bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Virus Attenuation after Deletion of the Cytomegalovirus Fc Receptor Gene Is Not due to Antibody Control
Authors: Crnković-Mertens Irena , Messerle Martin , Milotić Irena , Szepan Uwe , Kučić Natalija , Krmpotić Astrid , Jonjić Stipan , Koszinowski Ulrich H.
Published: December 2019

The murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV)fcr-1gene codes for a glycoprotein located at the surface of infected cells which strongly binds the Fc fragment of murine immunoglobulin G. To determine the biological significance of thefcr-1gene during viral infection, we constructed MCMVfcr-1deletion mutants and revertants. Thefcr-1gene was disrupted by insertion of theEscherichia coli lacZgene. In another mutant, the marker gene was also deleted, by recombinasecre. As expected for its hypothetical role in immunoevasion, the infection of mice withfcr-1deletion mutants resulted in significantly restricted replication in comparison with wild-type MCMV and revertant virus. In mutant mice lacking antibodies, however, thefcr-1deletion mutants also replicated poorly. This demonstrated that the cell surface-expressed viral glycoprotein with FcR activity strongly modulates the virus-host interaction but that this biological function is not caused by the immunoglobulin binding property.
Selection of Virus Variants and Emergence of Virus Escape Mutants after Immunization with an Epitope Vaccine
Authors: Mortara Lorenzo , Letourneur Franck , Gras-masse Helene , Venet Alain , Guillet Jean-Gerard , Bourgault-Villada Isabelle
Published: December 2019

In this report, we assessed the evolution of the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) response induced by an epitope vaccine. In two macaques immunized with a mixture of lipopeptides derived from simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) Nef and Gag proteins, CTL responses were directed against the same, single epitope of the Nef protein (amino acids 128 to 137) presenting an alanine at position 136 (Nef 128-137/136A). However, after 5 months of SIV infection, peripheral blood mononuclear cells from both macaques lost their ability to be stimulated by autologous SIV-infected cells while still retaining their capacity to generate cytotoxic responses after specific Nef 128-137/136A peptide stimulation. The sequences of the pathogenic viral isolate used for the challenge showed a mixture of several variants. Within the Nef epitopic sequence from amino acids 128 to 137, 82% of viral variants expressed the epitopic peptide Nef 128-137/136A; the remaining variants presented a threonine at position 136 (Nef 128-137/136T). In contrast, sequence analysis of cloned proviral DNA obtained from both macaques 5 months after SIV challenge showed a different pattern of quasi-species variants; 100% of clones presented a threonine at position 136 (Nef 128-137/136T), suggesting the disappearance of viral variants with an alanine at this position under antiviral pressure exerted by Nef 128-137/136A-specific CTLs. In addition, 12 months after SIV challenge, six of eight clones from one macaque presented a glutamic acid at position 131 (Nef 128-137/131E+136T), which was not found in the infecting isolate. Furthermore, CTLs generated very early after SIV challenge were able to lyse cells sensitized with the Nef 128-137/136A epitope. In contrast, lysis was significantly less effective or even did not occur when either the selected peptide Nef 128-137/136T or the escape variant peptide Nef 128-137/131E+136T was used in a target cell sensitization assay. Dose analysis of peptides used to sensitize target cells as well as a major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-peptide stability assay suggested that the selected peptide Nef 128-137/136T has an altered capacity to bind to the MHC. These data suggest that CTL pressure leads to the selection of viral variants and to the emergence of escape mutants and supports the fact that immunization should elicit broad CTL responses.
Membrane-Associated Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycan Is a Receptor for Adeno-Associated Virus Type 2 Virions
Authors: Summerford Candace , Samulski Richard Jude
Published: December 2019

The human parvovirus adeno-associated virus (AAV) infects a broad range of cell types, including human, nonhuman primate, canine, murine, and avian. Although little is known about the initial events of virus infection, AAV is currently being developed as a vector for human gene therapy. Using defined mutant CHO cell lines and standard biochemical assays, we demonstrate that heparan sulfate proteoglycans mediate both AAV attachment to and infection of target cells. Competition experiments using heparin, a soluble receptor analog, demonstrated dose-dependent inhibition of AAV attachment and infection. Enzymatic removal of heparan but not chondroitin sulfate moieties from the cell surface greatly reduced AAV attachment and infectivity. Finally, mutant cell lines that do not produce heparan sulfate proteoglycans were significantly impaired for both AAV binding and infection. This is the first report that proteoglycan has a role in cellular attachment of a parvovirus. Together, these results demonstrate that membrane-associated heparan sulfate proteoglycan serves as the viral receptor for AAV type 2, and provide an explanation for the broad host range of AAV. Identification of heparan sulfate proteoglycan as a viral receptor should facilitate development of new reagents for virus purification and provide critical information on the use of AAV as a gene therapy vector.
Immunization of Pigs with a Particle-Mediated DNA Vaccine to Influenza A Virus Protects against Challenge with Homologous Virus
Authors: Macklin Michael D. , McCabe Dennis , McGregor Martha W. , Neumann Veronica , Meyer Todd , Callan Robert , Hinshaw Virginia S. , Swain William F.
Published: December 2019

