DNA tumor virus oncogenes antagonize the cGAS-STING DNA-sensing pathway

L Lau, EE Gray, RL Brunette, DB Stetson - Science, 2015 - science.org
L Lau, EE Gray, RL Brunette, DB Stetson
Science, 2015science.org
Cyclic guanosine monophosphate–adenosine monophosphate synthase (cGAS) detects
intracellular DNA and signals through the adapter protein STING to initiate the antiviral
response to DNA viruses. Whether DNA viruses can prevent activation of the cGAS-STING
pathway remains largely unknown. Here, we identify the oncogenes of the DNA tumor
viruses, including E7 from human papillomavirus (HPV) and E1A from adenovirus, as potent
and specific inhibitors of the cGAS-STING pathway. We show that the LXCXE motif of these …
Cyclic guanosine monophosphate–adenosine monophosphate synthase (cGAS) detects intracellular DNA and signals through the adapter protein STING to initiate the antiviral response to DNA viruses. Whether DNA viruses can prevent activation of the cGAS-STING pathway remains largely unknown. Here, we identify the oncogenes of the DNA tumor viruses, including E7 from human papillomavirus (HPV) and E1A from adenovirus, as potent and specific inhibitors of the cGAS-STING pathway. We show that the LXCXE motif of these oncoproteins, which is essential for blockade of the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor, is also important for antagonizing DNA sensing. E1A and E7 bind to STING, and silencing of these oncogenes in human tumor cells restores the cGAS-STING pathway. Our findings reveal a host-virus conflict that may have shaped the evolution of viral oncogenes.
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