector SKIP/Plekhm2, resulting in perinuclear to peripheral relocalization of TLR7. The type I interferon signaling molecules TRAF3, IKKα, and mTORC1 are constitutively associated in pDCs. TLR7 localizes to mTORC1 and induces association of TRAF3 with the upstream molecule TRAF6. Finally, type I interferons are secreted in the vicinity of cell–cell contacts between clustered pDCs. These results suggest that TLR7 needs to move to the cell periphery to induce robust type I interferon responses in pDCs., Antiviral immune responses involve clustering of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) in response to endosomal TLR7-mediated sensing of viral RNA. Here the authors show the GTPase Arl8b controls translocation of TLR7+ endosomes to the periphery of the cell via microtubule interactions, thus enabling pDC clustering and type I interferon production.

Mucosal immunity induced through natural infection by influenza virus has potent cross-protective activity, compared to subcutaneous vaccination-induced systemic immunity. Compared to natural infection with influenza virus, however, a single intranasal vaccination with an inactivated influenza virus vaccine and poly(I:C) is not sufficient to induce primary immune response in naïve animals. The reasons for this moderate effect are not fully understood. Here, we demonstrated that intranasal vaccination with formalin-inactivated influenza virus vaccine and poly(I:C) for five consecutive days elicits high levels of virus-specific nasal IgA and serum IgG responses, while vaccination without poly(I:C) induced little response. Mice immunized with influenza virus vaccine and poly(I:C) for five consecutive days sustained high levels of virus-specific IgA in nasal wash and IgG in serum until at least 6months after vaccination. Furthermore, intranasal vaccination with influenza virus vaccine and poly(I:C) protected mice against homologous and heterologous influenza virus challenge. These results suggest that consecutive inoculations of influenza virus vaccine and poly(I:C) is an alternative method to induce primary immune responses in naïve subjects.

A lysosomal transmembrane protein SLC29A3 transports nucleosides from lysosomes to the cytoplasm. Loss-of-function mutations of the SLC29A3 gene cause lysosomal nucleoside storage in monocyte/macrophages, leading to their accumulation called histiocytosis in humans and mice. Little is known, however, about a mechanism behind nucleoside-dependent histiocytosis. TLR7, an innate immune sensors for single stranded RNA, bind and respond to nucleosides. We here show that they drive nucleoside-mediated histiocytosis. Patrolling monocyte/macrophages accumulate in the spleen of Slc29a3−/− mice but not Slc29a3−/−Tlr7−/− mice. Accumulated patrolling monocyte/macrophages stored nucleosides derived from cell corpse. TLR7 was recruited to phagosomes and activated as evidenced by TLR7-dependent phagosomal maturation. TLR7 induced hyper-responsiveness to M-CSF in Slc29a3−/− monocyte/macrophages. These results suggest that TLR7 drives histiocytosis in SLC29A3 disorders.One Sentence SummarySLC29A3 disorders are caused by activation of TLR7 with accumulated nucleosides in lysosomes.

Nod-like receptor family, pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) regulates the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) and IL-18. We previously showed that influenza virus M2 or encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) 2B proteins stimulate IL-1β secretion following activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. However, the mechanism by which severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) activates the NLRP3 inflammasome remains unknown. Here, we provide direct evidence that SARS-CoV 3a protein activates the NLRP3 inflammasome in lipopolysaccharide-primed macrophages. SARS-CoV 3a was sufficient to cause the NLRP3 inflammasome activation. The ion channel activity of the 3a protein was essential for 3a-mediated IL-1β secretion. While cells uninfected or infected with a lentivirus expressing a 3a protein defective in ion channel activity expressed NLRP3 uniformly throughout the cytoplasm, NLRP3 was redistributed to the perinuclear space in cells infected with a lentivirus expressing the 3a protein. K+ efflux and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species were important for SARS-CoV 3a-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation. These results highlight the importance of viroporins, transmembrane pore-forming viral proteins, in virus-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

