bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression of influenza virus hemagglutinin activates transcription factor NF-kappa B
Authors: Pahl H L , Baeuerle P A
Published: January 2020

Influenza virus infection initiates transcription of a variety of genes for cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), TNF-beta, interleukin 1 alpha, (IL-1 alpha), IL-1 beta, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor, and gamma interferon. However, the mechanism by which virus infection elicits cytokine expression remains unknown. Six influenza virus-induced cytokine genes are targets for the inducible transcription factor NF-kappa B, a central regulator of the human immune response. Here, we show that expression of a single influenza virus protein, the virion surface hemagglutinin, strongly activates NF-kappa B DNA binding and transactivation. Activation is inhibited in the presence of the antioxidant dithiothreitol, suggesting that, similar to the findings for previously described inducers of NF-kappa B, hemagglutinin expression generates radical oxygen intermediates which activate the transcription factor. Hemagglutinin is the first secretory and structural viral protein reported to activate NF-kappa B and thus represents a new class of inducers for this transcription factor. We discuss these results in the context of clinical complications of influenza virus infection.
Regulation of I kappa B alpha and p105 in monocytes and macrophages persistently infected with human immunodeficiency virus
Authors: McElhinny J A , MacMorran W S , Bren G D , Ten R M , Israel A , Paya C V
Published: January 2020

The mechanisms regulating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) persistence in human monocytes/macrophages are partially understood. Persistent HIV infection of U937 monocytic cells results in NF-kappa B activation. Whether virus-induced NF-kappa B activation is a mechanism that favors continuous viral replication in macrophages remains unknown. To further delineate the molecular mechanisms involved in the activation of NF-kappa B in HIV-infected monocytes and macrophages, we have focused on the regulation of the I kappa B molecules. First, we show that persistent HIV infection results in the activation of NF-kappa B not only in monocytic cells but also in macrophages. In HIV-infected cells, I kappa B alpha protein levels are decreased secondary to enhanced protein degradation. This parallels the increased I kappa B alpha synthesis secondary to increased I kappa B alpha gene transcription, i.e., increased RNA and transcriptional activity of its promoter-enhancer. Another protein with I kappa B function, p105, is also modified in HIV-infected cells: p105 and p50 steady-state protein levels are increased as a result of increased synthesis and proteolytic processing of p105. Transcriptional activity of p105 is also increased in infected cells and is also mediated by NF-kappa B through a specific kappa B motif. These results demonstrate the existence of a triple autoregulatory loop in monocytes and macrophages involving HIV, p105 and p50, and MAD3, with the end result of persistent NF-kappa B activation and viral persistence. Furthermore, persistent HIV infection of monocytes and macrophages provides a useful model with which to study concomitant modifications of different I kappa B molecules.
Debilitation of plant potyvirus infectivity by P1 proteinase-inactivating mutations and restoration by second-site modifications
Authors: Verchot J , Carrington J C
Published: January 2020

Tobacco etch virus (TEV) encodes three proteinases that catalyze processing of the genome-encoded polyprotein. The P1 proteinase originates from the N terminus of the polyprotein and catalyzes proteolysis between itself and the helper component proteinase (HC-Pro). Mutations resulting in substitution of a single amino acid, small insertions, or deletions were introduced into the P1 coding sequence of the TEV genome. Deletion of the N-terminal, nonproteolytic domain of P1 had only minor effects on virus infection in protoplasts and whole plants. Insertion mutations that did not impair proteolytic activity had no measurable effects regardless of whether the modification affected the N-terminal nonproteolytic or C-terminal proteolytic domain. In contrast, three mutations (termed S256A, F, and delta 304) that debilitated P1 proteolytic activity rendered the virus nonviable, whereas a fourth proteinase-debilitating mutation (termed C) resulted in a slow-infection phenotype. A strategy was devised to determine whether the defect in the P1 mutants was due to an inactive proteinase domain or due simply to a lack of proteolytic maturation between P1 and HC-Pro. Sequences coding for a surrogate cleavage site recognized by the TEV NIa proteinase were inserted into the genome of each processing-debilitated mutant at positions that resulted in NIa-mediated proteolysis between P1 and HC-Pro. The infectivity of each mutant was restored by these second-site modifications. These data indicate that P1 proteinase activity is not essential for viral infectivity but that separation of P1 and HC-Pro is required. The data also provide evidence that the proteinase domain is involved in additional, nonproteolytic functions.
Cleavage specificity of purified recombinant hepatitis A virus 3C proteinase on natural substrates
Authors: Schultheiss T , Sommergruber W , Kusov Y , Gauss-Müller V
Published: January 2020

