bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epstein-Barr Virus SM Protein Interacts with mRNA In Vivo and Mediates a Gene-Specific Increase in Cytoplasmic mRNA
Authors: Ruvolo Vivian , Gupta Ashish K. , Swaminathan Sankar
Published: July 2002

SM is an Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) gene expressed during early lytic replication of EBV. SM encodes a nuclear phosphoprotein that functions as a posttranscriptional regulator of gene expression. SM has been implicated in several aspects of gene regulation, including nuclear mRNA stabilization, posttranscriptional processing, and nuclear mRNA export. Activation by SM is promoter independent but gene specific. The mechanism by which SM selectively activates some EBV target genes or heterologous reporter genes remains to be determined. SM binds RNA in vitro, suggesting that sequence- or structure-specific mRNA interactions might mediate SM specificity. We have further analyzed RNA binding by SM and demonstrated that proteolytic cleavage of SM and consequent exposure of an arginine-rich region are necessary to allow RNA binding in vitro. However, SM mutants with deletions of this arginine-rich region localized normally in the nucleus and were fully functional in gene activation. We therefore developed an assay to study in vivo interactions of SM with target mRNAs based on immunoprecipitation of SM from cell lysates followed by RNase protection analysis. Using this assay, we demonstrated that SM forms complexes with specific mRNAs in vivo. SM binds mRNAs from both SM-responsive as well as nonresponsive intronless genes and increases the nuclear accumulation of both types of mRNAs. In addition, SM preferentially associates with newly transcribed mRNAs. These data indicate that SM forms complexes with mRNAs in the nucleus and enhances their nuclear accumulation. However, SM does not enhance cytoplasmic accumulation of all transcripts that it binds to the same degree, suggesting that additional mRNA-specific characteristics, such as nuclear retention motifs or binding sites for cellular proteins, also determine responsiveness to SM.
Products of US22 Genes M140 and M141 Confer Efficient Replication of Murine Cytomegalovirus in Macrophages and Spleen
Authors: Hanson Laura K. , Slater Jacquelyn S. , Karabekian Zaruhi , Ciocco-Schmitt Gina , Campbell Ann E.
Published: July 2002

Efficient replication of murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) in macrophages is a prerequisite for optimal growth and spread of the virus in its natural host. Simultaneous deletion of US22 gene family members M139, M140, and M141 results in impaired replication of MCMV in macrophages and mice. In this study, we characterized the proteins derived from these three genes and examined the impact of individual gene deletions on viral pathogenesis. The M139, M140, and M141 gene products were identified as early proteins that localize to both the nucleus and cytoplasm in infected cells. Gene M139 encodes two proteins, of 72 and 61 kDa, while M140 and M141 each encode a single protein of 56 (pM140) and 52 (pM141) kDa, respectively. No role for the M139 proteins in MCMV replication in macrophages or mice was determined in these studies. In contrast, deletion of either M140 or M141 resulted in impaired MCMV replication in macrophages and spleen tissue. Replication of the M140 deletion mutant was significantly more impaired than that of the virus lacking M141. Further analyses revealed that the absence of the pM140 adversely affected pM141 levels by rendering the latter protein unstable. Since the replication defect due to deletion of M140 was more profound than could be explained by the reduced half-life of pM141, pM140 must exert an additional, independent function in mediating efficient replication of MCMV in macrophages and spleen tissue. These data indicate that the US22 genes M140 and M141 function both cooperatively and independently to regulate MCMV replication in a cell type-specific manner and, thus, to influence viral pathogenesis.
Apical Localization of the Coxsackie-Adenovirus Receptor by Glycosyl-Phosphatidylinositol Modification Is Sufficient for Adenovirus-Mediated Gene Transfer through the Apical Surface of Human Airway Epithelia
Authors: Walters Robert W. , van't Hof Wouter , Yi Su Min P. , Schroth Mary K. , Zabner Joseph , Crystal Ronald G. , Welsh Michael J.
Published: July 2002

