Lumpy skin disease virus LSDV001 protein positively regulates inflammatory response by promoting assembly of the TAK1-TAB2/3 complex

Lumpy skin disease is a current global concern caused by the lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV), for which there is a lack of safe and efficient vaccines. In this study, we report that LSDV001 protein potentiates IL-1β- and TNFα-triggered IKK-dependent activation of NF-κB and transcription of inflammatory cytokines. Mechanistically, LSDV001 enhances inflammatory response by interacting with TAK1 and TAB2/3 to promote TAK1-TAB2/3 complex formation. We further demonstrate that LSDV001 deficiency attenuates LSDV-triggered inflammatory response and pathogenesis. Our findings identify a new virulence factor and reveal a novel pathogenic mechanism of LSDV by which LSDV001 enhances inflammatory response.