bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variability at Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Subtype C Protease Cleavage Sites: an Indication of Viral Fitness?
Authors: de Oliveira Tulio , Engelbrecht Susan , Janse van Rensburg Estrelita , Gordon Michelle , Bishop Karen , zur Megede Jan , Barnett Susan W. , Cassol Sharon
Published: August 2003

Naturally occurring polymorphisms in the protease of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) subtype C would be expected to lead to adaptive (compensatory) changes in protease cleavage sites. To test this hypothesis, we examined the prevalences and patterns of cleavage site polymorphisms in the Gag, Gag-Pol, and Nef cleavage sites of C compared to those in non-C subtypes. Codon-based maximum-likelihood methods were used to assess the natural selection and evolutionary history of individual cleavage sites. Seven cleavage sites (p17/p24, p24/p2, NC/p1, NC/TFP, PR/RT, RT/p66, and p66/IN) were well conserved over time and in all HIV-1 subtypes. One site (p1/p6gag) exhibited moderate variation, and four sites (p2/NC, TFP/p6pol, p6pol/PR, and Nef) were highly variable, both within and between subtypes. Three of the variable sites are known to be major determinants of polyprotein processing and virion production. P2/NC controls the rate and order of cleavage, p6gagis an important phosphoprotein required for virion release, and TFP/p6pol, a novel cleavage site in the transframe domain, influences the specificity of Gag-Pol processing and the activation of protease. Overall, 58.3% of the 12 HIV-1 cleavage sites were significantly more diverse in C than in B viruses. When analyzed as a single concatenated fragment of 360 bp, 96.0% of group M cleavage site sequences fell into subtype-specific phylogenetic clusters, suggesting that they coevolved with the virus. Natural variation at C cleavage sites may play an important role, not only in regulation of the viral cycle but also in disease progression and response to therapy.
The Moloney Murine Leukemia Virus Repressor Binding Site Represses Expression in Murine and Human Hematopoietic Stem Cells
Authors: Haas Dennis L. , Lutzko Carolyn , Logan Aaron C. , Cho Gerald J. , Skelton Dianne , Jin Yu Xiao , Pepper Karen A. , Kohn Donald B.
Published: August 2003

The Moloney murine leukemia virus (MLV) repressor binding site (RBS) is a major determinant of restricted expression of MLV in undifferentiated mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells and mouse embryonal carcinoma (EC) lines. We show here that the RBS repressed expression when placed outside of its normal MLV genome context in a self-inactivating (SIN) lentiviral vector. In the lentiviral vector genome context, the RBS repressed expression of a modified MLV long terminal repeat (MNDU3) promoter, a simian virus 40 promoter, and three cellular promoters: ubiquitin C, mPGK, and hEF-1a. In addition to repressing expression in undifferentiated ES and EC cell lines, we show that the RBS substantially repressed expression in primary mouse embryonic fibroblasts, primary mouse bone marrow stromal cells, whole mouse bone marrow and its differentiated progeny after bone marrow transplant, and several mouse hematopoietic cell lines. Using an electrophoretic mobility shift assay, we show that binding factor A, the
trans
-acting factor proposed to convey repression by its interaction with the RBS, is present in the nuclear extracts of all mouse cells we analyzed where expression was repressed by the RBS. In addition, we show that the RBS partially repressed expression in the human hematopoietic cell line DU.528 and primary human CD34
+
CD38
−
hematopoietic cells isolated from umbilical cord blood. These findings suggest that retroviral vectors carrying the RBS are subjected to high rates of repression in murine and human cells and that MLV vectors with primer binding site substitutions that remove the RBS may yield more-effective gene expression.
Comparative Study of Regulation of RTA-Responsive Genes in Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus/Human Herpesvirus 8
Authors: Song Moon Jung , Deng Hongyu , Sun Ren
Published: August 2003

Replication and transcription activator (RTA) (also referred to as ORF50), an immediate-early gene product of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV)/(human herpesvirus 8), plays a critical role in balancing the viral life cycle between latency and lytic replication. RTA has been shown to act as a strong transcription activator for several downstream genes of KSHV. Direct binding of RTA to DNA is thought to be one of the important mechanisms for transactivation of target genes, while indirect mechanisms are also implicated in RTA transactivation of certain selected genes. This study demonstrated direct binding of the DNA-binding domain of RTA (Rdbd) to a Kaposin (Kpsn) promoter sequence, which is highly homologous to the RTA-responsive element (RRE) of the PAN promoter. We undertook a comparative study of the RREs of PAN RNA, ORF57, vIL-6, and Kpsn to understand how RTA regulates gene expression during lytic replication. Comparing RNA abundance and transcription initiation rates of these RTA target genes in virus-infected cells suggested that the transcription initiation rate of the promoters is a major determinant of viral gene expression, rather than stability of the transcripts. RTA-mediated transactivation of reporters containing each RRE showed that their promoter strengths in a transient-transfection system were comparable to their transcription rates during reactivation. Moreover, our electrophoretic mobility shift assays of each RRE demonstrated that the highly purified Rdbd protein directly bound to the RREs. Based on these results, we conclude that direct binding of RTA to these target sequences contributes to their gene expression to various extents during the lytic life cycle of KSHV.
Identification of Novel Immunodominant CD4+Th1-Type T-Cell Peptide Epitopes from Herpes Simplex Virus Glycoprotein D That Confer Protective Immunity
Authors: BenMohamed Lbachir , Bertrand Georges , McNamara Cory D. , Gras-Masse Helene , Hammer Juergen , Wechsler Steven L. , Nesburn Anthony B.
Published: August 2003