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) 3C proteinase expressed in Escherichia coli was purified to homogeneity, and its cleavage specificity towards various parts of the viral polyprotein was analyzed. Intermolecular cleavage of the P2-P3 domain of the HAV polyprotein gave rise to proteins 2A, 2B, 2C, 3ABC, and 3D, suggesting that in addition to the primary cleavage site, all secondary sites within P2 as well as the 3C/3D junction are cleaved by 3C. 3C-mediated processing of the P1-P2 precursor liberated 2A and 2BC, in addition to the structural proteins VP0, VP3, and VP1-2A and the respective intermediate products. A clear dependence on proteinase concentration was found for most cleavage sites, possibly reflecting the cleavage site preference of 3C. The most efficient cleavage occurred at the 2A/2B and 2C/3A junctions. The electrophoretic mobility of processing product 2B, as well as cleavage of the synthetic peptide KGLFSQ*AKISLFYT, suggests that the 2A/2B junction is located at amino acid position 836/837 of the HAV polyprotein. Furthermore, using suitable substrates we obtained evidence that sites VP3/VP1 and VP1/2A are alternatively processed by 3C, leading to either VP1-2A or to P1 and 2A. The results with regard to intermolecular cleavage by purified 3C were confirmed by the product pattern derived from cell-free expression and intramolecular processing of the entire polyprotein. We therefore propose that polyprotein processing of HAV relies on 3C as the single proteinase, possibly assisted by as-yet-undetermined viral or host cell factors and presumably controlled in a concentration-dependent fashion.
Characterization of a ubiquitinated protein which is externally located in African swine fever virions
Authors: Hingamp P M , Leyland M L , Webb J , Twigger S , Mayer R J , Dixon L K
Published: January 2020

An antiserum was raised against the African swine fever virus (ASFV)-encoded ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme (UBCv1) and used to demonstrate by Western blotting (immunoblotting) and immunofluorescence that the enzyme is present in purified extracellular virions, is expressed both early and late after infection of cells with ASFV, and is cytoplasmically located. Antiubiquitin serum was used to identify novel ubiquitin conjugates present during ASFV infections. This antiserum stained virus factories late after infection, suggesting that virion proteins may be ubiquitinated. This possibility was confirmed by Western blotting, which identified three major antiubiquitin-immunoreactive proteins with molecular masses of 5, 18, and 58 kDa in purified extracellular virions. The 18-kDa protein was solubilized from virions at relatively low concentrations of the detergent n-octyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside, indicating that it is externally located and is possibly in the virus capsid. The 18-kDa protein was purified, and N-terminal amino acid sequencing confirmed that the protein was ubiquitinated and was ASFV encoded. The ASFV gene encoding this protein (PIG1) was sequenced, and the encoded protein expressed in an Escherichia coli expression vector. Recombinant PIG1 was ubiquitinated in the presence of E. coli expressed UBCv1 in vitro. These results suggest that PIG1 may be a substrate for UBCv1. The predicted molecular masses of the PIG1 protein and recombinant ubiquitinated protein were larger than the 18-kDa molecular mass of the ubiquitinated protein present in virions. Therefore, during viral replication, a precursor protein may undergo limited proteolysis to generate the ubiquitinated 18-kDa protein.
Syncytium-inducing (SI) phenotype suppression at seroconversion after intramuscular inoculation of a non-syncytium-inducing/SI phenotypically mixed human immunodeficiency virus population
Authors: Cornelissen M , Mulder-Kampinga G , Veenstra J , Zorgdrager F , Kuiken C , Hartman S , Dekker J , van der Hoek L , Sol C , Coutinho R
Published: January 2020

Two distinct biological phenotypes of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have been described: the non-syncytium-inducing (NSI) phenotype, best characterized by the inability to infect MT-2 cells, and the syncytium-inducing (SI) phenotype, with the ability to infect MT-2 cells. The earliest virus population observed following HIV transmission is generally of the NSI phenotype, even after exposure to inocula of mixed NSI/SI phenotype. In this study, the issue of intrapatient selection of virus phenotype following transmission was addressed by studying two cases of accidental transmission. A comparison of the sequences of the V1-V2 and the V3 coding regions of the envelope gene and the p17 region of the gag gene showed that the donor-recipient pairs were tightly clustered in all gene segments, but away from local and published transmission controls. The intrasample variation of the p17 sequence was greater in the recipients and smaller in the donors than that of the V3 region sequence, indicating selection of V3 at transmission. In these transmission cases, the effects of an intravenous inoculation of a small quantity of blood containing predominantly SI V3 sequences (6 of 8 clonal sequences) were compared with those of an intramuscular inoculation of a large quantity of blood containing predominantly NSI viruses (14 of 16 clonal sequences). Both SI and NSI V3 regions were demonstrated to be phenotypic expressions of genetically related viral strains. The inoculation of the predominantly SI virus population resulted in the persistence of an SI virus population in the recipient and a rapid CD4+ T-cell decline. The inoculation of the predominantly NSI population resulted in a selective amplification of SI viruses before seroconversion, followed by a suppression of SI viruses at seroconversion and a rapid decline of CD4+ T-cell numbers. These data suggest that the suppression of SI viruses can be accomplished following the development of HIV-specific immunity and that the ability to suppress SI viruses does not prevent the development of immunodeficiency.
Packaging in a yeast double-stranded RNA virus
Authors: Yao W , Muqtadir K , Bruenn J A
Published: January 2020

