A systems biology analysis of protein–protein interactions in the APOBEC family

AimsThe APOBEC (apolipoprotein B mRNA-editing catalytic polypeptide) family of cytidine deaminases inhibits the mobility of diverse retroviruses, retrotransposons and other viruses. This group of apolipoproteins is widely distributed in living organisms and plays a central role in diverse enzymatic pathways. Nevertheless, the interplay between APOBECs and innate immune proteins, as well as the role of APOBECs in protecting the host cell from viral infection are poorly understood. To elucidate the association between human APOBECs and immune system, a systems biology study was performed to identify various proteins involved in the function of APOBEC proteins.Main methodsThis identification utilized an integrated database and literature network of protein–protein interactions combined with nine microarray experiments.Key findingsConsidering our systems biology data, we can infer some modes of action of APOBECs through interactions with proteins associated with the immune system.SignificanceThis study presents a comprehensive analysis of the APOBEC network, highlighting those proteins that have a higher probability of playing an important role with APOBECs in the innate immune system.