bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Epstein-Barr Virus That Expresses Only the First 231 LMP1 Amino Acids Efficiently Initiates Primary B-Lymphocyte Growth Transformation
Authors: Kaye Kenneth M. , Izumi Kenneth M. , Li Hong , Johannsen Eric , Davidson David , Longnecker Richard , Kieff Elliott
Published: December 2019

An Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) recombinant (MS231) that expresses the first 231 amino acids (aa) of LMP1 and is truncated 155 aa before the carboxyl terminus transformed resting B lymphocytes into lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) only when the infected cells were grown on fibroblast feeder cells (K. M. Kaye et al., J. Virol. 69:675–683, 1995). Higher-titer MS231 virus has now been compared to wild-type (WT) EBV recombinants for the ability to cause resting primary B-lymphocyte transformation. Unexpectedly, MS231 is as potent as WT EBV recombinants in causing infected B lymphocytes to proliferate in culture for up to 5 weeks. When more than one transforming event is initiated in a microwell, the MS231 recombinant supports efficient long-term LCL outgrowth and fibroblast feeder cells are not required. However, with limited virus input, MS231-infected cells differed in their growth from WT virus-infected cells as early as 6 weeks after infection. In contrast to WT virus-infected cells, most MS231-infected cells could not be grown into long-term LCLs. Thus, the LMP1 amino-terminal 231 aa are sufficient for initial growth transformation but the carboxyl-terminal 155 aa are necessary for efficient long-term outgrowth. Despite the absence of the carboxyl-terminal 155 aa, MS231- and WT-transformed LCLs are similar in latent EBV gene expression, in ICAM-1 and CD23 expression, and in NF-κB and c-jun N-terminal kinase activation. MS231 recombinant-infected LCLs, however, require 16- to 64-fold higher cell density than WT-infected LCLs for regrowth after limiting dilution. These data indicate that the LMP1 carboxyl-terminal 155 aa are important for growth at lower cell density and appear to reduce dependence on paracrine growth factors.
Identification of a Novel Sequence at the 3′ End of the GB Virus B Genome
Authors: Sbardellati Andrea , Scarselli Elisa , Tomei Licia , Kekulé Alexander S. , Traboni Cinzia
Published: December 2019

GB virus B (GBV-B) is a virus of the family
Flaviviridae
that infects small primates (
Saguinus
sp. [tamarins]) and shows similarities to hepatitis C virus (HCV) in genome organization, protein function, tissue tropism, and pathogenicity. This suggests the possibility of using tamarins infected by GBV-B or GBV-B/HCV chimeric viruses as a surrogate animal model of HCV infection. To achieve the construction of such chimeric viruses, it is essential to produce a complete and infectious GBV-B genomic RNA. We have identified a novel sequence at the 3′ end of the GBV-B genome and show that it can be arranged in a secondary structure resembling that of the 3′ end of the HCV genome, which is known to be essential for infectivity.
Multimers Formed by the Rotavirus Nonstructural Protein NSP2 Bind to RNA and Have Nucleoside Triphosphatase Activity
Authors: Taraporewala Zenobia , Chen Dayue , Patton John T.
Published: December 2019

The nonstructural protein NSP2 is a component of rotavirus replication intermediates and accumulates in cytoplasmic inclusions (viroplasms), sites of genome RNA replication and the assembly of subviral particles. To better understand the structure and function of the protein, C-terminally His-tagged NSP2 was expressed in bacteria and purified to homogeneity. In its purified form, the protein did not exist as a monomer but rather was present as an 8S-10S homomultimer consisting of 6 ± 2 subunits of recombinant NSP2 (rNSP2). As shown by gel mobility shift assays, the rNSP2 multimers bound to RNA in discrete cooperative steps to form higher-order RNA-protein complexes. The RNA-binding activity of the rNSP2 multimers was determined to be nonspecific and to have a strong preference for single-stranded RNA over double-stranded RNA, for which it displayed little affinity. Enzymatic analysis revealed that rNSP2 possessed an associated nucleoside triphosphatase (NTPase) activity in vitro, which in the presence of Mg
2+
catalyzed the hydrolysis of each of the four NTPs to NDPs with equal efficiency. Evidence indicating that the hydrolysis of NTP resulted in the covalent linkage of the γ-phosphate to rNSP2 was obtained. Additional experiments showed that NSP2 expressed transiently in MA014 cells is phosphorylated. We propose that NSP2 functions as a molecular motor, catalyzing the packaging of viral mRNA into core-like replication intermediates through the energy derived from its NTPase activity.
Radiation-Resistant and Radiation-Sensitive Forms of Host Resistance to Polyomavirus
Authors: Carroll John P. , Fung John S. , Bronson Roderick T. , Razvi Enal , Benjamin Thomas L.
Published: December 2019

Newborn mice of several inbred strains develop few or no tumors following inoculation with highly tumorigenic strains of polyomavirus. Here we show that such resistant strains can be divided into two groups based on the responses of adult mice to radiation followed by virus inoculation. Most strains show a radiation-sensitive form of resistance (Rr-s) and develop tumors following radiation and virus challenge. This type of resistance has previously been recognized as immunological, based on T-cell responses against virus-encoded neoantigen(s) expressed in tumor cells. Other strains exhibit a radiation-resistant form of resistance (Rr-r) and fail to develop tumors when treated in the same manner. Three additional properties of Rr-rmice distinguish them from Rr-smice: (i) survival of newborns following inoculation with a highly virulent and usually lethal strain of virus, (ii) resistance to virus spread in newborns inoculated with either tumorigenic or virulent virus strains, and (iii) dominant or semidominant transmission of resistance in crosses with a highly susceptible strain. The Rr-rphenotype reflects a constitutive nonimmunological type of resistance that is targeted to the virus and blocks its dissemination.
Cloning and Characterization of Adeno-Associated Virus Type 5
Authors: Chiorini John A. , Kim Frank , Yang Linda , Kotin Robert M.
Published: December 2019

