bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of cell–cell fusion mediated by herpes simplex virus 2 glycoproteins gB, gD, gH and gL in transfected cells
Authors: Muggeridge Martin I.
Published: August 2015

The mechanisms by which herpes simplex viruses (HSV) mediate fusion between their envelope and the plasma membrane during entry into cells, and between the plasma membranes of adjacent infected and uninfected cells to form multinucleated giant cells, are poorly understood. Four viral glycoproteins (gB, gD, gH and gL) are required for virus–cell fusion, whereas these plus several others are required for cell–cell fusion (syncytium formation). A better understanding would be aided by the availability of a model system, whereby fusion could be induced with a minimal set of proteins, in the absence of infection. A suitable system has now been developed for HSV-2, using transfected COS7, 293 or HEp-2 cells. Insofar as the minimal set of HSV-2 proteins required to cause cell–cell fusion in this system is gB, gD, gH and gL, it would appear to resemble virus–cell fusion rather than syncytium formation. However, the ability of a mutation in gB to enhance the fusion of both transfected cells and infected cells, while having no effect on virus–cell fusion, points to the opposite conclusion. The differential effects of a panel of anti-HSV antibodies, and of the fusion-inhibitor cyclosporin A, confirm that the fusion of transfected cells shares some properties with virus–cell fusion and others with syncytium formation. It may therefore prove useful for determining how these processes differ, and for testing the hypothesis that some viral proteins prevent membrane fusion until the appropriate point in the virus life-cycle, with other proteins then overcoming this block.
Phylogenetic analysis of human herpesvirus-8 in South Africa and identification of a novel subgroup
Authors: Alagiozoglou Lee , Sitas Freddy , Morris Lynn
Published: August 2015

The incidence of Kaposi’s sarcoma in South Africa is increasing in parallel with the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 epidemic. An 804 bp region in the ORF75 gene of 40 human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) isolates from South Africa was sequenced and the phylogenetic relationships were compared to published sequences. Nineteen strains clustered with subgroup B and 11 with subgroup A; however, the bootstrap values supporting these subgroups were not significant. Three strains grouped significantly with the C subgroup, while eight sequences did not cluster with any of the previously classified subgroups and were termed novel (N). The N subgroup differed from the A, B and C subgroups by DNA distances of 4·8, 4·2 and 4·5%, respectively, although within the N subgroup there was only 0·4% variation. The inclusion of this subgroup increased the number of previously described subgroup-specific polymorphisms from 17 to 47 over an 804 bp region. There was sufficient inter-subgroup genetic diversity for a single-strand conformational polymorphism assay to be used to identify them rapidly. Thus, based on analysis of the ORF75 gene, a unique HHV-8 subgroup, termed N, is present in South Africa, which accounts for 20% of circulating strains. Further studies are required to determine the degree of genetic divergence, distribution and pathogenic potential of this novel subgroup.
A single chimeric transgene derived from two distinct viruses confers multi-virus resistance in transgenic plants through homology-dependent gene silencing
Authors: Jan Fuh-Jyh , Fagoaga Carmen , Pang Sheng-Zhi , Gonsalves Dennis
Published: August 2015

We showed previously that 218 and 110 bp N gene segments of tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) that were fused to the non-target green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene were able to confer resistance to TSWV via post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS). N gene segments expressed alone did not confer resistance. Apparently, the GFP DNA induced PTGS that targetted N gene segments and the incoming homologous TSWV for degradation, resulting in a resistant phenotype. These observations suggested that multiple resistance could be obtained by replacing the GFP DNA with a viral DNA that induces PTGS. The full-length coat protein (CP) gene of turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) was linked to 218 or 110 bp N gene segments and transformed into Nicotiana benthamiana. A high proportion (4 of 18) of transgenic lines with the 218 bp N gene segment linked to the TuMV CP gene were resistant to both viruses, and resistance was transferred to R2 plants. Nuclear run-on and Northern experiments confirmed that resistance was via PTGS. In contrast, only one of 14 transgenic lines with the TuMV CP linked to a 110 bp N gene segment yielded progeny with multiple resistance. Only a few R1 plants were resistant and resistance was not observed in R2 plants. These results clearly show the applicability of multiple virus resistance through the fusion of viral segments to DNAs that induce PTGS.
Effects of stoichiometry of retroviral components on virus production
Authors: Yap Melvyn W. , Kingsman Susan M. , Kingsman Alan J.
Published: August 2015

A study was conducted to investigate the effects of increasing the amount of each retroviral component on vector production. It was found that, while the components of both amphotropic and ecotropic vectors were expressed independently of each other in a transient transfection system, increasing the amount of the gag/gag–pol component resulted in a decrease in virus titres for the amphotropic particles but not ecotropic particles. Analyses of the virus stocks produced indicated that the negative effect on titres was closely linked to the availability of envelope proteins for virion incorporation. The negative effect was not observed for ecotropic particle production in 293T cells, where the ecotropic receptor was absent, but was manifested when production was conducted in 293/12 cells expressing the ecotropic receptor. This suggested that the premature interaction between envelope and receptor in producer cells could limit the amount of envelope available for virion incorporation. In designing optimal vector production systems it is essential, therefore, to balance the concentration of the vector components and to ensure that there is never an excess of Gag/Gag–Pol.
An aberrant genotype revealed in recombinant hepatitis B virus strains from Vietnam
Authors: Hannoun Charles , Norder Heléne , Lindh Magnus
Published: August 2015

