Identification of small molecules capable of upregulating MARCH8

National Center For Advancing Translational Sciences

Investigators

Abstract

Membrane-associated RING-CH (March) 8 is a member of the RING-finger E3 ubiquitin ligases that are known to downregulate cellular transmembrane proteins. March8 in particular has been shown to inhibit numerous viral proteins, including HIV-1 glycoprotein and VSV glycoprotein by decreasing their cell surface abundance, directly related to reducing the viral production of the cells through this action. To increase the host cell's innate antiviral capacity, the project team is screening for small molecules that result in increased abundance or activity of March8 using a novel cell based assay. These hits could be further explored for adjunct antiviral or inclusion in antiviral combinations.