Adeno-associated virus type 5 (AAV5) is distinct from other dependovirus serotypes based on DNA hybridization and serological data. To better understand the biology of AAV5, we have cloned and sequenced its genome and generated recombinant AAV5 particles. The single-stranded DNA genome is similar in length and genetic organization to that of AAV2. The
rep
gene of AAV5 is 67% homologous to AAV2, with the majority of the changes occurring in the carboxyl and amino termini. This homology is much less than that observed with other reported AAV serotypes. The inverted terminal repeats (ITRs) are also unique compared to those of the other AAV serotypes. While the characteristic AAV hairpin structure and the Rep DNA binding site are retained, the consensus terminal resolution site is absent. These differences in the Rep proteins and the ITRs result in a lack of cross-complementation between AAV2 and AAV5 as measured by the production of recombinant AAV particles. Alignment of the cap open reading frame with that of the other AAV serotypes identifies both conserved and variable regions which could affect tissue tropism and particle stability. Comparison of transduction efficiencies in a variety of cells lines and a lack of inhibition by soluble heparin indicate that AAV5 may utilize a distinct mechanism of uptake compared to AAV2.
RNA-Binding and Capping Activities of Proteins in Rotavirus Open Cores
Authors: Patton John T. , Chen Dayue
Published: December 2019

Guanylyltransferases are members of the nucleotidyltransferase family and function in mRNA capping by transferring GMP to the phosphate end of nascent RNAs. Although numerous guanylyltransferases have been identified, studies which define the nature of the interaction between the capping enzymes of any origin and their RNA substrates have been limited. Here, we have characterized the RNA-binding activity of VP3, a minor protein component of the core of rotavirions that has been proposed to function as the viral guanylyltransferase and to direct the capping of the 11 transcripts synthesized from the segmented double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) genome of these viruses. Gel shift analysis performed with disrupted (open) virion-derived cores and virus-specific RNA probes showed that VP3 has affinity for single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) but not for dsRNA. While the ssRNA-binding activity of VP3 was found to be sequence independent, the protein does exhibit preferential affinity for uncapped over capped RNA. Like the RNA-binding activity, RNA capping assays performed with open cores indicates that the guanylyltransferase activity of VP3 is nonspecific and is able to cap RNAs initiating with a G or an A residue. These data establish that all three rotavirus core proteins, VP1, the RNA polymerase; VP2, the core capsid protein; and VP3, the guanylyltransferase, have affinity for RNA but that only in the case of the RNA polymerase is the affinity sequence specific.
Phosphorylation of Rabies Virus Nucleoprotein Regulates Viral RNA Transcription and Replication by Modulating Leader RNA Encapsidation
Authors: Yang Jun , Koprowski Hilary , Dietzschold Bernhard , Fu Zhen Fang
Published: December 2019

One of the major structural differences between rabies virus and vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) is that the nucleoprotein (N) is the major phosphoprotein and the nominal phosphoprotein (P) is less phosphorylated in rabies virus, whereas P is the major phosphoprotein and N is not phosphorylated in VSV. We investigated the function of phosphorylation of rabies virus N after dephosphorylation of N with alkaline phosphatase or after changing the phosphorylated serine at position 389 to alanine by site-directed mutagenesis. The unphosphorylated N, in comparison to the phosphorylated N, was studied for its abilities to encapsidate rabies virus leader RNA and to support transcription and replication of a rabies virus minigenome. We found that unphosphorylated N binds more strongly to leader RNA than the phosphorylated N; however, the rates of transcription and replication of the rabies virus minigenome were significantly lower with the unphosphorylated N than with the phosphorylated N. This indicates that the phosphorylation of rabies virus N plays an important role in the regulation of rabies virus transcription and replication, probably via modulation of leader RNA encapsidation.
Perforin Is Essential for Control of Ectromelia Virus but Not Related Poxviruses in Mice
Authors: Müllbacher Arno , Hla Ron Tha , Museteanu Crisan , Simon Markus M.
Published: December 2019

Lack of perforin renders the relatively resistant mouse strain C57BL/6 highly susceptible to the natural mouse pathogen ectromelia virus, a cytopathic orthopoxvirus. This is indicated by increased mortality, elevated virus titers and pathology in liver and spleen, and increased levels of liver enzymes in blood. Cowpox virus on the other hand is more virulent in the presence of perforin than in its absence. An additional lack of granzyme A which together with perforin is a constituent of cytoplasmic granules from cytotoxic T cells increases the virulence of cowpox virus.
Hepatitis C Virus Core Protein Enhances NF-κB Signal Pathway Triggering by Lymphotoxin-β Receptor Ligand and Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha
Authors: You Li-Ru , Chen Chun-Ming , Lee Yan-Hwa Wu
Published: December 2019

