IκB kinase ε-dependent phosphorylation and degradation of X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis sensitizes cells to virus-induced apoptosis.

X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP) is a potent antagonist of caspase 3-, 7-, and 9-dependent apoptotic activities that functions as an E3 ubiquitin ligase, and it targets caspases for degradation. In this study, we demonstrate that Sendai virus (SeV) infection results in the IKKε- or TBK1-mediated phosphorylation of XIAP in vivo at Ser430, resulting in Lys(48)-linked autoubiquitination at Lys322/328 residues, followed by the subsequent proteasomal degradation of XIAP. Interestingly, IKKε expression and XIAP turnover increases SeV-triggered mitochondrion-dependent apoptosis via the release of caspase 3, whereas TBK1 expression does not increase apoptosis. Interestingly, phosphorylation also regulates XIAP interaction with the transcription factor IRF3, suggesting a role in IRF3-Bax-mediated apoptosis. Our findings reveal a novel function of IKKε as a regulator of the virus-induced triggering of apoptosis via the phosphorylation-dependent turnover of XIAP.