Flaviviruses bear class II fusion proteins as their envelope (E) proteins. Here, we describe the development of an in vitro quantitative mosquito-cell-based membrane-fusion assay for the E protein using dual split proteins (DSPs). The assay does not involve the use of live viruses and allows the analysis of a membrane-fusion step independent of other events in the viral lifecycle, such as endocytosis. The progress of membrane fusion can be monitored continuously by measuring the activities of Renilla luciferase derived from the reassociation of DSPs during cell fusion. We optimized the assay to screen an FDA-approved drug library for a potential membrane fusion inhibitor using the E protein of Zika virus. Screening results identified atovaquone, which was previously described as an antimalarial agent. Atovaquone potently blocked the in vitro Zika virus infection of mammalian cells with an IC90 of 2.1 &micro, M. Furthermore, four distinct serotypes of dengue virus were also inhibited by atovaquone with IC90 values of 1.6&ndash, 2.5 &micro, M, which is a range below the average blood concentration of atovaquone after its oral administration in humans. These findings make atovaquone a likely candidate drug to treat illnesses caused by Zika as well as dengue viruses. Additionally, the DSP assay is useful to study the mechanism of membrane fusion in Flaviviruses.

The nonstructural protein (NSs) of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome phlebovirus (SFTSV) sequesters TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) into NSs-induced cytoplasmic structures to inhibit the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of interferon (IFN) regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) and subsequent interferon beta (IFN-β) production. Although the C-terminal region of SFTSV NSs (NSs(66–249)) has been linked to the formation of NSs-induced cytoplasmic structures and inhibition of host IFN-β responses, the role of the N-terminal region in antagonizing host antiviral responses remains to be defined. Here, we demonstrate that two conserved amino acids at positions 21 and 23 in the SFTSV and heartland virus (HRTV) NSs are essential for suppression of IRF3 phosphorylation and IFN-β mRNA expression following infection with SFTSV or recombinant influenza virus lacking the NS1 gene. Surprisingly, formation of SFTSV/HRTV NSs-induced cytoplasmic structures is not essential for inhibition of host antiviral responses. Rather, an association between SFTSV/HRTV NSs and TBK1 is required for suppression of mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein (MAVS)-mediated activation of IFN-β promoter activity. Although SFTSV NSs did not prevent the ubiquitination of TBK1, it associates with TBK1 through its N-terminal kinase domain (residues 1 to 307) to block the autophosphorylation of TBK1. Furthermore, we found that both wild-type NSs and the 21/23A mutant (NSs in which residues at positions 21 and 23 were replaced with alanine) of SFTSV suppressed NLRP3 inflammasome-dependent interleukin-1β (IL-1β) secretion, suggesting that the importance of these residues is restricted to TBK1-dependent IFN signaling. Together, our findings strongly implicate the two conserved amino acids at positions 21 and 23 of SFTSV/HRTV NSs in the inhibition of host interferon responses. IMPORTANCE Recognition of viruses by host innate immune systems plays a critical role not only in providing resistance to viral infection but also in the initiation of antigen-specific adaptive immune responses against viruses. Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is a newly emerging infectious disease caused by the SFTS phlebovirus (SFTSV), a highly pathogenic tick-borne phlebovirus. The 294-amino-acid nonstructural protein (NSs) of SFTSV associates with TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1), a key regulator of host innate antiviral immunity, to inhibit interferon beta (IFN-β) production and enhance viral replication. Here, we demonstrate that two conserved amino acids at positions 21 and 23 in the NSs of SFTSV and heartland virus, another tick-borne phlebovirus, are essential for association with TBK1 and suppression of IFN-β production. Our results provide important insight into the molecular mechanisms by which SFTSV NSs helps to counteract host antiviral strategies.

Inflammasomes are multiprotein complexes that induce downstream immune responses to specific pathogens, environmental stimuli, and host cell damage. Components of specific viruses activate different inflammasomes; for example, the influenza A virus M2 protein and encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) 2B protein activate the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor family pyrin domain (PYD)-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, whereas viral double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) activates the retinoic acid inducible gene-I (RIG-I) inflammasome. Once activated in response to viral infection, inflammasomes induce the activation of caspases and the release of mature forms of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18. Here we review the association between viral infection and inflammasome activation. Identifying the mechanisms underlying virus-induced inflammasome activation is important if we are to develop novel therapeutic strategies to target viruses.

Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) is the most common cause of sporadic viral encephalitis, which can be lethal or result in severe neurological defects even with antiviral therapy. While HSV-1 causes encephalitis in spite of HSV-1-specific humoral and cellular immunity, the mechanism by which HSV-1 evades the immune system in the central nervous system (CNS) remains unknown. Here we describe a strategy by which HSV-1 avoids immune targeting in the CNS. The HSV-1 UL13 kinase promotes evasion of HSV-1-specific CD8+ T cell accumulation in infection sites by downregulating expression of the CD8+ T cell attractant chemokine CXCL9 in the CNS of infected mice, leading to increased HSV-1 mortality due to encephalitis. Direct injection of CXCL9 into the CNS infection site enhanced HSV-1-specific CD8+ T cell accumulation, leading to marked improvements in the survival of infected mice. This previously uncharacterized strategy for HSV-1 evasion of CD8+ T cell accumulation in the CNS has important implications for understanding the pathogenesis and clinical treatment of HSV-1 encephalitis.

The cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response plays a key role in host recovery from influenza virus infection and in subsequent immunity. Compared to natural infection with influenza virus, however, intranasal vaccination with adjuvant-combined inactivated vaccine elicits only moderate CTL responses. Here we demonstrate that 5 days of consecutive, intranasal vaccination with a combination of inactivated influenza vaccine and poly(I:C) elicits a strong CTL response in the lung. Antigen-captured respiratory DCs did efficiently migrate from the lung to the mediastinal lymph node (mLN) after the 5 day series of inoculations with vaccine and poly(I:C). Importantly, formalin-inactivated whole virus vaccine and poly(I:C) adjuvant have synergic effects on consecutive vaccinations to elicit a strong CTL response in the lung. Although the CTL response was less effective against heterologous influenza virus, we show for the first time that intranasal administration of inactivated influenza virus vaccine and poly(I:C) for 5 consecutive days can elicit high levels of influenza virus-specific CD8

Immune responses to vaccines require direct recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) through pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs) on dendritic cells (DCs). Unlike vaccination, infection by a live pathogen often impairs DC function and inflicts additional damage on the host. Here we found that after infection with live influenza A virus, signaling through the interleukin 1 receptor (IL-1R) was required for productive priming of CD8(+) T cells, but signaling through the PRRs TLR7 and RIG-I was not. DCs activated by IL-1 in trans were both required and sufficient for the generation of virus-specific CD8(+) T cell immunity. Our data demonstrate a critical role for a bystander cytokine in the priming of CD8(+) T cells during infection with a live virus.

Understanding the mechanisms by which influenza viruses are recognized by the innate immune system to elicit a protective adaptive immune response is essential for the development of effective vaccines. We have demonstrated that synthetic double-stranded RNA poly(I:C) is an effective adjuvant for intranasal influenza vaccine. Furthermore, we found that influenza virus activated the NLR family, pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome via its M2 protein. Inflammasome activation in the lung coupled with priming signals from the commensal microbiota in the gut are essential for the generation of influenza virus-specific adaptive immune responses. These results provide a useful basis for developing effective vaccines against influenza viruses.

Inflammasomes are cytosolic multimolecular protein complexes that stimulate the activation of caspase-1 and the release of mature forms of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18. We previously demonstrated that the influenza A virus M2 protein stimulates IL-1β secretion following activation of the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. The nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) of influenza virus inhibits caspase-1 activation and IL-1β secretion. However, the precise mechanism by which NS1 inhibits IL-1β secretion remains unknown. Here, we showed that J774A.1 macrophages stably expressing the NS1 protein inhibited IL-1β secretion after infection with recombinant influenza virus lacking the NS1 gene. Coimmunoprecipitation assay revealed that the NS1 protein interacts with NLRP3. Importantly, the NS1 protein inhibited the NLRP3/ASC-induced single-speck formation required for full activation of inflammasomes. The NS1 protein of other influenza virus strains, including a recent pandemic strain, also inhibited inflammasome-mediated IL-1β secretion. The NS1 RNA-binding domain (basic residues 38 and 41) and TRIM25-binding domain (acidic residues 96 and 97) were required for suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated IL-1β secretion. These results shed light on a mechanism by which the NS1 protein of influenza virus suppresses NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated IL-1β secretion. IMPORTANCE Innate immune sensing of influenza virus via pattern recognition receptors not only plays a key role in generating type I interferons but also triggers inflammatory responses. We previously demonstrated that the influenza A virus M2 protein activates the NLRP3 inflammasome, leading to the secretion of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18 following the activation of caspase-1. Although the nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) of influenza virus inhibits IL-1β secretion, the precise mechanism by which it achieves this remains to be defined. Here, we demonstrate that the NS1 protein interacts with NLRP3 to suppress NLRP3 inflammasome activation. J774A.1 macrophages stably expressing the NS1 protein suppressed NLRP3-mediated IL-1β secretion. The NS1 RNA-binding domain (basic residues 38 and 41) and TRIM25-binding domain (acidic residues 96 and 97) are important for suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated IL-1β secretion. These results will facilitate the development of new anti-inflammatory drugs.