Our previous study indicated that the core protein of hepatitis C virus (HCV) can associate with tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR)-related lymphotoxin-β receptor (LT-βR) and that this protein-protein interaction plays a modulatory effect on the cytolytic activity of recombinant form LT-βR ligand (LT-α1β2) but not tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in certain cell types. Since both TNF-α/TNFR and LT-α1β2/LT-βR are also engaged in transcriptional activator NF-κB activation or c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation, the biological effects of the HCV core protein on these regards were elucidated in this study. As demonstrated by the electrophoretic mobility shift assay, the expression of HCV core protein prolonged or enhanced the TNF-α or LT-α1β2-induced NF-κB DNA-binding activity in HuH-7 and HeLa cells. The presence of HCV core protein in HeLa or HuH-7 cells with or without cytokine treatment also enhanced the NF-κB-dependent reporter plasmid activity, and this effect was more strongly seen with HuH-7 cells than with HeLa cells. Western blot analysis suggested that this modulation of the NF-κB activity by the HCV core protein was in part due to elevated or prolonged nuclear retention of p50 or p65 species of NF-κB in core protein-producing cells with or without cytokine treatment. Furthermore, the HCV core protein enhanced or prolonged the IκB-β degradation triggering by TNF-α or LT-α1β2 both in HeLa and HuH-7 cells. In contrast to that of IκB-β, the increased degradation of IκB-α occurred only in LT-α1β2-treated core-producing HeLa cells and not in TNF-α-treated cells. Therefore, the HCV core protein plays a modulatory effect on NF-κB activation triggering by both cytokines, though the mechanism of NF-κB activation, in particular the regulation of IκB degradation, is rather cell line and cytokine specific. Studies also suggested that the HCV core protein had no effect on TNF-α-stimulated JNK activity in both HeLa and HuH-7 cells. These findings, together with our previous study, strongly suggest that among three signaling pathways triggered by the TNF-α-related cytokines, the HCV core protein potentiates NF-κB activation in most cell types, which in turn may contribute to the chronically activated, persistent state of HCV-infected cells.
Changes in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Envelope Glycoproteins Responsible for the Pathogenicity of a Multiply Passaged Simian-Human Immunodeficiency Virus (SHIV-HXBc2)
Authors: Cayabyab Mark , Karlsson Gunilla B. , Etemad-Moghadam Bijan A. , Hofmann Wolfgang , Steenbeke Tavis , Halloran Matilda , Fanton John W. , Axthelm Michael K. , Letvin Norman L. , Sodroski Joseph G.
Published: December 2019

In vivo passage of a poorly replicating, nonpathogenic simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV-HXBc2) generated an efficiently replicating virus, KU-1, that caused rapid CD4
+
T-lymphocyte depletion and AIDS-like illness in monkeys (S. V. Joag, Z. Li, L. Foresman, E. B. Stephens, L.-J. Zhao, I. Adany, D. M. Pinson, H. M. McClure, and O. Narayan, J. Virol. 70:3189–3197, 1996). The
env
gene of the KU-1 virus was used to create a molecularly cloned virus, SHIV-HXBc2P 3.2, that differed from a nonpathogenic SHIV-HXBc2 virus in only 12 envelope glycoprotein residues. SHIV-HXBc2P 3.2 replicated efficiently and caused rapid and persistent CD4
+
T-lymphocyte depletion in inoculated rhesus macaques. Compared with the envelope glycoproteins of the parental SHIV-HXBc2, the SHIV-HXBc2P 3.2 envelope glycoproteins supported more efficient infection of rhesus monkey peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Both the parental SHIV-HXBc2 and the pathogenic SHIV-HXBc2P 3.2 used CXCR4 but none of the other seven transmembrane segment receptors tested as a second receptor. Compared with the parental virus, viruses with the SHIV-HXBc2P 3.2 envelope glycoproteins were more resistant to neutralization by soluble CD4 and antibodies. Thus, changes in the envelope glycoproteins account for the ability of the passaged virus to deplete CD4
+
T lymphocytes rapidly and specify increased replicative capacity and resistance to neutralization.
DNA Vaccination against Theiler’s Murine Encephalomyelitis Virus Leads to Alterations in Demyelinating Disease
Authors: Tolley Neal D. , Tsunoda Ikuo , Fujinami Robert S.
Published: December 2019

Although the etiology of multiple sclerosis (MS) is not known, several factors play a role in this disease: genetic contributions, immunologic elements, and environmental factors. Viruses and virus infections have been associated with the initiation and/or enhancement of exacerbations in MS. Theiler’s murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) infection of mice is one of the animal models used to mimic MS. In other animal model systems, DNA vaccination has been used to protect animals against a variety of virus infections. To explore the utility of DNA vaccination, we have constructed eukaryotic expression vectors encoding the TMEV capsid proteins VP1, VP2, and VP3. SJL/J mice were vaccinated intramuscularly once, twice, or three times with the different capsid protein cDNAs. This was followed by intracerebral TMEV infection to determine the effects of DNA vaccination on the course of TMEV-induced central nervous system (CNS) demyelinating disease. We found that vaccination of mice three times with cDNA encoding VP2 led to partial protection of mice from CNS demyelinating disease as determined by a decrease in clinical symptoms and histopathology. Vaccination of mice with cDNA encoding VP3 also led to a decrease in clinical symptoms. In contrast, mice vaccinated with cDNA encoding VP1 experienced a more severe disease with an earlier onset of clinical signs and enhanced histopathology compared with control mice. There was no correlation between anti-TMEV antibody titers and disease course. These results indicate that DNA immunization can modify chronic virus-induced demyelinating disease and may eventually lead to potential treatments for illnesses such as MS.
Conditions for Copackaging Rous Sarcoma Virus and Murine Leukemia Virus Gag Proteins during Retroviral Budding
Authors: Bennett Robert P. , Wills John W.
Published: December 2019

Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) and murine leukemia virus (MLV) are examples of distantly related retroviruses that normally do not encounter one another in nature. Their Gag proteins direct particle assembly at the plasma membrane but possess very little sequence similarity. As expected, coexpression of these two Gag proteins did not result in particles that contain both. However, when the N-terminal membrane-binding domain of each molecule was replaced with that of the Src oncoprotein, which is also targeted to the cytoplasmic face of the plasma membrane, efficient copackaging was observed in genetic complementation and coimmunoprecipitation assays. We hypothesize that the RSV and MLV Gag proteins normally use distinct locations on the plasma membrane for particle assembly but otherwise have assembly domains that are sufficiently similar in function (but not sequence) to allow heterologous interactions when these proteins are redirected to a common membrane location.
African Swine Fever Virus Infection Induces Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Production: Implications in Pathogenesis
Authors: Gómez del Moral M. , Ortuño E. , Fernández-Zapatero P. , Alonso F. , Alonso C. , Ezquerra A. , Domínguez J.
Published: December 2019

We have analyzed the production of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) induced by in vitro infection with African swine fever (ASF) virus (ASFV) and the systemic and local release of this inflammatory cytokine upon in vivo infection. An early increase in TNF-α mRNA expression was detected in ASFV-infected alveolar macrophages, and high levels of TNF-α protein were detected by ELISA in culture supernatants from these cells. When animals were experimentally infected with a virulent isolate (E-75), enhanced TNF-α expression in mainly affected organs correlated with viral protein expression. Finally, elevated levels of TNF-α were detected in serum, corresponding to the onset of clinical signs. TNF-α has been reported to be critically involved in the pathogenesis of major clinical events in ASF, such as intravascular coagulation, tissue injury, apoptosis, and shock. In the present study, TNF-α containing supernatants from ASFV-infected cultures induced apoptosis in uninfected lymphocytes; this effect was partially abrogated by preincubation with an anti-TNF-α specific antibody. These results suggest a relevant role for TNF-α in the pathogenesis of ASF.
Dissecting the Immune Response to Moloney Murine Sarcoma/Leukemia Virus-Induced Tumors by Means of a DNA Vaccination Approach
Authors: Milan Gabriella , Zambon Annalisa , Cavinato Maria , Zanovello Paola , Rosato Antonio , Collavo Dino
Published: December 2019

The intramuscular inoculation of Moloney murine sarcoma/leukemia (M-MSV/M-MuLV) retroviral complex gives rise to sarcomas that undergo spontaneous regression due to the induction of a strong immune reaction mediated primarily by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL). We used a DNA-based vaccination approach to dissect the CTL response against the Gag and Env proteins of M-MSV/M-MuLV in C57BL/6 (B6) mice and to evaluate whether plasmid DNA-immunized mice would be protected against a subsequent challenge with syngeneic tumor cells expressing the viral antigens. Intramuscular DNA vaccination induced CTL against both Gag and Env proteins. A detailed analysis of epitopes recognized by CTL generated in mice inoculated with the whole virus and with the Gag-expressing plasmid confirmed the presence of an immunodominant peptide in the leader sequence of Gag protein (Gag85–93, CCLCLTVFL) that is identical to that described in B6 mice immunized with Friend MuLV-induced leukemia cells. Moreover, CTL generated by immunization with the Env-encoding plasmid recognized a subdominant Env peptide (Env189–196, SSWDFITV), originally described in the B6.CH-2bm13mutant strain. B6 mice immunized with the Gag-expressing plasmid were fully protected against a lethal tumor challenge with M-MuLV-transformed MBL-2 leukemia cells, while vaccination with the Env-expressing plasmid resulted in rejection of the tumor in 44% of the mice and in increased survival of an additional 17% of the animals. Taken together, these results indicate the existence of a hierarchy in the capacity of different structural viral proteins to induce a protective immune response against retrovirus-induced tumors.
Differential Cell Tropism of Feline Immunodeficiency Virus Molecular Clones In Vivo
Authors: Dean Gregg A. , Himathongkham Sunee , Sparger Ellen E.
Published: December 2019

Independent studies have demonstrated different cell tropisms for molecular clones of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). In this report, we examined three clones, FIV-pF34, FIV-14, and FIV-pPPR, for replication in Crandell feline kidney (CrFK) cells, feline peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), and feline macrophage cultures. Importantly, cell tropism for these three clones was also examined in vivo. FIV-pF34 replication was efficient in CrFK cells but severely restricted in PBMC, whereas replication of FIV-pPPR was vigorous in PBMC but severely restricted in CrFK cells. FIV-14 replication was productive in both CrFK cells and PBMC. Interestingly, all three molecular clones replicated with similar efficiencies in primary feline monocyte-derived macrophages. In vivo, FIV-pF34 proved least efficient for establishing persistent infection, and proviral DNA when detectable, was localized predominately to nonlymphoid cell populations (macrophages). FIV-pPPR proved most efficient for induction of a persistent viremia in vivo, and proviral DNA was localized predominately in CD4
+
and CD8
+
lymphocyte subsets. FIV-14 inoculation of cats resulted in an infection characterized by seroconversion and localization of proviral DNA in CD4
+
lymphocytes only. Results of this study on diverse FIV molecular clones revealed that in vitro replication efficiency of an FIV isolate in PBMC directly correlated with replication efficiency in vivo, whereas proficiency for replication in macrophages in vitro was not predictive for replication potential in vivo. Also, infection of both CD4
+
and CD8
+
lymphocyte subsets was associated with higher virus load in vivo. Results of the studies on these three FIV clones, which exhibited differential cell tropism, indicated a correlation between in vitro and in vivo cell tropism and virus replication.
Mutational Analysis of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Vif Protein
Authors: Simon James H. M. , Sheehy Ann M. , Carpenter Elise A. , Fouchier Ron A. M. , Malim Michael H.
Published: December 2019

