Unconjugated interferon ‐stimulated gene 15 specifically interacts with the hepatitis C virus NS5A protein via domain I

AbSTRACT Interferon‐stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) is a ubiquitin‐like protein induced by type I interferon. Although several groups have reported ISGylation of the HCV NS5A protein, it is still unclear whether ISGylation of NS5A has anti‐viral or pro‐viral effects in HCV infection. In the present study, we examined the role of ISGylation‐independent, unconjugated ISG15 in HCV infection. Immunoprecipitation analyses revealed that ISG15 specifically interacted with NS5A domain I. The ISG15 mutants lacking a C‐terminal glycine residue essential for ISGylation still interacted with NS5A protein. Taken together, these results suggest that unconjugated ISG15 may affect the functions of HCV NS5A through protein‐protein interaction.

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/resolve/doi?DOI=10.1111%2F1348-0421.12493

Source: Microbiology and Immunology - May 1, 2017 Category: Microbiology Authors: Nanae Minami, Takayuki Abe, Lin Deng, Chieko Matsui, Takasuke Fukuhara, Yoshiharu Matsuura, Ikuo Shoji Tags: Note Source Type: research