Inflammasomes are cytosolic protein complexes that stimulate the activation of caspase-1, which in turn induces the secretion of the inflammatory cytokines Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18. Recent studies have indicated that the inflammasome known as the NOD-like-receptor-family, pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome recognizes several RNA viruses, including the influenza and encephalomyocarditis viruses, whereas the retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) inflammasome may detect vesicular stomatitis virus. We demonstrate that measles virus (MV) infection induces caspase-1-dependent IL-1β secretion in the human macrophage-like cell line THP-1. Gene knockdown experiments indicated that IL-1β secretion in MV-infected THP-1 cells was mediated by the NLRP3 inflammasome but not the RIG-I inflammasome. MV produces the nonstructural V protein, which has been shown to antagonize host innate immune responses. The recombinant MV lacking the V protein induced more IL-1β than the parental virus. THP-1 cells stably expressing the V protein suppressed NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated IL-1β secretion. Furthermore, coimmunoprecipitation assays revealed that the V protein interacts with NLRP3 through its carboxyl-terminal domain. NLRP3 was located in cytoplasmic granular structures in THP-1 cells stably expressing the V protein, but upon inflammasome activation, NLRP3 was redistributed to the perinuclear region, where it colocalized with the V protein. These results indicate that the V protein of MV suppresses NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated IL-1β secretion by directly or indirectly interacting with NLRP3.

Although commensal bacteria are crucial in maintaining immune homeostasis of the intestine, the role of commensal bacteria in immune responses at other mucosal surfaces remains less clear. Here, we show that commensal microbiota composition critically regulates the generation of virus-specific CD4 and CD8 T cells and antibody responses following respiratory influenza virus infection. By using various antibiotic treatments, we found that neomycin-sensitive bacteria are associated with the induction of productive immune responses in the lung. Local or distal injection of Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands could rescue the immune impairment in the antibiotic-treated mice. Intact microbiota provided signals leading to the expression of mRNA for pro–IL-1β and pro–IL-18 at steady state. Following influenza virus infection, inflammasome activation led to migration of dendritic cells (DCs) from the lung to the draining lymph node and T-cell priming. Our results reveal the importance of commensal microbiota in regulating immunity in the respiratory mucosa through the proper activation of inflammasomes.

Influenza A virus is the etiological agent of a highly contagious acute respiratory disease that causes epidemics and considerable mortality annually. It has become increasingly evident that influenza viral infection is recognized by at least three classes of pattern-recognition receptors, including TLR-7, the retinoic acid inducible gene-I and nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich-repeat-containing protein 3, a member of the Nod-like receptor family. This article highlights the roles of different types of innate immune receptors in influenza virus immunity versus immunopathology.

Influenza virus, a negative-stranded RNA virus that causes severe illness in humans and animals, stimulates the inflammasome through the Nod-like receptor NLRP3. However, the mechanism by which influenza virus activates the NLRP3 inflammasome is unknown. Here we show that the influenza virus M2 protein, a proton-selective ion channel important in viral pathogenesis, stimulates the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. M2 channel activity was required for the activation of inflammasomes by influenza and was sufficient to activate inflammasomes in primed macrophages and dendritic cells. M2-induced activation of inflammasomes required its localization to the Golgi apparatus and was dependent on the pH gradient. Our results show a mechanism by which influenza virus infection activates inflammasomes and identify the sensing of disturbances in intracellular ionic concentrations as a previously unknown pathogen-recognition pathway.