Lentivirus Vif proteins are potent regulators of virus infectivity. However, relatively little is known about the functional domains, peptide motifs, or residues of any Vif protein. In this report, we present the first extensive mutagenesis analysis of the 192-amino-acid human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Vif protein. A large number of scanning missense (mostly alanine substitution) and deletion mutations were introduced into the HIV-1
HXB3
vif
gene, and the resulting proteins were evaluated for the induction of virus infectivity as well as subcellular localization. The results show that amino acids dispersed throughout Vif’s linear sequence are important for function. However, because many of the inactive proteins also appear to be mislocalized, we suggest that many of them may actually be misfolded rather lacking an intracellular targeting signal. Interestingly, disruptions within an internal region spanning residues 114 to 146 give rise to mutant proteins that either retain function or are inactive but are not substantially mislocalized. We therefore speculate that this region, which harbors two essential cysteine residues and one essential serine residue, may contain aspects of a putative Vif effector domain.
Mapping the Genetic Determinants of Pathogenicity and Plaque Phenotype in Swine Vesicular Disease Virus
Authors: Kanno Toru , Mackay David , Inoue Toru , Wilsden Ginette , Yamakawa Makoto , Yamazoe Reiko , Yamaguchi Shigeo , Shirai Junsuke , Kitching Paul , Murakami Yosuke
Published: December 2019

A series of recombinant viruses were constructed using infectious cDNA clones of the virulent J1’73 (large plaque phenotype) and the avirulent H/3’76 (small plaque phenotype) strains of swine vesicular disease virus to identify the genetic determinants of pathogenicity and plaque phenotype. Both traits could be mapped to the region between nucleotides (nt) 2233 and 3368 corresponding to the C terminus of VP3, the whole of VP1, and the N terminus of 2A. In this region, there are eight nucleotide differences leading to amino acid changes between the J1’73 and the H/3’76 strains. Site-directed mutagenesis of individual nucleotides from the virulent to the avirulent genotype and vice versa indicated that A at nt 2832, encoding glycine at VP1-132, and G at nt 3355, encoding arginine at 2A
PRO
-20, correlated with a large-plaque phenotype and virulence in pigs, irrespective of the origin of the remainder of the genome. Of these two sites, 2A
PRO
-20 appeared to be the dominant determinant for the large-plaque phenotype but further studies are required to elucidate their relative importance for virulence in pigs.
Lentivirus Vectors Using Human and Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Elements
Authors: White Sarah M. , Renda Matthew , Nam Na-Yon , Klimatcheva Ekaterina , Zhu Yonghong , Fisk Jennifer , Halterman Mark , Rimel Bobbie J. , Federoff Howard , Pandya Snehal , Rosenblatt Joseph D. , Planelles Vicente
Published: December 2019

Lentivirus vectors based on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 (HIV-1) constitute a recent development in the field of gene therapy. A key property of HIV-1-derived vectors is their ability to infect nondividing cells. Although high-titer HIV-1-derived vectors have been produced, concerns regarding safety still exist. Safety concerns arise mainly from the possibility of recombination between transfer and packaging vectors, which may give rise to replication-competent viruses with pathogenic potential. We describe a novel lentivirus vector which is based on HIV, simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), and vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) and which we refer to as HIV/SIVpack/G. In this system, an HIV-1-derived genome is encapsidated by SIVmac core particles. These core particles are pseudotyped with VSV glycoprotein G. Because the nucleotide homology between HIV-1 and SIVmac is low, the likelihood of recombination between vector elements should be reduced. In addition, the packaging construct (SIVpack) for this lentivirus system was derived from SIVmac1A11, a nonvirulent SIV strain. Thus, the potential for pathogenicity with this vector system is minimal. The transduction ability of HIV/SIVpack/G was demonstrated with immortalized human lymphocytes, human primary macrophages, human bone marrow-derived CD34
+
cells, and primary mouse neurons. To our knowledge, these experiments constitute the first demonstration that the HIV-1-derived genome can be packaged by an SIVmac capsid. We demonstrate that the lentivirus vector described here recapitulates the biological properties of HIV-1-derived vectors, although with increased potential for safety in humans.
HMG Protein Family Members Stimulate Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 and Avian Sarcoma Virus Concerted DNA Integration In Vitro
Authors: Hindmarsh Patrick , Ridky Todd , Reeves Ray , Andrake Mark , Skalka Anna Marie , Leis Jonathan
Published: December 2019

We have reconstituted concerted human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) integration in vitro with specially designed mini-donor HIV-1 DNA, a supercoiled plasmid acceptor, purified bacterium-derived HIV-1 integrase (IN), and host HMG protein family members. This system is comparable to one previously described for avian sarcoma virus (ASV) (A. Aiyar et al., J. Virol. 70:3571–3580, 1996) that was stimulated by the presence of HMG-1. Sequence analyses of individual HIV-1 integrants showed loss of 2 bp from the ends of the donor DNA and almost exclusive 5-bp duplications of the acceptor DNA at the site of integration. All of the integrants sequenced were inserted into different sites in the acceptor. These are the features associated with integration of viral DNA in vivo. We have used the ASV and HIV-1 reconstituted systems to compare the mechanism of concerted DNA integration and examine the role of different HMG proteins in the reaction. Of the three HMG proteins examined, HMG-1, HMG-2, and HMG-I(Y), the products formed in the presence of HMG-I(Y) for both systems most closely match those observed in vivo. Further analysis of HMG-I(Y) mutants demonstrates that the stimulation of integration requires an HMG-I(Y) domain involved in DNA binding. While complexes containing HMG-I(Y), ASV IN, and donor DNA can be detected in gel shift experiments, coprecipitation experiments failed to demonstrate stable interactions between HMG-I(Y) and ASV IN or between HMG-I(Y) and HIV-1 IN.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Types 1 and 2 Differ in the Predominant Mechanism Used for Selection of Genomic RNA for Encapsidation
Authors: Kaye Jane F. , Lever Andrew M. L.
Published: December 2019