Particle-mediated delivery of a DNA expression vector encoding the hemagglutinin (HA) of an H1N1 influenza virus (A/Swine/Indiana/1726/88) to porcine epidermis elicits a humoral immune response and accelerates the clearance of virus in pigs following a homotypic challenge. Mucosal administration of the HA expression plasmid elicits an immune response that is qualitatively different than that elicited by the epidermal vaccination in terms of inhibition of the initial virus infection. In contrast, delivery of a plasmid encoding an influenza virus nucleoprotein from A/PR/8/34 (H1N1) to the epidermis elicits a strong humoral response but no detectable protection in terms of nasal virus shed. The efficacy of the HA DNA vaccine was compared with that of a commercially available inactivated whole-virus vaccine as well as with the level of immunity afforded by previous infection. The HA DNA and inactivated viral vaccines elicited similar protection in that initial infection was not prevented, but subsequent amplification of the infection is limited, resulting in early clearance of the virus. Convalescent animals which recovered from exposure to virulent swine influenza virus were completely resistant to infection when challenged. The porcine influenza A virus system is a relevant preclinical model for humans in terms of both disease and gene transfer to the epidermis and thus provides a basis for advancing the development of DNA-based vaccines.
Foamy Virus Particle Formation
Authors: Fischer Nicole , Heinkelein Martin , Lindemann Dirk , Enssle Jörg , Baum Christopher , Werder Evelyn , Zentgraf Hanswalter , Müller Justus G. , Rethwilm Axel
Published: December 2019

Subgenomic expression plasmids for the so-called human foamy virus (HFV) structural gag, gag/pol, and env genes were constructed and used to analyze foamy virus particle formation by electron microscopy. Expression of an R-U5-
gag-pol
construct under control of the human cytomegalovirus immediate-early enhancer-promoter resulted in the formation of viral cores with a homogeneous size of approximately 50 nm located in the cytoplasm. Upon coexpression of an envelope construct, particles were observed budding into cytoplasmic vesicles and from the plasma membrane. Expression of the Gag protein precursor pr74 alone led to aberrantly formed viral particles of heterogeneous size and with open cores. Normal-shaped cores were seen after transfection of a construct expressing the p70

gag

cleavage product, indicating that p70

gag

is able to assemble into capsids. Coexpression of p70

gag

and Env resulted in budding virions, ruling out a requirement of the reverse transcriptase for capsid or virion formation. In sharp contrast to other retroviruses, the HFV cores did not spontaneously bud from cellular membranes. Radiochemical labeling followed by protein gel electrophoresis also revealed the intracellular retention of Env-deprived HFV capsids.
Use of Murine CXCR-4 as a Second Receptor by Some T-Cell-Tropic Human Immunodeficiency Viruses
Authors: Parolin Cristina , Borsetti Alessandra , Choe Hyeryun , Farzan Michael , Kolchinsky Peter , Heesen Michael , Ma Qing , Gerard Craig , Palú Giorgio , Dorf Martin E. , Springer Timothy , Sodroski Joseph
Published: December 2019

The human CXCR-4 molecule serves as a second receptor for primary, T-cell-tropic, and laboratory-adapted human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) isolates. Here we show that murine CXCR-4 can support the entry of some of these HIV-1 isolates. Differences between mouse and human CXCR-4 in the ability to function as an HIV-1 receptor are determined by sequences in the second extracellular loop of the CXCR-4 protein.
Non-AUG Translation Initiation in a Plant RNA Virus: a Forty-Amino-Acid Extension Is Added to the N Terminus of the Soil-Borne Wheat Mosaic Virus Capsid Protein
Authors: Shirako Yukio
Published: December 2019

RNA 2 of soil-borne wheat mosaic virus (SBWMV), the type species of the genusFurovirus, encodes a protein previously hypothesized to be initiated at an in-frame non-AUG codon upstream of the AUG initiation codon (nucleotide positions 334 to 336) for the 19-kDa capsid protein. Site-directed mutagenesis and in vitro transcription and translation analysis indicated that CUG (nucleotides 214 to 216) is the initiation codon for a protein with a calculated molecular mass of 25 kDa composed of a 40-amino-acid extension to the N terminus of the 19-kDa capsid protein. A stable deletion mutant, which was isolated after extensive passages of a wild-type SBWMV, contained a mixture of two deleted RNA 2’s, only one of which coded for the 25-kDa protein. The amino acid sequence of the N-terminal extension was moderately conserved and the CUG initiation codon was preserved among three SBWMV isolates from Japan and the United States. This amino acid sequence conservation, as well as the retention of expression of the 25-kDa protein in the stable deletion mutant, suggests that the 25-kDa protein is functional in the life cycle of SBWMV. This is the first report of a non-AUG translation initiation in a plant RNA virus genome.
African Swine Fever Virus Infection in the Argasid Host,
Ornithodoros porcinus porcinus
Authors: Kleiboeker S. B. , Burrage T. G. , Scoles G. A. , Fish D. , Rock D. L.
Published: December 2019

