The expanded ISG12 family in zebrafish: ISG12.1 suppresses virus replication via targeting viral phosphoprotein

In mammals, interferon (IFN)-stimulated genes (ISGs) play important roles in restricting the replication of viruses. However, the functions of many ISGs have not been investigated in fish. In this study, eight isg12 homologs (termed isg12.1-8) were identified in zebrafish and all contain a typical ISG12 family domain rich of hydrophobic amino acid residues. Isg12.1-7 were significantly induced in the ZF4 cells by poly(I:C) and IFNφ1, and in the kidney and spleen after infection with spring viremia of carp virus (SVCV). In the EPC cells, overexpression of isg12.1 inhibited SVCV replication. Further, it was found that zebrafish ISG12.1 interacted with SVCV phosphoprotein (SVCV–P) and promoted SVCV-P degradation which could be attenuated by 3-MA and CQ (autophagy inhibitors). Our results indicate that zebrafish ISG12.1 restricts viral replication by targeting viral phosphoprotein for degradation. •Eight isg12 genes exist in zebrafish.•Zebrafish isg12 genes were upregulated by SVCV.•Overexpression of ISG12.1 inhibited SVCV replication in the EPC cells.•ISG12.1 interacted with SVCV-P and promoted SVCV-P degradation.