Tumor suppressor p53 functions as an essential antiviral molecule against Japanese encephalitis virus

Japanese encephalitis virus （jEV） is a mosquito-borne virus of the family Flaviviridae. It is the causative agent of Japanese encephalitis with approximately 50,000 infection cases and 10,000 fatal cases annually in Asia （Erlanger et al., 2009）. Although liveattenuated JEV vaccine has been developed and used for human and pig vaccination, JE occurs epidemically or sporadically in some developing countries or even in vaccinated areas （Solomon, 2006）. Host resistance factors play an important role in the outcome of viral infection.