Alpha interferon inhibits translation mediated by the internal ribosome entry site of six different hepatitis C virus genotypes

Hazari, S., Patil, A., Joshi, V., Sullivan, D.E., Fermin, C.D., Garry, R.F., Elliott, R.M. and Dash, S. (2005) Alpha interferon inhibits translation mediated by the internal ribosome entry site of six different hepatitis C virus genotypes. Journal of General Virology, 86(11), pp. 3047-3053. (doi: 10.1099/vir.0.81132-0)

Abstract

Certain genotypes of hepatitis C virus (HCV) respond less often than others to treatment with interferon (IFN). The mechanisms for this differential response are not known. In this report antiviral effects of IFN-α2b on translation were examined in a hepatic cell line using chimeric clones of internal ribosome entry site (IRES) sequences from six different HCV genotypes and the green fluorescence protein (GFP) gene. As a control, IFN action at the level of the IRES was examined in the presence of different cytokines. It was determined that IFN-α2b specifically inhibited the translation of GFP mediated by IRES sequences from six major HCV genotypes in a concentration-dependent manner. Other cytokines including tumour necrosis factor alpha, transforming growth factor beta 1, interleukin 1 and interleukin 6 have no inhibitory effect. The inhibition of translation in these experiments was not due to extensive intracellular degradation of IRES-GFP mRNA. These results suggest that the antiviral action of IFN-α2b blocks IRES-mediated translation and this effect is the same among HCVs of other genotypes.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Elliott, Professor Richard
• Authors: Hazari, S., Patil, A., Joshi, V., Sullivan, D.E., Fermin, C.D., Garry, R.F., Elliott, R.M., and Dash, S.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
• Journal Name: Journal of General Virology
• ISSN: 0022-1317
• ISSN (Online): 1465-2099