Six genotypes of hepatitis B virus (HBV) have been described. However, relatively few complete genomes originating from East Asia, where most of the world’s HBV carriers live, have been studied. We analysed five complete HBV genomes of Vietnamese origin, which in our previous studies had produced atypical genotyping patterns. All five strains had HBsAg sequences with markers for serotype adw. In phylogenetic tree analysis, two of the genomes clustered with genotype C, and three clustered on a separate branch between genotypes A, B and C, suggesting a new genotype. However, these three strains showed signs of recombination in similarity plot and bootscanning analysis. Phylogenetic tree analysis of two segments separately supported recombination between genotype C and a putative new genotype (or possibly a subgroup of genotype A). The segment between nt 1801 and 2865 was clearly of genotype C origin, while the major part of the genome (nt 2866–1800) was placed on a branch close to genotype A. The findings encourage further study of genotypes and recombination in HBV from this geographical region.
Cytological and molecular evidence that the whitefly-transmitted Cucumber vein yellowing virus is a tentative member of the family Potyviridae
Authors: Lecoq H. , Desbiez C. , Delécolle B. , Cohen S. , Mansour A.
Published: August 2015

Cucumber vein yellowing virus (CVYV) is widespread in cucurbits in the Middle East. CVYV has filamentous particles and is transmitted by Bemisia tabaci by the semi-persistent mode. It has not yet been assigned to a specific genus or family. Ultramicroscopic observations revealed numerous cylindrical cytoplasmic inclusions in melon and cucumber cells infected by CVYV isolates from Israel and Jordan. Depending on the section orientation, the inclusions appeared as pinwheels or as bundles. In addition, a 1·9 kb DNA fragment was amplified by RT–PCR from CVYV-infected plant extracts using primers designed to detect all potyvirids. Sequence comparisons with the amplified fragment indicated that CVYV is more closely related to Sweet potato mild mottle virus than to any other virus in the family Potyviridae. These results suggest that CVYV can be considered as a tentative new member of the genus Ipomovirus, family Potyviridae.
The 3a cell-to-cell movement gene is dispensable for cell-to-cell transmission of brome mosaic virus RNA replicons in yeast but retained over 1045-fold amplification
Authors: Ishikawa Masayuki , Janda Michael , Ahlquist Paul
Published: August 2015

In yeast expressing the RNA replication proteins encoded by brome mosaic virus (BMV), B3URA3, a BMV RNA3 derivative that harbours the 3a cell-to-cell movement protein gene and the yeast uracil biosynthesis gene URA3, was replicated and maintained in 85–95% of progeny at each cell division. Transmission of the B3URA3 RNA replicon from mother to daughter yeast did not require the 3a gene. Nevertheless, even after passaging for 165 cycles of RNA replication and yeast cell division, each of 40 independent Ura+ colonies tested retained B3URA3 RNAs whose electrophoretic mobilities and accumulation levels were indistinguishable from those of the original B3URA3. These and other results suggest that unselected genes in many positive-strand RNA virus replicons can be stably retained if the presence of the gene does not confer a selective disadvantage in RNA replication.
The passage of Potato leafroll virus through Myzus persicae gut membrane regulates transmission efficiency
Authors: Rouzé-Jouan J. , Terradot L. , Pasquer F. , Tanguy S. , Giblot Ducray-Bourdin D.
Published: August 2015

Potato leafroll virus (PLRV) is transmitted by aphids in a persistent manner. Although virus circulation within the aphid leading to transmission has been well characterized, the mechanisms involved in virus recognition at aphid membranes are still poorly understood. One isolate in our collection (PLRV-14.2) has been shown to be non- or only poorly transmitted by some clones of aphids belonging to the Myzus persicae complex. To determine where the transmission process was blocked within the aphid, three virus transmission procedures were used. PLRV-14.2 could not be transmitted, or was only very poorly transmitted, after acquisition from infected plants or from purified preparations. In contrast, it could be transmitted with more than 70% efficiency when microinjected. Therefore, it is concluded that the gut membrane was a barrier regulating passage of PLRV particles from the gut lumen into the haemocoel of M. persicae. Comparison of coat protein (CP) and readthrough protein (RTP) sequences between poorly and readily transmissible isolates showed that PLRV-14.2 differed from other PLRV isolates by amino acid changes in both of these proteins. It is hypothesized that at least some of the changes found in CP and/or RTP reduced virus recognition by aphid gut receptors, resulting in reduced acquisition and subsequent transmission of PLRV-14.2.
RNAs 1 and 2 of Alfalfa mosaic virus, expressed in transgenic plants, start to replicate only after infection of the plants with RNA 3
Authors: Thole Vera , Garcia Maria-Laura , van Rossum Clemens M. A. , Neeleman Lyda , Brederode Frans T. , Linthorst Huub J. M. , Bol John F.
Published: August 2015

RNAs 1 and 2 of the tripartite genome of Alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV) encode the two viral replicase subunits. Full-length DNA copies of RNAs 1 and 2 were used to transform tobacco plants (R12 lines). None of the transgenic lines showed resistance to AMV infection. In healthy R12 plants, the transcripts of the viral cDNAs were copied by the transgenic viral replicase into minus-strand RNAs but subsequent steps in replication were blocked. When the R12 plants were inoculated with AMV RNA 3, this block was lifted and the transgenic RNAs 1 and 2 were amplified by the transgenic replicase together with RNA 3. The transgenic expression of RNAs 1 and 2 largely circumvented the role of coat protein (CP) in the inoculum that is required for infection of nontransgenic plants. The results for the first time demonstrate the role of CP in AMV plus-strand RNA synthesis at the whole plant level.
Interaction of the movement and coat proteins of Maize streak virus: implications for the transport of viral DNA
Authors: Liu Huanting , Boulton Margaret I. , Oparka Karl J. , Davies Jeffrey W.
Published: August 2015

