bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping the Interacting Domains between the Rabies Virus Polymerase and Phosphoprotein
Authors: Chenik M. , Schnell M. , Conzelmann K. K. , Blondel D.
Published: December 2019

The RNA polymerase of rabies virus consists of two subunits, the large (L) protein and the phosphoprotein (P), with 2,127 and 297 amino acids, respectively. When these proteins were coexpressed via the vaccinia virus-T7 RNA polymerase recombinant in mammalian cells, they formed a complex as detected by coimmunoprecipitation. Analysis of P and L deletion mutants was performed to identify the regions of both proteins involved in complex formation. The interaction of P with L was not disrupted by large deletions removing the carboxy-terminal half of the P protein. On the contrary, P proteins containing a deletion in the amino terminus were defective in complex formation with L. Moreover, fusion proteins containing the 19 or the 52 first residues of P in frame with green fluorescent protein (GFP) still bound to L. These results indicate that the major L binding site resides within the 19 first residues of the P protein. We also mapped the region of L involved in the interaction with P. Mutant L proteins consisting of the carboxy-terminal 1,656, 956, 690, and 566 amino acids all bound to the P protein, whereas deletion of 789 residues within the terminal region eliminated binding to P protein. This result demonstrates that the carboxy-terminal domain of L is required for the interaction with P.
Mutational Analysis of the Virus and Monoclonal Antibody Binding Sites in MHVR, the Cellular Receptor of the Murine Coronavirus Mouse Hepatitis Virus Strain A59
Authors: Wessner David R. , Shick Paul C. , Lu Jin-Hua , Cardellichio Christine B. , Gagneten Sara E. , Beauchemin Nicole , Holmes Kathryn V. , Dveksler Gabriela S.
Published: December 2019

The primary cellular receptor for mouse hepatitis virus (MHV), a murine coronavirus, is MHVR (also referred to as Bgp1aor C-CAM), a transmembrane glycoprotein with four immunoglobulin-like domains in the murine biliary glycoprotein (Bgp) subfamily of the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) family. Other murine glycoproteins in the Bgp subfamily, including Bgp1band Bgp2, also can serve as MHV receptors when transfected into MHV-resistant cells. Previous studies have shown that the 108-amino-acid N-terminal domain of MHVR is essential for virus receptor activity and is the binding site for monoclonal antibody (MAb) CC1, an antireceptor MAb that blocks MHV infection in vivo and in vitro. To further elucidate the regions of MHVR required for virus receptor activity and MAb CC1 binding, we constructed chimeras between MHVR and other members of the CEA family and tested them for MHV strain A59 (MHV-A59) receptor activity and MAb CC1 binding activity. In addition, we used site-directed mutagenesis to introduce selected amino acid changes into the N-terminal domains of MHVR and these chimeras and tested the abilities of these mutant glycoproteins to bind MAb CC1 and to function as MHV receptors. Several recombinant glycoproteins exhibited virus receptor activity but did not bind MAb CC1, indicating that the virus and MAb binding sites on the N-terminal domain of MHVR are not identical. Analysis of the recombinant glycoproteins showed that a short region of MHVR, between amino acids 34 and 52, is critical for MHV-A59 receptor activity. Additional regions of the N-terminal variable domain and the constant domains, however, greatly affected receptor activity. Thus, the molecular context in which the amino acids critical for MHV-A59 receptor activity are found profoundly influences the virus receptor activity of the glycoprotein.
The Cell Tropism of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Determines the Kinetics of Plasma Viremia in SCID Mice Reconstituted with Human Peripheral Blood Leukocytes
Authors: Picchio Gastón R. , Gulizia Richard J. , Wehrly Kathy , Chesebro Bruce , Mosier Donald E.
Published: December 2019

Most individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) initially harbor macrophage-tropic, non-syncytium-inducing (M-tropic, NSI) viruses that may evolve into T-cell-tropic, syncytium-inducing viruses (T-tropic, SI) after several years. The reasons for the more efficient transmission of M-tropic, NSI viruses and the slow evolution of T-tropic, SI viruses remain unclear, although they may be linked to expression of appropriate chemokine coreceptors for virus entry. We have examined plasma viral RNA levels and the extent of CD4
+
T-cell depletion in SCID mice reconstituted with human peripheral blood leukocytes following infection with M-tropic, dual-tropic, or T-tropic HIV-1 isolates. The cell tropism was found to determine the course of viremia, with M-tropic viruses producing sustained high viral RNA levels and sparing some CD4
+
T cells, dual-tropic viruses producing a transient and lower viral RNA spike and extremely rapid depletion of CD4
+
T cells, and T-tropic viruses causing similarly lower viral RNA levels and rapid-intermediate rates of CD4
+
T-cell depletion. A single amino acid change in the V3 region of gp120 was sufficient to cause one isolate to switch from M-tropic to dual-tropic and acquire the ability to rapidly deplete all CD4
+
T cells.
Construction and Characterization of a Temperature-Sensitive Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Reverse Transcriptase Mutant
Authors: Huang Mingjun , Zensen Ralf , Cho Michael , Martin Malcolm A.
Published: December 2019

