RNA Helicase A Is an Important Host Factor Involved in Dengue Virus Replication
Yi Wanga b, Xiaoyan Chena b, Jiong Xiea b, Shili Zhoua b, Yanxia Huanga b, Yi‐Ping Lia b, Xiaobo Lia b, Chao Liua b, Junfang Hea b, Ping Zhanga b
- aDepartment of Immunology, Institute of Human Virology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- bKey Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Control, Sun Yat-Sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
Papers open inside SciRah from the original publisher or repository; SciRah never hosts them.
Abstract
Dengue, caused by dengue virus, is a rapidly spreading disease, and currently there are no treatments available. Host factors involved in the viral replication of dengue virus are potential antiviral therapeutic targets. Although RHA has been shown to promote the multiplication of several viruses, such as HIV and adenovirus, its role in the flavivirus family, including dengue virus, Japanese encephalitis virus, and emerging Zika virus, remains elusive. The current study revealed that RHA relocalized into the cytoplasm upon DENV infection and associated with viral RNA and nonstructural proteins, implying that RHA was actively engaged in the viral life cycle. We further provide evidence that RHA promoted the viral yields of DENV2 independent of its helicase activity. These findings demonstrated that RHA is a new host factor required for DENV replication and might serve as a target for antiviral drugs.