We have shown previously that the movement protein (MP) and coat protein (CP) of Maize streak virus (MSV) are both required for systemic infection. Towards understanding the roles of these two proteins in virus movement, each was expressed in E. coli and interactions of the MP with viral DNA or CP were investigated using south-western, gel overlay and immunoprecipitation assays. Unlike the CP, the MP did not bind to viral DNA but it interacted with the CP in vitro and an MP–CP complex was detected in extracts from MSV-infected maize, indicating the potential for an interaction in vivo. Microinjection showed that the MP could prevent the nuclear transport of an MSV CP–DNA complex in maize and tobacco cells. These results are consistent with a model in which the MP diverts a CP–DNA complex from the nucleus (where viral DNA replication takes place) to the cell periphery, and in co-operation with the CP, mediates the cell-to-cell movement of the viral DNA. In this respect, the MSV MP and CP have functional analogy with the BC1 and BV1 proteins, respectively, of the Begomovirus genus of the Geminiviridae.
Transient expression of a GUS reporter gene from cauliflower mosaic virus replacement vectors in the presence and absence of helper virus
Authors: Viaplana Rita , Turner David S. , Covey Simon N.
Published: August 2015

Vectors based upon the genome of cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) have only a limited capacity for replicating foreign DNA in plants. A helper virus system has been developed to complement CaMV constructs capable of carrying a large foreign gene (glucuronidase; GUS). GUS replaced part or all of the non-essential CaMV gene II and the essential genes III, IV and V. This construct was co-inoculated mechanically with wild-type CaMV helper virus onto Brassica rapa leaves to promote GUS vector complementation. After 1 week, blue foci of GUS activity were observed in the centres of the local lesions. Leaves inoculated with the GUS construct in the absence of helper virus showed randomly distributed foci of GUS activity that were generally smaller than the lesion-associated GUS foci. Inoculation with a simple non-replicating CaMV 35S promoter–GUS construct also produced small GUS foci. Co-inoculation of helper virus with CaMV gene replacement vectors in which replication was prevented by moving the primer-binding site or by deletion of an essential splice acceptor produced only small, randomly distributed GUS activity foci, demonstrating that the lesion-associated foci were produced by gene expression from replicating constructs. These experiments show that CaMV genes III–V can be complemented by wild-type virus and replacement gene vectors can be used for transient gene expression studies with CaMV constructs that distinguish gene expression associated with a replicating vector from that associated with a non-replicating vector.
Soluble interleukin-6 receptor activates the human papillomavirus type 18 long control region in SW756 cervical carcinoma cells in a STAT3-dependent manner
Authors: Smola-Hess Sigrun , Sandaradura de Silva Ute , Hadaschik Dirk , Pfister Herbert J.
Published: August 2015

Cervical carcinoma cells producing high levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) were shown to be unresponsive to the cytokine IL-6 due to the loss of their IL-6 receptor. Addition of IL-6 receptor in a soluble form restores IL-6 signalling in SW756 carcinoma cells. This leads to a rapid and strong activation of the transcription factor signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). Nuclear factor IL-6 (NF-IL6, C/EBPβ) was induced only as a late event. While C/EBPβ significantly repressed the human papillomavirus type 18 long control region (HPV18-LCR), IL-6 signalling unexpectedly activated the HPV18-LCR in these cells. This IL-6 receptor-mediated induction could be completely reverted by transfection of a dominant-negative STAT3 but not STAT1 expression construct, indicating that STAT3 might play an important role in HPV18 oncogene promoter activation.
Definition of neutralizing sites on African horse sickness virus serotype 4 VP2 at the level of peptides
Authors: Martínez-Torrecuadrada Jorge L. , Langeveld Jan P. M. , Meloen Rob H. , Casal J. Ignacio
Published: August 2015

The antigenic structure of African horse sickness virus (AHSV) serotype 4 capsid protein VP2 has been determined at the peptide level by PEPSCAN analysis in combination with a large collection of polyclonal antisera and monoclonal antibodies. VP2, the determinant for the virus serotype and an important target in virus neutralization, was found to contain 15 antigenic sites. A major antigenic region containing 12 of the 15 sites was identified in the region between residues 223 and 400. A second domain between residues 568 and 681 contained the three remaining sites. These sites were used for the synthesis of peptides, which were later tested in rabbits. Of the 15 synthetic peptides, three were able to induce neutralizing antibodies for AHSV-4, defining two neutralizing epitopes, ‘a’ and ‘b’, between residues 321 and 339, and 377 and 400, respectively. A combination of peptides representing both sites induced a more effective neutralizing response. Still, the relatively low neutralization titres make the possibility of producing a synthetic vaccine for AHSV unlikely. The complex protein–protein interaction of the outer shell of the viral capsid would probably require the presence of either synthetic peptides in the correct conformation or peptide segments from the different proteins VP2, VP5 and VP7.
Generation of infectious and transmissible virions from a GB virus B full-length consensus clone in tamarins
Authors: Sbardellati Andrea , Scarselli Elisa , Verschoor Ernst , De Tomassi Amedeo , Lazzaro Domenico , Traboni Cinzia
Published: August 2015

