Lyssavirus phosphoproteins increase mitochondrial complex I activity and levels of reactive oxygen species.

We have previously demonstrated that serine residues at positions 162 and 166 of the rabies virus (RABV) phosphoprotein (P) are critical for oxidative stress induced by CVS in cultured cells. We have now evaluated the P of two street RABV variants and Mokola (MOK) virus. The P of these viruses, like CVS, induces an increase in complex I activities and reactive oxygen species levels in transfected cells. Although the sequence homology of P is only 45% with MOK (higher for street viruses) and CVS, serine residues are conserved at positions 162 and 166, suggesting their potential importance in oxidative stress.