In well-differentiated human airway epithelia, the coxsackie B and adenovirus type 2 and 5 receptor (CAR) resides primarily on the basolateral membrane. This location may explain the observation that gene transfer is inefficient when adenovirus vectors are applied to the apical surface. To further test this hypothesis and to investigate requirements and barriers to apical gene transfer to differentiated human airway epithelia, we expressed CAR in which the transmembrane and cytoplasmic tail were replaced by a glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor (GPI-CAR). As controls, we expressed wild-type CAR and CAR lacking the cytoplasmic domain (Tailless-CAR). All three constructs enhanced gene transfer with similar efficiencies in fibroblasts. In airway epithelia, GPI-CAR localized specifically to the apical membrane, where it bound adenovirus and enhanced gene transfer to levels obtained when vector was applied to the basolateral membrane. Moreover, GPI-CAR facilitated gene transfer of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator to cystic fibrosis airway epithelia, correcting the Cl
−
transport defect. In contrast, when we expressed wild-type CAR it localized to the basolateral membrane and failed to increase apical gene transfer. Only a small amount of Tailless-CAR resided in the apical membrane, and the effects on apical virus binding and gene transfer were minimal. These data indicate that binding of adenovirus to an apical membrane receptor is sufficient to mediate effective gene transfer to human airway epithelia and that the cytoplasmic domain of CAR is not required for this process. The results suggest that targeting apical receptors in differentiated airway epithelia may be sufficient for gene transfer in the genetic disease cystic fibrosis.
The Arginine-1493 Residue in QRRGRTGR1493G Motif IV of the Hepatitis C Virus NS3 Helicase Domain Is Essential for NS3 Protein Methylation by the Protein Arginine Methyltransferase 1
Authors: Rho Jaerang , Choi Seeyoung , Seong Young Rim , Choi Joonho , Im Dong-Soo
Published: July 2002

The NS3 protein of hepatitis C virus (HCV) contains protease and RNA helicase activities, both of which are likely to be essential for HCV propagation. An arginine residue present in the arginine-glycine (RG)-rich region of many RNA-binding proteins is posttranslationally methylated by protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs). Amino acid sequence analysis revealed that the NS3 protein contains seven RG motifs, including two potential RG motifs in the 1486-QRRGRTGRG-1494 motif IV of the RNA helicase domain, in which arginines are potentially methylated by PRMTs. Indeed, we found that the full-length NS3 protein is arginine methylated in vivo. The full-length NS3 protein and the NS3 RNA helicase domain were methylated by a crude human cell extract. The purified PRMT1 methylated the full-length NS3 and the RNA helicase domain, but not the NS3 protease domain. The NS3 helicase bound specifically and comigrated with PRMT1 in vitro. Mutational analyses indicate that the Arg
1493
in the QRR
1488
GRTGR
1493
G region of the NS3 RNA helicase is essential for NS3 protein methylation and that Arg
1488
is likely methylated. NS3 protein methylation by the PRMT1 was decreased in the presence of homoribopolymers, suggesting that the arginine-rich motif IV is involved in RNA binding. The results suggest that an arginine residue(s) in QRXGRXGR motif IV conserved in the virus-encoded RNA helicases can be posttranslationally methylated by the PRMT1.
Mechanisms Involved in Stimulation of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Replication by Aminooxypentane RANTES
Authors: Marozsan Andre J. , Torre Vincent S. , Johnson Michael , Ball Sarah C. , Cross Janet V. , Templeton Dennis J. , Quiñones-Mateu Miguel E. , Offord Robin E. , Arts Eric J.
Published: July 2002

