Innate immune role of Rnd1 during H5N1 infection

Intracellular and cell surface molecules are an essential part of the innate immune system. We describe a novel cellular defense mechanism based upon a membrane-associated protein RND1. RND1 belongs to the Rho GTPase family, but unlike other members, it is constitutively active. We show that RND1 is induced by pro-inflammatory cytokines during viral and bacterial infections and provides protection against these pathogens through two distinct mechanisms. Overall design: To analyze the role of Rnd1 during influenza virus infection, Rnd1 was knocked down using Rnd1 specific siRNA in A549 cells. 24 hours after transfection cells were infected with H5N1 high pahtogenicity influenza virus in serum free DMEM for 1 hour. Cells were harvested and total RNA was isolated using TRIzol 24 hours of infection.