The helicase-like transcription factor redirects the autophagic flux and restricts human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 infection

Retroviruses and their host have co-evolved in a delicate balance between viral replication and survival of the infected cell. In this equilibrium, restriction factors expressed by infected cells control different steps of retroviral replication such as entry, uncoating, nuclear import, expression, or budding. Here, we describe a mechanism of restriction against human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) by the helicase-like transcription factor (HLTF). We show that RNA and protein levels of HLTF are reduced in primary T-cells of HTLV-1 infected subjects, suggesting a clinical relevance. We further demonstrate that the viral oncogene Tax represses HLTF transcription via the Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) methyltransferase of the Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2). The Tax protein also directly interacts with HLTF and induces its proteasomal degradation. RNA interference and gene transduction in HTLV-1 infected T-cells derived from patients indicate that HLTF is a restriction factor. Restoring the normal levels of HLTF expression induces the dispersal of the Golgi apparatus and overproduction of secretory granules. By synergizing with Tax-mediated NF-B activation, physiologically-relevant levels of HLTF intensify the autophagic flux. Increased vesicular trafficking leads to an enlargement of the lysosomes and the production of large vacuoles containing viral particles. HLTF induction in HTLV-1 infected cells significantly increases the percentage of defective virions. In conclusion, HLTF-mediated activation of the autophagic flux blunts the infectious replication cycle of HTLV-1, revealing a new mode of viral restriction.