The molecular characterization of the epitope repertoire on herpes simplex virus (HSV) antigens would greatly expand our knowledge of HSV immunity and improve immune interventions against herpesvirus infections. HSV glycoprotein D (gD) is an immunodominant viral coat protein and is considered an excellent vaccine candidate antigen. By using the TEPITOPE prediction algorithm, we have identified and characterized a total of 12 regions within the HSV type 1 (HSV-1) gD bearing potential CD4+T-cell epitopes, each 27 to 34 amino acids in length. Immunogenicity studies of the corresponding medium-sized peptides confirmed all previously known gD epitopes and additionally revealed four new immunodominant regions (gD49-82, gD146-179, gD228-257, and gD332-358), each containing naturally processed epitopes. These epitopes elicited potent T-cell responses in mice of diverse major histocompatibility complex backgrounds. Each of the four new immunodominant peptide epitopes generated strong CD4+Th1 T cells that were biologically active against HSV-1-infected bone marrow-derived dendritic cells. Importantly, immunization of H-2dmice with the four newly identified CD4+Th1 peptide epitopes but not with four CD4+Th2 peptide epitopes induced a robust protective immunity against lethal ocular HSV-1 challenge. These peptide epitopes may prove to be important components of an effective immunoprophylactic strategy against herpes.
The Mason-Pfizer Monkey Virus PPPY and PSAP Motifs Both Contribute to Virus Release
Authors: Gottwein Eva , Bodem Jochen , Müller Barbara , Schmechel Ariane , Zentgraf Hanswalter , Kräusslich Hans-Georg
Published: August 2003

Late (L) domains are required for the efficient release of several groups of enveloped viruses. Three amino acid motifs have been shown to provide L-domain function, namely, PPXY, PT/SAP, or YPDL. The retrovirus Mason-Pfizer monkey virus (MPMV) carries closely spaced PPPY and PSAP motifs. Mutation of the PPPY motif results in a complete loss of virus release. Here, we show that the PSAP motif acts as an additional L domain and promotes the efficient release of MPMV but requires an intact PPPY motif to perform its function. Examination of HeLaP4 cells expressing PSAP mutant virus by electron microscopy revealed mostly late budding structures and chains of viruses accumulating at the cell surface with little free virus. In the case of the PPPY mutant virus, budding appeared to be mostly arrested at an earlier stage before induction of membrane curvature. The cellular protein TSG101, which interacts with the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) PTAP L domain, was packaged into MPMV in a PSAP-dependent manner. Since TSG101 is crucial for HIV-1 release, this result suggests that the Gag-TSG101 interaction is responsible for the virus release function of the MPMV PSAP motif. Nedd4, which has been shown to interact with viral PPPY motifs, was also detected in MPMV particles, albeit at much lower levels. Consistent with a role of VPS4A in the budding of both PPPY and PTAP motif-containing viruses, the overexpression of ATPase-defective GFP-VPS4A fusion proteins blocked both wild-type and PSAP mutant virus release.
Monkey Rotavirus Binding to α2β1 Integrin Requires the α2 I Domain and Is Facilitated by the Homologous β1 Subunit
Authors: Londrigan Sarah L. , Graham Kate L. , Takada Yoshikazu , Halasz Peter , Coulson Barbara S.
Published: August 2003

Rotaviruses utilize integrins during virus-cell interactions that lead to infection. Cell binding and infection by simian rotavirus SA11 were inhibited by antibodies (Abs) to the inserted (I) domain of the α2 integrin subunit. To determine directly which integrins or other proteins bind rotaviruses, cell surface proteins precipitated by rotaviruses were compared with those precipitated by anti-α2β1 Abs. Two proteins precipitated by SA11 and rhesus rotavirus RRV from MA104 and Caco-2 cells migrated indistinguishably from α2β1 integrin, and SA11 precipitated β1 from α2β1-transfected CHO cells. These viruses specifically precipitated two MA104 cell proteins only, but an additional 160- to 165-kDa protein was precipitated by SA11 from Caco-2 cells. The role of the α2 I domain in rotavirus binding, infection, and growth was examined using CHO cell lines expressing wild-type or mutated human α2 or α2β1. Infectious SA11 and RRV, but not human rotavirus Wa, specifically bound CHO cell-expressed human α2β1 and, to a lesser extent, human α2 combined with hamster β1. Binding was inhibited by anti-α2 I domain monoclonal Abs (MAbs), but not by non-I domain MAbs to α2, and required the presence of the α2 I domain. Amino acid residues 151, 221, and 254 in the metal ion-dependent adhesion site of the α2 I domain that are necessary for type I collagen binding to α2β1 were not essential for rotavirus binding. Rotavirus-α2β1 binding led to increased virus infection and RRV growth. SA11 and RRV require the α2 I domain for binding to α2β1, and their binding to this integrin is distinguishable from that of collagen.
Complementation of a Deletion in the Rubella Virus P150 Nonstructural Protein by the Viral Capsid Protein
Authors: Tzeng Wen-Pin , Frey Teryl K.
Published: August 2003