Aminooxypentane (AOP)-RANTES is a potent inhibitor of nonsyncytium-inducing (NSI), CCR5-tropic (R5) human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) isolates. Although classical chemotactic responses are not induced in primary leukocytes by AOP-RANTES, recent studies suggest that a remnant of cell signaling occurs upon binding of receptor to this compound. We have detected a breakthrough of NSI/R5 replication from the inhibitory effects of high AOP-RANTES concentrations (<100 nM). A stimulation of different primary syncytium-inducing (SI), CXCR4-tropic (X4) HIV-1 isolates was also observed in the presence of AOP-RANTES. This stimulation was also observed after 110 h in PCR and RT-PCR for minus-strand strong-stop DNA and unspliced and multiply spliced RNA, respectively. However, there was significant variability between different SI/X4 or NSI/R5 HIV-1 isolates with regard to this AOP-RANTES-mediated stimulation or breakthrough, respectively. To further define the mechanism(s) responsible for this AOP-RANTES effect, we performed detailed retroviral replication studies with an NSI/R5 (B-92BR021) and SI/X4 (D-92UG021) HIV-1 isolate in the presence of the drug. Treatment of peripheral blood mononuclear cells with 125 nM AOP-RANTES and virus did not alter coreceptor expression, HIV-1 entry, reverse transcription, or mRNA transcription from the long terminal repeat, but it did result in increased HIV-1 integration. This AOP-RANTES-mediated increase in HIV-1 integration was diminished by treatment with pertussis toxin. Phosphorylation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) isoforms, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 (ERK1) and ERK2, was increased in a CD4+CCR5+U87 cell line treated with AOP-RANTES or with an NSI/R5 HIV-1 isolate. These findings suggest that AOP-RANTES may induce a MAPK/ERK signal transduction pathway upon binding to a G-protein-coupled receptor. MAPK/ERK1 and -2 appear to phosphorylate the HIV-1 preintegration complex, a step necessary for nuclear translocation and successful integration.
Organization of Immature Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1
Authors: Wilk Thomas , Gross Ingolf , Gowen Brent E. , Rutten Twan , de Haas Felix , Welker Reinhold , Kräusslich Hans-Georg , Boulanger Pierre , Fuller Stephen D.
Published: July 2002

Immature retrovirus particles contain radially arranged Gag polyproteins in which the N termini lie at the membrane and the C termini extend toward the particle's center. We related image features to the polyprotein domain structure by combining mutagenesis with cryoelectron microscopy and image analysis. The matrix (MA) domain appears as a thin layer tightly associated with the inner face of the viral membrane, separated from the capsid (CA) layer by a low-density region corresponding to its C terminus. Deletion of the entire p6 domain has no effect on the width or spacing of the density layers, suggesting that p6 is not ordered in immature human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). In vitro assembly of a recombinant Gag polyprotein containing only capsid (CA) and nucleocapsid (NC) domains results in the formation of nonenveloped spherical particles which display two layers with density matching that of the CA-NC portion of immature HIV-1 Gag particles. Authentic, immature HIV-1 displays additional surface features and an increased density between the lipid bilayers which reflect the presence of gp41. The other internal features match those of virus-like particles.
Kinetics of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV) DNA Integration in Acutely Infected Cells as Determined Using a Novel Assay for Detection of Integrated HIV DNA
Authors: Vandegraaff Nick , Kumar Raman , Burrell Christopher J. , Li Peng
Published: July 2002

We have developed a novel linker-primer PCR assay for the detection and quantification of integrated human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV) DNA. This assay reproducibly allowed the detection of 10 copies of integrated HIV DNA, in a background of 2 × 105cell equivalents of human chromosomal DNA, without amplifying extrachromosomal HIV DNA. We have used this assay and a near-synchronous one-step T-cell infection model to investigate the kinetics of viral DNA accumulation following HIV infection. We report here that integrated HIV DNA started accumulating 1 h after the first appearance of extrachromosomal viral DNA and accounted for ∼10% of the total HIV DNA synthesized in the first round of viral replication. These results highlight the efficient nature of integrase-mediated HIV integration in infected T cells.
The Helicase-Like Domain of Plant Potexvirus Replicase Participates in Formation of RNA 5′ Cap Structure by Exhibiting RNA 5′-Triphosphatase Activity
Authors: Li Yi-Ija , Shih Ting-Wan , Hsu Yau-Heiu , Han Yu-Tsung , Huang Yih-Leh , Meng Menghsiao
Published: July 2002

