The Zika virus NS5 protein binds HSP90 to suppress EGF-induced Akt signaling and trophoblast cell migration.

Zika virus (ZIKV) infection during pregnancy can cause congenital Zika virus syndrome (CZV), including fetal growth restriction and death. In the developing placenta, trophoblast cells respond to epidermal growth factor (EGF) to migrate into the decidua to facilitate implantation and fetal development. EGF activates the Akt protein kinase, a master regulator of trophoblast cell migration.

Cellular RNA interacts with MAVS to promote antiviral signaling.

Antiviral signaling downstream of RIG-I-like receptors (RLRs) proceeds through a multi-protein complex organized around the adaptor protein mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein (MAVS). Protein complex function can be modulated by RNA molecules that provide allosteric regulation or act as molecular guides or scaffolds. We hypothesized that RNA plays a role in organizing MAVS signaling platforms.

Type I IFN induces long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 1 to generate a phosphatidic acid reservoir for lipotoxic saturated fatty acids.

Long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 1 (ACSL1) catalyzes the conversion of long-chain fatty acids to acyl-CoAs. ACSL1 is required for β-oxidation in tissues that rely on fatty acids as fuel, but no consensus exists on why ACSL1 is induced by inflammatory mediators in immune cells. We used a comprehensive and unbiased approach to investigate the role of ACSL1 induction by interferon type I (IFN-I) in myeloid cells in vitro and in a mouse model of IFN-I overproduction.

Unraveling the Complexity of Chikungunya Virus Infection Immunological and Genetic Insights in Acute and Chronic Patients.

: The chikungunya virus (CHIKV), transmitted by infected Aedes mosquitoes, has caused a significant number of infections worldwide. In Brazil, the emergence of the CHIKV-ECSA genotype in 2014 posed a major public health challenge due to its association with more severe symptoms. : This study aimed to shed new light on the host immune response by examining the whole-blood transcriptomic profile of both CHIKV-acute and chronically infected individuals from Feira de Santana, Bahia, Brazil, a region heavily affected by CHIKV, Dengue, and Zika virus epidemics.