The yeast virus ScV-L1 has only two genes, cap and pol, which encode the capsid polypeptide and the viral polymerase, respectively. The second gene is translated only as a cap-pol fusion protein. This fusion protein is responsible for recognition of a specific small stem and loop region of the viral plus strands, of 19 to 31 bases in length, ensuring packaging specificity. We have used a related virus, ScV-La, which has about 29% codon identity with ScV-L1 in the most conserved region of the pol gene, to map the region in pol that is responsible for packaging L1. Characterization of a number of chimeric viral proteins that recognize L1 but have the La capsid region delimits the region necessary for recognition of L1 to a 76- to 82-codon portion of pol. In addition, we show that overproduction of the La capsid polypeptide results in curing of the ScV-La virus, analogous to the production of plants resistant to RNA viruses by virtue of systemic production of viral coat protein.
Expression of human cytomegalovirus UL36 and UL37 genes is required for viral DNA replication
Authors: Smith J A , Pari G S
Published: January 2020

It was previously reported that the region encoding human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) genes UL36 to UL38 was required for origin-dependent DNA replication. These genes encode transactivators that upregulate viral and cellular transcription. However, their requirement for viral DNA replication has not been demonstrated. We have now used an antisense phosphorothioate oligonucleotide complementary to the intron-exon boundary of the UL36 and UL37 unspliced RNA to show that these gene products are required for HCMV DNA replication. Southern analysis showed that this oligonucleotide almost completely inhibits HCMV DNA replication when used at concentrations as low as 0.08 microM. The ability of this oligonucleotide to inhibit DNA replication was not the result of an inhibition of virus adsorption. Southern blots showed no impairment of viral adsorption or internalization in the presence of either specific or nonspecific phosphorothioate oligonucleotides. In addition, Northern (RNA) blots confirm that this antisense compound specifically reduced UL36 mRNA in treated cells to undetectable levels while the steady-state levels of immediate-early transcripts IE1 and IE2 were unaffected. These results demonstrate that the UL36 and UL37 gene products provide an essential function in initiation of HCMV DNA replication.
Roles of immunoglobulin valency and the heavy-chain constant domain in antibody-mediated downregulation of Sindbis virus replication in persistently infected neurons
Authors: Ubol S , Levine B , Lee S H , Greenspan N S , Griffin D E
Published: January 2020

Clearance of infectious Sindbis virus from neurons is mediated by antibody to the E2 glycoprotein. Properties of the antibody important for downregulation of Sindbis virus replication are unknown. Immunoglobulin isotypes and valency determine many biological properties of antibodies. An immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) isotype switch mutant and F(ab')2 and Fab fragments of IgG3 monoclonal antibody 209 were prepared and tested for clearance of infectious virus from persistently infected rat dorsal root ganglion neurons in vitro. IgG1, IgG3, and IgG3-derived F(ab')2 fragments were similarly efficacious, while IgG3-derived Fab fragments had no effect on virus replication. Cross-linking of Fab with secondary antibodies restored antiviral activity. Therefore, we found no evidence that IgG subclass plays a role in control of intracellular Sindbis virus replication. However, bivalency appears to be crucial for the ability of E2-specific IgG molecules to mediate clearance of infectious virus from neuron cells, suggesting that cross-linking of E2 molecules is essential.
An etoposide-induced block in vaccinia virus telomere resolution is dependent on the virus-encoded DNA ligase
Authors: DeLange A M , Carpenter M S , Choy J , Newsway V E
Published: January 2020

Etoposide, an inhibitor of the breakage-reunion reaction associated with cellular type II DNA topoisomerases, was shown to inhibit plaque formation of vaccinia virus. This drug had a major effect on the segregation of newly replicated DNA concatemers. Gene expression and the initiation and elongation phases of viral DNA replication were essentially unaffected. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis of viral DNA replicated in the presence of etoposide revealed two major classes of DNA: the mature monomeric linear genome and DNA that failed to enter the gel (the relative proportions depending on the concentrations of drug). Restriction enzyme analysis showed a severe defect in telomere resolution. In addition, slowly migrating restriction fragments were suggestive of a general recombination defect. We have isolated several etoposide-resistant mutants and used marker rescue and DNA sequencing to localize the resistance-causing mutation to the amino terminus of the viral DNA ligase gene. Inactivation of the DNA ligase also resulted in an etoposide-resistant phenotype, but to a lesser extent. The telomere resolution and segregation defects were corrected both in the drug-resistant mutants and in the DNA ligase knockout mutants. Reinsertion of wild-type or mutant DNA ligase in the viral thymidine kinase locus confirmed the role of the viral DNA ligase in conferring sensitivity not only to etoposide but also to another topoisomerase II inhibitor, 4'-(9-acridinylamino) methanesulphon-m-anisidide (mAMSA). The data suggest that the nonessential DNA ligase is involved in telomere resolution, possibly as part of a general recombinase.
Detection of truncated virus particles in a persistent RNA virus infection in vivo
Authors: Drolet B S , Chiou P P , Heidel J , Leong J A
Published: January 2020

Infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV) is a rhabdovirus which causes devastating epizootics of trout and salmon fry in hatcheries around the world. In laboratory and field studies, epizootic survivors are negative for infectious virus by plaque assay at about 50 days postexposure. Survivors are considered virus free with no sequelae and, thus, are subsequently released into the wild. When adults return to spawn, infectious virus can again be isolated. Two hypotheses have been proposed to account for the source of virus in these adults. One hypothesis contends that virus in the epizootic survivors is cleared and that the adults are reinfected with IHNV from a secondary source during their migration upstream. The second hypothesis contends that IHNV persists in a subclinical or latent form and the virus is reactivated during the stress of spawning. Numerous studies have been carried out to test these hypotheses and, after 20 years, questions still remain regarding the maintenance of IHNV in salmonid fish populations. In the study reported here, IHNV-specific lesions in the hematopoietic tissues of rainbow trout survivors, reared in specific-pathogen-free water, were detected 1 year after the epizootic. The fish did not produce infectious virus. The presence of viral protein detected by immunohistochemistry, in viral RNA by PCR amplification, and in IHNV-truncated particles by immunogold electron microscopy confirmed the presence of IHNV in the survivors and provided the first evidence for subclinical persistence of virus in the tissues of IHNV survivors.
Mediation of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 binding by interaction of cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans with the V3 region of envelope gp120-gp41
Authors: Roderiquez G , Oravecz T , Yanagishita M , Bou-Habib D C , Mostowski H , Norcross M A
Published: January 2020

The mechanism of heparan sulfate (HS)-mediated human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) binding to and infection of T cells was investigated with a clone (H9h) of the T-cell line H9 selected on the basis of its high level of cell surface CD4 expression. Semiquantitative PCR analysis revealed that enzymatic removal of cell surface HS by heparitinase resulted in a reduction of the amount of HIV-1 DNA present in H9h cells 4 h after exposure to virus. Assays of the binding of recombinant envelope proteins to H9h cells demonstrated a structural requirement for an oligomeric form of gp120/gp41 for HS-dependent binding to the cell surface. The ability of the HIV-1 envelope to bind simultaneously to HS and CD4 was shown by immunoprecipitation of HS with either antienvelope or anti-CD4 antibodies from 35SO4(2-)-labeled H9h cells that had been incubated with soluble gp140. Soluble HS blocked the binding of monoclonal antibodies that recognize the V3 and C4 domains of the envelope protein to the surface of H9 cells chronically infected with HIV-1IIIB. The V3 domain was shown to be the major site of envelope-HS interaction by examining the effects of both antienvelope monoclonal antibodies and heparitinase on the binding of soluble gp140 to H9h cells.
A fully 5'-CG-3' but not a 5'-CCGG-3' methylated late frog virus 3 promoter retains activity
Authors: Munnes M , Schetter C , Hölker I , Doerfler W
Published: January 2020

Several lines of evidence demonstrate that the DNA of the iridovirus frog virus 3 (FV3) is methylated in all 5'-CG-3' sequences both in virion DNA and in the intracellular viral DNA at late times after infection. The 5-methyldeoxycytidine residues in this viral DNA occur exclusively in 5'-CG-3' dinucleotide positions. We have cloned and determined the nucleotide sequence of the L1140 gene and its promoter from FV3 DNA. The gene encodes a 40-kDa protein. The results of transcriptional pattern analyses for this gene in fathead minnow fish cells document that this gene is transcribed exclusively late after FV3 infection. The L1140 gene and its promoter are fully methylated at late times after infection. We have been interested in resolving the apparent paradox that the methylated L1140 promoter is methylated and active late in FV3-infected cells. Of course, the possibility cannot be excluded that one or a few 5'-CG-3' sequences outside restriction endonuclease sites escaped de novo methylation after FV3 DNA replication. We have devised a construct that places the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase gene under the control of the L1140 promoter. Upon transfection, this construct exhibits activity only in FV3-infected BHK-21 hamster cells, not in uninfected BHK-21 cells. The fully 5'-CG-3' or 5'-GCGC-3' (HhaI) methylated, HpaII-mock-methylated, or unmethylated L1140 promoter-chloramphenicol acetyltransferase gene construct is active in FV3-infected BHK-21 cells, whereas the same construct 5'-CCGG-3' (HpaII) methylated has lost activity. Apparently, complete methylation of the late L1140 promoter in FV3 DNA is compatible with activity. However, a very specific 5'-CCGG-3' methylation pattern that does not naturally occur in authentic FV3 DNA in infected cells abrogates promoter function. These results further support the notion that very specific patterns of methylation are required to inhibit or inactivate viral promoters.
Requirement for vacuolar proton-ATPase activity during entry of influenza virus into cells
Authors: Guinea R , Carrasco L
Published: January 2020

The role that endosomal acidification plays during influenza virus entry into MDCK cells has been analyzed by using the macrolide antibiotics bafilomycin A1 and concanamycin A as selective inhibitors of vacuolar proton-ATPase (v-[H+]ATPase), the enzyme responsible for the acidification of endosomes. Bafilomycin A1 and concanamycin A, present at the low concentrations of 5 x 10(-7) and 5 x 10(-9) M, respectively, prevented the entry of influenza virus into cells when added during the first minutes of infection. Attachment of virion particles to the cell surface was not the target for the action of bafilomycin A1. N,N'-Dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, a nonspecific inhibitor of proton-ATPases, also blocked virus entry, whereas elaiophylin, an inhibitor of the plasma-proton ATPase, had no effect. The inhibitory actions of bafilomycin A1 and concanamycin A were tested in culture medium at different pHs. Both antibiotics powerfully prevented influenza virus infection when the virus was added under low-pH conditions. This inhibition was reduced if the virus was bound to cells at 4 degrees C prior to the addition of warm low-pH medium. Moreover, incubation of cells at acidic pH potently blocked influenza virus infection, even in the absence of antibiotics. These results indicate that a pH gradient, rather than low pH, is necessary for efficient entry of influenza virus into cells.
Mutations in the putative fusion peptide of Semliki Forest virus affect spike protein oligomerization and virus assembly
Authors: Duffus W A , Levy-Mintz P , Klimjack M R , Kielian M
Published: January 2020

