OPTN is a host intrinsic restriction factor against neuroinvasive HSV-1 infection

Abstract

During herpesvirus infection, most individuals intrinsically suppress a primary infection and therewith preclude potential damage or neurodegeneration of the CNS. Here, Ames et al. show that Optineurin (OPTN), a conserved autophagy receptor, restricts HSV-1 spread, degrades viral VP16 through autophagy and is neuroprotective against HSV infection in vivo.