USP1-UAF1 deubiquitinase complex stabilizes TBK1 and enhances antiviral responses

• Published in: The Journal of experimental medicine Vol. 214; no. 12; pp. 3553 - 3563
• Main Authors: Yu, Zhongxia, Song, Hui, Jia, Mutian, Zhang, Jintao, Wang, Wenwen, Li, Qi, Zhang, Lining, Zhao, Wei
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Rockefeller University Press 04.12.2017; The Rockefeller University Press
• Subjects: Activation; Homeostasis; Immunity; Interferon; Interferon regulatory factor 3; Peptidase; Physiological effects; TLR3 protein; Toll-like receptors; Ubiquitin; Ubiquitin-protein ligase; Viral diseases
• ISSN: 0022-1007; 1540-9538
• DOI: 10.1084/jem.20170180

Optimal activation of TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) is crucial for initiation of innate antiviral immunity and maintenance of immune homeostasis. Although several E3 ubiquitin ligases have been reported to regulate TBK1 activation by mediating its polyubiquitination, the functions of deubiquitinase on TBK1 activity remain largely unclear. Here, we identified a deubiquitinase complex, which is formed by ubiquitin specific peptidase 1 (USP1) and USP1-associated factor 1 (UAF1), as a viral infection-induced physiological enhancer of TBK1 expression. USP1-UAF1 complex enhanced TLR3/4 and RIG-I-induced IFN regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) activation and subsequent IFN-β secretion. Mechanistically, USP1 and UAF1 bound to TBK1, removed its K48-linked polyubiquitination, and then reversed the degradation process of TBK1. Furthermore, we found that ML323, a specific USP1-UAF1 inhibitor, attenuated IFN-β expression and enhanced viral replication both in vitro and in vivo Therefore, our results outline a novel mechanism for the control of TBK1 activity and suggest USP1-UAF1 complex as a potential target for the prevention of viral diseases.