Comparison of PB1-F2 Proximity Interactomes Reveals Functional Differences between a Human and an Avian Influenza Virus

International audience; Most influenza viruses express the PB1-F2 protein which is regarded as a virulence factor.

However, PB1-F2 behaves differently in avian and mammalian hosts, suggesting that this protein may be involved in the species barrier crossings regularly observed in influenza viruses.

To better understand the functions associated with this viral protein, we decided to compare the BioID2-derived proximity interactome of a human PB1-F2 from an H3N2 virus with that of an avian PB1-F2 from an H7N1 strain.

The results obtained reveal that the two proteins share only a few interactors and thus common functions.

The human virus protein is mainly involved in signaling by Rho GTPases while the avian virus protein is mainly involved in ribonucleoprotein complex biogenesis.

PB1-F2 H3N2 interactors include several members of the 14-3-3 protein family, a family of regulatory proteins involved in many signaling pathways.

We then validated the interaction with 14-3-3 proteins and were able to show that the association of H3N2-PB1-F2 with YWHAH increased the activity of the antiviral sensor MDA5, while H7N1-PB1-F2 had no effect.

Collectively, these results show that PB1-F2 can associate with a large range of protein complexes and exert a wide variety of functions.

Furthermore, PB1-F2 interactome differs according to the avian or human origin of the protein.