GSTP1 is a negative regulator of MAVS in the antiviral signaling against SVCV infection

Glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1), the most ubiquitous member of the GST superfamily, plays vital roles in the detoxification, antioxidant defense, and modulation of inflammatory responses. However, limited studies have been conducted on the function of GSTP1 in antiviral innate immunity. In this study, we have cloned the homolog of GSTP1 in triploid hybrid crucian carp (3nGSTP1) and investigated its regulatory role in the interferon signaling pathway. The open reading frame of 3nGSTP1 is composed of 627 nucleotides, encoding 209 amino acids. In response to spring viremia of carp virus (SVCV) infection, the mRNA level of 3nGSTP1 was upregulated in the liver, kidney, and caudal fin cell lines (3 nF C) of triploid fish. The knockdown of 3nGSTP1 in 3 nF C improved host cell's antiviral capacity and attenuated SVCV replication. Additionally, overexpression of 3nGSTP1 inhibited the activation of IFN promoters induced by SVCV infection, poly (I:C) stimulation, or the RLR signaling factors. The co-immunoprecipitation assays further revealed that 3nGSTP1 interacts with 3nMAVS. In addition, 3nGSTP1 dose-dependently inhibited 3nMAVS-mediated antiviral activity and reduced 3nMAVS protein level. Mechanistically, 3nGSTP1 promoted ubiquitin-proteasome degradation of MAVS by promoting its K48-linked polyubiquitination. To conclude, our results indicate that GSTP1 acts as a novel inhibitor of MAVS, which negatively regulates the IFN signaling.