A temperature-sensitive (
ts
) human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) reverse transcriptase (RT) mutant was generated by charged-cluster-to-alanine mutagenesis. The mutant virus, containing three charged residues within the RT finger domain changed to alanine (K64A, K66A, and D67A), replicated normally at 34.5 but not 39.5°C. Quantitating virus particle production by p24 antigen capture or virion-associated RT activity and virus infectivity by the MAGI cell assay, we found that (i) mutant virions produced at the permissive temperature were indistinguishable from wild-type virus in assays performed at the nonpermissive temperature, suggesting that the
ts
mutation did not impair early steps in the virus replication cycle and that the mutant RT enzyme was not
ts
; and (ii) virus particle production in cells transfected with the
ts
mutant at the nonpermissive temperature was comparable to that of wild-type virus. However, the particle-associated RT activity and infectivity of mutant virions produced at the nonpermissive temperature were greatly reduced when assays were conducted at the permissive temperature. These results are consistent with an irreversible
ts
event affecting RT that occurs during virus particle production. Radioimmunoprecipitation analyses revealed that both p66 and p51 RT subunits were absent from mutant virions generated at 39.5°C. The presence of normal levels of HIV-1 integrase in mutant particles produced at the nonpermissive temperature was inconsistent with defective Gag-Pol synthesis or Gag-Pol incorporation into progeny virions. Furthermore, wild-type levels of the mutant Pr160

gag-pol

were detected in virions produced at the nonpermissive temperature when the HIV-1 protease was inactivated by site-specific mutagenesis. Taken together, these results are most consistent with a
ts
defect affecting the degradation or aberrant processing of the mutated RT during its processing/maturation within nascent particles.
A Putative α-Helical Structure Which Overlaps the Capsid-p2 Boundary in the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Gag Precursor Is Crucial for Viral Particle Assembly
Authors: Accola Molly A. , Höglund Stefan , Göttlinger Heinrich G.
Published: December 2019

The capsid (CA) and nucleocapsid domains of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Gag polyprotein are separated by the p2 spacer peptide, which is essential for virus replication. Previous studies have revealed that p2 has an important role in virus morphogenesis. In this paper, we show that a crucial assembly determinant maps to the highly conserved N terminus of p2, which is predicted to form part of an α-helix that begins in CA. A mutational analysis indicates that the ability of the N terminus of p2 to adopt an α-helical structure is essential for its function during virus assembly. To prevent CA-p2 processing, it was necessary to mutate both the CA-p2 cleavage site and an internal cleavage site within p2. Virions produced by the double mutant lacked a conical core shell and instead contained a thin electron-dense shell about 10 nm underneath the virion membrane. These results suggest that p2 is transiently required for proper assembly, but needs to be removed from the C terminus of CA to weaken CA-CA interactions and allow the rearrangement of the virion core shell during virus maturation.
Bovine Papillomavirus Type 1 Genomes and the E2 Transactivator Protein Are Closely Associated with Mitotic Chromatin
Authors: Skiadopoulos Mario H. , McBride Alison A.
Published: December 2019

The bovine papillomavirus type 1 E2 transactivator protein is required for viral transcriptional regulation and DNA replication and may be important for long-term episomal maintenance of viral genomes within replicating cells (M. Piirsoo, E. Ustav, T. Mandel, A. Stenlund, and M. Ustav, EMBO J. 15:1–11, 1996). We have evidence that, in contrast to most other transcriptional transactivators, the E2 transactivator protein is associated with mitotic chromosomes in dividing cells. The shorter E2-TR and E8/E2 repressor proteins do not bind to mitotic chromatin, and the N-terminal transactivation domain of the E2 protein is necessary for the association. However, the DNA binding function of E2 is not required. We have found that bovine papillomavirus type 1 genomes are also associated with mitotic chromosomes, and we propose a model in which E2-bound viral genomes are transiently associated with cellular chromosomes during mitosis to ensure that viral genomes are segregated to daughter cells in approximately equal numbers.
Cytosolic Gag p24 as an Index of Productive Entry of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1
Authors: Maréchal Valérie , Clavel François , Heard Jean Michel , Schwartz Olivier
Published: December 2019

We have investigated the cellular uptake of Gag p24 shortly after exposure of cells to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) particles. In the absence of envelope glycoprotein on virions or of viral receptors or coreceptors at the cell surface, p24 was incorporated in intracellular vesicles but not detected in the cytosolic subcellular fraction. When appropriate envelope-receptor interactions could occur, the nonspecific vesicular uptake was still intense and cytosolic p24 represented 10 to 40% of total intracellular p24. The measurement of cytosolic p24 early after exposure to HIV type 1 is a reliable assay for investigating virus entry and early events leading to authentic cell infection.
Insect Virus Proteins (FALPE and p10) Self-Associate To Form Filaments in Infected Cells
Authors: Alaoui-Ismaili Moulay Hicham , Richardson Christopher D.
Published: December 2019