The strong similarity between GB virus B (GBV-B) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) makes tamarins infected by GBV-B an acceptable surrogate animal model for HCV infection. Even more attractive, for drug discovery purposes, is the idea of constructing chimeric viruses by inserting HCV genes of interest into a GBV-B genome frame. To accomplish this, infectious cDNA clones of both viruses must be available. The characterization of several HCV molecular clones capable of infecting chimpanzees has been published, whereas only one infectious GBV-B clone inducing hepatitis in tamarins has been reported so far. Here we describe the infection of tamarins by intrahepatic injection of RNA transcribed from a genomic GBV-B clone (FL-3) and transmission of the disease from infected to naive tamarins via serum inoculation. The disease resulting from both direct and secondary infection was characterized for viral RNA titre and hepatitis parameters as well as for viral RNA distribution in the hepatic tissue. Host humoral immune response to GBV-B antigens was also monitored. The progression of the disease was compared to that induced by intravenous injection of different amounts of the non-recombinant virus.
Immune and artificial selection in the haemagglutinin (H) glycoprotein of measles virus
Authors: Woelk Christopher H. , Jin Li , Holmes Edward C. , Brown David W. G.
Published: August 2015

We present a maximum likelihood (ML) analysis of the selection pressures that have shaped the evolution of the large (L) protein and the haemagglutinin (H) glycoprotein of measles virus (MV). A number of amino acid sites that have potentially been subject to adaptive evolution were identified in the H protein using sequences from every known genotype of MV. All but one of these putative positively selected sites reside within the ectodomain of the H protein, where they often show an association with positions of potential B-cell epitopes and sites known to interact with the CD46 receptor. This suggests that MV may be under pressure from the immune system, albeit relatively weakly, to alter sites within epitopes and hence evade the humoral immune response. The positive selection identified at amino acid 546 was shown to correlate with the passage history of MV isolates in Vero cells. We reveal that Vero cell passaging has the potential to introduce an artificial signal of adaptive evolution through selection for changes that increase affinity for the CD46 receptor.
Selection of the same mutation in the U69 protein kinase gene of human herpesvirus-6 after prolonged exposure to ganciclovir in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Manichanh Chaysavanh , Olivier-Aubron Camille , Lagarde Jean-Pierre , Aubin Jean-Thierry , Bossi Phillipe , Gautheret-Dejean Agnès , Huraux Jean-Marie , Agut Henri
Published: August 2015

After serial passage in the presence of increasing concentrations of ganciclovir (GCV) in vitro, a human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) mutant exhibiting a decreased sensitivity to the drug was isolated. Analysis of drug susceptibility showed that the IC50 of this mutant was 24-, 52- and 3-fold higher than that of the wild-type (wt) IC50 in the case of GCV, cidofovir and foscarnet, respectively. Genotypic analysis showed two single nucleotide changes as compared to the wild-type: an A→G substitution of the U69 protein kinase (PK) gene resulted in an M318V amino acid substitution and the other change, located in the C-terminal part of the U38 gene, resulted in an A961V amino acid substitution within the DNA polymerase. The M318V change was located within the consensus sequence DISPMN of the putative catalytic domain VI of the PK. This change was homologous to the M460V and M460I changes that had been reported previously within the consensus sequence DITPMN of the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) UL97 PK and associated with the resistance of HCMV to GCV. The M318V change was also detected by PCR in HHV-6-infected PBMCs from an AIDS patient who had been treated with GCV for a long period of time and exhibited a clinically GCV-resistant HCMV infection. These findings provide strong circumstantial evidence that the M318V change of the PK gene is associated with resistance to GCV and raise the question of cross resistance to this drug among different betaherpesviruses.
Interaction of lyssaviruses with the low-affinity nerve-growth factor receptor p75NTR
Authors: Tuffereau Christine , Desmézières Emmanuel , Bénéjean Jacqueline , Jallet Corinne , Flamand Anne , Tordo Noël , Perrin Pierre
Published: August 2015

The low-affinity nerve-growth factor receptor p75NTRinteractsin vitrowith the rabies virus (RV) glycoprotein and serves as a receptor for RV. TheLyssavirusgenus comprises seven genotypes (GTs) of rabies and rabies-related viruses. The ability of p75NTRto interact with the glycoprotein of representative lyssaviruses from each GT was investigated. This investigation was based on a specific binding assay between BSR cells infected with a lyssavirus andSpodoptera frugiperda(Sf21) cells expressing p75NTRon the cell surface. A specific interaction was observed with the glycoprotein of GT 1 RV (challenge virus standard or Pasteur virus strains) as well as wild-type RV and the glycoprotein of GT 6 European bat lyssavirus type 2. In contrast, no interaction was detected with the glycoprotein of lyssaviruses of GTs 2–5 and 7. Therefore, p75NTRis only a receptor for some lyssavirus glycoproteins, indicating that the other GTs must use an alternative specific receptor.
Sendai virus genome synthesis and assembly are coupled: a possible mechanism to promote viral RNA polymerase processivity
Authors: Gubbay Oliver , Curran Joseph , Kolakofsky Daniel
Published: August 2015