The pathogenesis of African swine fever virus (ASFV) infection in
Ornithodoros porcinus porcinus
was examined in nymphal ticks infected with the ASFV isolate Chiredzi/83/1. At times postinfection (p.i.) ranging from 6 h to 290 days, ticks or dissected tick tissues were titrated for virus and examined ultrastructurally for evidence of virus replication. The ASFV infection rate in ticks was 100% in these experiments, and virus infection was not associated with a significant increase in tick mortality. Initial ASFV replication occurred in phagocytic digestive cells of the midgut epithelium. Subsequent infection and replication of ASFV in undifferentiated midgut cells was observed at 15 days p.i. Generalization of virus infection from midgut to other tick tissues required 2 to 3 weeks and most likely involved virus movement across the basal lamina of the midgut into the hemocoel. Secondary sites of virus replication included hemocytes (type I and II), connective tissue, coxal gland, salivary gland, and reproductive tissue. Virus replication was not observed in the nervous tissue of the synganglion, Malpighian tubules, and muscle. Persistent infection, characterized by active virus replication, was observed for all involved tick tissues. After 91 days p.i., viral titers in salivary gland and reproductive tissue were consistently the highest detected. Successful tick-to-pig transmission of ASFV at 48 days p.i. correlated with high viral titers in salivary and coxal gland tissue and their secretions. A similar pattern of virus infection and persistence in
O. porcinus porcinus
was observed for three additional ASFV tick isolates in their associated ticks.
Eukaryotic Elongation Factor 1δ Is Hyperphosphorylated by the Protein Kinase Encoded by the U
L
13 Gene of Herpes Simplex Virus 1
Authors: Kawaguchi Yasushi , Van Sant Charles , Roizman Bernard
Published: December 2019

The translation elongation factor 1δ (EF-1δ) consists of two forms, a hypophosphorylated form (apparent
M
r
, 38,000) and a hyperphosphorylated form (apparent
M
r
, 40,000). Earlier Y. Kawaguchi, R. Bruni, and B. Roizman (J. Virol. 71:1019–1024, 1997) reported that whereas mock-infected cells accumulate the hypophosphorylated form, the hyperphosphorylated form of EF-1δ accumulates in cells infected with herpes simplex virus 1. We now report that the accumulation of the hyperphosphorylated EF-1δ is due to phosphorylation by U
L
13 protein kinase based on the following observations. (i) The relative amounts of hypo- and hyperphosphorylated EF-1δ in Vero cells infected with mutant virus lacking the U
L
13 gene could not be differentiated from those of mock-infected cells. In contrast, the hyperphosphorylated EF-1δ was the predominant form in Vero cells infected with wild-type viruses, a recombinant virus in which the deleted U
L
13 sequences were restored, or with a virus lacking the U
S
3 gene, which also encodes a protein kinase. (ii) The absence of the hyperphosphorylated EF-1δ in cells infected with the U
L
13 deletion mutant was not due to failure of posttranslational modification of infected-cell protein 22 (ICP22)/U
S
1.5 or of interaction with ICP0, inasmuch as preferential accumulation of hyperphosphorylated EF-1δ was observed in cells infected with viruses from which the genes encoding ICP22/U
S
1.5 or ICP0 had been deleted. (iii) Both forms of EF-1δ were labeled by
32
P
i
in vivo, but the prevalence of the hyperphosphorylated EF-1δ was dependent on the presence of the U
L
13 protein. (iv) EF-1δ immunoprecipitated from uninfected Vero cells was phosphorylated by U
L
13 precipitated by the anti-U
L
13 antibody from lysates of wild-type virus-infected cells, but not by complexes formed by the interaction of the U
L
13 antibody with lysates of cells infected with a mutant lacking the U
L
13 gene. This is the first evidence that a viral protein kinase targets a cellular protein. Together with evidence that ICP0 also interacts with EF-1δ reported in the paper cited above, these data indicate that herpes simplex virus 1 has evolved a complex strategy for optimization of infected-cell protein synthesis.
Neutralization Sensitivity of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Primary Isolates to Antibodies and CD4-Based Reagents Is Independent of Coreceptor Usage
Authors: Trkola Alexandra , Ketas Tom , KewalRamani Vineet N. , Endorf Fred , Binley James M. , Katinger Hermann , Robinson Jim , Littman Dan R. , Moore John P.
Published: December 2019

We have investigated whether the identity of the coreceptor (CCR5, CXCR4, or both) used by primary human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) isolates to enter CD4
+
cells influences the sensitivity of these isolates to neutralization by monoclonal antibodies and CD4-based agents. Coreceptor usage was not an important determinant of neutralization titer for primary isolates in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. We also studied whether dualtropic primary isolates (able to use both CCR5 and CXCR4) were differentially sensitive to neutralization by the same antibodies when entering U87MG-CD4 cells stably expressing either CCR5 or CXCR4. Again, we found that the coreceptor used by a virus did not greatly affect its neutralization sensitivity. Similar results were obtained for CCR5- or CXCR4-expressing HOS cell lines engineered to express green fluorescent protein as a reporter of HIV-1 entry. Neutralizing antibodies are therefore unlikely to be the major selection pressure which drives the phenotypic evolution (change in coreceptor usage) of HIV-1 that can occur in vivo. In addition, the increase in neutralization sensitivity found when primary isolates adapt to growth in transformed cell lines in vitro has little to do with alterations in coreceptor usage.
The Genome Sequence of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2
Authors: Dolan Aidan , Jamieson Fiona E. , Cunningham Charles , Barnett Barbara C. , McGeoch Duncan J.
Published: December 2019

The genomic DNA sequence of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) strain HG52 was determined as 154,746 bp with a G+C content of 70.4%. A total of 74 genes encoding distinct proteins was identified; three of these were each present in two copies, within major repeat elements of the genome. The HSV-2 gene set corresponds closely with that of HSV-1, and the HSV-2 sequence prompted several local revisions to the published HSV-1 sequence (D. J. McGeoch, M. A. Dalrymple, A. J. Davison, A. Dolan, M. C. Frame, D. McNab, L. J. Perry, J. E. Scott, and P. Taylor, J. Gen. Virol. 69:1531–1574, 1988). No compelling evidence for the existence of any additional protein-coding genes in HSV-2 was identified.
In Vitro and In Vivo Biology of Recombinant Adenovirus Vectors with E1, E1/E2A, or E1/E4 Deleted
Authors: Lusky M. , Christ M. , Rittner K. , Dieterle A. , Dreyer D. , Mourot B. , Schultz H. , Stoeckel F. , Pavirani A. , Mehtali M.
Published: December 2019