Open reading frame 1 (ORF1) of potexviruses encodes a viral replicase comprising three functional domains: a capping enzyme at the N terminus, a putative helicase in the middle, and a polymerase at the C terminus. To verify the enzymatic activities associated with the putative helicase domain, the corresponding cDNA fragment from bamboo mosaic virus (BaMV) was cloned into vector pET32 and the protein was expressed in
Escherichia coli
and purified by metal affinity chromatography. An activity assay confirmed that the putative helicase domain has nucleoside triphosphatase activity. We found that it also possesses an RNA 5′-triphosphatase activity that specifically removes the γ phosphate from the 5′ end of RNA. Both enzymatic activities were abolished by the mutation of the nucleoside triphosphate-binding motif (GKS), suggesting that they have a common catalytic site. A typical m
7
GpppG cap structure was formed at the 5′ end of the RNA substrate when the substrate was treated sequentially with the putative helicase domain and the N-terminal capping enzyme, indicating that the putative helicase domain is truly involved in the process of cap formation by exhibiting its RNA 5′-triphosphatase activity.
Mapping Full-Length Porcine Endogenous Retroviruses in a Large White Pig
Authors: Herring C. , Quinn G. , Bower R. , Parsons N. , Logan N. A. , Brawley A. , Elsome K. , Whittam A. , Fernandez-Suarez X. M. , Cunningham D. , Onions D. , Langford G. , Scobie L.
Published: July 2002

Xenotransplantation may bridge the widening gap between the shortage of donor organs and the increasing number of patients waiting for transplantation. However, a major safety issue is the potential cross-species transmission of porcine endogenous retroviruses (PERV). This problem could be resolved if it is possible to produce pigs that do not contain replication-competent copies of this virus. In order to determine the feasibility of this, we have determined the number of potentially replication-competent full-length PERV proviruses and obtained data on their integration sites within the porcine genome. We have screened genomic DNA libraries from a Large White pig for potentially intact proviruses. We identified six unique PERV B proviruses that were apparently intact in all three genes, while the majority of isolated proviruses were defective in one or more genes. No intact PERV A proviruses were found in this pig, despite the identification of multiple defective A proviruses. Genotyping of 30 unrelated pigs for these unique proviruses showed a heterogeneous distribution. Two proviruses were uncommon, present in 7 of 30 and 3 of 30 pigs, while three were each present in 24 of 30 pigs, and one was present in 30 of 30 animals examined. Our data indicate that few
PERV
proviruses in Large White pigs are capable of productive infection and suggest that many could be removed by selective breeding. Further studies are required to determine if all potentially functional proviruses could be removed by breeding or whether gene knockout techniques will be required to remove the residuum.
Nucleocapsid Incorporation into Parainfluenza Virus Is Regulated by Specific Interaction with Matrix Protein
Authors: Coronel Elizabeth C. , Takimoto Toru , Murti K. Gopal , Varich Natalia , Portner Allen
Published: July 2002

The paramyxovirus nucleoproteins (NPs) encapsidate the genomic RNA into nucleocapsids, which are then incorporated into virus particles. We determined the protein-protein interaction between NP molecules and the molecular mechanism required for incorporating nucleocapsids into virions in two closely related viruses, human parainfluenza virus type 1 (hPIV1) and Sendai virus (SV). Expression of NP from cDNA resulted in in vivo nucleocapsid formation. Electron micrographs showed no significant difference in the morphological appearance of viral nucleocapsids obtained from lysates of transfected cells expressing SV or hPIVI NP cDNA. Coexpression of NP cDNAs from both viruses resulted in the formation of nucleocapsid composed of a mixture of NP molecules; thus, the NPs of both viruses contained regions that allowed the formation of mixed nucleocapsid. Mixed nucleocapsids were also detected in cells infected with SV and transfected with hPIV1 NP cDNA. However, when NP of SV was donated by infected virus and hPIV1 NP was from transfected cDNA, nucleocapsids composed of NPs solely from SV or solely from hPIVI were also detected. Although almost equal amounts of NP of the two viruses were found in the cytoplasm of cells infected with SV and transfected with hPIV1 NP cDNA, 90% of the NPs in the nucleocapsids of the progeny SV virions were from SV. Thus, nucleocapsids containing heterologous hPIV1 NPs were excluded during the assembly of progeny SV virions. Coexpression of hPIV1 NP and hPIV1 matrix protein (M) in SV-infected cells increased the uptake of nucleocapsids containing hPIV1 NP; thus, M appears to be responsible for the specific incorporation of the nucleocapsid into virions. Using SV-hPIV1 chimera NP cDNAs, we found that the C-terminal domain of the NP protein (amino acids 420 to 466) is responsible for the interaction with M.
Identification of Residues of the Moloney Murine Leukemia Virus Nucleocapsid Critical for Viral DNA Synthesis In Vivo
Authors: Gonsky Jason , Bacharach Eran , Goff Stephen P.
Published: July 2002

