Findings
Phleboviruses are arthropod-transmitted viruses which can cause severe infection in humans and livestock. Despite their pathogenic potential, cellular proteins involved in virus budding and release from the host cells remain largely unknown. Here, we identified Golgi specific brefeldin A-resistance guanine nucleotide exchange factor 1 (GBF1) as a new host factor for Phleboviruses using high-resolution, label-free mass spectrometry analysis. GBF1 is involved in the cellular secretory pathway and was shown not only to be involved in the life cycle of Phleboviruses, but also Flavi-, Corona-, Rhabdo- and Togaviruses.
Translational significance
A thorough understanding of the viral lifecycle is essential to combat re-emerging and emerging zoonotic pathogens. Our study reveals a broad antiviral effect of golgicide A, an inhibitor of the novel host factor GBF1, suggesting a potential therapeutic application.