Rubella virus (RUB) replicons with an in-frame deletion of 507 nucleotides between two
Not
I sites in the P150 nonstructural protein (Δ
Not
I) do not replicate (as detected by expression of a reporter gene encoded by the replicon) but can be amplified by wild-type helper virus (Tzeng et al., Virology
289:
63-73, 2001). Surprisingly, virus with Δ
Not
I was viable, and it was hypothesized that this was due to complementation of the
Not
I deletion by one of the virion structural protein genes. Introduction of the capsid (C) protein gene into Δ
Not
I-containing replicons as an in-frame fusion with a reporter gene or cotransfection with both Δ
Not
I replicons and RUB replicon or plasmid constructs containing the C gene resulted in replication of the Δ
Not
I replicon, confirming the hypothesis that the C gene was the structural protein gene responsible for complementation and demonstrating that complementation could occur either in
cis
or in
trans
. Approximately the 5′ one-third of the C gene was necessary for complementation. Mutations that prevented translation of the C protein while minimally disturbing the C gene sequence abrogated complementation, while synonymous codon mutations that changed the C gene sequence without affecting the amino acid sequence at the 5′ end of the C gene had no effect on complementation, indicating that the C protein, not the C gene RNA, was the moiety responsible for complementation. Complementation occurred at a basic step in the virus replication cycle, because Δ
Not
I replicons failed to accumulate detectable virus-specific RNA.
Pre-S1 Antigen-Dependent Infection of
Tupaia
Hepatocyte Cultures with Human Hepatitis B Virus
Authors: Glebe Dieter , Aliakbari Mehriar , Krass Peter , Knoop Eva V. , Valerius Klaus P. , Gerlich Wolfram H.
Published: August 2003

The susceptibility of the tree shrew
Tupaia belangeri
to human hepatitis B virus (HBV) has been demonstrated both in vivo and in vitro. In this study, we show that purified HBV infects primary
T. belangeri
hepatocyte cultures in a very specific manner, as detected by HBV covalently closed circular DNA, mRNA, HBV e antigen, and HBsAg production. A monoclonal antibody (MAb), MA18/7, directed against the pre-S1 domain of the large HBs protein, which has been shown to neutralize infectivity of HBV for primary human hepatocytes, also blocked infection of primary
Tupaia
hepatocytes. MAbs against the pre-S2 domain of HBs inhibited infection only partially, whereas an S MAb and polyvalent anti-HBs antibodies neutralized infection completely. Thus, both pre-S1 and S antigens are necessary for infection in the tupaia. Using subviral particles, >70% of primary
Tupaia
hepatocytes are capable of specific binding of pre-S1-rich HBsAg, showing localization in distinct membrane areas. The data show that the early steps of HBV infection in
Tupaia
hepatocyte cultures are comparable to those in the human system.
Newcastle Disease Virus V Protein Is a Determinant of Host Range Restriction
Authors: Park Man-Seong , García-Sastre Adolfo , Cros Jerome F. , Basler Christopher F. , Palese Peter
Published: August 2003

It has been demonstrated that the V protein of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) functions as an alpha/beta interferon (IFN-α/β) antagonist (M. S. Park, M. L. Shaw, J. Muñoz-Jordan, J. F. Cros, T. Nakaya, N. Bouvier, P. Palese, A. García-Sastre, and C. F. Basler, J. Virol. 77:1501-1511, 2003). We now show that the NDV V protein plays an important role in host range restriction. In order to study V functions in vivo, recombinant NDV (rNDV) mutants, defective in the expression of the V protein, were generated. These rNDV mutants grow poorly in both embryonated chicken eggs and chicken embryo fibroblasts (CEFs) compared to the wild-type (wt) rNDV. However, insertion of the NS1 gene of influenza virus A/PR8/34 into the NDV V(−) genome [rNDV V(−)/NS1] restores impaired growth to wt levels in embryonated chicken eggs and CEFs. These data indicate that for viruses infecting avian cells, the NDV V protein and the influenza NS1 protein are functionally interchangeable, even though there are no sequence similarities between the two proteins. Interestingly, in human cells, the titer of wt rNDV is 10 times lower than that of rNDV V(−)/NS1. Correspondingly, the level of IFN secreted by human cells infected with wt rNDV is much higher than that secreted by cells infected with the NS1-expressing rNDV. This suggests that the IFN antagonist activity of the NDV V protein is species specific. Finally, the NDV V protein plays an important role in preventing apoptosis in a species-specific manner. The rNDV defective in V induces apoptotic cell death more rapidly in CEFs than does wt rNDV. Taken together, these data suggest that the host range of NDV is limited by the ability of its V protein to efficiently prevent innate host defenses, such as the IFN response and apoptosis.
Latent Herpes Simplex Virus Infection of Sensory Neurons Alters Neuronal Gene Expression
Authors: Kramer Martha F. , Cook W. James , Roth Frederick P. , Zhu Jia , Holman Holly , Knipe David M. , Coen Donald M.
Published: August 2003

The persistence of herpes simplex virus (HSV) and the diseases that it causes in the human population can be attributed to the maintenance of a latent infection within neurons in sensory ganglia. Little is known about the effects of latent infection on the host neuron. We have addressed the question of whether latent HSV infection affects neuronal gene expression by using microarray transcript profiling of host gene expression in ganglia from latently infected versus mock-infected mouse trigeminal ganglia.33P-labeled cDNA probes from pooled ganglia harvested at 30 days postinfection or post-mock infection were hybridized to nylon arrays printed with 2,556 mouse genes. Signal intensities were acquired by phosphorimager. Mean intensities (n= 4 replicates in each of three independent experiments) of signals from mock-infected versus latently infected ganglia were compared by using a variant of Student'sttest. We identified significant changes in the expression of mouse neuronal genes, including several with roles in gene expression, such as the Clk2 gene, and neurotransmission, such as genes encoding potassium voltage-gated channels and a muscarinic acetylcholine receptor. We confirmed the neuronal localization of some of these transcripts by using in situ hybridization. To validate the microarray results, we performed real-time reverse transcriptase PCR analyses for a selection of the genes. These studies demonstrate that latent HSV infection can alter neuronal gene expression and might provide a new mechanism for how persistent viral infection can cause chronic disease.
Specific Association of Glycoprotein B with Lipid Rafts during Herpes Simplex Virus Entry
Authors: Bender Florent C. , Whitbeck J. Charles , Ponce de Leon Manuel , Lou Huan , Eisenberg Roselyn J. , Cohen Gary H.
Published: August 2003