A cell-free system for studying Sendai virus RNA synthesis was reconstituted from N protein:RNA templates and transfected cell extracts in which the viral N, P and L proteins were expressed. Both transcription (mRNA synthesis) and replication (genome and antigenome synthesis) took place concurrently in these reactions. Viral RNA polymerases engaged in replication (replicases) were found to elongate their chains at a constant speed along the genome (1·7 nt/s), in a highly processive manner. In contrast, viral RNA polymerases engaged in transcription (transcriptases), although capable of synthesizing RNA at a comparable speed to replicases, were poorly processive. In this system, therefore, transcriptases require special reaction conditions to promote processivity that are not required by replicases. In addition, during replication, incomplete nascent genome chains were shown to be assembled with N protein, providing direct evidence that the synthesis and assembly of genomes are concurrent events. The strong processivity of replicases, independent of the reaction conditions, may thus be due to the coupling of genome synthesis and assembly. A model is proposed to explain how pausing of viral polymerase on the template is restricted when assembly and synthesis of the nascent chain are coupled.
Molecular epidemiology of dengue type 2 virus in Venezuela: evidence for in situ virus evolution and recombination
Authors: Uzcategui N. Y. , Camacho D. , Comach G. , Cuello de Uzcategui R. , Holmes E. C. , Gould E. A.
Published: August 2015

Epidemic outbreaks of dengue fever (DF) were first recorded in Venezuela in 1978 and were followed by the emergence of dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) outbreaks in 1989. To gain a better understanding of the nature of these epidemics, the complete envelope (E) gene sequence of 34 Venezuelan dengue type 2 (DEN-2) viruses, isolated between 1997 and 2000 was determined. Of these isolates, 16 were from patients with DF and 17 were from patients diagnosed with DHF. There were no diagnostic sequence differences between them, suggesting that the E gene alone does not determine disease severity. These sequence data were also used in phylogenetic comparisons with a global sample of DEN-2 viruses, including strains collected previously from Venezuela. This analysis revealed that the ancestors of the Venezuelan viruses were Asian in origin, implying that a DEN-2 virus strain from this region was introduced into Venezuela and the wider Caribbean region during the late 1970s or the early 1980s. The phylogenetic trees further indicate that evolution of DEN-2 virus in Venezuela has occurred in situ, with differentiation into a number of distinct but co-circulating lineages, rather than the repeated introduction of new strains from other localities. By incorporating additional sequence data from the virus capsid, premembrane and membrane genes, evidence is provided that a single Venezuelan strain sequenced previously, designated Mara4, is a recombinant virus, incorporating genome sequence from Venezuelan and Asian parental viruses.
Genetic analysis of the Epstein–Barr virus-coded leader protein EBNA-LP as a co-activator of EBNA2 function
Authors: McCann Eamon M. , Kelly Gemma L. , Rickinson Alan B. , Bell Andrew I.
Published: August 2015

Co-operation between the Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)-coded leader protein EBNA-LP and the nuclear antigen EBNA2 appears to be critical for efficient virus-induced B cell transformation. Here we report the genetic analysis of EBNA-LP function using two transient co-transfection assays of co-operativity, activation of latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) expression from a resident EBV genome in Akata-BL cells and activation of an EBNA2-responsive reporter construct. Small deletions were introduced into each of five conserved regions (CRs) of EBNA-LP sequence present in type 1 and type 2 EBV strains and in several primate lymphocryptovirus EBNA-LP homologues. Deletions within all three CRs in the EBNA-LP W1W2 repeat domain completely abrogated function, through inhibition of nuclear localization in the cases of CR1 and CR2 but not of CR3; deletions within CR4 and CR5 in the Y1Y2 unique domain had relatively little effect, yet loss of the whole Y2 sequence blocked activity. Alanine substitution of serine residues within potential phosphorylation sites identified two mutants of particular interest. Substitution of three such residues (S34,36,63) within W1W2 not only abrogated EBNA-LP activity but was associated with a complete loss of EBNA2 detectability in co-transfected cells, implying possible destabilization of the co-expressed EBNA2 protein. More importantly the individual substitution of S36completely blocked EBNA-LP/EBNA2 co-operativity while retaining EBNA2 expression. We infer critical roles for the CR3 domain and for the S36residue in EBNA-LP’s co-operative function.
Epizootiology and transmission of a newly discovered baculovirus from the mosquitoes Culex nigripalpus and C. quinquefasciatus
Authors: Becnel James J. , White Susan E. , Moser Bettina A. , Fukuda Tokuo , Rotstein Margaret J. , Undeen Albert H. , Cockburn Andrew
Published: August 2015

Reports of mosquito baculoviruses are extremely uncommon and epizootics in field populations are rarely observed. We describe a baculovirus that was responsible for repeated and extended epizootics in field populations ofCulex nigripalpusandC. quinquefasciatusover a 2 year period. These mosquito species are important vectors of St Louis and Eastern equine encephalitis in the United States. Our initial attempts to transmit this baculovirus to mosquitoes in the laboratory were unsuccessful. A salt mixture similar to that found in water supporting infection in the field was used in laboratory bioassays and indicated that certain salts were crucial to transmission of the virus. Further investigations revealed conclusively that transmission is mediated by divalent cations: magnesium is essential, whereas calcium inhibits virus transmission. These findings represent a major advancement in our understanding of the transmission of baculoviruses in mosquitoes and will allow characterization of the virus in the laboratory. In addition, they can explain, in great part, conditions that support epizootics in natural populations of mosquitoes that vector life-threatening diseases of man and animals.
Negative regulatory regions of the PAT1 promoter of Hz-1 virus contain GATA elements which associate with cellular factors and regulate promoter activity
Authors: Chen Hong-Hwa , Tsai Feng-Yuan , Chen Chung-Te
Published: August 2015