The two transmembrane spike protein subunits of Semliki Forest virus (SFV) form a heterodimeric complex in the rough endoplasmic reticulum. This complex is then transported to the plasma membrane, where spike-nucleocapsid binding and virus budding take place. By using an infectious SFV clone, we have characterized the effects of mutations within the putative fusion peptide of the E1 spike subunit on spike protein dimerization and virus assembly. These mutations were previously demonstrated to block spike protein membrane fusion activity (G91D) or cause an acid shift in the pH threshold of fusion (G91A). During infection of BHK cells at 37 degrees C, virus spike proteins containing either mutation were efficiently produced and transported to the plasma membrane, where they associated with the nucleocapsid. However, the assembly of mutant spike proteins into mature virions was severely impaired and a cleaved soluble fragment of E1 was released into the medium. In contrast, incubation of mutant-infected cells at reduced temperature (28 degrees C) dramatically decreased E1 cleavage and permitted assembly of morphologically normal virus particles. Pulse-labeling studies showed that the critical period for 28 degrees C incubation was during virus assembly, not spike protein synthesis. Thus, mutations in the putative fusion peptide of SFV confer a strong and thermoreversible budding defect. The dimerization of the E1 spike protein subunit with E2 was analyzed by using either cells infected with virus mutants or mutant virus particles assembled at 28 degrees C. The altered-assembly phenotype of the G91D and G91A mutants correlated with decreased stability of the E1-E2 dimer.
Multiple regions of Harvey sarcoma virus RNA can dimerize in vitro
Authors: Feng Y X , Fu W , Winter A J , Levin J G , Rein A
Published: January 2020

Retroviruses contain a dimeric RNA consisting of two identical molecules of plus-strand genomic RNA. The structure of the linkage between the two monomers is not known, but they are believed to be joined near their 5' ends. Darlix and coworkers have reported that transcripts of retroviral RNA sequences can dimerize spontaneously in vitro (see, for example, E. Bieth, C. Gabus, and J. L. Darlix, Nucleic Acids Res. 18:119-127, 1990). As one approach to identification of sequences which might participate in the linkage, we have mapped sequences derived from the 5' 378 bases of Harvey sarcoma virus (HaSV) RNA which can dimerize in vitro. We found that at least three distinct regions, consisting of nucleotides 37 to 229, 205 to 272, and 271 to 378, can form these dimers. Two of these regions contain nucleotides 205 to 226; computer analysis suggests that this region can form a stem-loop with an inverted repeat in the loop. We propose that this hypothetical structure is involved in dimer formation by these two transcripts. We also compared the thermal stabilities of each of these dimers with that of HaSV viral RNA. Dimers of nucleotides 37 to 229 and 205 to 272 both exhibited melting temperatures near that of viral RNA, while dimers of nucleotides 271 to 378 are quite unstable. We also found that dimers of nucleotides 37 to 378 formed at 37 degrees C are less thermostable than dimers of the same RNA formed at 55 degrees C. It seems possible that bases from all of these regions participate in the dimer linkage present in viral RNA.
Effect of cellular differentiation on cytokine-induced expression of human immunodeficiency virus in chronically infected promonocytic cells: dissociation of cellular differentiation and viral expression
Authors: Goletti D , Kinter A L , Biswas P , Bende S M , Poli G , Fauci A S
Published: January 2020

Cellular differentiation is thought to play an important role in the susceptibility of monocytic lineage cells to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection as well as in their ability to support virus replication. In addition, virus replication in monocytes/macrophages has been demonstrated in vitro to be strongly modulated by several cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the interaction between cellular differentiation and cytokines in the regulation of HIV expression from chronically infected monocytic lineage cells. U1, a persistently HIV-infected promonocytic cell line, is characterized by low levels of virus expression which can be modulated by several cytokines. 1 alpha,-25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 (Vit.D3), a well-known differentiating agent for myelomonocytic cells which has been previously reported to modulate HIV replication in other in vitro systems, induced maturation of U1 cells toward a macrophage-like phenotype, as demonstrated by the induction of the differentiation-associated cell surface markers CD14 and CD11b. Vit.D3-induced differentiation did not result in induction of HIV expression; however, when U1 cells were stimulated with tumor necrosis factor alpha in the presence of Vit.D3, a synergistic induction of cell differentiation and viral expression was demonstrated. In contrast, Vit.D3 suppressed the induction of HIV expression in U1 cells stimulated with gamma interferon, interleukin-6, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, although synergy between Vit.D3 and these cytokines was observed in terms of cellular differentiation. These data suggest that differentiation of monocytic cells does not necessarily correlate with increased HIV expression.
Tick-borne thogoto virus infection in mice is inhibited by the orthomyxovirus resistance gene product Mx1
Authors: Haller O , Frese M , Rost D , Nuttall P A , Kochs G
Published: January 2020