Entomopoxviruses and baculoviruses are pathogens of insects which replicate in the cytoplasm and nuclei of their host cells, respectively. During the late stages of infection, both groups of viruses produce occlusion bodies which serve to protect virions from the external environment. Immunofluorescence and electron microscopy studies have shown that large bundles of filaments are associated with these occlusion bodies. Entomopoxviruses produce cytoplasmic fibrils which appear to be composed of the filament-associated late protein of entomopoxviruses (FALPE). Baculoviruses, on the other hand, yield filaments in the nuclei and cytoplasm of the infected cell which are composed of a protein called p10. Despite significant differences in their sequences, FALPE and p10 have similar hydrophilicity profiles, and each has a proline-rich stretch of amino acids at its carboxyl terminus. Evidence that FALPE and p10 could produce filaments in the absence of other viral proteins is presented. When FALPE was expressed in insect cells from a recombinant baculovirus, filaments similar to those produced by the wild-typeAmsacta mooreientomopoxvirus were observed. In addition, when expression plasmids containing FALPE or p10 genes were transfected into Vero monkey kidney cells, filament structures similar to those found in infected insect cells were produced. The manner in which FALPE and p10 subunits interact to form polymers was investigated through deletion and site-specific mutagenesis in conjunction with immunofluorescence microscopy, yeast two-hybrid protein interaction analysis, and chemical cross-linking of adjacent molecules. These studies indicated that the amino termini of FALPE and p10 were essential for subunit interaction. Although deletion of the carboxy termini did not affect this interaction, it did inhibit filament formation. In addition, modification of several potential sites for phosphorylation also abolished filament assembly. We concluded that although the sequences of FALPE and p10 were different, the structural and functional properties of the two polypeptides appeared to be similar.
Enhanced Virus Clearance by Early Inducible Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus-Neutralizing Antibodies in Immunoglobulin-Transgenic Mice
Authors: Seiler Peter , Kalinke Ulrich , Rülicke Thomas , Bucher Etienne M. , Böse Christian , Zinkernagel Rolf M. , Hengartner Hans
Published: December 2019

Following infection of mice with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), virus-neutralizing antibodies appear late, after 30 to 60 days. Such neutralizing antibodies play an important role in protection against reinfection. To analyze whether a neutralizing antibody response which developed earlier could contribute to LCMV clearance during the acute phase of infection, we generated transgenic mice expressing LCMV-neutralizing antibodies. Transgenic mice expressing the immunoglobulin μ heavy chain of the LCMV-neutralizing monoclonal antibody KL25 (H25 transgenic mice) mounted LCMV-neutralizing immunoglobulin M (IgM) serum titers within 8 days after infection. This early inducible LCMV-neutralizing antibody response significantly improved the host’s capacity to clear the infection and did not cause an enhancement of disease after intracerebral (i.c.) LCMV infection. In contrast, mice which had been passively administered LCMV-neutralizing antibodies and transgenic mice exhibiting spontaneous LCMV-neutralizing IgM serum titers (HL25 transgenic mice expressing the immunoglobulin μ heavy and the κ light chain) showed an enhancement of disease after i.c. LCMV infection. Thus, early-inducible LCMV-neutralizing antibodies can contribute to viral clearance in the acute phase of the infection and do not cause antibody-dependent enhancement of disease.
The Gene Product of Human Cytomegalovirus Open Reading Frame UL56 Binds the pac Motif and Has Specific Nuclease Activity
Authors: Bogner Elke , Radsak Klaus , Stinski Mark F.
Published: December 2019

Using the
cis
-acting human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) packaging elements (pac 1 and pac 2) as DNA probes, specific DNA-protein complexes were detected by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) in both HCMV-infected cell nuclear extracts and recombinant baculovirus-infected cell extracts containing the HCMV p130 (pUL56) protein. DNA-binding proteins, which were common in uninfected and infected cell extracts, were also detected. Mutational analysis showed that only the AT-rich core sequences in these
cis
-acting motifs, 5′-TAAAAA-3′ (pac 1) and 5′-TTTTAT-3′ (pac 2), were required for specific DNA-protein complex formation. The specificity of the DNA-protein complexes was confirmed by EMSA competition. Furthermore, a specific endonuclease activity was found to be associated with lysates of baculovirus-infected cells expressing recombinant p130 (rp130). This nuclease activity was time dependent, related to the amount of rp130 in the assay, and ATP independent. Nuclease activity remained associated with rp130 after partial purification by sucrose gradient centrifugation, suggesting that this activity is a property of HCMV p130. We propose a possible involvement of p130 in HCMV DNA packaging.
Mouse Hepatitis Virus 3C-Like Protease Cleaves a 22-Kilodalton Protein from the Open Reading Frame 1a Polyprotein in Virus-Infected Cells and In Vitro
Authors: Lu Xiao Tao , Sims Amy C. , Denison Mark R.
Published: December 2019