The synthetic double-stranded RNA polyriboinocinic polyribocytidylic acid [poly(I:C)] is a potent mucosal adjuvant in mice immunized intranasally with an inactivated influenza vaccine. In an attempt, to increase the effectiveness of a nasal poly(I:C)-combined vaccine, the effect of zymosan, a cell wall extract from Saccharomyces cervisiae was investigated, on the adjuvant activity of poly(I:C) in BALB/c mice. The addition of zymosan (10 microg) as an adjuvant in mice which were immunized intranasally with a poly(I:C) (1-5 microg)-combined vaccine (1 microg) enhanced the ability of the mice to mount an effective immune response to a lethal dose of influenza virus, and resulted in a synergistic increase in secretory IgA and serum IgG antibody levels. To define the mechanism by which zymosan enhanced the adjuvant activity of poly(I:C), bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BM-DCs) were cultured in the presence of poly(I:C) and/or zymosan. There was a synergistic increase in cytokine production (TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-10, and IFN-beta) in BM-DCs, together with an increase in the expression of co-stimulatory molecules (CD86 and CD40) in response to co-treatment with poly(I:C) and zymosan. This synergistic effect on cytokine production was mimicked by co-treatment with poly(I:C) and a Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) ligand, which represented one of the components of zymosan. The results of the current study suggest that one of the mechanisms by which zymosan enhances the adjuvant activity of poly(I:C) is through increased cytokine production by DCs involving the synergistic activation of poly(I:C)-induced TLR3- and zymosan-induced TLR2-mediated signaling pathways. J. Med. Virol. 82:476-484, 2010. (c) 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Summary The AIM2 inflammasome is activated by DNA, leading to caspase-1 activation and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and IL-18, which are critical mediators in host innate immune responses against various pathogens. Some viruses employ strategies to counteract inflammasome-mediated induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, but their in vivo relevance is less well understood. Here we show that the herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) tegument protein VP22 inhibits AIM2-dependent inflammasome activation. VP22 interacts with AIM2 and prevents its oligomerization, an initial step in AIM2 inflammasome activation. A mutant virus lacking VP22 (HSV-1ΔVP22) activates AIM2 and induces IL-1β and IL-18 secretion, but these responses are lost in the absence of AIM2. Additionally, HSV-1ΔVP22 infection results in diminished viral yields in vivo , but HSV-1ΔVP22 replication is largely restored in AIM2-deficient mice. Collectively, these findings reveal a mechanism of HSV-1 evasion of the host immune response that enables efficient viral replication in vivo .

The identification of a safe and effective adjuvant that is able to enhance mucosal immune responses is necessary for the development of an efficient inactivated intranasal influenza vaccine. The present study demonstrated the effectiveness of extracts of mycelia derived from edible mushrooms as adjuvants for intranasal influenza vaccine. The adjuvant effect of extracts of mycelia was examined by intranasal co-administration of the extracts and inactivated A/PR8 (H1N1) influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) vaccine in BALB/c mice. The inactivated vaccine in combination with mycelial extracts induced a high anti-A/PR8 HA-specific IgA and IgG response in nasal washings and serum, respectively. Virus-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocyte responses were also induced by administration of the vaccine with extract of mycelia, resulting in protection against lethal lung infection with influenza virus A/PR8. In addition, intranasal administration of NIBRG14 vaccine derived from the influenza A/Vietnam/1194/2004 (H5N1) virus strain administered in conjunction with mycelial extracts from Phellinus linteus conferred cross-protection against heterologous influenza A/Indonesia/6/2005 virus challenge in the nasal infection model. In addition, mycelial extracts induced proinflammatory cytokines and CD40 expression in bone marrow-derived dendritic cells. These results suggest that mycelial extract-adjuvanted vaccines can confer cross-protection against variant H5N1 influenza viruses. The use of extracts of mycelia derived from edible mushrooms is proposed as a new safe and effective mucosal adjuvant for use for nasal vaccination against influenza virus infection.

The NOD-like receptors (NLRs) are a family of intracellular sensors of microbial motifs and damage-associated signals that have emerged as being a crucial component of the innate immune responses and inflammation. The inflammasome is a multiprotein complex, which include NLRs, their adaptor proteins and pro-caspase-1, that stimulates caspase-1 activation to promote the processing and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin 1beta (IL-1beta), IL-18 and IL-33, as well as "pyroptosis", a form cell death induced by bacterial pathogens. Among the various inflammasomes, the NLRP3 inflammasome is triggered by diverse set of molecules and signals. Recent reports indicate that infection by certain viruses also results in inflammasome activation. Here, we review our current understanding of the mechanism by which various stimuli activate inflammasomes. Further, we discuss the role of inflammasomes in the induction of adaptive immunity against influenza virus infection.