Isogenic, E3-deleted adenovirus vectors defective in E1, E1 and E2A, or E1 and E4 were generated in complementation cell lines expressing E1, E1 and E2A, or E1 and E4 and characterized in vitro and in vivo. In the absence of complementation, deletion of both E1 and E2A completely abolished expression of early and late viral genes, while deletion of E1 and E4 impaired expression of viral genes, although at a lower level than the E1/E2A deletion. The in vivo persistence of these three types of vectors was monitored in selected strains of mice with viral genomes devoid of transgenes to exclude any interference by immunogenic transgene-encoded products. Our studies showed no significant differences among the vectors in the short-term maintenance and long-term (4-month) persistence of viral DNA in liver and lung cells of immunocompetent and immunodeficient mice. Furthermore, all vectors induced similar antibody responses and comparable levels of adenovirus-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes. These results suggest that in the absence of transgenes, the progressive deletion of the adenovirus genome does not extend the in vivo persistence of the transduced cells and does not reduce the antivirus immune response. In addition, our data confirm that, in the absence of transgene expression, mouse cellular immunity to viral antigens plays a minor role in the progressive elimination of the virus genome.
p53 and RPA Are Sequestered in Viral Replication Centers in the Nuclei of Cells Infected with Human Cytomegalovirus
Authors: Fortunato Elizabeth A. , Spector Deborah H.
Published: December 2019

Previously, we reported that human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection of fibroblasts markedly affects p53 and other regulatory proteins and inhibits transit through the cell cycle (F. M. Jault, J.-M. Jault, F. Ruchti, E. A. Fortunato, C. Clark, J. Corbeil, D. D. Richman, and D. H. Spector, J. Virol. 69:6697–6704, 1995). Although the p53 steady-state levels are elevated throughout the infection, evidence suggests that the ability of p53 to transactivate some of its downstream targets is compromised. To elucidate the mechanisms governing the accumulation of p53, we examined the synthesis, stability, and localization of the protein in HCMV-infected fibroblasts. Synthesis of p53 was not increased in the infected cells during the first 24 h postinfection. In fact, pulse-chase experiments revealed that synthesis of p53 in infected fibroblasts was lower than in mock-infected cells. However, after an initial decay, the p53 was stabilized. In addition, beginning at approximately 30 h postinfection, p53 was localized to discrete foci within the nuclei of infected cells. The morphology of these foci suggested that they were replication centers. We confirmed that these are sites of DNA replication by demonstrating both incorporation of bromodeoxyuridine and localization of UL44 (the viral polymerase processivity factor) into these centers. The single-stranded DNA binding protein RPA was also sequestered. In contrast, Rb and HCMV IE1 72 remained distributed throughout the infected cell nuclei, indicating specific targeting of certain proteins. Taken together, our results provide two alternative mechanisms to account for the increased steady-state levels of p53 observed in HCMV-infected fibroblasts.
A Retention Signal Necessary and Sufficient for Endoplasmic Reticulum Localization Maps to the Transmembrane Domain of Hepatitis C Virus Glycoprotein E2
Authors: Cocquerel Laurence , Meunier Jean-Christophe , Pillez André , Wychowski Czeslaw , Dubuisson Jean
Published: December 2019

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) genome encodes two envelope glycoproteins (E1 and E2). These glycoproteins interact to form a noncovalent heterodimeric complex which is retained in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). To identify whether E1 and/or E2 contains an ER-targeting signal potentially involved in ER retention of the E1-E2 complex, these proteins were expressed alone and their intracellular localization was studied. Due to misfolding of E1 in the absence of E2, no conclusion on the localization of its native form could be drawn from the expression of E1 alone. E2 expressed in the absence of E1 was shown to be retained in the ER similarly to E1-E2 complex. Chimeric proteins in which E2 domains were exchanged with corresponding domains of a protein normally transported to the plasma membrane (CD4) were constructed to identify the sequence responsible for its ER retention. The transmembrane domain (TMD) of E2 (C-terminal 29 amino acids) was shown to be sufficient for retention of the ectodomain of CD4 in the ER compartment. Replacement of the E2 TMD by the anchor signal of CD4 or a glycosyl phosphatidylinositol (GPI) moiety led to its expression on the cell surface. In addition, replacement of the E2 TMD by the anchor signal of CD4 or a GPI moiety abolished the formation of E1-E2 complexes. Together, these results suggest that, besides having a role as a membrane anchor, the TMD of E2 is involved in both complex formation and intracellular localization.
A 2.9-Kilobase Noncoding Nuclear RNA Functions in the Establishment of Persistent Hz-1 Viral Infection
Authors: Chao Yu-Chan , Lee Song-Tay , Chang Ming-Chuan , Chen Hong-Hwa , Chen Shih-Shun , Wu Tzong-Yuan , Liu Fu-Hwa , Hsu Err-Lieh , Hou Roger F.
Published: December 2019

