EBV Exploits RNA mA Modification to Promote Cell Survival and Progeny Virus Production During Lytic Cycle.

N6-methyladenosine (mA) mediates various biological processes by affecting RNA stability, splicing, and translational efficiency. The roles of mA modification in Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection in the lytic phase are unclear. Here, knockout of the mA methyltransferase, N6-methyladenosine methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3), or inhibition of methylation by DAA or UZH1a decreased the expression of viral lytic proteins and reduced progeny virion production. Interestingly, cell growth and viability were decreased by induction of the lytic cycle in METTL3-knockout or inhibitor-treated cells. Apoptosis was induced in those conditions possibly because of a decreased level of the anti-apoptotic viral protein, BHRF1. Therefore, mA shows potential as a target of lytic induction therapy for EBV-associated cancers, including Burkitt lymphoma.