Enterovirus D68 Protease 2A pro Targets TRAF3 To Subvert Host Innate Immune Responses

Abstract

Human enterovirus 68 (EV-D68) has received considerable attention recently as a global reemergent pathogen because it causes severe respiratory tract infections and acute flaccid myelitis. The nonstructural protein 2A protease (2A pro ) of EV, which functions in cleavage of host proteins, comprises an essential part of the viral immune evasion process. However, the pathogenic mechanism of EV-D68 is not fully understood. Here, we show for the first time that EV-D68 inhibited antiviral type I interferon responses by cleaving tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 3 (TRAF3). Furthermore, we identified the key cleavage site in TRAF3. Our study may suggest a new mechanism by which the 2A pro of EV facilitates subversion of host innate immune responses. These findings increase our understanding of EV-D68 infection and may help identify new antiviral targets against EV-D68.