Differential viral gene expression during both productive and persistent infections of Hz-1 virus in insect cells was elucidated. Despite more than 100 viral transcripts being expressed during productive viral infection, massive viral gene shutoff was observed during viral persistency, leaving the 2.9-kb persistence-associated transcript 1 (PAT1) as the only detectable viral RNA. Persistence-associated gene 1 (
pag1
), which encodes PAT1, was cloned and found to contain no significant open reading frames. PAT1 is not associated with the cellular translation machinery and is located exclusively in the nucleus. Further experiments showed that PAT1 is functional in the establishment of persistent Hz-1 viral infection in the cells. All the evidence collectively indicates that PAT1 is a novel nuclear transcript of viral origin. Our results showed that although PAT1 and
XIST
RNA, a mammalian X-inactive specific transcript, are transcribed by different genes, they have interesting similarities.
Distinct Pathways for Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha and Ceramides in Human Cytomegalovirus Infection
Authors: Allan-Yorke Justine , Record Michel , de Préval Claude , Davrinche Christian , Davignon Jean-Luc
Published: December 2019

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection can be fatal to immunocompromised individuals. We have previously reported that gamma interferon and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) synergistically inhibit HCMV replication in vitro. Ceramides have been described as second messengers induced by TNF-α. To investigate the mechanisms involved in the inhibition of HCMV by TNF-α, in the present study we have analyzed ceramide production by U373 MG astrocytoma cells and the effects of TNF-α versus ceramides on HCMV replication. Our results show that U373 MG cells did not produce ceramides upon incubation with TNF-α. Moreover, long-chain ceramides induced by treatment with exogenous bacterial sphingomyelinase inhibited HCMV replication in synergy with TNF-α. Surprisingly, short-chain permeant C6-ceramide increased viral replication. Our results show that the anti-HCMV activity of TNF-α is independent of ceramides. In addition, our results suggest that TNF-α and endogenous long-chain ceramides use separate pathways of cell signalling to inhibit HCMV replication, while permeant C6-ceramide appears to activate a third pathway leading to an opposite effect.
Anchorage-Independent Transcription of the Cyclin A Gene Induced by the E7 Oncoprotein of Human Papillomavirus Type 16
Authors: Schulze Almut , Mannhardt Boris , Zerfass-Thome Karin , Zwerschke Werner , Jansen-Dürr Pidder
Published: December 2019

To develop an experimental model for E7-mediated anchorage-independent growth, we studied the ability of E7-expressing NIH 3T3 subclones to enter S phase when they were cultured in suspension. We found that expression of E7 prevents the inhibition of cyclin E-associated kinase and also triggers activation of cyclin A gene expression in suspension cells. A point mutation in the amino terminus of E7 prevented E7-driven rescue of cyclin E-associated kinase activity in suspension cells; however, cells with this mutation retained some ability to activate cyclin A gene expression and promote S-phase entry. Activation of cyclin A gene expression by E7 was correlated with an increased binding of free E2F to a regulatory element in the cyclin A promoter which mediates both repression of cyclin A upon loss of adhesion and its reactivation by E7. Surprisingly, expression of E7 led to a nuclear accumulation of one species of free E2F, namely, an E2F-4–DP-1 heterodimer, that is exclusively cytoplasmic in the absence of E7. Taken together, the data reported here indicate that several different E7-dependent changes of cellular-growth-regulating pathways can cooperate to allow adhesion-independent entry into S phase.
African Swine Fever Virus Is Wrapped by the Endoplasmic Reticulum
Authors: Rouiller Isabelle , Brookes Sharon M. , Hyatt Alex D. , Windsor Miriam , Wileman Thomas
Published: December 2019

African swine fever (ASF) virus is a large DNA virus that shares the striking icosahedral symmetry of iridoviruses and the genomic organization of poxviruses. Both groups of viruses have a complex envelope structure. In this study, the mechanism of formation of the inner envelope of ASF virus was investigated. Examination of thin cryosections by electron microscopy showed two internal membranes in mature intracellular virions and all structural intermediates. These membranes were in continuity with intracellular membrane compartments, suggesting that the virus gained two membranes from intracellular membrane cisternae. Immunogold electron microscopy showed the viral structural protein p17 and resident membrane proteins of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) within virus assembly sites, virus assembly intermediates, and mature virions. Resident ER proteins were also detected by Western blotting of isolated virions. The data suggested the ASF virus was wrapped by the ER. Analysis of the published sequence of ASF virus (R. J. Yanez et al., Virology 208:249–278, 1995) revealed a reading frame, XP124L, that encoded a protein predicted to translocate into the lumen of the ER. Pulse-chase immunoprecipitation and glycosylation analysis of pXP124L, the product of the XP124L gene, showed that pXP124L was retained in the ER lumen after synthesis. When analyzed by immunogold electron microscopy, pXP124L localized to virus assembly intermediates and fully assembled virions. Western blot analysis detected pXP124L in virions isolated from Percoll gradients. The packaging of pXP124L from the lumen of the ER into the virion is consistent with ASF virus being wrapped by ER cisternae: a mechanism which explains the presence of two membranes in the viral envelope.
A New Internal Ribosomal Entry Site 5′ Boundary Is Required for Poliovirus Translation Initiation in a Mouse System
Authors: Ishii Toshihiko , Shiroki Kazuko , Hong Duck-Hee , Aoki Takahiro , Ohta Yoshihiro , Abe Shinobu , Hashizume So , Nomoto Akio
Published: December 2019

