NF-κB and Keap1 Interaction Represses Nrf2-Mediated Antioxidant Response in Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus Infection

Abstract

Recent studies have reported that rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) infection reduced Nrf2-related antioxidant function. However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying this process remain unclear. The current study showed that the NF-κB p50 subunit partners with Keap1 to form the Keap1-NF-κB complex, which plays a key role in the inhibition of Nrf2 transcriptional activity. More importantly, upregulated Nrf2 activity delayed the death of RHDV-infected rabbits, strongly indicating the importance of oxidative damage during RHDV infection. These findings may provide novel insights into the pathogenesis of RHDV.