Harnessing viral strategies to reverse cognitive dysfunction through the integrated stress response

The integrated stress response (ISR) is essential for cellular homeostasis and cognitive function. We investigated how persistent ISR activation affects cognitive performance by studying the PPP1R15B R658C genetic variant associated with intellectual disability. To model this condition, we generated a mouse line with the pathogenic allele inserted. This variant destabilized the PPP1R15B•PP1 phosphatase complex, causing persistent ISR activation, impaired protein synthesis, and long-term memory deficits. We demonstrated that the cognitive and synaptic impairments in Ppp1r15b R658C mice arise directly from ISR activation. Furthermore, we characterized DP71L, a viral ortholog of PPP1R15B, which acted as a potent pan-ISR inhibitor. DP71L reversed the cognitive and synaptic deficits across mouse models of Down syndrome, Alzheimer’s disease, and aging, and enhanced synaptic plasticity and memory in healthy mice.