Transmembrane protein 2 inhibits Zika virus replication through activation of the Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription signaling pathway

Aim:TMEM2has been demonstrated to suppress HBV infection by activating the Jak/STAT pathway. In this study, we sought to explore the mechanism by which TMEM2 effects on Zika virus (ZIKV)replication. Materials & methods:TMEM2 was overexpressed. Selected gene mRNA, p-STAT1 levels and interferon stimulated response element activity were examined by qRT-PCR, Western blot and luciferase assay respectively. Results: Overexpression of TMEM2 significantly inhibited ZIKV replication, upregulated MDA5 and RIG-I expression, increased IFN- promoter activity and IFN- expression. Overexpression of TMEM2 enhanced the Jak/STAT signaling including increased p-STAT1 level,ISRE activity as well as the expression of several antiviral interferon-stimulated genes. Conclusion:TMEM2 inhibited ZIKV replication through increased IFN- production and enhanced activation of the Jak/STAT signaling pathway.