8-Oxoguanine DNA glycosylase 1 conceals guanine oxidation in nucleoprotein-associated RNA of respiratory syncytial virus

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), along with other prominent respiratory RNA viruses such as influenza and SARS-CoV-2, significantly contributes to the global incidence of respiratory tract infections. These pathogens induce the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which play a crucial role in the onset and progression of respiratory diseases. However, the mechanisms by which viral RNA manages ROS-induced base oxidation remain poorly understood. Here we reveal that 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine (8-oxoGua) is not merely an incidental byproduct of ROS activity but serves as a strategic adaptation of RSV RNA to maintain genetic fidelity within host cells. Through 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase 1 (OGG1) immunoprecipitation and LC_MS/MS, we discovered that RSV nucleoprotein is a principal partner of OGG1. Further investigation revealed that viral ribonucleoprotein complexes specifically hijack OGG1. Importantly, inhibiting OGG1's ability to recognize 8-oxoGua significantly reduces RSV progeny production. Our results underscore the viral replication machinery's adaptation to oxidative challenges, suggesting that inhibiting OGG1's reading function could be a novel strategy for antiviral intervention.