The nucleocapsid (NC) protein of retroviruses is a small nucleic acid-binding protein important in virion assembly and in the encapsidation of the viral RNA genome into the virion particle. Multiple single-amino-acid substitutions were introduced into the NC of Moloney murine leukemia virus to examine further its role in viral replication. Two residues were shown to play important roles in the early events of replication. Unlike viruses with previously characterized NC mutations, these viruses showed no impairment in the late events of replication. Viruses containing the substitutions L21A and K30A expressed the normal complement of properly processed viral Gag proteins. Analysis of the RNA content of mutant virions revealed normal levels of unspliced and spliced viral RNA, and the tRNA
Pro
primer was properly annealed to the primer binding site on the viral genome. The virions demonstrated no defect in initiation of reverse transcription using the endogenous tRNA primer or in the synthesis of long viral DNA products in vitro. Nonetheless, viruses possessing these NC mutations demonstrated significant defects in the synthesis and accumulation of viral DNA products in vivo.
Protection from Ebola Virus Mediated by Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes Specific for the Viral Nucleoprotein
Authors: Wilson Julie A. , Hart Mary Kate
Published: July 2002

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) are proposed to be critical for protection from intracellular pathogens such as Ebola virus. However, there have been no demonstrations that protection against Ebola virus is mediated by Ebola virus-specific CTLs. Here, we report that C57BL/6 mice vaccinated with Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus replicons encoding the Ebola virus nucleoprotein (NP) survived lethal challenge with Ebola virus. Vaccination induced both antibodies to the NP and a major histocompatibility complex class I-restricted CTL response to an 11-amino-acid sequence in the amino-terminal portion of the Ebola virus NP. Passive transfer of polyclonal NP-specific antiserum did not protect recipient mice. In contrast, adoptive transfer of CTLs specific for the Ebola virus NP protected unvaccinated mice from lethal Ebola virus challenge. The protective CTLs were CD8+, restricted to the Dbclass I molecule, and recognized an epitope within amino acids 43 to 53 (VYQVNNLEEIC) in the Ebola virus NP. The demonstration that CTLs can prevent lethal Ebola virus infection affects vaccine development in that protective cellular immune responses may be required for optimal protection from Ebola virus.
Lytic Replication of Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Results in the Formation of Multiple Capsid Species: Isolation and Molecular Characterization of A, B, and C Capsids from a Gammaherpesvirus
Authors: Nealon K. , Newcomb W. W. , Pray T. R. , Craik C. S. , Brown J. C. , Kedes D. H.
Published: July 2002

Despite the discovery of Epstein-Barr virus more than 35 years ago, a thorough understanding of gammaherpesvirus capsid composition and structure has remained elusive. We approached this problem by purifying capsids from Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), the only other known human gammaherpesvirus. The results from our biochemical and imaging analyses demonstrate that KSHV capsids possess a typical herpesvirus icosahedral capsid shell composed of four structural proteins. The hexameric and pentameric capsomers are composed of the major capsid protein (MCP) encoded by open reading frame 25. The heterotrimeric complexes, forming the capsid floor between the hexons and pentons, are each composed of one molecule of ORF62 and two molecules of ORF26. Each of these proteins has significant amino acid sequence homology to capsid proteins in alpha- and betaherpesviruses. In contrast, the fourth protein, ORF65, lacks significant sequence homology to its structural counterparts from the other subfamilies. Nevertheless, this small, basic, and highly antigenic protein decorates the surface of the capsids, as does, for example, the even smaller basic capsid protein VP26 of herpes simplex virus type 1. We have also found that, as with the alpha- and betaherpesviruses, lytic replication of KSHV leads to the formation of at least three capsid species, A, B, and C, with masses of approximately 200, 230, and 300 MDa, respectively. A capsids are empty, B capsids contain an inner array of a fifth structural protein, ORF17.5, and C capsids contain the viral genome.
Spontaneous Activation of the Lytic Cycle in Cells Infected with a Recombinant Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Virus
Authors: Delecluse Henri-Jacques , Kost Manuela , Feederle Regina , Wilson Lisa , Hammerschmidt Wolfgang
Published: July 2002