The 3C-like proteinase (3CLpro) of mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) is predicted to cleave at least 11 sites in the 803-kDa gene 1 polyprotein, resulting in maturation of proteinase, polymerase, and helicase proteins. However, most of these cleavage sites have not been experimentally confirmed and the proteins have not been identified in vitro or in virus-infected cells. We used specific antibodies to identify and characterize a 22-kDa protein (p1a-22) expressed from gene 1 in MHV A59-infected DBT cells. Processing of p1a-22 from the polyprotein began immediately after translation, but some processing continued for several hours. Amino-terminal sequencing of p1a-22 purified from MHV-infected cells showed that it was cleaved at a putative 3CLpro cleavage site, Gln_Ser
4014
(where the underscore indicates the site of cleavage), that is located between the 3CLpro domain and the end of open reading frame (ORF) 1a. Subclones of this region of gene 1 were used to express polypeptides in vitro that contained one or more 3CLpro cleavage sites, and cleavage of these substrates by recombinant 3CLpro in vitro confirmed that amino-terminal cleavage of p1a-22 occurred at Gln_Ser
4014
. We demonstrated that the carboxy-terminal cleavage of the p1a-22 protein occurred at Gln_Asn
4208
, a sequence that had not been predicted as a site for cleavage by MHV 3CLpro. Our results demonstrate the usefulness of recombinant MHV 3CLpro in identifying and confirming cleavage sites within the gene 1 polyprotein. Based on our results, we predict that at least seven mature proteins are processed from the ORF 1a polyprotein by 3CLpro and suggest that additional noncanonical cleavage sites may be used by 3CLpro during processing of the gene 1 polyprotein.
CD4 Glycoprotein Degradation Induced by Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Vpu Protein Requires the Function of Proteasomes and the Ubiquitin-Conjugating Pathway
Authors: Schubert Ulrich , Antón Luis C. , Bačík Igor , Cox Josephine H. , Bour Stéphane , Bennink Jack R. , Orlowski Marian , Strebel Klaus , Yewdell Jonathan W.
Published: December 2019

The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)vpugene encodes a type I anchored integral membrane phosphoprotein with two independent functions. First, it regulates virus release from a post-endoplasmic reticulum (ER) compartment by an ion channel activity mediated by its transmembrane anchor. Second, it induces the selective down regulation of host cell receptor proteins (CD4 and major histocompatibility complex class I molecules) in a process involving its phosphorylated cytoplasmic tail. In the present work, we show that the Vpu-induced proteolysis of nascent CD4 can be completely blocked by peptide aldehydes that act as competitive inhibitors of proteasome function and also by lactacystin, which blocks proteasome activity by covalently binding to the catalytic β subunits of proteasomes. The sensitivity of Vpu-induced CD4 degradation to proteasome inhibitors paralleled the inhibition of proteasome degradation of a model ubiquitinated substrate. Characterization of CD4-associated oligosaccharides indicated that CD4 rescued from Vpu-induced degradation by proteasome inhibitors is exported from the ER to the Golgi complex. This finding suggests that retranslocation of CD4 from the ER to the cytosol may be coupled to its proteasomal degradation. CD4 degradation mediated by Vpu does not require the ER chaperone calnexin and is dependent on an intact ubiquitin-conjugating system. This was demonstrated by inhibition of CD4 degradation (i) in cells expressing a thermally inactivated form of the ubiquitin-activating enzyme E1or (ii) following expression of a mutant form of ubiquitin (Lys48mutated to Arg48) known to compromise ubiquitin targeting by interfering with the formation of polyubiquitin complexes. CD4 degradation was also prevented by altering the four Lys residues in its cytosolic domain to Arg, suggesting a role for ubiquitination of one or more of these residues in the process of degradation. The results clearly demonstrate a role for the cytosolic ubiquitin-proteasome pathway in the process of Vpu-induced CD4 degradation. In contrast to other viral proteins (human cytomegalovirus US2 and US11), however, whose translocation of host ER molecules into the cytosol occurs in the presence of proteasome inhibitors, Vpu-targeted CD4 remains in the ER in a transport-competent form when proteasome activity is blocked.
Molecular Characterization of Hemagglutination Domains on the Fibers of Subgenus D Adenoviruses
Authors: Pring-Åkerblom Patricia , Heim Albert , Trijssenaar F. E. John
Published: December 2019

The adenovirus fiber mediates the agglutination of erythrocytes. Based on differential hemagglutinating properties, subgenus D adenoviruses can be subdivided into clusters DI, DII, and DIII. While subgenus DI adenoviruses agglutinate rat and human erythrocytes, DII adenoviruses simply agglutinate rat erythrocytes and DIII adenoviruses display no or only weak rat erythrocyte agglutination. Amino acid sequence comparisons revealed distinct domains on the fiber knob which could be involved in hemagglutination. In order to localize and characterize the domains responsible for the interaction with rat and human erythrocytes, potential hemagglutination domains of the adenovirus type 9 (Ad9) (subgenus DI) fiber knob were introduced into Ad17 (subgenus DII) and Ad28 (subgenus DIII) fiber knobs by primer-directed mutagenesis. Furthermore, rat erythrocyte hemagglutination domains were also introduced into the Ad3 (subgenus B) fiber knob, which only agglutinated monkey erythrocytes. Altogether, 27 chimeric and mutated fiber proteins were expressed in
Escherichia coli
and subsequently tested for hemagglutination activity. The hemagglutination tests revealed that at least two domains can mediate the agglutination of rat erythrocytes. While one domain is located on the GH loop, the other domain extends from the C β strand to the CD loop. The domain on the GH loop was partially conserved in all adenoviruses showing an incomplete hemagglutination pattern with rat erythrocytes. The domains involved in the agglutination of human erythrocytes are located on the CD and HI loops of the subgenus DI fiber knob.
A Novel Point Mutation at Position 156 of Reverse Transcriptase from Feline Immunodeficiency Virus Confers Resistance to the Combination of (−)-β-2′,3′-Dideoxy-3′-Thiacytidine and 3′-Azido-3′-Deoxythymidine
Authors: Smith Robert A. , Remington Kathryn M. , Preston Bradley D. , Schinazi Raymond F. , North Thomas W.
Published: December 2019

