Interferon-stimulated response element (ISRE)-binding protein complex DRAF1 is activated in Sindbis virus (HR)-infected cells.

To elucidate the host cell defense mechanisms in response to Sindbis viral infection, we have started to characterize interferon (IFN)-stimulated response element (ISRE)-binding proteins activated in infected cells that are involved in the transcriptional induction of IFN type I-inducible genes. Using electromobility shift assays (EMSA), we detected several protein complexes with a human IFN-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) ISRE in extracts from virus-infected L929 cells that were absent in extracts from uninfected cells. Comigration with Newcastle disease virus-activated ISRE-binding complexes, ISRE-binding specificity, supershift experiments, and conditions of formation indicate that the complexes activated by Sindbis viral infection in L929 cells correspond to DRAF1 and ISG factor 3 (ISGF3).