Antiviral Effects of Avian Interferon-Stimulated Genes

Abstract

Interferons (IFNs) stimulate the expression of numerous IFN-stimulating genes via the Janus kinase-signal transducers and activators of the transcription (JAK-STAT) signaling pathway, which plays an important role in the host defense against viral infections. In mammals, including humans and mice, a substantial number of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) have been identified, and their molecular mechanisms have been elucidated. It is important to note that avian species are phylogenetically distant from mammals, resulting in distinct IFN-induced ISGs that may have different functions. At present, only a limited number of avian ISGs have been identified. In this review, we summarized the identified avian ISGs and their antiviral activities. As gene-editing technology is widely used in avian breeding, the identification of avian ISGs and the elucidation of their molecular mechanism may provide important support for the breeding of avians for disease resistance.

Keywords: IFN; ISG; antiviral; avian.

Figure 1

Interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) products (stars) interfere with different stages of different viral life cycles. (The image was designed using Figdraw). Abbreviations: ADAR, adenosine deaminase acting on RNA; CH25H, cholesterol 25-hydroxylase; GBP, guanylate binding protein; IFI, interferon-α-induced protein; IFIT, interferon-induced tetratricopeptide repeat; IFITM, interferon-inducible transmembrane; Mx, myxovirus resistance protein; OASL, oligoadenylate synthase-like; PKR, protein kinase R; TRIM, trimitene; ZAP, zinc finger antiviral protein.