The persistence-associated transcript 1 (PAT1) is actively expressed during persistent infection with Hz-1 virus, while transcription of the rest of the viral genes is shut down. Previously, results of a series deletion of the PAT1 promoter suggested that the regions from nucleotides −312 to −212 and nucleotides −158 to −90 negatively regulate the promoter activity. Here, the negative regulatory effect of the −312/−90 fragment was confirmed using a heterologous IE0 promoter of Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus. Further, the negative regulation of the −312 to −212 region was orientation-independent. The results of electrophoresis mobility shift assays showed that cellular protein(s) bind specifically to DNA fragments −312/−212 and −158/−90. In each of these fragments, a GATA element was identified by computer-assisted analysis. Mutating both GATA elements in the −312/−90 fragment completely eliminated its negative effect on IE0 promoter activity, while mutating only one of these elements had little or no effect. Together, these results suggest that the GATA element has a negative regulatory role on the IE0 and PAT1 promoters.
The UL14 protein of herpes simplex virus type 2 translocates the minor capsid protein VP26 and the DNA cleavage and packaging UL33 protein into the nucleus of coexpressing cells
Authors: Yamauchi Yohei , Wada Kaoru , Goshima Fumi , Takakuwa Hiroki , Daikoku Tohru , Yamada Masao , Nishiyama Yukihiro
Published: August 2015

The herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) gene UL14 encodes a 32 kDa protein which is a minor component of the virion tegument and is expressed late in infection. The UL14 protein shows varied localization patterns in HSV-2-infected and singly expressing cells, suggesting the possibility that it is multifunctional. We have investigated the influence of the UL14 protein on the intracellular localization of capsid proteins and DNA cleavage and packaging proteins in coexpressing cells. VP26 is the minor capsid protein; it binds to hexons of the outer capsid shell and is predominantly cytoplasmic upon sole expression. We have found that VP26 coexpressed with the UL14 protein showed mutual and predominant relocation into the nucleus. At least seven viral genes encode proteins (UL6, UL15, UL17, UL25, UL28, UL32 and UL33) that are required for DNA cleavage and packaging. We have found that the UL33 protein, which was also cytoplasmic by sole expression, was relocated to the nucleus upon expression with the UL14 protein, which again seemed to be a result of mutual influence. Coexpression experiments also suggested the possibility of a mutual influence between the UL14 and UL17 proteins, and the UL17 protein and VP26. Our results suggest that the UL14 protein can influence the intracellular localization patterns of a number of proteins belonging to the capsid or the DNA encapsidation machinery.
Vaccination of chronic hepatitis B virus carriers with preS2/S envelope protein is not associated with the emergence of envelope escape mutants
Authors: Soussan Patrick , Pol Stanislas , Garreau Florianne , Bréchot Christian , Kremsdorf Dina
Published: August 2015

PreS2/S vaccination of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers led to a reduction in HBV replication or clearance of virus in 30% of treated patients. This study assessed whether vaccinotherapy of chronic HBV carriers induced the selection of escape mutants in the envelope ‘a’ determinant and whether envelope genetic variability might affect the response to vaccination. No amino acid differences were observed in the ‘a’ determinant between sequences obtained before and after treatment (five responders and seven non-responders). However, alignment with HBV prototype sequences revealed seven amino acid changes. Two mutations (T140S and P127L) diverged from subtype variations. In the complete envelope sequence (five non-responders and five responders), ten amino acid modifications were detected between sequences obtained before and after treatment. The absence of any common mutations did not enable the definition of a hot spot of mutations implicated in the response to vaccination. Moreover, vaccinotherapy does not induce the selection of escape mutants in the ‘a’ determinant.
Banana bunchy top nanovirus DNA-1 encodes the ‘master’ replication initiation protein
Authors: Horser Cathryn L. , Harding Robert M. , Dale James L.
Published: August 2015

Banana bunchy top nanovirus has a multicomponent, circular single-stranded DNA genome comprising at least six integral components, BBTV DNA-1 to -6, which have been consistently associated with bunchy top disease worldwide. At least three other components, BBTV S1, S2 and Y, which have been isolated from Taiwanese BBTV isolates, do not appear to be integral components. We show here that both BBTV DNA-1 and S1, which encode replication initiation (Rep) proteins, were capable of self-replication when bombarded into banana embryogenic cell suspensions. However, only BBTV DNA-1 was capable of directing the replication of two other BBTV genomic components, namely BBTV DNA-3 which encodes the coat protein, and DNA-5 which encodes a retinoblastoma binding-like protein. These results indicate that (i) BBTV DNA-1 is the minimal replicative unit of BBTV and encodes the ‘master’ viral Rep and (ii) BBTV S1 is possibly a satellite DNA which is unable to replicate integral BBTV components.
Identification of a short amino acid sequence essential for efficient nuclear targeting of the Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus/human herpesvirus-8 K8 protein
Authors: Portes-Sentis Stéphanie , Manet Evelyne , Gourru Géraldine , Sergeant Alain , Gruffat Henri
Published: August 2015

