Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) induces ferroptosis via LONP1-mediated mitochondrial GPX4 degradation in cell culture

Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) infection induces a transient but severe immunosuppression in the host, which threatens both small livestock and endangered susceptible wildlife populations in many countries. Despite extensive research, it is unknown whether PPRV causes ferroptosis and what the mechanism of regulation is. Our data provide the first direct evidence that the relationship between Lon protease-1 (LONP1)-mediated dysfunctional mitochondria and the consequent induction of ferroptosis is involved in PPRV-induced pathogenesis. Importantly, we demonstrate that PPRV infection induces ferroptosis via the LONP1-mediated GPX4 degradation and ROS accumulation in mitochondria, and PPRV-induced ferroptosis is tightly associated with inflammatory responses and enhanced virus replication levels. Taken together, our research has provided new insight into understanding the effect of ferroptosis on PPRV replication and pathogenesis and revealed a potential therapeutic target for antiviral intervention.