E3 ligase RAD18 targets phosphorylated IRF3 to terminate IFNB1 transcription

The transcription factor interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) initiates type I interferon transcription, which is required for host defense. Here, we identify RAD18 as a central E3 ubiquitin ligase that selectively targets phosphorylated IRF3 (p-IRF3) for autophagic degradation. RAD18 specifically promotes the dissociation of p-IRF3 from the IFNB promoter and in turn terminates its transcriptional activity. Mechanistically, RAD18 binds the p-IRF3 dimer located on the IFNB promoter and triggers K63 polyubiquitylation of p-IRF3 at Lys 193. The ubiquitylated p-IRF3 dimer consequently dissociates from the IFNB promoter, translocates out of the nucleus and undergoes OPTN-mediated autophagic degradation. Rad18fl/fl Lysm-cre mice resist lethal vesicular stomatitis virus infection in vivo due to IFNβ overproduction. In H1N1-infected human macrophages or monocytes from individuals with active systemic lupus erythematosus, RAD18 protein levels negatively correlate with p-IRF3 and IFNB1 mRNA levels. Thus, RAD18 functions as a break to terminate IRF3-driven IFNB1 transcription and may be a potential therapeutic target for RNA virus infection or autoimmune diseases. IRF3 initiates type I IFN transcription, and this is required for host defense. Here, Chen and colleagues show that RAD18 terminates the transcriptional activity of IRF3 and subsequently promotes the autophagic degradation of IRF3.