We show that tick-transmitted Thogoto virus is sensitive to interferon-induced nuclear Mx1 protein, which is known for its specific antiviral action against orthomyxoviruses. Influenza virus-susceptible BALB/c mice (lacking a functional Mx1 gene) developed severe disease symptoms and died within days after intracerebral or intraperitoneal infection with a lethal challenge dose of Thogoto virus. In contrast, Mx1-positive congenic, influenza virus-resistant BALB.A2G-Mx1 mice remained healthy and survived. Likewise, A2G, congenic B6.A2G-Mx1 and CBA.T9-Mx1 mice (derived from influenza virus-resistant wild mice) as well as Mx1-transgenic 979 mice proved to be resistant. Peritoneal macrophages and interferon-treated embryo cells from resistant mice exhibited the same resistance phenotype in vitro. Moreover, stable lines of transfected mouse 3T3 cells that constitutively express Mx1 protein showed increased resistance to Thogoto virus infection. We conclude that an Mx1-sensitive step has been conserved during evolution of orthomyxoviruses and suggest that the Mx1 gene in rodents may serve to combat infections by influenza virus-like arboviruses.
The H4 subunit of vaccinia virus RNA polymerase is not required for transcription initiation at a viral late promoter
Authors: Wright C F , Coroneos A M
Published: January 2020

Chromatography of RNA polymerase purified from vaccinia virions and from vaccinia virus-infected HeLa cells resulted in the separation of populations active for early and late transcription. An RNA polymerase population immunodepleted for the vaccinia virus H4 gene peptide could support late transcription.
Simian AIDS type D serogroup 2 retrovirus: isolation of an infectious molecular clone and sequence analyses of its envelope glycoprotein gene and 3' long terminal repeat
Authors: Marracci G H , Kelley R D , Pilcher K Y , Crabtree L , Shiigi S M , Avery N , Leo G , Webb M C , Hallick L M , Axthelm M K
Published: January 2020

We describe the molecular cloning of a serogroup 2 simian retrovirus (SRV; D2/RHE/OR) and present the sequence of its envelope (env) glycoprotein gene and 3' long terminal repeat region. This report documents the first infectious molecular clone of a serogroup 2 SRV and provides env sequence verification of genetic diversity among serogroup 2 SRV isolates.
The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Tat antagonist, Ro 5-3335, predominantly inhibits transcription initiation from the viral promoter
Authors: Cupelli L A , Hsu M C
Published: January 2020

Tat, the transcriptional transactivator protein of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), is required for viral replication in vitro. The Tat antagonist, Ro 5-3335, and its analog, Ro 24-7429, have been shown to inhibit replication of HIV-1 and to reduce steady-state viral RNA in infected cells (M.-C. Hsu et al., Science 254:1799-1802, 1991, and M.-C. Hsu et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 90:6395-6399, 1993). Analysis of HIV-1 long terminal repeat-driven reporter gene transcription in a recombinant adenovirus by nuclear run-on assay indicated that the drug predominantly inhibits Tat-dependent initiation and also exerts a measurable effect on elongation. This result may imply a common mechanism for Tat-mediated transcription initiation and elongation.
Multiple effects of mutations in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 integrase on viral replication
Authors: Engelman A , Englund G , Orenstein J M , Martin M A , Craigie R
Published: January 2020

The integration of a DNA copy of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) genome into a chromosome of an infected cell is a pivotal step in virus replication. Integration requires the activity of the virus-encoded integrase, which enters the cell as a component of the virion. Results of numerous mutagenesis studies have identified amino acid residues and protein domains of HIV-1 integrase critical for in vitro activity, but only a few of these mutants have been studied for their effects on HIV replication. We have introduced site-directed changes into an infectious DNA clone of HIV-1 and show that integrase mutations can affect virus replication at a variety of steps. We identified mutations that altered virion morphology, levels of particle-associated integrase and reverse transcriptase, and viral DNA synthesis. One replication-defective mutant virus which had normal morphology and protein composition displayed increased levels of circular viral DNA following infection of a T-cell line. This virus also had a significant titer in a CD4-positive indicator cell assay, which requires the viral Tat protein. Although unintegrated viral DNA can serve as a template for Tat expression in infected indicator cells, this level of expression is insufficient to support a spreading viral infection in CD4-positive lymphocytes.
Differential transcription of baculovirus late and very late promoters: fractionation of nuclear extracts by phosphocellulose chromatography
Authors: Xu B , Yoo S , Guarino L A
Published: January 2020

