Downregulation of Toll-Like Receptor 9 Expression by Beta Human Papillomavirus 38 and Implications for Cell Cycle Control.

Unlabelled: Innate immunity is the first line of host defense against infections. Many oncogenic viruses can deregulate several immune-related pathways to guarantee the persistence of the infection. Here, we show that the cutaneous human papillomavirus 38 (HPV38) E6 and E7 oncoproteins suppress the expression of the double-stranded DNA sensor Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) in human foreskin keratinocytes (HFK), a key mediator of the antiviral innate immune host response.

Expression of the epidermodysplasia verruciformis-associated genes EVER1 and EVER2 is activated by exogenous DNA and inhibited by LMP1 oncoprotein from Epstein-Barr virus.

EVER1 and EVER2 are mutated in epidermodysplasia verruciformis patients, who are susceptible to human betapapillomavirus (HPV) infection. It is unknown whether their products control the infection of other viruses. Here, we show that the expression of both genes in B cells is activated immediately after Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, whereas at later stages, it is strongly repressed via activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway by latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1).

The T antigen locus of Merkel cell polyomavirus downregulates human Toll-like receptor 9 expression.

Establishment of a chronic infection is a key event in virus-mediated carcinogenesis. Several cancer-associated, double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) viruses act via their oncoproteins to downregulate Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9), a key receptor in the host innate immune response that senses viral or bacterial dsDNA. A novel oncogenic virus, Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), has been recently identified that causes up to 80% of Merkel cell carcinomas (MCCs).

Oncoprotein E7 from beta human papillomavirus 38 induces formation of an inhibitory complex for a subset of p53-regulated promoters.

Our previous studies on cutaneous beta human papillomavirus 38 (HPV38) E6 and E7 oncoproteins highlighted a novel activity of IκB kinase beta (IKKβ) in the nucleus of human keratinocytes, where it phosphorylates and stabilizes ΔNp73α, an antagonist of p53/p73 functions. Here, we further characterize the role of the IKKβ nuclear form. We show that IKKβ nuclear translocation and ΔNp73α accumulation are mediated mainly by HPV38 E7 oncoprotein.

NF-kappaB protects human papillomavirus type 38 E6/E7-immortalized human keratinocytes against tumor necrosis factor alpha and UV-mediated apoptosis.

Constitutive activation of NF-κB signaling is a key event in virus- and non-virus-induced carcinogenesis. We have previously reported that cutaneous human papillomavirus type 38 (HPV38) displays transforming properties in in vitro and in vivo experimental models. However, the involvement of NF-κB signaling in HPV38-induced cell growth transformation remains to be determined.