Genome-Wide Mapping of the Binding Sites and Structural Analysis of Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Viral Interferon Regulatory Factor 2 Reveal that It Is a DNA-Binding Transcription Factor

Abstract

The oncogenic herpesvirus KSHV is the etiological agent of Kaposi's sarcoma, primary effusion lymphoma, and multicentric Castleman's disease. KSHV has developed a unique mechanism to subvert the host antiviral immune responses by encoding four homologues of cellular interferon regulatory factors (vIRF1 to -4). However, none of their DNA-binding profiles in the human genome have been characterized until now, and the structural basis for their diverse DNA-binding properties remain poorly understood. In this study, we performed the first genome-wide vIRF2-binding site mapping in the human genome and found vIRF2 can bind to the promoter regions of 100 target cellular genes. X-ray structure analysis and functional studies provided unique insights into its DNA-binding potency and regulation of target gene expression. Our study suggested that vIRF2 could act as a transcription factor of its target genes and contribute to KSHV infection and pathogenesis through versatile functions.