An in vitro transcription system based on cytidine-free cassette was developed for the late 39k gene and the very late polyhedrin gene of Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcNPV). Optimization of transcription conditions revealed that a preincubation step was not required for transcription of late and very late promoters, although preincubation was essential for efficient transcription from an early promoter. The 39k and polyhedrin constructs were actively transcribed by nuclear extracts prepared from AcNPV-infected Spodoptera frugiperda cells at 12 or 36 h postinfection but not by nuclear extracts prepared from uninfected or infected cells harvested during the early phase of infection. Transcription from the very late polyhedrin promoter was fivefold higher than that from the 39k late promoter with the nuclear extract prepared at 36 h postinfection. The 36-h extract was fractionated by phosphocellulose chromatography. Transcription activity eluted in two fractions, at 0.3 and 0.5 M KCl. Both the 39k and polyhedrin constructs were transcribed by these fractions; however, the patterns of late and very late transcription were distinctly different. With the 0.3 M fraction, incorporation into the 39k transcript was approximately 10-fold higher than incorporation into the polyhedrin transcript. Alternatively, with the 0.5 M fraction, transcription of the polyhedrin construct was twofold higher than transcription of the 39k construct. These results indicate that this in vitro system will be useful for purification and identification of factors that discriminate between late and very late promoters.
Evolution of subgroup A respiratory syncytial virus: evidence for progressive accumulation of amino acid changes in the attachment protein
Authors: Cane P A , Pringle C R
Published: January 2020

The variability of the attachment (G) proteins of 48 subgroup A isolates of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) isolated over 38 years has been examined. Nucleotide sequences of two variable regions of the G protein genes were determined following amplification by PCR. The isolates showed temporal rather than geographical clustering, and there was evidence for progressive accumulation of amino acid changes at an average rate of approximately 0.25% per year estimated over the entire protein. The cocirculation of lineages of RSV at present appears to be the result of a process of evolution and survival of particular genotypes and the extinction of others. Analysis of reactivity of the isolates with monoclonal antibodies showed that their antigenic profiles closely paralleled their relatedness by nucleotide sequence, suggesting that antigenic drift due to immune selection may be occurring.
Reduced replication of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 mutants that use reverse transcription primers other than the natural tRNA(3Lys)
Authors: Das A T , Klaver B , Berkhout B
Published: January 2020

Replication of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and other retroviruses involves reverse transcription of the viral RNA genome into a double-stranded DNA. This reaction is primed by the cellular tRNA(3Lys) molecule, which binds to a complementary sequence in the viral genome, referred to as the primer-binding site (PBS). In order to study the specificity of primer usage, we constructed a set of HIV-1 mutants with altered PBS sites corresponding to other tRNA species (tRNA(Ile), tRNA(1,2Lys), tRNA(Phe), tRNA(Pro), tRNA(Trp)). These mutant viruses were able to replicate, although with delayed replication kinetics compared with wild-type HIV-1. Identification of the tRNA species associated with the genomic RNA demonstrated binding of tRNAs complementary to the new PBS sites. However, the occupancy of the mutant PBS sites by these new primers was reduced and correlated well with the replication potential of the mutant viruses. These results suggest that the PBS sequence is not sufficient for annealing of the tRNA primer. Upon prolonged culturing, all mutants reverted to the wild-type PBS(3Lys) sequence. Minor sequence changes in the nucleotides flanking the PBS site indicate that these reversions resulted from annealing of the wild-type tRNA(3Lys) primer onto the mutant PBS sites, followed by copying of part of the tRNA(3Lys) sequence during reverse transcription. Furthermore, the reversion efficiency of the different PBS mutants was found to correlate with their tRNA(Lys)3 binding capacity. A remarkable reversion pathway was observed for the PBSPro variant (PBSPro-->PBSIle-->PBSwt). This pathway can be explained by efficient base pairing of tRNA(Ile) to PBSPro, followed by annealing of tRNA(3Lys) onto the PBSIle intermediate. These results demonstrate that HIV-1 is dedicated to the tRNA(3Lys) primer and that factors other than the PBS sequence determine the selective primer usage of this retrovirus.
Membrane vesiculation function and exocytosis of wild-type and mutant matrix proteins of vesicular stomatitis virus
Authors: Justice P A , Sun W , Li Y , Ye Z , Grigera P R , Wagner R R
Published: January 2020

Transfection of mammalian CV1 cells with a recombinant M-gene pTM1 plasmid, driven by vaccinia virus-expressed phage T7 polymerase, resulted in the expression of matrix (M) protein, which is progressively released from the exterior surface of the transfected-cell plasma membrane. Exocytosis of M protein begins 2 to 4 h posttransfection and reaches a peak by 10 to 16 h posttransfection; dye uptake studies reveal that > 97% of cells are alive and have intact membranes at 16 h posttransfection. Density gradient centrifugation and labeling with radioactive palmitic acid revealed that the M protein is released from cells in association with lipid vesicles. Expression of M-gene deletion mutants suggests that exocytosis of M protein requires the presence of a membrane-binding site at N-terminal amino acids 1 to 50. Cells transfected with the pTM1 plasmid containing the M gene of the temperature-sensitive mutant tsO23 expressed ample quantities of the mutant M protein at permissive (31 degrees C) and restrictive (39 degrees C) temperatures, but the exocytosis of the mutant M protein occurred only at the permissive temperature. The tsO23 M gene has three site-specific mutations resulting in amino acid substitutions at residues 21, 111, and 227. Expression of wild-type and mutant M genes with mutations or revertants at each of these sites resulted in exocytosis of M protein at the nonpermissive temperature only when wild-type leucine was present at residue 111, but M-protein exocytosis was restricted (to some extent even at the permissive temperature) when mutant phenylalanine was present at residue 111. Past and present data indicate that a specific structural conformation of the M protein is responsible for the formation and budding of vesicles, a property of the M protein which probably also promotes vesicular stomatitis virus assembly and budding of virions from host cells.
Change in tropism upon immune escape by human immunodeficiency virus
Authors: McKnight A , Weiss R A , Shotton C , Takeuchi Y , Hoshino H , Clapham P R
Published: January 2020