Retroviral RNA encapsidation is a highly selective process mediated through recognition by the viral Gag proteins of
cis
-acting RNA packaging signals in genomic RNA. This RNA species is also translated, producing the viral
gag
gene products. The relationship between these processes is poorly understood. Unlike that of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), the dominant packaging signal of HIV-2 is upstream of the major splice donor and present in both unspliced and spliced viral RNAs, necessitating additional mechanisms for preferential packaging of unspliced genomic RNA. Encapsidation studies of a series of HIV-2-based vectors showed efficient packaging of viral genomes only if the unspliced, encapsidated RNA expressed full-length Gag protein, including functional nucleocapsid. We propose a novel encapsidation initiation mechanism, providing selectivity, in which unspliced HIV-2 RNA is captured in
cis
by the Gag protein. This has implications for the use of HIV-2 and other lentiviruses as vectors.
Human Papillomavirus Type 18 E1 Protein Is Translated from Polycistronic mRNA by a Discontinuous Scanning Mechanism
Authors: Remm Maido , Remm Anu , Ustav Mart
Published: December 2019

Papillomaviruses are small double-stranded DNA viruses that replicate episomally in the nuclei of infected cells. The full-length E1 protein of papillomaviruses is required for the replication of viral DNA. The viral mRNA from which the human papillomavirus type 18 E1 protein is expressed is not known. We demonstrate that in eukaryotic cells, the E1 protein is expressed from polycistronic mRNA containing E6, E7, and E1 open reading frames (ORFs). The translation of adjacent E7 and E1 ORFs is not associated; it is performed by separate populations of ribosomes. The translation of the downstream E1 gene is preceded by ribosome scanning. Scanning happens at least at the 5′ end of the polycistronic mRNA and also approximately 100 bp in front of the E1 gene. Long areas in middle of the mRNA are bypassed by ribosomes, possibly by ribosomal “shunting.” Inactivation of short minicistrons in the upstream area of the E1 gene did not change the expression level of the E1 gene.
Amphotropic Murine Leukemia Virus Entry Is Determined by Specific Combinations of Residues from Receptor Loops 2 and 4
Authors: Lundorf Mikkel D. , Pedersen Finn S. , O’Hara Bryan , Pedersen Lene
Published: December 2019

Pit2 is the human receptor for amphotropic murine leukemia virus (A-MuLV); the related human protein Pit1 does not support A-MuLV entry. Interestingly, chimeric proteins in which either the N-terminal or the C-terminal part of Pit2 was replaced by the Pit1 sequence all retained A-MuLV receptor function. A possible interpretation of these observations is that Pit1 harbors sequences which can specify A-MuLV receptor function when presented in a protein context other than Pit1, e.g., in Pit1-Pit2 hybrids. We reasoned that such Pit1 sequences might be identified if presented in the
Neurospora crassa
protein Pho-4. This protein is distantly related to Pit1 and Pit2, predicted to have a similar membrane topology with five extracellular loops, and does not support A-MuLV entry. We show here that introduction of the Pit1-specific loop 2 sequence conferred A-MuLV receptor function upon Pho-4. Therefore, we conclude that (i) a functional A-MuLV receptor can be constructed by combining sequences from two proteins each lacking A-MuLV receptor function and that (ii) a Pit1 sequence can specify A-MuLV receptor function when presented in another protein context than that provided by Pit1 itself. Previous results indicated a role of loop 4 residues in A-MuLV entry, and the presence of a Pit2-specific loop 4 sequence was found here to confer A-MuLV receptor function upon Pho-4. Moreover, the introduction of a Pit1-specific loop 4 sequence, but not of a Pit2-specific loop 4 sequence, abolished the A-MuLV receptor function of a Pho-4 chimera harboring the Pit1-specific loop 2 sequence. Together, these data suggest that residues in both loop 2 and loop 4 play a role in A-MuLV receptor function. A-MuLV is, however, not dependent on the specific Pit2 loop 2 and Pit2 loop 4 sequences for entry; rather, the role played by loops 2 and 4 in A-MuLV entry can be fulfilled by several different combinations of loop 2 and loop 4 sequences. We predict that the residues in loops 2 and 4, identified in this study as specifying A-MuLV receptor function, are to be found among those not conserved among Pho-4, Pit1, and Pit2.
Long-Term Follow-Up of Chimpanzees Inoculated with the First Infectious Clone for Hepatitis C Virus
Authors: Major Marian E. , Mihalik Kathleen , Fernandez Javier , Seidman Jessica , Kleiner David , Kolykhalov Alexander A. , Rice Charles M. , Feinstone Stephen M.
Published: December 2019