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) entry requires the interaction of glycoprotein D (gD) with a cellular receptor such as herpesvirus entry mediator (HVEM or HveA) or nectin-1 (HveC). However, the fusion mechanism is still not understood. Since cholesterol-enriched cell membrane lipid rafts are involved in the entry of other enveloped viruses such as human immunodeficiency virus and Ebola virus, we tested whether HSV entry proceeds similarly. Vero cells and cells expressing either HVEM or nectin-1 were treated with cholesterol-sequestering drugs such as methyl-β-cyclodextrin or nystatin and then exposed to virus. In all cases, virus entry was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner, and the inhibitory effect was fully reversible by replenishment of cholesterol. To examine the association of HVEM and nectin-1 with lipid rafts, we analyzed whether they partitioned into nonionic detergent-insoluble glycolipid-enriched membranes (DIG). There was no constitutive association of either receptor with DIG. Binding of soluble gD or virus to cells did not result in association of nectin-1 with the raft-containing fractions. However, during infection, a fraction of gB but not gC, gD, or gH associated with DIG. Similarly, when cells were incubated with truncated soluble glycoproteins, soluble gB but not gC was found associated with DIG. Together, these data favor a model in which HSV uses gB to rapidly mobilize lipid rafts that may serve as a platform for entry and cell signaling. It also suggests that gB may interact with a cellular molecule associated with lipid rafts.
Structural and Phylogenetic Analysis of Adenovirus Hexons by Use of High-Resolution X-Ray Crystallographic, Molecular Modeling, and Sequence-Based Methods
Authors: Rux John J. , Kuser Paula R. , Burnett Roger M.
Published: August 2003

A major impediment to the use of adenovirus as a gene therapy vector and for vaccine applications is the host immune response to adenovirus hexon—the major protein component of the icosahedral capsid. A solution may lie in novel vectors with modified or chimeric hexons designed to evade the immune response. To facilitate this approach, we have distinguished the portion of hexon that all serotypes have in common from the hypervariable regions that are responsible for capsid diversity and type-specific immunogenicity. The common hexon core—conserved because it forms the viral capsid—sets boundaries to the regions where modifications can be made to produce nonnative hexons. The core has been defined from the large and diverse set of known hexon sequences by an accurate alignment based on the newly refined crystal structures of human adenovirus types 2 (Ad2) and Ad5 hexon. Comparison of the two hexon models, which are the most accurate so far, reveals that over 90% of the residues in each have three-dimensional positions that closely match. Structures for more distant hexons were predicted by building molecular models of human Ad4, chimpanzee adenovirus (AdC68), and fowl adenovirus 1 (FAV1 or CELO). The five structures were then used to guide the alignment of the 40 full-length (>900 residues) hexon sequences in public databases. Distance- and parsimony-based phylogenetic trees are consistent and reveal evolutionary relationships between adenovirus types that parallel those of their animal hosts. The combination of crystallography, molecular modeling, and phylogenetic analysis defines a conserved molecular core that can serve as the armature for the directed design of novel hexons.
Phylogenetic and Evolutionary Relationships among Torovirus Field Variants: Evidence for Multiple Intertypic Recombination Events
Authors: Smits S. L. , Lavazza A. , Matiz K. , Horzinek M. C. , Koopmans M. P. , de Groot R. J.
Published: August 2003

Toroviruses (family
Coronaviridae
, order
Nidovirales
) are enveloped, positive-stranded RNA viruses that have been implicated in enteric disease in cattle and possibly in humans. Despite their potential veterinary and clinical relevance, little is known about torovirus epidemiology and molecular genetics. Here, we present the first study into the diversity among toroviruses currently present in European swine and cattle herds. Comparative sequence analysis was performed focusing on the genes for the structural proteins S, M, HE, and N, with fecal specimens serving as sources of viral RNA. Sequence data published for animal and human torovirus variants were included. Four genotypes, displaying 30 to 40% divergence, were readily distinguished, exemplified by bovine torovirus (BToV) Breda, porcine torovirus (PToV) Markelo, equine torovirus Berne, and the putative human torovirus. The ungulate toroviruses apparently display host species preference. In phylogenetic analyses, all PToV variants clustered, while the recent European BToVs mostly resembled the New World BToV variant Breda, identified 19 years ago. However, we found ample evidence for recurring intertypic recombination. All newly characterized BToV variants seem to have arisen from a genetic exchange, during which the 3′ end of the HE gene, the N gene, and the 3′ nontranslated region of a Breda virus-like parent had been swapped for those of PToV. Moreover, some PToV and BToV variants carried chimeric HE genes, which apparently resulted from recombination events involving hitherto unknown toroviruses. From these observations, the existence of two additional torovirus genotypes can be inferred. Toroviruses may be even more promiscuous than their closest relatives, the coronaviruses and arteriviruses.
Epidemiology, Genetic Diversity, and Evolution of Endemic Feline Immunodeficiency Virus in a Population of Wild Cougars
Authors: Biek Roman , Rodrigo Allen G. , Holley David , Drummond Alexei , Anderson Charles R. , Ross Howard A. , Poss Mary
Published: August 2003

