BRD9 is a druggable component of interferon‐stimulated gene expression and antiviral activity

Abstract

Interferon (IFN) induction of IFN‐stimulated genes (ISGs) creates a formidable protective antiviral state. However, loss of appropriate control mechanisms can result in constitutive pathogenic ISG upregulation. Here, we used genome‐scale loss‐of‐function screening to establish genes critical for IFN‐induced transcription, identifying all expected members of the JAK‐STAT signaling pathway and a previously unappreciated epigenetic reader, bromodomain‐containing protein 9 (BRD9), the defining subunit of non‐canonical BAF (ncBAF) chromatin‐remodeling complexes. Genetic knockout or small‐molecule‐mediated degradation of BRD9 limits IFN‐induced expression of a subset of ISGs in multiple cell types and prevents IFN from exerting full antiviral activity against several RNA and DNA viruses, including influenza virus, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV1), and herpes simplex virus (HSV1). Mechanistically, BRD9 acts at the level of transcription, and its IFN‐triggered proximal association with the ISG transcriptional activator, STAT2, suggests a functional localization at selected ISG promoters. Furthermore, BRD9 relies on its intact acetyl‐binding bromodomain and unique ncBAF scaffolding interaction with GLTSCR1/1L to promote IFN action. Given its druggability, BRD9 is an attractive target for dampening ISG expression under certain autoinflammatory conditions.