Four mutants of the virulent Mahoney strain of poliovirus were generated by introducing mutations in nucleotides (nt) 128 to 134 of the genome, a region that contains a part of the stem-loop II (SLII) structure located within the internal ribosomal entry site (IRES; nt 120 to 590) (K. Shiroki, T. Ishii, T. Aoki, Y. Ota, W.-X. Yang, T. Komatsu, Y. Ami, M. Arita, S. Abe, S. Hashizume, and A. Nomoto, J. Virol. 71:1–8, 1997). These mutants (SLII mutants) replicated well in human HeLa cells but not in mouse TgSVA cells that had been established from the kidney of a poliovirus-sensitive transgenic mouse. Their neurovirulence in mice was also greatly attenuated compared to that of the parental virus. The poor replication activity of the SLII mutants in TgSVA cells appeared to be attributable to reduced activity of the IRES. Two and three naturally occurring revertants that replicated well in TgSVA cells were isolated from mutants SLII-1 and SLII-5, respectively. The revertants recovered IRES activity in a cell-free translation system from TgSVA cells and returned to a neurovirulent phenotype like that of the Mahoney strain in mice. Two of the revertant sites that affected the phenotype were identified as being at nt 107 and within a region from nt 120 to 161. A mutation at nt 107, specifically a change from uridine to adenine, was observed in all the revertant genomes and exerted a significant effect on the revertant phenotype. Exhibition of the full revertant phenotype required mutations in both regions. These results suggested that nt 107 of poliovirus RNA is involved in structures required for the IRES activity in mouse cells.
Suppression of v-
src
Transformation by the
drs
Gene
Authors: Inoue Hirokazu , Pan Jing , Hakura Akira
Published: December 2019

Previously, we isolated a novel gene,
drs
, which was downregulated by retroviral oncogenes such as v-
src
and v-K-
ras
, from a cDNA library of primary rat embryo fibroblasts. Experiments using a temperature-sensitive mutant of the v-
src
gene indicated that downregulation of
drs
mRNA was dependent on functional expression of v-Src. In addition, expression of
drs
mRNA was also reduced by serum stimulation of G
0
-arrested normal rat fibroblast cells. To clarify the function of the
drs
gene in cell transformation and proliferation, we introduced
drs
linked to a potent promoter into a normal rat cell line, F2408, and examined the effect of ectopic expression of exogenous
drs
on the transformation by the v-
src
gene and growth properties. Cells expressing exogenous
drs
gene showed significantly decreased efficiency of transformation by v-
src
irrespective of functional expression of v-Src kinase, while the growth rate and G
1
/S progression of the cells were not suppressed by expression of exogenous
drs
gene, indicating that
drs
has the ability to suppress v-
src
transformation without disturbing cell proliferation.
In Vitro and In Vivo Oncogenic Potential of Bovine Leukemia Virus G4 Protein
Authors: Kerkhofs Pierre , Heremans Hubertine , Burny Arsène , Kettmann Richard , Willems Luc
Published: December 2019

In addition to the genes involved in the structure of the viral particle, the bovine leukemia virus (BLV) genome contains a region called X which contains at least four genes. Among them, the
tax
and
rex
genes, respectively, are involved in transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation of viral transcription. Two other genes, R3 and G4, were identified after cloning of the corresponding mRNAs from BLV-infected lymphocytes. Although the function of the two latter genes is still unknown, they appear to have important roles, since deletion of them restricts viral propagation in vivo. In order to assess the oncogenic potential of the R3 and G4 proteins, we first analyzed their ability to immortalize and/or transform primary rat embryo fibroblasts (Refs). In this assay, the G4 but not the R3 protein cooperated with the Ha-
ras
oncogene to induce tumors in nude mice. It thus appears that G4 exhibited oncogenic potential in vitro. To extend these observations in vivo, the pathology induced by recombinant viruses with mutations in G4 and in R3 and G4 was next evaluated with the sheep animal model. Viral propagation, as measured by semiquantitative PCR, appeared to be reduced when the R3 and G4 genes were deleted. These observations confirm and extend our previous data underlining the biological function of these genes. In addition, we present the results of a clinical survey that involves 39 sheep infected with six different BLV recombinants. Over a period of 40 months, 83% of the sheep infected with a wild-type virus developed leukemias and/or lymphosarcomas. In contrast, none out of 13 sheep infected with viruses with mutations in G4 or in R3 and G4 developed disease. We conclude that in addition to its oncogenic potential in vitro, G4 is required for pathogenesis in vivo. These observations should help us gain insight into the process of leukemogenesis induced by the related human T-cell leukemia virus type 1.
Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 ICP47 Inhibits Human TAP but Not Mouse TAP
Authors: Tomazin Roman , van Schoot Nico E. G. , Goldsmith Kim , Jugovic Pieter , Sempé Pascal , Früh Klaus , Johnson David C.
Published: December 2019

Herpes simplex virus serotype 1 (HSV-1) expresses an immediate-early protein, ICP47, that effectively blocks the major histocompatibility complex class I antigen presentation pathway. HSV-1 ICP47 (ICP47-1) binds with high affinity to the human transporter associated with antigen presentation (TAP) and blocks the binding of antigenic peptides. HSV type 2 (HSV-2) ICP47 (ICP47-2) has only 42% amino acid sequence identity with ICP47-1. Here, we compared the levels of inhibition of human and murine TAP, expressed in insect cell microsomes, by ICP47-1 and ICP47-2. Both proteins inhibited human TAP at similar concentrations, and the

K
D

for ICP47-2 binding to human TAP was 4.8 × 10
−8
M, virtually identical to that measured for ICP47-1 (5.2 × 10
−8
M). There was some inhibition of murine TAP by both ICP47-2 and ICP47-1, but this inhibition was incomplete and only at ICP47 concentrations 50 to 100 times that required to inhibit human TAP. Lack of inhibition of murine TAP by ICP47-1 and ICP47-2 could be explained by an inability of both proteins to bind to murine TAP.
Modulation of Sp1 Phosphorylation by Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Tat
Authors: Chun Rene F. , Semmes O. J. , Neuveut Christine , Jeang Kuan-Teh
Published: December 2019