Within the large body of research on retroviruses, the distribution and evolution of endemic retroviruses in natural host populations have so far received little attention. In this study, the epidemiology, genetic diversity, and molecular evolution of feline immunodeficiency virus specific to cougars (FIVpco) was examined using blood samples collected over several years from a free-ranging cougar population in the western United States. The virus prevalence was 58% in this population (
n
= 52) and increased significantly with host age. Based on phylogenetic analysis of fragments of envelope (
env
) and polymerase (
pol
) genes, two genetically distinct lineages of FIVpco were found to cooccur in the population but not in the same individuals. Within each of the virus lineages, geographically nearby isolates formed monophyletic clusters of closely related viruses. Sequence diversity for
env
within a host rarely exceeded 1%, and the evolution of this gene was dominated by purifying selection. For both
pol
and
env
, our data indicate mean rates of molecular evolution of 1 to 3% per 10 years. These results support the premise that FIVpco is well adapted to its cougar host and provide a basis for comparing lentivirus evolution in endemic and epidemic infections in natural hosts.
CCAAT/Enhancer-Binding Protein-α Is Induced during the Early Stages of Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus (KSHV) Lytic Cycle Reactivation and Together with the KSHV Replication and Transcription Activator (RTA) Cooperatively Stimulates the Viral RTA, MTA, and PAN Promoters
Authors: Wang Shizhen Emily , Wu Frederick Y. , Yu Yanxing , Hayward Gary S.
Published: August 2003

During the immediate-early (IE) phase of reactivation from latency, the Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) replication and transcription activator protein (RTA) (or ORF50) is thought to be the most critical trigger that upregulates expression of many downstream viral lytic cycle genes, including the delayed-early (DE) gene encoding the replication-associated protein (RAP) (or K8). RAP physically interacts with and stabilizes the cellular transcription factor CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-α (C/EBPα), leading to upregulated expression of the cellular C/EBPα and p21
CIP-1
proteins followed by G
0
/G
1
cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, RTA also interacts with C/EBPα, and both RAP and RTA cooperate with C/EBPα to activate the RAP promoter through binding to a strong proximal C/EBP binding site that also serves as an RTA-responsive element (RRE). Here we show that C/EBPα also activates the IE RTA promoter in transient-cotransfection reporter gene assays and that addition of either RTA or RAP enhances the effect. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay and deletion analysis revealed three C/EBP binding sites that mediate cooperative transactivation of the RTA promoter by C/EBPα and RTA. Furthermore, chromatin immunoprecipitation assay results showed that the endogenous C/EBPα, RTA, and RAP proteins all associate with RTA promoter sequences in tetradecanoyl phorbol acetate-induced primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) cells. Induction of endogenous KSHV RTA mRNA in PEL cells by exogenously introduced C/EBPα was confirmed by reverse transcription-PCR analysis and by double-label indirect immunofluorescence assays. Reciprocally, expression of exogenous RTA also led to an increase of endogenous C/EBPα expression that could be detected by Western immunoblot assays even in KSHV-negative DG75 cells. Cotransfected RTA also increased positive C/EBPα autoregulation of the C/EBPα promoter in transient-cotransfection reporter gene assays. Finally, C/EBPα proved to strongly activate the promoters of two other KSHV DE genes encoding PAN (polyadenylated nuclear) RNA and MTA (ORF57), which was again mediated by C/EBP binding sites that also contribute to RTA activation. Overall, these results support a model in which the cellular transcription factor C/EBPα and RTA:C/EBPα interactions play important roles both upstream and downstream of the two major KSHV regulatory proteins RTA and RAP during the early stages of lytic cycle reactivation.
Point Mutations in Exon I of the Herpes Simplex Virus Putative Terminase Subunit, UL15, Indicate that the Most Conserved Residues Are Essential for Cleavage and Packaging
Authors: Przech Angela J. , Yu Dong , Weller Sandra K.
Published: August 2003

The herpes simplex virus UL15 and UL28 genes are believed to encode two subunits of the terminase involved in cleavage and packaging of viral genomes. Analysis of the UL15 protein sequence and its herpesvirus homologues revealed the presence of 20 conserved regions. Twelve of the twenty regions conserved among herpesviruses are also conserved in terminases from DNA bacteriophage. Point mutations in UL15 were designed in four conserved regions: L120N (CR1), Q205E (CR2), Q251E (CR3), G263A (CR3), and Y285S (CR4). Transfection experiments indicated that each mutant gene could produce stable UL15 protein at wild-type levels; however, only one mutant (Q251E) was able to complement the UL15-null virus. Each mutation was introduced into the viral genome by marker transfer, and all mutants except Q251E were unable to form plaques on Vero cells. Furthermore, failure to form plaques on Vero cells correlated with a defect in cleavage and packaging. Immunofluorescence experiments indicated that in cells infected with all mutant viruses the UL15 protein could be detected and was found to localize to replication compartments. Although wild-type and mutant Q251E were able to produce A, B, and C capsids, the rest of the mutants were only able to produce B capsids, a finding consistent with their defects in cleavage and packaging. In addition, all mutant UL15 proteins retained their ability to interact with B capsids. Therefore, amino acid residues 120, 205, 263, and 285 are essential for the cleavage and packaging process rather than for association with capsids or localization to replication compartments.
Antiviral Activity of Limitin against Encephalomyocarditis Virus, Herpes Simplex Virus, and Mouse Hepatitis Virus: Diverse Requirements by Limitin and Alpha Interferon for Interferon Regulatory Factor 1
Authors: Kawamoto Shin-Ichiro , Oritani Kenji , Asada Hideo , Takahashi Isao , Ishikawa Jun , Yoshida Hitoshi , Yamada Masahide , Ishida Naoko , Ujiie Hidetoshi , Masaie Hiroaki , Tomiyama Yoshiaki , Matsuzawa Yuji
Published: August 2003