Two chimpanzees (Ch1535 and Ch1536) became infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) following intrahepatic inoculation with RNA transcribed from a full-length cDNA clone of the virus. Both animals were persistently infected and have been followed for 60 weeks. They showed similar responses to infection, with transient liver enzyme elevations and liver inflammatory responses, which peaked at weeks 17 (Ch1535) and 12 (Ch1536) postinoculation (p.i.). Antibody responses to structural and nonstructural proteins were first detected at weeks 13 (Ch1535) and 10 (Ch1536) p.i. Serum RNA titers increased steadily during the first 10 to 13 weeks but decreased sharply in both animals following antibody and inflammatory responses. Despite direct evidence of humoral immune responses to multiple viral antigens, including hypervariable region 1 (HVR1), both animals remained chronically infected. Detailed sequence analysis of serum HCV RNA revealed no change in the majority HVR1 sequence in Ch1535 and a single-amino-acid mutation in Ch1536, with very little clonal variation in either animal. Full-length genome analysis at week 60 revealed several amino acid substitutions localized to antigens E1, E2, p7, NS3, and NS5. Of these, 55.6 and 40% were present as the majority sequence in serum RNA isolated at week 26 p.i. (Ch1535) and week 22 p.i. (Ch1536), respectively, and could represent immune escape mutations. Mutations accumulated at a rate of 1.57 × 10−3and 1.48 × 10−3nucleotide substitutions/site/year for Ch1535 and Ch1536, respectively. Taken together, these data indicate that establishment of a persistent HCV infection in these chimpanzees is not due to changes in HVR1; however, the possibility remains that mutations arising in other parts of the genome contributed to this persistence.
Recombinant Respiratory Syncytial Virus Bearing a Deletion of either the NS2 or SH Gene Is Attenuated in Chimpanzees
Authors: Whitehead Stephen S. , Bukreyev Alexander , Teng Michael N. , Firestone Cai-Yen , St. Claire Marisa , Elkins William R. , Collins Peter L. , Murphy Brian R.
Published: December 2019

The NS2 and SH genes of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) have been separately deleted from a recombinant wild-type RSV strain, A2 (M. N. Teng and P. L. Collins, J. Virol. 73:466–473, 1998; A. Bukreyev et al., J. Virol. 71:8973–8982, 1997; and this study). The resulting viruses, designated rA2ΔNS2 and rA2ΔSH, were administered to chimpanzees to evaluate their levels of attenuation and immunogenicity. Recombinant virus rA2ΔNS2 replicated to moderate levels in the upper respiratory tract, was highly attenuated in the lower respiratory tract, and induced significant resistance to challenge with wild-type RSV. The replication of rA2ΔSH virus was only moderately reduced in the lower, but not the upper, respiratory tract. However, chimpanzees infected with either virus developed significantly less rhinorrhea than those infected with wild-type RSV. These findings demonstrate that a recombinant RSV mutant lacking either the NS2 or SH gene is attenuated and indicate that these deletions may be useful as attenuating mutations in new, live recombinant RSV vaccine candidates for both pediatric and elderly populations. The ΔSH mutation was incorporated into a recombinant form of thecpts248/404 vaccine candidate, was evaluated for safety in seronegative chimpanzees, and can now be evaluated as a vaccine for humans.
Phylogenetic Analysis of H7 Avian Influenza Viruses Isolated from the Live Bird Markets of the Northeast United States
Authors: Suarez David L. , Garcia Maricarmen , Latimer John , Senne Dennis , Perdue Michael
Published: December 2019

The presence of low-pathogenic H7 avian influenza virus (AIV), which is associated with live-bird markets (LBM) in the Northeast United States, was first detected in 1994 and, despite efforts to eradicate the virus, surveillance of these markets has resulted in numerous isolations of H7 AIVs from several states from 1994 through 1998. The hemagglutinin, nonstructural, and matrix genes from representative H7 isolates from the LBM and elsewhere were sequenced, and the sequences were compared phylogenetically. The hemagglutinin gene of most LBM isolates examined appeared to have been the result of a single introduction of the hemagglutinin gene. Evidence for evolutionary changes were observed with three definable steps. The first isolate from 1994 had the amino acid threonine at the −2 position of the hemagglutinin cleavage site, which is the most commonly observed amino acid at this site for North American H7 AIVs. In January 1995 a new genotype with a proline at the −2 position was detected, and this genotype eventually became the predominant virus isolate. A third viral genotype, detected in November 1996, had an eight-amino-acid deletion within the putative receptor binding site. This viral genotype appeared to be the predominant isolate, although isolates with proline at the −2 position without the deletion were still observed in viruses from the last sampling date. Evidence for reassortment of multiple viral genes was evident. The combination of possible adaptive evolution of the virus and reassortment with different influenza virus genes makes it difficult to determine the risk of pathogenesis of this group of H7 AIVs.
Receptor-Mediated Interference Mechanism Responsible for Resistance to Polytropic Leukemia Viruses in
Mus castaneus
Authors: Soo Lyu Myung , Nihrane Abdallah , Kozak Christine A.
Published: December 2019

The Asian mouse
Mus castaneus
is resistant to infection by the polytropic mink cell focus-inducing (MCF) subgroup of murine leukemia viruses (MuLVs). Genetic crosses showed this recessive resistance to be governed by a single gene that maps at or near the gene encoding the polytropic viral receptor,
Rmc1
. To investigate this resistance, we mated
M. castaneus
with mice carrying the wild mouse
Sxv
variant of the
Rmc1
receptor that allows infection by xenotropic as well as polytropic virus. Unlike other F
1
hybrids of
M. castaneus
, these F
1
mice were resistant to both xenotropic and polytropic classes of MuLVs. Analysis of backcrossed progeny of the F
1
hybrids mated to
Sxv
mice indicates that resistance is due to inheritance of two
M. castaneus
genes. Cells from individual backcross mice were also examined for cell surface antigen by fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis with monoclonal antibodies reactive with xenotropic or MCF virus
env
glycoproteins. A correlation was observed between virus resistance and antigen, suggesting that virus resistance is due to expression of endogenous viral envelope genes that interfere with infection by exogenous virus. Since the inbred strain
Rmc1
receptor remains functional in the presence of these
M. castaneus
genes, and since
M. castaneus
contains multiple copies of xenotropic MuLV
env
genes, we suggest that these resistance genes control expression of xenotropic
env
glycoprotein that interferes with exogenous virus in cells containing the
Sxv
variant of
Rmc1
.
Activation of Caspases and p53 by Bovine Herpesvirus 1 Infection Results in Programmed Cell Death and Efficient Virus Release
Authors: Devireddy Laxminarayana R. , Jones Clinton J.
Published: December 2019