The genetic analysis of human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8), also termed Kaposi's sarcoma-associated virus, has been hampered by severe difficulties in producing infectious viral particles and modifying the viral genome. In this article, we report the successful cloning of the HHV8 complete genome onto a prokaryotic F-plasmid replicon which allows the propagation of the recombinant viral DNA in
Escherichia coli
. The insertion of the F-plasmid into the HHV8 genome interrupts the ORF56 gene, whose expression product—by homology with the Epstein-Barr virus BSLF1 gene—is supposed to be necessary for lytic DNA replication. After introduction of the recombinant HHV8 DNA into 293 cells, early viral antigens are expressed, suggesting that spontaneous lytic replication is initiated. However, completion of the lytic program is prevented by the absence of the ORF56 protein, and a quasi-latent state is established. Upon reintroduction of the ORF56 viral gene, the block is overcome and infectious HHV8 virions are produced. As the recombinant HHV8 genome can be easily modified in
E. coli
, this experimental system opens the way to an extensive genetic analysis of other HHV8 functions.
Discovery of a Novel Murine Type C Retrovirus by Data Mining
Authors: Bromham Lindell , Clark Francis , McKee Jeff J.
Published: July 2002

Analysis of genomic and expression data allows both identification and characterization of novel retroviruses. We describe a recombinant type C murine retrovirus, similar to the
Mus dunni
endogenous retrovirus, with VL30-like long terminal repeats and murine leukemia virus-like coding sequences. This virus is present in multiple copies in the mouse genome and expressed in a range of mouse tissues.
Reovirus Binding to Cell Surface Sialic Acid Potentiates Virus-Induced Apoptosis
Authors: Connolly Jodi L. , Barton Erik S. , Dermody Terence S.
Published: July 2002

Reovirus induces apoptosis in cultured cells and in vivo. Genetic studies indicate that the efficiency with which reovirus strains induce apoptosis is determined by the viral S1 gene, which encodes attachment protein ς1. However, the biochemical properties of ς1 that influence apoptosis induction are unknown. To determine whether the capacity of ς1 to bind cell surface sialic acid determines the magnitude of the apoptotic response, we used isogenic reovirus mutants that differ in the capacity to engage sialic acid. We found that T3SA+, a virus capable of binding sialic acid, induces high levels of apoptosis in both HeLa cells and L cells. In contrast, non-sialic-acid-binding strain T3SA− induces little or no apoptosis in these cell types. Differences in the capacity of T3SA− and T3SA+ to induce apoptosis are not due to differences in viral protein synthesis or production of viral progeny. Removal of cell surface sialic acid with neuraminidase abolishes the capacity of T3SA+ to induce apoptosis. Similarly, incubation of T3SA+ with sialyllactose, a trisaccharide comprised of lactose and sialic acid, blocks apoptosis. These findings demonstrate that reovirus binding to cell surface sialic acid is a critical requirement for the efficient induction of apoptosis and suggest that virus receptor utilization plays an important role in regulating cell death.
Requirement of Multiple
cis
-Acting Elements in the Human Cytomegalovirus Major Immediate-Early Distal Enhancer for Viral Gene Expression and Replication
Authors: Meier Jeffery L. , Keller Michael J. , McCoy James J.
Published: July 2002