Limitin has sequence homology with alpha interferon (IFN-α) and IFN-β and utilizes the IFN-α/β receptor. However, it has no influence on the proliferation of normal myeloid and erythroid progenitors. In this study, we show that limitin has antiviral activity in vitro as well as in vivo. Limitin inhibited not only cytopathic effects in encephalomyocarditis virus- or herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1-infected L929 cells, but also plaque formation in mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) type 2-infected DBT cells. In addition, administration of limitin to mice suppressed MHV-induced hepatitis and HSV-induced death. The antiviral activity may be mediated in part by 2′,5′-oligoadenylate synthetase, RNA-dependent protein kinase, and Mx protein, which inhibit viral replication or degrade viral components, because limitin induced their mRNA expression and enzyme activity. While limitin has antiviral activity as strong as that of IFN-α in vitro (the concentration that provided 50% inhibition of cytopathic effect is ∼30 pg/ml), IFN regulatory factor 1 (IRF-1) dependencies for induction of an antiviral state were different for limitin and IFN-α. In IRF-1-deficient fibroblasts, a higher concentration of limitin than of IFN-α was required for the induction of antiviral activity and the transcription of proteins from IFN-stimulated response element. The unique signals and the fewer properties of myelosuppression suggest that a human homolog of limitin may be used as a new antiviral drug.
Maedi-Visna Virus and Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis Virus Genomes Encode a Vpr-Like but No Tat Protein
Authors: Villet Stéphanie , Bouzar Baya Amel , Morin Thierry , Verdier Gérard , Legras Catherine , Chebloune Yahia
Published: August 2003

A small open reading frame (ORF) in maedi-visna virus (MVV) and caprine arthritis encephalitis virus (CAEV) was initially named “
tat
” by analogy with a similarly placed ORF in the primate lentiviruses. The encoded “Tat” protein was ascribed the function of up regulation of the viral transcription from the long terminal repeat (LTR) promoter, but we have recently reported that MVV and CAEV Tat proteins lack
trans
-activation function activity under physiological conditions (S. Villet, C. Faure, B. Bouzar, G. Verdien, Y. Chebloune, and C. Legras, Virology 307:317-327, 2003). In the present work, we show that MVV Tat localizes to the nucleus of transfected cells, probably through the action of a nuclear localization signal in its C-terminal portion. We also show that, unlike the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) Tat protein, MVV Tat was not secreted into the medium by transfected human or caprine cells in the absence of cell lysis but that, like the primate accessory protein Vpr, MVV and CAEV Tat proteins were incorporated into viral particles. In addition, analysis of the primary protein structures showed that small-ruminant lentivirus (SRLV) Tat proteins are more similar to the HIV type 1 (HIV-1) Vpr protein than to HIV-1 Tat. We also demonstrate a functional similarity between the SRLV Tat proteins and the HIV-1 Vpr product in the induction of a specific G
2
arrest of the cell cycle in MVV Tat-transfected cells, which increases the G
2
/G
1
ratio 2.8-fold. Together, these data strongly suggest that the
tat
ORF in the SRLV genomes does not code for a regulatory transactivator of the LTR but, rather, for a Vpr-like accessory protein.
Existence of Transdominant and Potentiating Mutants of UL9, the Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Origin-Binding Protein, Suggests that Levels of UL9 Protein May Be Regulated during Infection
Authors: Marintcheva Boriana , Weller Sandra K.
Published: August 2003

UL9 is a multifunctional protein required for herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) replication in vivo. UL9 is a member of the superfamily II helicases and exhibits helicase and origin-binding activities. We have previously shown that mutations in the conserved helicase motifs of UL9 can have either a transdominant or potentiating effect on the plaque-forming ability of infectious DNA from wild-type virus (A. J. Malik and S. K. Weller, J. Virol. 70:7859-7866, 1996). In this paper, the mechanisms of transdominance and potentiation are explored. We show that the motif V mutant protein containing a G to A substitution at residue 354 is unstable when expressed by transfection and is either processed to a 38-kDa N-terminal fragment or degraded completely. The overexpression of the MV mutant protein is able to influence the steady-state protein levels of wild-type UL9 and to override the inhibitory effects of wild-type UL9. Potentiation correlates with the ability of the UL9 variants containing the G354A mutation to be processed or degraded to the 38-kDa form. We propose that the MV mutant protein is able to interact with full-length UL9 and that this interaction results in a decrease in the steady-state levels of UL9, which in turn leads to enhanced viral infection. Furthermore, we demonstrate that inhibition of HSV-1 infection can be obtained by overexpression of full-length UL9, the C-terminal third of the protein containing the origin-binding domain, or the N-terminal two-thirds of UL9 containing the conserved helicase motifs and the putative dimerization domain. Our results suggest that transdominance can be mediated by overexpression, origin-binding activity, and dimerization, whereas potentiation is most likely caused by the ability of the UL9 MV mutant to influence the steady-state levels of wild-type UL9. Taken together, the results presented in this paper suggest that the regulation of steady-state levels of UL9 may play an important role in controlling viral infection.
Cell Cycle Regulation by Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus K-bZIP: Direct Interaction with Cyclin-CDK2 and Induction of G
1
Growth Arrest
Authors: Izumiya Yoshihiro , Lin Su-Fang , Ellison Thomas J. , Levy Alon M. , Mayeur Greg L. , Izumiya Chie , Kung Hsing-Jien
Published: August 2003

