Efficient Human Cytomegalovirus Replication in Primary Endothelial Cells Is SOCS3 Dependent

Background: In immunocompromised patients, human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) proteins are very potent negative regulators of the janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathways. We hypothesized that HCMV exploits SOCS1 and/or SOCS3 to its advantage. Methods: All experiments were carried out with primary human lung-derived microvascular endothelial cells (HMVEC). SOCS1 and SOCS3 were silenced by transfecting the cells with siRNA. HCMV was propagated and titered on human lung-derived fibroblasts MRC5. Real-time PCR and Western blot were used to detect mRNA and protein levels, respectively. Results: The data presented show that an efficient replication of HCMV in HMVEC is dependent on SOCS3 protein. Time course analysis revealed an increase in SOCS3 protein levels in infected cells. Silencing of SOCS3 (siSOCS3) resulted in inhibition of viral immediate early, early, and late antigen production. Consistently, HCMV titers produced by siSOCS3 cultures were significantly decreased when compared to control transfected cultures (siCNTRs). STAT1 and STAT2 phosphorylation was increased in siSOCS3-infected cells when compared to siCNTR-treated cells. Conclusion: These findings indicate the implication of SOCS3 in the mechanism of HCMV-mediated control of cellular immune responses. (C) 2019 S. Karger AG, Basel