DExH/D- box helicases at the frontline of intrinsic and innate immunity against viral infections

DExH/D- box helicases are essential nucleic acid and ribonucleoprotein remodelers involved in all aspects of nucleic acid metabolism including replication, gene expression and post- transcriptional modifications. In parallel to their importance in basic cellular functions, DExH/D- box helicases play multiple roles in viral life cycles, with some of them highjacked by viruses or negatively regulating innate immune activation. However, other DExH/D- box helicases have recurrently been highlighted as direct antiviral effectors or as positive regulators of innate immune activation. Innate immunity relies on the ability of Pathogen Recognition Receptors to recognize viral signatures and trigger the production of interferons (IFNs) and pro- inflammatory cytokines. Secreted IFNs interact with their receptors to establish antiviral cellular reprogramming via expression regulation of the interferon- stimulated genes (ISGs). Several DExH/D- box helicases have been reported to act as viral sensors (DDX3, DDX41, DHX9, DDX1/DDX21/DHX36 complex), and others to play roles in innate immune activation (DDX60, DDX60L, DDX23). In contrast, the DDX39A, DDX46, DDX5 and DDX24 helicases act as negative regulators and impede IFN production upon viral infection. Beyond their role in viral sensing, the ISGs DDX60 and DDX60L act as viral inhibitors. Interestingly, the constitutively expressed DEAD- box helicases DDX56, DDX17, DDX42 intrinsically restrict viral replication. Hence, DExH/D- box helicases appear to form a multilayer network of primary and secondary factors involved in both intrinsic and innate antiviral immunity. In this review, we highlight recent findings on the extent of antiviral defences played by helicases and emphasize the need to better understand their immune functions as well as their complex interplay.

Automated summary

DExH/D-box helicases play essential roles in nucleic acid metabolism and viral life cycles, functioning as both antiviral effectors and negative regulators of innate immune activation. They contribute to the recognition of viral signatures, production of interferons, and establishment of antiviral cellular reprogramming.