In order to cope with hostile host environments, many viruses have developed strategies to perturb the cellular machinery to suit their replication needs. Some herpesvirus genes protect cells from undergoing apoptosis to prolong the lives of infected cells, while others, such as Epstein-Barr virus Zta, slow down the G
1
/S transition phase to allow ample opportunity for transcription and translation of viral genes before the onset of cellular genomic replication. In this study, we investigated whether Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) K-bZIP, a homologue of the Epstein-Barr virus transcription factor BZLF1 (Zta), plays a role in cell cycle regulation. Here we show that K-bZIP physically associates with cyclin-CDK2 and downmodulates its kinase activity. The association can be detected in the natural environment of KSHV-infected cells without artificial overexpression of either component. With purified protein, it can be shown that the interaction between K-bZIP and cyclin-CDK2 is direct and that K-bZIP alone is sufficient to inhibit CDK2 activity. The interacting domain of K-bZIP has been mapped to the basic region. The result of these associations is a prolonged G
1
phase, accompanied by the induction of p21 and p27 in a naturally infected B-cell line. Thus, in addition to the previously described transcription and genome replication functions, a new role of K-bZIP in KSHV replication is identified in this report.
Chromosomal Distribution of Endogenous Jaagsiekte Sheep Retrovirus Proviral Sequences in the Sheep Genome
Authors: Carlson Jonathan , Lyon Monique , Bishop Jeanette , Vaiman Anne , Cribiu Edmond , Mornex Jean-François , Brown Susan , Knudson Dennis , DeMartini James , Leroux Caroline
Published: August 2003

A family of endogenous retroviruses (enJSRV) closely related to Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV) is ubiquitous in domestic and wild sheep and goats. Southern blot hybridization studies indicate that there is little active replication or movement of the enJSRV proviruses in these species. Two approaches were used to investigate the distribution of proviral loci in the sheep genome. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to metaphase chromosome spreads using viral DNA probes was used to detect loci on chromosomes. Hybridization signals were reproducibly detected on seven sheep chromosomes and eight goat chromosomes in seven cell lines. In addition, a panel of 30 sheep-hamster hybrid cell lines, each of which carries one or more sheep chromosomes and which collectively contain the whole sheep genome, was examined for enJSRV sequences. DNA from each of the lines was used as a template for PCR with JSRV
gag
-specific primers. A PCR product was amplified from 27 of the hybrid lines, indicating that JSRV
gag
sequences are found on at least 15 of the 28 sheep chromosomes, including those identified by FISH. Thus, enJSRV proviruses are essentially randomly distributed among the chromosomes of sheep and goats. FISH and/or Southern blot hybridization on DNA from several of the sheep-hamster hybrid cell lines suggests that loci containing multiple copies of enJSRV are present on chromosomes 6 and 9. The origin and functional significance of these arrays is not known.
Surface Downregulation of Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I, PE-CAM, and ICAM-1 following De Novo Infection of Endothelial Cells with Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus
Authors: Tomescu Costin , Law Wai K. , Kedes Dean H.
Published: August 2003

Under selective pressure from host cytotoxic T lymphocytes, many viruses have evolved to downregulate major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and/or T-cell costimulatory molecules from the surface of infected cells. Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) encodes two proteins, MIR-1 and MIR-2, that serve this function during lytic replication. In vivo, however, KSHV exists in a predominantly latent state, with less than 5% of infected cells expressing discernible lytic gene products. Thus, mechanisms of immune evasion that depend on genes expressed only during lytic replication are unlikely to be active in most KSHV-infected cells. As a result, we searched for evidence of similar defensive strategies extant during latency, employing culture systems that strongly favor latent KSHV infection. We measured cell surface levels of immunomodulatory proteins on both primary dermal microvascular endothelial cells (pDMVEC) infected through coculture with induced primary effusion lymphoma cells and telomerase-immortalized DMVEC infected directly with cell-free virus. Employing a panel of antibodies against several endothelial cell surface proteins, we show that de novo infection with KSHV leads to the downregulation of MHC class I, CD31 (PE-CAM), and CD54 (ICAM-I) but not CD58 (LFA-3) or CD95 (Fas). Furthermore, flow cytometry with a fluorescently labeled monoclonal antibody to the latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA) revealed that downregulation occurred predominantly on KSHV-infected (LANA-positive) cells. Although the vast majority of infected cells displayed this downregulation, less than 1% expressed either immediate-early or late lytic proteins detectable by immunofluorescence. Together, these results suggest that downregulation of immunomodulatory proteins on the surface of target cells may represent a constitutive mode of immune evasion employed by KSHV following de novo infection.
A Bromodomain-Containing Protein from Tomato Specifically Binds Potato Spindle Tuber Viroid RNA In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Martínez de Alba Angel Emilio , Sägesser Rudolf , Tabler Martin , Tsagris Mina
Published: August 2003

