VRK2 inhibits the replication of infectious bursal disease virus by phosphorylating RACK1 and suppressing apoptosis.

Infectious bursal disease (IBD) is an acute, highly contagious, and immunosuppressive avian disease caused by the infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV). Despite significant efforts, the lack of knowledge about host proteins that counteract IBDV replication has hindered progress in preventing and controlling IBD in chickens. This study identifies the mitochondria-associated protein vaccinia virus-related kinase 2 (VRK2) as an inhibitor of IBDV.