Antagonism of interferon signaling by fibroblast growth factors promotes viral replication

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) play key roles in the pathogenesis of different human diseases, but the cross-talk between FGFs and other cytokines remains largely unexplored. We identified an unexpected antagonistic effect of FGFs on the interferon (IFN) signaling pathway. Genetic or pharmacological inhibition of FGF receptor signaling in keratinocytes promoted the expression of interferon-stimulated genes (ISG) and proteins in vitro and in vivo. Conversely, FGF7 or FGF10 treatment of keratinocytes suppressed ISG expression under homeostatic conditions and in response to IFN or poly(I:C) treatment. FGF-mediated ISG suppression was independent of IFN receptors, occurred at the transcriptional level and required FGF receptor kinase and proteasomal activity. It is not restricted to keratinocytes and functionally relevant, since FGFs promoted the replication of herpes simplex virus I (HSV-1), lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus and Zika virus. Most importantly, inhibition of FGFR signaling blocked HSV-1 replication in cultured human keratinocytes and in mice. These results suggest the use of FGFR kinase inhibitors for the treatment of viral infections.