Tuning intracellular immunity by Nodamura virus B2 protein enhances self-amplifying RNA activity.

Nodamura virus B2 protein boosts self-amplifying RNA activity by suppressing intracellular antiviral responses without impairing immune signaling.

• Why it matters: Enhancing saRNA vaccine efficacy requires overcoming innate immune barriers that limit transgene expression, yet maintaining immunostimulatory properties is crucial for vaccine effectiveness.
• What they did: The study used cis-expression of NoV B2 protein to inhibit antiviral effectors like Dicer and PKR in cells, sequestering dsRNA at the cell periphery to improve transgene expression while preserving type I interferon responses.
• The result: This approach significantly enhances saRNA-driven transgene expression without compromising immune activation, offering a promising strategy for developing more potent saRNA-based vaccines and therapeutics.