Inhibition of miR-146a prevents enterovirus-induced death by restoring the production of type I interferon

There are no antivirals or vaccines available to treat Enterovirus 71 (EV71) infections. Although the type I interferon response, elicited upon virus infection, is critical to establishing host antiviral innate immunity, EV71 fails to induce this response efficiently. Here we provide new insights into potential anti-EV71 therapy by showing that neutralization of EV71-induced miR-146a prevents death in mice by restarting the production of type I interferon. EV71 infection upregulates miR-146a, which targets IRAK1 and TRAF6 involved in TLR signalling and type I interferon production. We further identify AP1 as being responsible for the EV71-induced expression of miR-146a. Surprisingly, knocking out miR-146a or neutralizing virus-induced miR-146a by specific antagomiR restores expressions of IRAK1 and TRAF6, augments IFNβ production, inhibits viral propagation and improves survival in the mouse model. Our results suggest that enterovirus-induced miR-146a facilitates viral pathogenesis by suppressing IFN production and provide a clue to developing preventive and therapeutic strategies for enterovirus infections.