The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) E1 protein regulates the expression of cellular genes involved in immune response

Sci Rep. 2019 Sep 20;9(1):13620. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-49886-4.

Abstract

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) E1 protein is the only viral protein with enzymatic activity. The main known function of this protein is the regulation of the viral DNA replication. Nevertheless, it has been demonstrated that the ablation of HPV18 E1 mRNA in HeLa cells promotes a deregulation of several genes, particularly those involved in host defense mechanisms against viral infections; however, the specific contribution of E1 protein in HPV-independent context has not been studied. The aim of this work was to determine the effect of the HPV E1 protein in the regulation of cellular gene expression profiles evaluated through RNA-seq. We found that E1 proteins from HPV16 and 18 induced an overexpression of different set of genes associated with proliferation and differentiation processes, as well as downregulation of immune response genes, including IFNβ1 and IFNλ1 and Interferon-stimulated gene (ISG), which are important components involved in the antiviral immune response. Together, our results indicate that HR-(High-Risk) and LR-(Low-Risk) HPV E1 proteins play an important role in inhibiting the anti-viral immune response.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Differentiation / genetics
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • DNA Replication / genetics
  • DNA, Viral / genetics
  • Gene Expression / genetics
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Viral / genetics
  • HeLa Cells
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions
  • Human papillomavirus 16 / genetics
  • Human papillomavirus 18 / genetics
  • Humans
  • Oncogene Proteins, Viral / genetics
  • Oncogene Proteins, Viral / metabolism*
  • Papillomaviridae / genetics*
  • Papillomaviridae / immunology
  • Papillomavirus Infections / genetics
  • Viral Proteins / genetics
  • Virus Replication / genetics

Substances

  • DNA, Viral
  • E1 protein, Human papillomavirus 16
  • Oncogene Proteins, Viral
  • Viral Proteins
  • oncogene protein E1, Human papillomavirus type 18