The K8 protein of Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV)/human herpesvirus-8 is a member of the bZIP family of transcription factors, which has homology with the Epstein–Barr virus transcription and replication factor, EB1. In this report, we have analysed the subcellular localization of the K8 protein and characterized a 12 amino acid sequence rich in basic residues which is responsible for targeting the protein to the cell nucleus. Furthermore, we show that a K8 mutant lacking the nuclear localization sequence can be directed to the nucleus by co-expression with an intact K8 protein, suggesting that K8 homodimerizes in the cytoplasm of the cell in vivo.
Recombinant bovine respiratory syncytial virus with deletions of the G or SH genes: G and F proteins bind heparin
Authors: Karger Axel , Schmidt Ulrike , Buchholz Ursula J.
Published: August 2015

Bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) encodes three transmembrane envelope glycoproteins, namely the small hydrophobic (SH) protein, the attachment glycoprotein (G) and the fusion glycoprotein (F). The BRSV reverse genetics system has been used to generate viable recombinant BRSV lacking either the G gene or the SH gene or both genes. The deletion mutants were fully competent for multicycle growth in cell culture, proving that, of the BRSV glycoprotein genes, the SH and G genes are non-essential. Virus morphogenesis was not impaired by either of the deletions. The deletion mutants were used to study the role of the F glycoprotein and the contributions of SH and G with respect to virus attachment. Attachment mediated by the F protein alone could be blocked by soluble heparin, but not by chondroitin sulphate. Heparin affinity chromatography revealed that both the BRSV G and F glycoproteins have heparin-binding activity, with the affinity of the F glycoprotein being significantly lower than that of G. Therefore, the roles of the BRSV glycoproteins in virus attachment and receptor binding have to be reconsidered.
Functional interaction of translation initiation factor eIF4G with the foot-and-mouth disease virus internal ribosome entry site
Authors: Saleh Lanja , Rust René C. , Füllkrug Ralf , Beck Ewald , Bassili Gergis , Ochs Kerstin , Niepmann Michael
Published: August 2015

In the life-cycle of picornaviruses, the synthesis of the viral polyprotein is initiated cap-independently at the internal ribosome entry site (IRES) far downstream from the 5′ end of the viral plus-strand RNA. Thecis-acting IRES RNA elements serve as binding sites for translation initiation factors that guide the ribosomes to an internal site of the viral RNA. In this study, we show that the eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF4G interacts directly with the IRES of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV). eIF4G binds mainly to the large Y-shaped stem–loop 4 RNA structure in the 3′ region of the FMDV IRES element, whereas stem–loop 5 contributes only slightly to eIF4G binding. Two subdomains of stem–loop 4 are absolutely essential for eIF4G binding, whereas another subdomain contributes to a lesser extent to binding of eIF4G. At the functional level, the translational activity of stem–loop 4 subdomain mutants correlates with the efficiency of binding of eIF4G in the UV cross-link assay. This indicates that the interaction of eIF4G with the IRES is crucial for the initiation of FMDV translation. A model for the interaction of initiation factors with the IRES element is discussed.
Proteolytic processing of Semliki Forest virus-specific non-structural polyprotein by nsP2 protease
Authors: Merits Andres , Vasiljeva Lidia , Ahola Tero , Kääriäinen Leevi , Auvinen Petri
Published: August 2015

The RNA replicase proteins of Semliki Forest virus (SFV) are translated as a P1234 polyprotein precursor that contains two putative autoproteases. Point mutations introduced into the predicted active sites of both proteases nsP2 (P2) and nsP4 (P4), separately or in combination, completely abolished virus replication in mammalian cells. The effects of these mutations on polyprotein processing were studied by in vitro translation and by expression of wild-type polyproteins P1234, P123, P23, P34 and their mutated counterparts in insect cells using recombinant baculoviruses. A mutation in the catalytic site of the P2 protease, C478A, (P2CA) completely abolished the processing of P12CA34, P12CA3 and P2CA3. Co-expression of P23 and P12CA34 in insect cells resulted in in trans cleavages at the P2/3 and P3/4 sites. Co-expression of P23 and P34 resulted in cleavage at the P3/4 site. In contrast, a construct with a mutation in the active site of the putative P4 protease, D6A, (P1234DA) was processed like the wild-type protein. P34 or its truncated forms were not processed when expressed alone. In insect cells, P4 was rapidly destroyed unless an inhibitor of proteosomal degradation was used. It is concluded that P2 is the only protease needed for the processing of SFV polyprotein P1234. Analysis of the cleavage products revealed that P23 or P2 could not cleave the P1/2 site in trans.
Complete sequence characterization of the genome of the St Croix River virus, a new orbivirus isolated from cells of Ixodes scapularis
Authors: Attoui Houssam , Stirling Julie M. , Munderloh Ulrike G. , Billoir Frédérique , Brookes Sharon M. , Burroughs J. Nicholas , de Micco Philippe , Mertens Peter P. C. , de Lamballerie Xavier
Published: August 2015