For the identification of RNA-binding proteins that specifically interact with potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd), we subjected a tomato cDNA expression library prepared from viroid-infected leaves to an RNA ligand screening procedure. We repeatedly identified cDNA clones that expressed a protein of 602 amino acids. The protein contains a bromodomain and was termed viroid RNA-binding protein 1 (VIRP1). The specificity of interaction of VIRP1 with viroid RNA was studied by different methodologies, which included Northwestern blotting, plaque lift, and electrophoretic mobility shift assays. VIRP1 interacted strongly and specifically with monomeric and oligomeric PSTVd positive-strand RNA transcripts. Other RNAs, for example, U1 RNA, did not bind to VIRP1. Further, we could immunoprecipitate complexes from infected tomato leaves that contained VIRP1 and viroid RNA in vivo. Analysis of the protein sequence revealed that VIRP1 is a member of a newly identified family of transcriptional regulators associated with chromatin remodeling. VIRP1 is the first member of this family of proteins, for which a specific RNA-binding activity is shown. A possible role of VIRP1 in viroid replication and in RNA mediated chromatin remodeling is discussed.
Differences in the N Termini of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 and 2 gDs That Influence Functional Interactions with the Human Entry Receptor Nectin-2 and an Entry Receptor Expressed in Chinese Hamster Ovary Cells
Authors: Zago Anna , Spear Patricia G.
Published: August 2003

Amino acid differences at seven positions in the N termini of the glycoproteins D (gDs) specified by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and HSV-2 are largely responsible for the significantly higher cell fusion activity of HSV-2 gD with Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing human nectin-2 or only an endogenous hamster receptor.
Protective Efficacy of an AIDS Vaccine, a Single DNA Priming Followed by a Single Booster with a Recombinant Replication-Defective Sendai Virus Vector, in a Macaque AIDS Model
Authors: Takeda Akiko , Igarashi Hiroko , Nakamura Hiromi , Kano Munehide , Iida Akihiro , Hirata Takahiro , Hasegawa Mamoru , Nagai Yoshiyuki , Matano Tetsuro
Published: August 2003

We previously demonstrated the excellent protective efficacy of DNA priming followed by Gag-expressing Sendai virus (SeV) boosting (DNA prime/SeV-Gag boost vaccine) against a pathogenic simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV89.6PD) infection in macaques. Here we show that we established a practical, safer AIDS vaccine protocol, a single DNA priming followed by a single booster with a recently developed replication-defective F deletion SeV-expressing Gag, and show its protective efficacy against SHIV89.6PD infections.
High Circulating Frequencies of Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha- and Interleukin-2-Secreting Human T-Lymphotropic Virus Type 1 (HTLV-1)-Specific CD4+T Cells in Patients with HTLV-1-Associated Neurological Disease
Authors: Goon Peter K. C. , Igakura Tadahiko , Hanon Emmanuel , Mosley Angelina J. , Asquith Becca , Gould Keith G. , Taylor Graham P. , Weber Jonathan N. , Bangham Charles R. M.
Published: August 2003

Significantly higher frequencies of tumor necrosis factor alpha- and interleukin-2-secreting human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1)-specific CD4+T cells were present in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) patients than in those of asymptomatic carriers with similar provirus loads. The data suggest that HTLV-1-specific CD4+T cells play a role in the pathogenesis of HAM/TSP.
Early- and Intermediate-Stage Variants of Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Replicate Efficiently in Cells Lacking CCR5
Authors: Forte Serene , Harmon Mary-Elizabeth , Pineda Mario J. , Overbaugh Julie
Published: August 2003

Primate lentiviruses are thought to use the chemokine receptor CCR5 as the major coreceptor for entry into cells. Here we show that some variants of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) replicate efficiently in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) lacking a functional CCR5. There were differences in the replication patterns of sequential variants that evolved during SIVMne infection; the late-stage pathogenic variants were unable to replicate in PBMCs lacking CCR5, whereas the early- and intermediate-stage viruses replicated as well in PBMCs lacking CCR5 as they did in cells with wild-type CCR5. The coreceptor specificities of these sequential variants were compared using indicator cell lines expressing known SIV coreceptors. Among the known SIV coreceptors, there were none that were functional for the early and intermediate variants but not the late-stage variants, suggesting that the coreceptor used for replication in PBMCs may be a coreceptor that has not yet been described. Because some variants replicate with high efficiency in peripheral blood cells using this as yet uncharacterized cellular receptor, this coreceptor may be important for viral entry of some target cell populations in the host.
Susceptibility of Human Hepatitis Delta Virus RNAs to Small Interfering RNA Action
Authors: Chang Jinhong , Taylor John M.
Published: August 2003

In animal cells, small interfering RNAs (siRNA), when exogenously provided, have been reported to be capable of inhibiting replication of several different viruses. In preliminary studies, siRNA species were designed and tested for their ability to act on the protein expressed in Huh7 cells transfected with DNA-directed mRNA constructs containing hepatitis delta virus (HDV) target sequences. The aim was to achieve siRNA specific for each of the three RNAs of HDV replication: (i) the 1,679-nucleotide circular RNA genome, (ii) its exact complement, the antigenome, and (iii) the less abundant polyadenylated mRNA for the small delta protein. Many of the 16 siRNA tested gave >80% inhibition in this assay. Next, these three classes of siRNA were tested for their ability to act during HDV genome replication. It was found that only siRNA targeted against HDV mRNA sequences could interfere with HDV genome replication. In contrast, siRNA targeted against genomic and antigenomic RNA sequences had no detectable effect on the accumulation of these RNAs. Reconstruction experiments with nonreplicating HDV RNA sequences support the interpretation that neither the potential for intramolecular rod-like RNA folding nor the presence of the delta protein conferred resistance to siRNA. In terms of replicating HDV RNAs, it is considered more likely that the genomic and antigenomic RNAs are resistant because their location within the nucleus makes them inaccessible to siRNA-mediated degradation.