In a nasal vaccine against influenza, the activation of natural killer T (NKT) cells by intranasal coadministration of alpha-galactosylceramide (alpha-GalCer) can potently enhance protective immune responses. The results of this study show that the NKT cell-activated nasal vaccine can induce an effective cross-protection against different strains of influenza virus, including H5 type. To analyze the mechanism of NKT cell activation by this nasal vaccine, we prepared fluorescence-labeled alpha-GalCer by which we detect a direct interaction between NKT cells and alpha-GalCer-stored dendritic cells in nasal mucosa-associated tissues. Accordingly, although very few NKT cells exist at mucosa, the nasal vaccination induced a localized increase in NKT cell population, which is partly dependent on CXCL16/CXCR6. Furthermore, we found that NKT cell activation stimulates mucosal IgA production by a mechanism that is dependent on interleukin (IL)-4 production. These results strengthen the basis of nasal vaccination via NKT cell activation, which can induce immune cross-protection.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (H5N1) is an emerging pathogen with the potential to cause great harm to humans, and there is concern about the potential for a new influenza pandemic. This virus is resistant to the antiviral effects of interferons and tumor necrosis factor-α. However, the mechanism of interferon-independent protective innate immunity is not well understood. The prophylactic effects of chitin microparticles as a stimulator of innate mucosal immunity against a recently obtained strain of H5N1 influenza virus infection were examined in mice. Clinical parameters and the survival rate of mice treated by intranasal application of chitin microparticles were significantly improved compared to non-treated mice after a lethal influenza virus challenge. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that the number of natural killer cells that expressed tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and that had migrated into the cervical lymph node was markedly increased (26-fold) after intranasal treatment with chitin microparticles. In addition, the level of IL-6 and interferon-gamma-inducible protein-10 (IP-10) in the nasal mucosa after H5N1 influenza virus challenge was decreased by prophylactic treatment with chitin microparticles. These results suggest that prophylactic intranasal administration of chitin microparticles enhanced the local accumulation of natural killer cells and suppressed hyper-induction of cytokines, resulting in an innate immune response to prevent pathogenesis of H5N1 influenza virus. J. Med. Virol. 79: 811–819, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

For the induction of mucosal immune responses by intranasal vaccination, cholera toxin B subunits (CTB) and Escherichia coli heat-labile toxin (LT) are often administered as mucosal adjuvants in order to enhance immune responses to mucosally co-administered bystander antigens. However, these toxin also are the causative agents of diarrhea. There is a demand for the establishment of an effective and safer adjuvant or vaccine that elicits mucosal immunity, but does not require the use of CTB or LT adjuvants. In order to induce protective mucosal immune responses in the nasal area against influenza virus infection, we have examined the recombinant protein composed of the complement component, C3d, which is fused to the secreted form of hemagglutinin (sHA-mC3d3) in the influenza-BALB/c mouse model. The fusion protein sHA-mC3d3, the secretory form of hemagglutinin, and the transmembrane form of HA (tmHA) from the influenza virus were intranasally administered to the mice with or without CTB containing a trace amount of holotoxin (CTB*) as an adjuvant. After intranasal administration of these proteins with CTB*, all mice produced nasal IgA and serum IgG antibodies (Abs) against the viral HA. In addition, viral infection was completely inhibited in these mice. In contrast, in the absence of the adjuvant, only sHA-mC3d3-induced locally secreted IgA and serum IgG Abs and provided complete protection against the influenza virus challenge. Thus, C3d fused to the influenza HA antigen is an effective and safe tool for mucosal vaccination.

Mitochondria contribute to cellular innate immunity against RNA viruses. Mitochondrial-mediated innate immunity is regulated by signalling molecules that are recruited to the mitochondrial membrane, and depends on the mitochondrial inner membrane potential (Δψm). Here we examine the physiological relevance of Δψm and the mitochondrial-associating influenza A viral protein PB1-F2 in innate immunity. When expressed in host cells, PB1-F2 completely translocates into the mitochondrial inner membrane space via Tom40 channels, and its accumulation accelerates mitochondrial fragmentation due to reduced Δψm. By contrast, PB1-F2 variants lacking a C-terminal polypeptide, which is frequently found in low pathogenic subtypes, do not affect mitochondrial function. PB1-F2-mediated attenuation of Δψm suppresses the RIG-I signalling pathway and activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes. PB1-F2 translocation into mitochondria strongly correlates with impaired cellular innate immunity, making this translocation event a potential therapeutic target.