We previously reported (K. T. Jeang, R. Chun, N. H. Lin, A. Gatignol, C. G. Glabe, and H. Fan, J. Virol. 67:6224–6233, 1993) that human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Tat and Sp1 form a protein-protein complex. Here, we have characterized the physical interaction and a functional consequence of Tat-Sp1 contact. Using in vitro protein chromatography, we mapped the region in Tat that contacts Sp1 to amino acids 30 to 55. We found that in cell-free reactions, Tat augmented double-stranded DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK)-mediated Sp1 phosphorylation in a contact-dependent manner. Tat mutants that do not bind Sp1 failed to influence phosphorylation of the latter. In complementary experiments, we also found that Tat forms protein-protein contacts with DNA-PK. We confirmed that in HeLa and Jurkat cells, Tat expression indeed increased the intracellular amount of phosphorylated Sp1 in a manner consistent with the results of cell-free assays. Furthermore, using two phosphatase inhibitors and a kinase inhibitor, we demonstrated a modulation of reporter gene expression as a consequence of changes in Sp1 phosphorylation. Taken together, these findings suggest that activity at the HIV-1 promoter is influenced by phosphorylation of Sp1 which is affected by Tat and DNA-PK.
Mucosal Immunity to Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Infection in the Mouse Vagina Is Impaired by In Vivo Depletion of T Lymphocytes
Authors: Parr Margaret B. , Parr Earl L.
Published: December 2019

Intravaginal (IVAG) inoculation of wild-type herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) in mice causes epithelial infection followed by lethal neurological illness, while IVAG inoculation of attenuated HSV-2 causes epithelial infection followed by development of protective immunity against subsequent IVAG challenge with wild-type virus. The role of T cells in this immunity was studied by in vivo depletion of these cells with monoclonal antibodies. Three groups of mice were used for each experiment: nonimmune/challenged mice, immune/challenged mice, and immune depleted mice [immune mice depleted of a T-cell subset(s) shortly before challenge with HSV-2]. Mice were assessed for epithelial infection 24 h after challenge, virus protein in the vaginal lumen 3 days after challenge, and neurological illness 8 to 14 days after challenge. Monoclonal antibodies to CD4, CD8, or Thy-1 markedly reduced T cells in blood, spleen, and vagina, but major histocompatibility complex class II antigens were still partially upregulated in the vaginal epithelium after virus challenge, indicating that virus-specific memory T-cell function was not entirely eliminated from the vagina. Nevertheless, immune mice depleted of CD4+and CD8+T cells, Thy-1+T cells, or CD8+T cells alone had greater viral infection in the vaginal epithelium than nondepleted immune mice, indicating that T cells contribute to immunity against vaginal HSV-2 infection. All immune depleted mice retained substantial immunity to epithelial infection and were immune to neurological illness, suggesting that other immune mechanisms such as virus-specific antibody may also contribute to immunity.
The Quantity of Latent Viral DNA Correlates with the Relative Rates at Which Herpes Simplex Virus Types 1 and 2 Cause Recurrent Genital Herpes Outbreaks
Authors: Lekstrom-Himes Julie A. , Pesnicak Lesley , Straus Stephen E.
Published: December 2019

Herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2) have evolved specific anatomic tropisms and site-dependent rates of reactivation. To determine whether reactivation rates depend on distinct abilities of HSV-1 and -2 to establish latency and to express latency-associated transcripts (LATs), virulent strains of each virus were studied in the guinea pig genital model. Following infection with equivalent titers of virus, the quantities of latent HSV-2 genomes and LATs were higher in lumbosacral ganglia, and HSV-2 infections recurred more frequently and lasted longer than HSV-1 infections. In contrast, if the inoculum of HSV-1 was 10 times that of HSV-2, the quantity of HSV-1 DNA and LATs increased correspondingly and HSV-1 infections were as likely to recur as those with HSV-2. The quantity of latent virus DNA correlates with and may be a major determinant of the site-specific patterns and rates of reactivation of HSV-1 and -2.
The Impact of Multidideoxynucleoside Resistance-Conferring Mutations in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Reverse Transcriptase on Polymerase Fidelity and Error Specificity
Authors: Rezende Lisa F. , Curr Kenneth , Ueno Takamasa , Mitsuya Hiroaki , Prasad Vinayaka R.
Published: December 2019

