Viruses transfer the antiviral second messenger cGAMP between cells

• Autores: Adam J. Bridgeman, J. Maelfait, T. Davenne
• Localización: Science, ISSN 0036-8075, Vol. 349, Nº 6253, 2015, págs. 1228-1232
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • Cyclic GMP–AMP synthase (cGAS) detects cytosolic DNA during virus infection and induces an antiviral state. cGAS signals by synthesis of a second messenger, cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP), which activates stimulator of interferon genes (STING). We show that cGAMP is incorporated into viral particles, including lentivirus and herpesvirus virions, when these are produced in cGAS-expressing cells. Virions transferred cGAMP to newly infected cells and triggered a STING-dependent antiviral program. These effects were independent of exosomes and viral nucleic acids. Our results reveal a way by which a signal for innate immunity is transferred between cells, potentially accelerating and broadening antiviral responses. Moreover, infection of dendritic cells with cGAMP-loaded lentiviruses enhanced their activation. Loading viral vectors with cGAMP therefore holds promise for vaccine development.