Programmed cell death (PCD), or apoptosis, is initiated in response to various stimuli, including virus infection. Bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1) induces PCD in peripheral blood mononuclear cells at the G0/G1phase of the cell cycle (E. Hanon, S. Hoornaert, F. Dequiedt, A. Vanderplasschen, J. Lyaku, L. Willems, and P.-P. Pastoret, Virology 232:351–358, 1997). However, penetration of virus particles is not required for PCD (E. Hanon, G. Meyer, A. Vanderplasschen, C. Dessy-Doize, E. Thiry, and P. P. Pastoret, J. Virol. 72:7638–7641, 1998). The mechanism by which BHV-1 induces PCD in peripheral blood mononuclear cells is not understood, nor is it clear whether nonlymphoid cells undergo PCD following infection. This study demonstrates that infection of bovine kidney (MDBK) cells with BHV-1 leads to PCD, as judged by terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling, DNA laddering, and chromatin condensation. p53 appears to be important in this process, because p53 levels and promoter activity increased after infection. Expression of proteins that are stimulated by p53 (p21Waf1and Bax) is also activated after infection. Cleavage of Bcl-xL, a protein that inhibits PCD, occurred after infection, suggesting that caspases (interleukin-1β-converting enzyme-like proteases) were activated. Other caspase substrates [poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase and actin] are also cleaved during the late stages of infection. Inhibition of caspase activity delayed cytotoxic activity and virus release but increased the overall virus yield. Taken together, these results indicate that nonlymphoid cells undergo PCD near the end of productive infection and further suggest that caspases enhance virus release.
Identification of a Cell Surface Protein from Crandell Feline Kidney Cells That Specifically Binds Aleutian Mink Disease Parvovirus
Authors: Fox James M. , Bloom Marshall E.
Published: December 2019

Aleutian mink disease parvovirus (ADV) is the etiological agent of Aleutian disease of mink. The acute disease caused by ADV consists of permissive infection of alveolar type II cells that results in interstitial pneumonitis. The permissive infection is experimentally modeled in vitro by infecting Crandell feline kidney (CrFK) cells with a tissue culture-adapted isolate of ADV, ADV-G. ADV-G VP2 empty virions expressed in a recombinant baculovirus system were analyzed for the ability to bind to the surface of CrFK cells. Radiolabeled VP2 virions bound CrFK cells specifically, while they did not bind eitherMus dunniorSpodoptera frugiperdacells, cells which are resistant to ADV infection. The binding to CrFK cells was competitively inhibited by VP2 virions but not by virions of cowpea chlorotic mottle virus (CCMV), another unenveloped virus similar in size to ADV. Furthermore, preincubation of CrFK cells with the VP2 virions blocked infection by ADV-G. The VP2 virions were used in a virus overlay protein binding assay to identify a single protein of approximately 67 kDa, named ABP (for ADV binding protein), that demonstrates specific binding of VP2 virions. Exogenously added VP2 virions were able to competitively inhibit the binding of labeled VP2 virions to ABP, while CCMV virions had no effect. Polyclonal antibodies raised against ABP reacted with ABP on the outer surface of CrFK cells and blocked infection of CrFK cells by ADV-G. In addition, VP2 virion attachment to CrFK cells was blocked when the VP2 virions were preincubated with partially purified ABP. Taken together, these results indicate that ABP is a cellular receptor for ADV.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) Vpr Functions as an Immediate-Early Protein during HIV-1 Infection
Authors: Hrimech Mohammed , Yao Xiao-Jian , Bachand François , Rougeau Nicole , Cohen Éric A.
Published: December 2019

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Vpr is a virion-associated protein which facilitates HIV-1 infection of nondividing cells by contributing to the nuclear transport of the preintegration complex (PIC). Vpr was also shown to induce a cell cycle G2arrest in infected proliferating cells that optimizes HIV-1 long terminal repeat (LTR)-directed gene expression and viral production. However, it is unclear whether this activity is mediated primarily early by virion-associated Vpr or alternatively late during infection when Vpr is de novo expressed. We report here that in the absence of de novo expression, virion-associated Vpr induces a transient G2arrest that can subsequently lead to cell killing by apoptosis. Interestingly, the induction of both cell cycle G2arrest and apoptosis by virion-associated Vpr requires viral entry but not viral replication, since reverse transcriptase and protease inhibitor treatments do not prevent these Vpr effects. These results raise the possibility that in vivo both infectious and noninfectious viruses contribute to the dysfunction and killing of CD4+cells. In addition, our results reveal that virion-associated Vpr stimulates viral replication in proliferating cells after establishing a cell cycle G2arrest by increasing LTR-directed gene expression. Importantly, this Vpr-mediated LTR activation appears to be a requirement for subsequent optimal Tat transactivation. Taken together, these results strongly suggest that in addition to participating in the HIV PIC nuclear transport in nondividing cells, virion-associated Vpr activates HIV-1 LTR-directed gene expression by manipulating the host cell cycle. From this, we conclude that Vpr functions as an immediate-early protein during HIV-1 infection.