An orbivirus identified as St Croix River virus (SCRV) was isolated from cells of Ixodes scapularis ticks. Electron microscopy showed particles with typical orbivirus morphology. The SCRV genome was sequenced completely and compared to previously characterized orbivirus genomes. Significant identity scores (21–38%) were detected between proteins encoded by segments S1, S2, S4, S5, S6, S8, S9 and S10 of SCRV and those encoded by segments S1, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S9 and S10, respectively, of Bluetongue virus (BTV), the prototype orbivirus species. The protein encoded by SCRV genome segment 3 (VP3) is thought to be the equivalent of VP2 of BTV. Segment 7 encodes a protein homologous to non-structural protein NS2(ViP) of BTV. Analysis of VP1(Pol) (segment 1) shows that SCRV is an orbivirus, distantly related to the other sequenced species. Blot hybridizations and sequence comparisons of the conserved protein encoded by genome segment 2 (the T2 subcore shell protein) with previously identified orbiviruses confirm that SCRV is a distinct orbivirus species, unrelated to another tick-borne species, Great Island virus. The presence of SCRV in cells prepared from tick eggs suggests that transovarial transmission of SCRV may occur in ticks.
Expression of VP5 of infectious pancreatic necrosis virus strain VR299 is initiated at the second in-frame start codon
Authors: Weber Siegfried , Fichtner Dieter , Mettenleiter Thomas C. , Mundt Egbert
Published: August 2015

Infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV), a member of the Birnaviridae with two double-stranded RNA genome segments, encodes five proteins designated VP1 to VP5. To study the function of the 17 kDa nonstructural protein VP5 during virus replication several mutated IPNV genome segments A were constructed and included in a reverse genetics system for IPNV to obtain recombinant virus. Mutations between nt 68 and 85 or nt 94 and 103 in the noncoding region failed to yield viable virus. Only mutations located between nt 86 and 92 and downstream of nt 104 were tolerated, and viable virus could be generated. All IPNV generated showed no difference in replication compared with the wild-type IPNV, indicating that the absence of expression of VP5 did not influence virus growth in vitro. Furthermore, the results presented here indicate that initiation of translation of VP5 occurs at position 113, the second in-frame start codon.
Analysis of the molecules involved in human T-cell leukaemia virus type 1 entry by a vesicular stomatitis virus pseudotype bearing its envelope glycoproteins
Authors: Okuma Kazu , Matsuura Yoshiharu , Tatsuo Hironobu , Inagaki Yoshio , Nakamura Minoru , Yamamoto Naoki , Yanagi Yusuke
Published: August 2015

Cellular entry of human T-cell leukaemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) was studied by a quantitative assay system using vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) pseudotypes in which a recombinant VSV (VSVΔG*) containing the gene for green fluorescent protein instead of the VSV G protein gene was complemented with viral envelope glycoproteinsin trans. Most of the cell lines tested showed susceptibility to VSVΔG* complemented with either HTLV-1 envelope glycoproteins (VSVΔG*-Env) or VSV G protein (VSVΔG*-G), but not to VSVΔG* alone, indicating that cell-free HTLV-1 could infect many cell types from several species. High concentration pronase treatment of cells reduced their susceptibility to VSVΔG*-Env, while trypsin treatment, apparently, did not. Treatment of the cells with sodium periodate, heparinase, heparitinase, phospholipase A2 or phospholipase C reduced the susceptibility of cells to VSVΔG*-Env, but not to VSVΔG* complemented with measles virus (Edmonston strain) H and F proteins (VSVΔG*-EdHF), which was used as a control. Purified phosphatidylcholine also inhibited the infectivity of VSVΔG*-Env, but not VSVΔG*-G. These findings indicated that, in addition to cell surface proteins, glycosaminoglycans and phospholipids play an important role in the process of cell-free HTLV-1 entry.
Evidence for interspecies transmission of oyster herpesvirus in marine bivalves
Authors: Arzul Isabelle , Renault Tristan , Lipart Cécile , Davison Andrew J.
Published: August 2015

Since 1991, numerous herpesvirus infections associated with high mortality have been reported around the world in various marine bivalve species. In order to determine whether these infections are due to ostreid herpesvirus-1 (OsHV1), a previously characterized pathogen of the Japanese oyster (Crassostrea gigas), PCR analysis was carried out on 30 samples of larvae collected from four bivalve species (C. gigas, Ostrea edulis, Ruditapes decussatus and Ruditapes philippinarum), most exhibiting mortality prior to collection. All samples were shown to be infected by OsHV1. Viral genomes in three samples of C. gigas and three of R. philippinarum that originated from the same hatchery were unusual in bearing a deletion of at least 2·8 kbp in an inverted repeat region. The results demonstrate that OsHV1 is capable of infecting several bivalve species, and this raises the possibility that interspecies transmission may be promoted by intensive rearing in modern hatcheries.
Construction and initial characterization of an infectious plasmid clone of a newly identified hamster parvovirus
Authors: Söderlund-Venermo Maria , Riley Lela K. , Pintel David J.
Published: August 2015

The construction and characterization of a full-length infectious plasmid clone of the newly identified hamster parvovirus (HaPV) are described. Following transfection of hamster BHK cells with the infectious clone, pHaPV, the specific intracellular DNA replicative forms, RNA transcripts and viral proteins that were expected for this rodent parvovirus were generated. Infected cells were lysed and progeny virus was produced, demonstrating that pHaPV could generate a productive virus infection. The complete sequences of both hairpin termini, which had not been previously determined, were obtained. Preliminary host-range studies, which compared virus production and macromolecular synthesis in various cell lines following either HaPV infection or pHaPV transfection, demonstrated an early block of infection of HaPV in both monkey COS-1 and murine A9 cells. The availability of an HaPV infectious clone will facilitate its genetic analysis and allow the elucidation of the determinants important in host range, tissue tropism and pathogenicity of this newly identified rodent parvovirus.