Mutants of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) resistant to (−)-β-2′,3′-dideoxy-3′-thiacytidine (3TC) were selected by culturing virus in the presence of increasing stepwise concentrations of 3TC. Two plaque-purified variants were isolated from the original mutant population, and both of these mutants were resistant to 3TC. Surprisingly, these mutants were also phenotypically resistant to 3′-azido-3′-deoxythymidine (AZT) and to the combination of 3TC and AZT. Purified reverse transcriptase (RT) from one of these plaque-purified mutants was resistant to the 5′-triphosphates of 3TC and AZT. DNA sequence analysis of the RT-encoding region of the
pol
gene amplified from the plaque-purified mutants revealed a Pro-to-Ser mutation at position 156 of RT. A site-directed mutant of FIV engineered to contain this Pro-156-Ser mutation was resistant to 3TC, AZT, and the combination of 3TC and AZT, confirming the role of the Pro-156-Ser mutation in the resistance of FIV to these two nucleoside analogs. This represents the first report of a lentiviral mutant resistant to the combination of AZT and 3TC due to a single, unique point mutation.
Rapid, Transient Changes at the
env
Locus of Plasma Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Populations during the Emergence of Protease Inhibitor Resistance
Authors: Delwart Eric L. , Pan Heng , Neumann Avidan , Markowitz Martin
Published: December 2019

Plasma human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) populations were genetically analyzed at their most variable locus, the envelope gene, during the rapid emergence of resistance to protease inhibitor monotherapy. Plasma virus populations remained genetically constant prior to drug treatment and during the 1 to 2 weeks following initiation of therapy, while viremia fell 10- to 100-fold. Concomitant with rapid plasma viremia rebounds associated with the emergence of drug-resistant virus, marked alterations were then detected at the
env
locus. Plasma population changes lasted only a few weeks before the reappearance of the pretreatment envelope variants. The emergence of resistance to single protease inhibitors was therefore associated with major but transient changes at a nonselected locus. Selection for resistance to single protease inhibitors thus appears to be more complex than the continued replication of a large, random, and therefore genetically representative sampling of the pretreatment plasma population. The possibility that drug-privileged anatomical sites containing distinct envelope variants and/or a small effective HIV-1 population size account for these results is discussed.
Mutations in a Conserved Residue in the Influenza Virus Neuraminidase Active Site Decreases Sensitivity to Neu5Ac2en-Derived Inhibitors
Authors: McKimm-Breschkin Jennifer L. , Sahasrabudhe Anjali , Blick Tony J. , McDonald Mandy , Colman Peter M. , Hart Graham J. , Bethell Richard C. , Varghese Joseph N.
Published: December 2019

The influenza virus neuraminidase (NA)-specific inhibitor zanamivir (4-guanidino-Neu5Ac2en) is effective in humans when administered topically within the respiratory tract. The search for compounds with altered pharmacological properties has led to the identification of a novel series of influenza virus NA inhibitors in which the triol group of zanamivir has been replaced by a hydrophobic group linked by a carboxamide at the 6 position (6-carboxamide). NWS/G70C variants generated in vitro, with decreased sensitivity to 6-carboxamide, contained hemagglutinin (HA) and/or NA mutations. HA mutants bound with a decreased efficiency to the cellular receptor and were cross-resistant to all the NA inhibitors tested. The NA mutation, an Arg-to-Lys mutation, was in a previously conserved site, Arg292, which forms part of a triarginyl cluster in the catalytic site. In enzyme assays, the NA was equally resistant to zanamivir and 4-amino-Neu5Ac2en but showed greater resistance to 6-carboxamide and was most resistant to a new carbocyclic NA inhibitor, GS4071, which also has a hydrophobic side chain at the 6 position. Consistent with enzyme assays, the lowest resistance in cell culture was seen to zanamivir, more resistance was seen to 6-carboxamide, and the greatest resistance was seen to GS4071. Substrate binding and enzyme activity were also decreased in the mutant, and consequently, virus replication in both plaque assays and liquid culture was compromised. Altered binding of the hydrophobic side chain at the 6 position or the triol group could account for the decreased binding of both the NA inhibitors and substrate.
Characterization of Defective Viral RNA Produced during Persistent Infection of Vero Cells with Murray Valley Encephalitis Virus
Authors: Lancaster Morag U. , Hodgetts Stuart I. , Mackenzie John S. , Urosevic Nadezda
Published: December 2019

