Influenza A viruses control expression of proviral human p53 isoforms p53β and Delta133p53α

Previous studies have described the role of p53 isoforms, including p53 beta and Delta 133p53 alpha, in the modulation of the activity of full-length p53, which regulates cell fate. In the context of influenza virus infection, an interplay between influenza viruses and p53 has been described, with p53 being involved in the antiviral response. However, the role of physiological p53 isoforms has never been explored in this context. Here, we demonstrate that p53 isoforms play a role in influenza A virus infection by using silencing and transient expression strategies in human lung epithelial cells. In addition, with the help of a panel of different influenza viruses from different subtypes, we also show that infection differentially regulates the expressions of p53 beta and Delta 133p53 alpha. Altogether, our results highlight the role of p53 isoforms in the viral cycle of influenza A viruses, with p53 beta and Delta 133p53 alpha acting as regulators of viral production in a p53-dependent manner.