We have shown previously that the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) major immediate-early (MIE) distal enhancer is needed for MIE promoter-dependent transcription and viral replication at low multiplicities of infection (MOI). To understand how this region works, we constructed and analyzed a series of HCMVs with various distal enhancer mutations. We show that the distal enhancer is composed of at least two parts that function independently to coordinately activate MIE promoter-dependent transcription and viral replication. One such part is contained in a 47-bp segment that has consensus binding sites for CREB/ATF, SP1, and YY1. At low MOI, these working parts likely function in
cis
to directly activate MIE gene expression, thus allowing viral replication to ensue. Three findings support the view that these working parts are likely
cis
-acting elements. (i) Deletion of either part of a bisegmented distal enhancer only slightly alters MIE gene transcription and viral replication. (ii) Reversing the distal enhancer’s orientation largely preserves MIE gene transcription and viral replication. (iii) Placement of stop codons at −300 or −345 in all reading frames does not impair MIE gene transcription and viral replication. Lastly, we show that these working parts are dispensable at high MOI, partly because of compensatory stimulation of MIE promoter activity and viral replication that is induced by a virion-associated component(s) present at a high viral particle/cell ratio. We conclude that the distal enhancer is a complex multicomponent
cis
-acting region that is required to augment both MIE promoter-dependent transcription and HCMV replication.
Cytopathic Killing of Peripheral Blood CD4+T Lymphocytes by Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Appears Necrotic rather than Apoptotic and Does Not Requireenv
Authors: Lenardo Michael J. , Angleman Sara B. , Bounkeua Viengngeun , Dimas Joseph , Duvall Melody G. , Graubard Moses B. , Hornung Felicita , Selkirk Marianne C. , Speirs Christina K. , Trageser Carol , Orenstein Jan O. , Bolton Diane L.
Published: July 2002

An important unresolved issue of AIDS pathogenesis is the mechanism of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-induced CD4+T-lymphocyte destruction. We show here that HIV type 1 (HIV-1) exerts a profound cytopathic effect upon peripheral blood CD4+T lymphocytes that resembles necrosis rather than apoptosis. Necrotic cytopathology was found with both laboratory-adapted strains and primary isolates of HIV-1. We carefully investigated the role ofenv, which has been previously implicated in HIV cytopathicity. HIV-1 stocks with equivalent infectivity were prepared from constructs with either an intact or mutatedenvcoding region and pseudotyped with the glycoprotein of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV-G) so that the HIV envelope was not rate-limiting for infection. Infected Jurkat T cells died whether or notenvwas intact; however, the expression ofenvaccelerated death significantly. The accelerated death was blocked by protease inhibitors, indicating that it was due to reinfection by newly produced virus inenv+cultures. Accordingly, we found no disparity in kinetics in CD4loJurkat cells. In highly infected peripheral blood T cells, profound necrosis occurred equivalently with bothenv+andenv−stocks of HIV-1. We also found that HIV-1 cytopathicity was undiminished by the absence ofnef. However, viral stocks made by complementation or packaging of HIV-1 genomes with the natural protein-coding sequences replaced by the green fluorescent protein were highly infectious but not cytopathic. Thus,envcan accelerate cell death chiefly as an entry function, but one or more viral functions other thanenvornefis essential for necrosis of CD4+T cells induced by HIV-1.
Nuclear IE2 Structures Are Related to Viral DNA Replication Sites during Baculovirus Infection
Authors: Mainz Daniela , Quadt Ilja , Knebel-Mörsdorf Dagmar
Published: July 2002