The V3 loop of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 is both a determinant of viral cell tropism and a target for neutralizing antibodies. This relationship was investigated. Selection of a dual-tropic (T cells and macrophages) virus to replicate in CD4+ brain cells results in loss of macrophage tropism and of neutralization by an anti-V3 loop monoclonal antibody. Moreover, selection of the brain-selected variant to escape from V3 loop-specific neutralizing monoclonal antibodies results in the reduction or loss of brain cell tropism and the reacquisition of macrophage tropism. These data may indicate that the antigenic diversification of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 apparent after seroconversion can be selected either by immune responses or by colonization of new cell types.
The E5 oncoprotein of human papillomavirus type 16 inhibits the acidification of endosomes in human keratinocytes
Authors: Straight S W , Herman B , McCance D J
Published: January 2020

The human papillomavirus type 16 E5 oncoprotein possesses mitogenic activity that acts synergistically with epidermal growth factor (EGF) in human keratinocytes and inhibits the degradation of the EGF receptor in endosomal compartments after ligand-stimulated endocytosis. One potential explanation for these observations is that E5 inhibits the acidification of endosomes. This may be mediated through the 16-kDa component of the vacuolar proton-ATPase, since animal and human papillomavirus E5 proteins bind this subunit protein. Using a ratio-imaging technique to determine endosomal pH, we found that the acidification of endosomes in E5-expressing keratinocytes was delayed at least fourfold compared with normal human keratinocytes and endosomes in some cells never completely acidified. Furthermore, E5 expression increased the resistance of keratinocytes to protein synthesis inhibition by diphtheria toxin, a process dependent on efficient endosomal acidification. Finally, artificially inhibiting endosomal acidification with chloroquine during the endocytosis of EGF receptors in keratinocytes demonstrated many of the same effects as the expression of human papillomavirus type 16 E5, including prolonged retention of undegraded EGF receptors in intracellular vesicles.
Myeloid depression follows infection of susceptible newborn mice with the parvovirus minute virus of mice (strain i)
Authors: Segovia J C , Bueren J A , Almendral J M
Published: January 2020

The in vivo myelosuppressive capacity of strain i of the parovirus minute virus of mice (MVMi) was investigated in newborn BALB/c mice inoculated with a lethal intranasal dose. MVMi infection reached maximum levels of DNA synthesis and infectious titers in lymphohemopoietic organs at 4 to 6 days postinoculation and was restricted by an early neutralizing humoral immune response. After viral control (by 10 days postinoculation), a significant decrease in femoral and splenic cellularity, as well as in granulocyte-macrophage colony-forming unit and erythroid burst-forming unit hemopoietic progenitors, was observed in most inoculated animals. This delayed myeloid depression, although it may be not a major cause of the lethality of the infection, implies indirect pathogenic mechanisms induced by MVMi infection in a susceptible host.
Regulation of transcription from the hepatitis B virus large surface antigen promoter by hepatocyte nuclear factor 3
Authors: Raney A K , Zhang P , McLachlan A
Published: January 2020

The influence of hepatocyte nuclear factor 3 (HNF3) on the level of transcriptional activity from the four hepatitis B virus promoters was investigated by transient-transfection analysis in the dedifferentiated hepatoma cell line, HepG2.1. It was found that the large surface antigen promoter and, to a much lesser extent, the nucleocapsid promoter were transactivated in the presence of HNF3. DNase I footprinting analysis demonstrated that purified recombinant HNF3 alpha protects one region of the large surface antigen promoter. Gel retardation analysis showed that a double-stranded oligonucleotide containing this HNF3-binding site formed a specific complex with DNA-binding proteins in the differentiated hepatoma cell lines, Huh7 and HepG2. The complex formed with Huh7 cell extract comigrated with exogenously expressed HNF3 beta in HeLa S3 extracts and was specifically inhibited from forming by the addition of HNF3 beta antiserum. The promoter element which appears to mediate the HNF3 transactivation was functionally mapped by mutational analysis to a region between nucleotides -65 and -54 relative to the transcriptional start site. This regulatory sequence is within the region protected from DNase I digestion by HNF3 alpha and contains 10 of 12 nucleotides homologous to the HNF3-binding-site consensus sequence. A synthetic promoter construct containing this HNF3-binding site was able to mediate transactivation by HNF3 beta. These and previous results suggest that the hepatitis B virus large surface antigen promoter is regulated by at least two liver-enriched transcription factors, HNF1 and HNF3, which together may contribute to the differentiated liver cell type specificity of this promoter.