Defective interfering viral particles are readily produced in cell culture after a high multiplicity of infection with many animal RNA viruses. Due to defects that they carry in their genomes, their life cycle needs to be complemented by the helper functions provided by a parental virus which makes them both dependent on and competitive with the parental virus. In many instances, this may cause the abrogation of a lytic cycle of the parental virus, leading to a persistent infection. In this paper, we describe for the first time the presence of truncated or defective interfering viral RNAs produced in Vero cells persistently infected with the flavivirus Murray Valley encephalitis virus. While these RNAs have not been detected in acutely infected Vero cells, their appearance coincided with the establishment of persistent infection. We also show for the first time that the defective viral RNAs replicate well in both cell culture and cell-free virus replication systems, indicating that they may interfere with the replication of parental virus at the level of viral RNA synthesis. Significantly, structural analyses of these RNA species including nucleotide sequencing have revealed that they carry similar nucleotide deletions encompassing the genes coding for the prM and E proteins and various gene segments coding for the N terminus of the NS1 protein. These deletions are in frame, allowing the synthesis of truncated NS1 proteins to occur in persistently infected cells. This may have further implications for the interference with the parental virus at the level of viral RNA synthesis in addition to a major one at the level of virion assembly and release.
Coreceptor Utilization by Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Is Not a Primary Determinant of Neutralization Sensitivity
Authors: Lacasse Rachel A. , Follis Kathryn E. , Moudgil Tarsem , Trahey Meg , Binley James M. , Planelles Vicente , Zolla-Pazner Susan , Nunberg Jack H.
Published: December 2019

We have examined the relationship between coreceptor utilization and sensitivity to neutralization in a primary isolate of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 and its T-cell line-adapted (TCLA) derivative. We determined that adaptation of the primary-isolate (PI) virus 168P results in the loss of the unique capacity of PI viruses to utilize the CCR5 coreceptor and in the acquisition by the TCLA 168C virus of sensitivity to neutralization by V3-directed monoclonal antibodies (MAbs). In experiments wherein infection by 168P is directed via either the CCR5 or the CXCR4 pathway, we demonstrate that the virus, as well as pseudotyped virions bearing a molecularly cloned 168P envelope protein, remains refractory to neutralization by MAbs 257-D, 268-D, and 50.1 regardless of the coreceptor utilized. This study suggests that coreceptor utilization is not a primary determinant of differential neutralization sensitivity in PI and TCLA viruses.
Effect of Nitric Oxide on Poliovirus Infection of Two Human Cell Lines
Authors: López-Guerrero José A. , Carrasco Luis
Published: December 2019

The role of nitric oxide after poliovirus infection of the human HeLa (carcinoma) and U937 (promonocytic) cell lines has been analyzed. Both types of cells produced detectable levels of nitric oxide after poliovirus infection. However, this production was not sufficient to limit viral productivity. On the other hand, pretreatment with the nitric oxide donor glycerine trinitrate lengthened the course of poliovirus infection.
N-Terminal Protease of Pestiviruses: Identification of Putative Catalytic Residues by Site-Directed Mutagenesis
Authors: Rümenapf Tillmann , Stark Robert , Heimann Manuela , Thiel Heinz-Jürgen
Published: December 2019

Pestiviruses are the only members of the
Flaviviridae
that encode a nonstructural protease at the N terminus of their polyproteins. This N-terminal protease (N
pro
) cleaves itself off of the nascent polyprotein autocatalytically and thereby generates the N terminus of the adjacent viral capsid protein C. In previous reports, sequence similarities between N
pro
and the catalytic residues of papain-like cysteine proteases were put forward. To test this hypothesis, substitutions of cysteine and histidine residues within N
pro
were carried out by site-directed mutagenesis. Translation of the mutagenized N
pro
-C proteins in cell-free lysates confirmed that only the predicted Cys
69
was an essential amino acid for proteolysis, not His
130
. Further essential residues were identified with His
49
and Glu
22
. While it remains speculative whether Glu
22
-His
49
-Cys
69
actually build a catalytic triad, these results invalidate the assumption that N
pro
is a papain-like cysteine protease.
Involvement of Actin Microfilaments in the Replication of Human Parainfluenza Virus Type 3
Authors: Gupta Sanhita , De Bishnu P. , Drazba Judith A. , Banerjee Amiya K.
Published: December 2019

Several studies indicate that paramyxoviruses require a specific cellular factor(s) for transcription of their genomic RNAs. We previously reported that the cellular cytoskeletal protein actin, in its polymeric form, participates in the transcription of human parainfluenza virus type 3 (HPIV3) in vitro. In the present study, we investigated the role of the polymeric form of actin, i.e., the actin microfilaments of the cytoskeletal framework, in the reproduction of HPIV3 in vivo. Pulse-chase labeling analyses indicate that the viral nucleocapsid-associated proteins, NP and P, are present predominantly in the cytoskeletal framework during infection. By in situ hybridization, we found that viral mRNAs and genomic RNA were synthesized from the nucleocapsids that were bound to the cytoskeletal framework. Double immunofluorescent labeling and confocal microscopy of the cytoarchitecture revealed that the viral nucleocapsids are specifically localized on the actin microfilaments. Treatment of cells with the actin-depolymerizing agent, cytochalasin D, resulted in the inhibition of viral RNA synthesis and ribonucleoprotein accumulation. These results strongly suggest that actin microfilaments play an important role in the replication of HPIV3.
In Vivo Evolution of a Novel, Syncytium-Inducing and Cytopathic Feline Leukemia Virus Variant
Authors: Rohn Jennifer L. , Moser Maria S. , Gwynn Samuel R. , Baldwin David N. , Overbaugh Julie
Published: December 2019