Variants of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) that are highly resistant to a number of nucleoside analog drugs have been shown to develop in some patients receiving 2′,3′-dideoxy-3′-azidothymidine therapy in combination with 2′,3′-dideoxycytidine or 2′,3′-dideoxyinosine. The appearance, in the reverse transcriptase (RT), of the Q151M mutation in such variants precedes the sequential appearance of three or four additional mutations, resulting in a highly resistant virus. Three of the affected residues are proposed to lie in the vicinity of the template-primer in the three-dimensional structure of the HIV-1 RT–double-stranded DNA complex. The amino acid residue Q151 is thought to be very near the templating base. The nucleoside analog resistance mutations in the β9-β10 (M184V) and the β5a (E89G) strands of HIV-1 RT were previously shown to increase the fidelity of deoxynucleoside triphosphate insertion. Therefore, we have examined wild-type HIV-1
BH10
RT and two nucleoside analog-resistant variants, the Q151M and A62V/V75I/F77L/F116Y/Q151M (VILYM) RTs, for their overall forward mutation rates in an M13 gapped-duplex assay that utilizes
lacZ
α as a reporter. The overall error rates for the wild-type, the Q151M, and the VILYM RTs were 4.5 × 10
−5
, 4.0 × 10
−5
, and 2.3 × 10
−5
per nucleotide, respectively. Although the mutant RTs displayed minimal decreases in the overall error rates compared to wild-type RT, the error specificities of both mutant RTs were altered. The Q151M RT mutant generated new hot spots, which were not observed for wild-type HIV-1 RT previously. The VILYM RT showed a marked reduction in error rate at two of the predominant mutational hot spots that have been observed for wild-type HIV-1 RT.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) Viral Protein R (Vpr) Interacts with Lys-tRNA Synthetase: Implications for Priming of HIV-1 Reverse Transcription
Authors: Stark Lesley A. , Hay Ronald T.
Published: December 2019

The
vpr
gene of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) encodes a 96-amino-acid 14-kDa protein (viral protein R [Vpr]), which is produced late in the viral life cycle and is incorporated into the virion. Although Vpr is not required for viral replication in transformed cell lines and primary T lymphocytes, it is essential for productive infection of macrophages and monocytes and appears to be important for pathogenesis in vivo. To establish the role of Vpr in HIV-1 replication and pathogenesis, we have isolated cellular proteins with which Vpr interacts. By using the yeast two-hybrid system, Lys-tRNA synthetase (LysRS) was identified as a Vpr-interacting protein. The interaction between Vpr and LysRS was characterized both in vitro and in vivo, and the domains of Vpr required for the interaction were defined. In the presence of Vpr, LysRS-mediated aminoacylation of tRNA
Lys
is inhibited. Since tRNA
Lys
is the primer for reverse transcription of the HIV-1 genome, this suggests that the interaction between Vpr and LysRS may influence the initiation of HIV-1 reverse transcription.
Evidence of a Role for Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase Activation in the Blocking of Apoptosis by Polyomavirus Middle T Antigen
Authors: Dahl Jean , Jurczak Annmarie , Cheng Linda A. , Baker David C. , Benjamin Thomas L.
Published: December 2019

A polyomavirus mutant (315YF) blocked in binding phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) has previously been shown to be partially deficient in transformation and to induce fewer tumors and with a significant delay compared to wild-type virus. The role of polyomavirus middle T antigen-activated PI 3-kinase in apoptosis was investigated as a possible cause of this behavior. When grown in medium containing 1d-3-deoxy-3-fluoro-myo-inositol to block formation of 3′-phosphorylated phosphatidylinositols, F111 rat fibroblasts transformed by wild-type polyomavirus (PyF), but not normal F111 cells, showed a marked loss of viability with evidence of apoptosis. Similarly, treatment with wortmannin, an inhibitor of PI 3-kinase, stimulated apoptosis in PyF cells but not in normal cells. Activation of Akt, a serine/threonine kinase whose activity has been correlated with regulation of apoptosis, was roughly twofold higher in F111 cells transformed by either wild-type virus or mutant 250YS blocked in binding Shc compared to cells transformed by mutant 315YF. In the same cells, levels of apoptosis were inversely correlated with Akt activity. Apoptosis induced by serum withdrawal in Rat-1 cells expressing a temperature-sensitive p53 was shown to be at least partially p53 independent. Expression of either wild-type or 250YS middle T antigen inhibited apoptosis in serum-starved Rat-1 cells at both permissive and restrictive temperatures for p53. Mutant 315YF middle T antigen was partially defective for inhibition of apoptosis in these cells. The results indicate that unlike other DNA tumor viruses which block apoptosis by inactivation of p53, polyomavirus achieves protection from apoptotic death through a middle T antigen–PI 3-kinase–Akt pathway that is at least partially p53 independent.
Mutational Analysis of the Candidate Internal Fusion Peptide of the Avian Leukosis and Sarcoma Virus Subgroup A Envelope Glycoprotein
Authors: Hernandez Lorraine D. , White Judith M.
Published: December 2019

The transmembrane subunit (TM) of the avian leukosis and sarcoma virus (ALSV) envelope glycoprotein (Env) contains a stretch of conserved hydrophobic amino acids internal to its amino terminus (residues 21 to 42). By analogy with similar sequences in other viral envelope glycoproteins, this region has been proposed to be a fusion peptide. We investigated the role of this region by changing each of three hydrophobic residues (Ile-21, Val-30, and Ile-39) to glutamatic acid and lysine in the ALSV subgroup A Env. Like wild-type (wt) Env, all six mutant Env proteins were proteolytically processed, oligomerized, and expressed at the cell surface in a form that bound Tva, the ALSV subgroup A receptor. Like wt Env, Ile21Glu, Ile21Lys, Val30Glu, and Val30Lys changed conformation upon binding Tva, as assayed by sensitivity to thermolysin. Ile39Glu and Ile39Lys were cleaved by thermolysin in both the absence and presence of Tva. Although incorporated into virus particles at approximately equal levels, all mutant Envs were compromised in their ability to support infection. The mutants at residues 21 and 30 showed levels of infection 2 to 3 orders of magnitude lower than that of wt Env. The mutants at residue 39 were noninfectious. Furthermore, none of the mutants displayed activity in a cell-cell fusion assay. Our results support the contention that residues 21 to 42 of ALSV subgroup A Env constitute its fusion peptide.