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GBP2/5 block virus activation - publication in Cell Reports

The interferon response can block virus infection. Interferon stimulates the expression of the cellular protein GBP5, which inhibits infection by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). However, it has been unclear how GBP5 inhibits HIV infection. A study conducted by the laboratory of Prof. Daniel Sauter, University Ulm, to which the Infection Biology Unit contributed, showed that also the GBP5 related protein GBP2 exerts anti-HIV activity. Moreover, it was demonstrated that both GBP2 and GBP5 block activation of the HIV envelope protein by furin, which is a critical determinant of viral infectivity. Finally, several viruses other than HIV that are known to use furin for glycoprotein activation were found to be inhibited by GBP2 and GBP5. Thus, GBP2 and GBP5 have broad antiviral activity and may significantly contribute to inhibition of viral infection by the interferon system. These results were published in the prestigious journal Cell Reports.