Studies of feline leukemia virus (FeLV) have illustrated the importance of the genotype of the infecting virus in determining disease outcome. In FeLV infections, as in other retroviral infections, it is less clear how virus variants that evolve from the transmitted virus affect pathogenesis. We previously reported an analysis of the genotypic changes that occur in the viral envelope gene (env) in cats infected with a prototype transmissible FeLV clone, 61E (J. Rohn, M. Linenberger, E. Hoover, and J. Overbaugh, J. Virol. 68:2458–2467, 1994). In one cat, each variant (81T) had evolved, in addition to scattered amino acid changes, a four-amino-acid insertion with respect to 61E. This insertion was located at the same site in the extracellular envelope glycoprotein where the immunodeficiency-inducing molecular clone 61C possesses a six-amino-acid insertion critical for its pathogenic phenotype, although the sequences of the insertions were distinct. To determine whether acquisition of the four-amino-acid insertion was associated with a change in the replication or cytopathic properties of the virus, we constructed chimeras encoding 81Tenvgenes in a 61E background. One representative chimeric virus, EET(TE)-109, was highly cytopathic despite the fact that it replicated with delayed kinetics in the feline T-cell line 3201 compared to the parental 61E virus. The phenotype of this virus was also novel compared to other FeLVs, including both the parental virus 61E and the immunodeficiency-inducing variant 61C, because infection of T cells was associated with syncytium formation. Moreover, in single-cycle infection assays, the 81T-109 envelope demonstrated receptor usage properties distinct from those of both 61E and 61C envelope. Thus, these studies demonstrate the evolution of a novel T-cell cytopathic and syncytium-inducing FeLV in the host. The 81T virus will be valuable for dissecting the mechanism of T-cell killing by cytopathic variants in the FeLV model.
The I Domain Is Required for Efficient Plasma Membrane Binding of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Pr55
Gag
Authors: Sandefur Stephanie , Varthakavi Vasundhara , Spearman Paul
Published: December 2019

The interaction of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Pr55
Gag
molecule with the plasma membrane of an infected cell is an essential step of the viral life cycle. Myristic acid and positively charged residues within the N-terminal portion of MA constitute the membrane-binding domain of Pr55
Gag
. A separate assembly domain, termed the interaction (I) domain, is located nearer the C-terminal end of the molecule. The I domain is required for production of dense retroviral particles, but has not previously been described to influence the efficiency of membrane binding or the subcellular distribution of Gag. This study used a series of Gag-green fluorescent protein fusion constructs to define a region outside of MA which determines efficient plasma membrane interaction. This function was mapped to the nucleocapsid (NC) region of Gag. The minimal region in a series of C-terminally truncated Gag proteins conferring plasma membrane fluorescence was identified as the N-terminal 14 amino acids of NC. This same region was sufficient to create a density shift in released retrovirus-like particles from 1.13 to 1.17 g/ml. The functional assembly domain previously termed the I domain is thus required for the efficient plasma membrane binding of Gag, in addition to its role in determining the density of released particles. We propose a model in which the I domain facilitates the interaction of the N-terminal membrane-binding domain of Pr55
Gag
with the plasma membrane.
Generation of Replication-Competent Hepatitis B Virus Nucleocapsids in Insect Cells
Authors: Seifer Maria , Hamatake Robert , Bifano Marc , Standring David N.
Published: December 2019

The double-stranded DNA genome of human hepatitis B virus (HBV) and related hepadnaviruses is reverse transcribed from a pregenomic RNA by a viral polymerase (Pol) harboring both priming and RNA- and DNA-dependent elongation activities. Although hepadnavirus replication occurs inside viral nucleocapsids, or cores, biochemical systems for analyzing this reaction are currently limited to unencapsidated Pols expressed in heterologous systems. Here, we describecisandtransclasses of replicative HBV cores, produced in the recombinant baculovirus system via coexpression of HBV core and Pol proteins from either a single RNA (i.e., incis) or two distinct RNAs (intrans). Upon isolation from insect cells,cisandtranscores contained Pol-linked HBV minus-strand DNA with 5′ ends mapping to the authentic elongation origin DR1 and also plus-strand DNA species. Onlytranscores, however, were highly active for the de novo priming and reverse transcription of authentic HBV minus strands in in vitro endogenous polymerase assays. This reaction strictly required HBV Pol but not the ɛ stem-loop element, although the presence of one ɛ, or better, two ɛs, enhanced minus-strand synthesis up to 10-fold. Compared to unencapsidated Pol enzymes, encapsidated Pol appeared to be (i) highly processive, able to extend minus-strand DNAs of 400 nucleotides from DR1 in vitro, and (ii) more active for HBV plus-strand synthesis. These observations suggest possible contributions to the replication process from the HBV core protein. These novel core reagents should facilitate the analysis of HBV replication in its natural environment, the interior of the capsid, and also fuel the development of new anti-HBV drug screens.
Suppressors of Cleavage-Site Mutations in the p62 Envelope Protein of Semliki Forest Virus Reveal Dynamics in Spike Structure and Function
Authors: Tubulekas Ioannis , Liljeström Peter
Published: December 2019

The E2 spike glycoprotein of Semliki Forest virus is produced as a p62 precursor protein, which is cleaved by host proteases to its mature form, E2. Cleavage is not necessary for particle formation or release but is necessary for infectivity. Previous results had shown that phenotypic revertants of cleavage-deficient p62 mutants are generated, and here we show that these may contain second-site suppressor mutations in the vicinity of the cleavage site. These hot-spot sites were mutated to abolish the generation of such suppressor mutations; however, secondary mutations in another distant domain of the E2 protein appeared instead, all of which still caused cleavage-deficient mutations. Such mutants grew very poorly and were inefficient in virus entry and release. The mutated sites define domains of the spike protein which probably interact to regulate its structure and function. Because of their highly attenuated phenotype and the lower probability of reversion, the new mutations close to the cleavage site were used to make new helper vectors for packaging of recombinant RNA into infectious particles, thus increasing further the biosafety of the vector system based on the Semliki Forest virus replicon.
Sequential Steps in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Particle Maturation Revealed by Alterations of Individual Gag Polyprotein Cleavage Sites
Authors: Wiegers Klaus , Rutter Gabriel , Kottler Hubert , Tessmer Uwe , Hohenberg Heinz , Kräusslich Hans-Georg
Published: December 2019

Retroviruses are produced as immature particles containing structural polyproteins, which are subsequently cleaved by the viral proteinase (PR). Extracellular maturation leads to condensation of the spherical core to a capsid shell formed by the capsid (CA) protein, which encases the genomic RNA complexed with nucleocapsid (NC) proteins. CA and NC are separated by a short spacer peptide (spacer peptide 1 [SP1]) on the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Gag polyprotein and released by sequential PR-mediated cleavages. To assess the role of individual cleavages in maturation, we constructed point mutations abolishing cleavage at these sites, either alone or in combination. When all three sites between CA and NC were mutated, immature particles containing stable CA-NC were observed, with no apparent effect on other cleavages. Delayed maturation with irregular morphology of the ribonucleoprotein core was observed when cleavage of SP1 from NC was prevented. Blocking the release of SP1 from CA, on the other hand, yielded normal condensation of the ribonucleoprotein core but prevented capsid condensation. A thin, electron-dense layer near the viral membrane was observed in this case, and mutant capsids were significantly less stable against detergent treatment than wild-type HIV-1. We suggest that HIV maturation is a sequential process controlled by the rate of cleavage at individual sites. Initial rapid cleavage at the C terminus of SP1 releases the RNA-binding NC protein and leads to condensation of the ribonucleoprotein core. Subsequently, CA is separated from the membrane by cleavage between the matrix protein and CA, and late release of SP1 from CA is required for capsid condensation.
A Novel Membrane Protein Is a Mouse Mammary Tumor Virus Receptor
Authors: Golovkina Tatyana V. , Dzuris John , van den Hoogen Bernadette , Jaffe Aron B. , Wright Paul C. , Cofer Shelagh M. , Ross Susan R.
Published: December 2019

Mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) infects a number of different cell types, including mammary gland and lymphoid cells, in vivo. To identify the cellular receptor for this virus, a mouse cDNA expression library was transfected into Cos-7 monkey kidney cells, and those transfected cells able to bind virus were selected by using antibody against the virus’s cell surface envelope protein, gp52. One clone isolated from a library prepared from newborn thymus RNA, called MTVR, was able to confer virus binding to both monkey and human cells; this binding was blocked by anti-MTVR antibody. Moreover, transfection of MTVR into CV1 cells rendered them susceptible to infection by a murine leukemia virus-based retrovirus vector pseudotyped with the MMTV envelope protein. An epitope-tagged MTVR cofractionated with cellular membranes. Coimmunoprecipitation of the MMTV envelope protein and a MTVR-rabbit Fc fusion protein showed that these two proteins bound to each other. The MTVR sequence clone is unique, shows no homology to known membrane proteins, and is transcribed in many tissues.
Neutralizing Antibodies Protect against Lethal Flavivirus Challenge but Allow for the Development of Active Humoral Immunity to a Nonstructural Virus Protein
Authors: Kreil Thomas R. , Maier Elisabeth , Fraiss Sabine , Eibl Martha M.
Published: December 2019

Antibody-mediated neutralization of viruses has been extensively studied in vitro, but the precise mechanisms that account for antibody-mediated protection against viral infection in vivo still remain largely uncharacterized. The two points under discussion are antibodies conferring sterilizing immunity by neutralizing the virus inoculum or protection against the development of disease without complete inhibition of virus replication. For tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), a flavivirus, transfer of neutralizing antibodies specific for envelope glycoprotein E protected mice from subsequent TBEV challenge. Nevertheless, short-term, low-level virus replication was detected in these mice. Furthermore, mice that were exposed to replicating but not to inactivated virus while passively protected developed active immunity to TBEV rechallenge. Despite the priming of TBEV-specific cytotoxic T cells, adoptive transfer of serum but not of T cells conferred immunity upon naive recipient mice. These transferred sera were not neutralizing and were predominantly specific for NS1, a nonstructural TBEV protein which is expressed in and on infected cells and which is also secreted from these cells. Results of these experiments showed that despite passive protection by neutralizing antibodies, limited virus replication occurs, indicating protection from disease rather than sterilizing immunity. The protective immunity induced by replicating virus is surprisingly not T-cell mediated but is due to antibodies against a nonstructural virus protein absent from the virion.