The ie2 gene of
Autographa californica
multicapsid nuclear polyhedrosis virus is 1 of the 10 baculovirus genes that have been identified as factors involved in viral DNA replication. IE2 is detectable in the nucleus as one of the major early-expressed proteins and exhibits a dynamic localization pattern during the infection cycle (D. Murges, I. Quadt, J. Schröer, and D. Knebel-Mörsdorf, Exp. Cell Res. 264:219-232, 2001). Here, we investigated whether IE2 localized to regions of viral DNA replication. After viral DNA was labeled with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), confocal imaging indicated that defined IE2 domains colocalized with viral DNA replication centers as soon as viral DNA replication was detectable. In addition, a subpopulation of IE2 structures colocalized with two further virus-encoded replication factors, late expression factor 3 (LEF-3) and the DNA binding protein (DBP). While DBP and LEF-3 structures always colocalized and enlarged simultaneously with viral DNA replication sites, only those IE2 structures that colocalized with replication sites also colocalized with DBP. Replication and transcription of DNA viruses in association with promyelocytic leukemia protein (PML) oncogenic domains have been observed. By confocal imaging we demonstrated that the human PML colocalized with IE2. Triple staining revealed PML/IE2 domains in the vicinity of viral DNA replication centers, while IE2 alone colocalized with early replication sites, demonstrating that PML structures do not form common domains with viral DNA replication centers. Thus, we conclude that IE2 colocalizes alternately with PML and the sites of viral DNA replication. Small ubiquitin-like modifier SUMO-1 has been implicated in the nuclear distribution of PML. Similar to what was found for mammalian cells, small ubiquitin-like modifiers were recruited to PML domains in infected insect cells, which suggests that IE2 and PML colocalize in conserved cellular domains. In summary, our results support a model for IE2 as part of various functional sites in the nucleus that are connected with viral DNA replication.
Late Assembly Domain Function Can Exhibit Context Dependence and Involves Ubiquitin Residues Implicated in Endocytosis
Authors: Strack Bettina , Calistri Arianna , Göttlinger Heinrich G.
Published: July 2002

Retroviral Gag polyproteins contain regions that promote the separation of virus particles from the plasma membrane and from each other. These Gag regions are often referred to as late assembly (L) domains. The L domain of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is in the C-terminal p6

gag

domain and harbors an essential P(T/S)APP motif, whereas the L domains of oncoretroviruses are in the N-terminal half of the Gag precursor and have a PPXY core motif. We recently observed that L domains induce the ubiquitination of a minimal HIV-1 Gag construct and that point mutations which abolish L domain activity prevent Gag ubiquitination. In that study, a peptide from the Ebola virus L domain with overlapping P(T/S)APP and PPXY motifs showed exceptional activity in promoting Gag ubiquitination and the release of virus-like particles. We now show that a substitution which disrupts the PPXY motif but leaves the P(T/S)APP motif intact abolishes L domain activity in the minimal Gag context, but not in the context of a near full-length HIV-1 Gag precursor. Our results reveal that the P(T/S)APP motif does not function autonomously and indicate that the HIV-1 nucleocapsid-p1 region, which is proximal to p6

gag

, can cooperate with the conserved L domain core motif. We have also examined the effects of ubiquitin mutants on virus-like particle production, and the results indicate that residues required for the endocytosis function of ubiquitin are also involved in virus budding.
Characterization of a Spontaneous 9.5-Kilobase-Deletion Mutant of Murine Gammaherpesvirus 68 Reveals Tissue-Specific Genetic Requirements for Latency
Authors: Clambey Eric T. , Virgin Herbert W. , Speck Samuel H.
Published: July 2002

Murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (γHV68 [also known as MHV-68]) establishes a latent infection in mice, providing a small-animal model with which to identify host and viral factors that regulate gammaherpesvirus latency. While γHV68 establishes a latent infection in multiple tissues, including splenocytes and peritoneal cells, the requirements for latent infection within these tissues are poorly defined. Here we report the characterization of a spontaneous 9.5-kb-deletion mutant of γHV68 that lacks the M1, M2, M3, and M4 genes and eight viral tRNA-like genes. Previously, this locus has been shown to contain the latency-associated M2, M3, and viral tRNA-like genes. Through characterization of this mutant, we found that the M1, M2, M3, M4 genes and the viral tRNA-like genes are dispensable for (i) in vitro replication and (ii) the establishment and maintenance of latency in vivo and reactivation from latency following intraperitoneal infection. In contrast, following intranasal infection with this mutant, there was a defect in splenic latency at both early and late times, a phenotype not observed in peritoneal cells. These results indicate (i) that there are different genetic requirements for the establishment of latency in different latent reservoirs and (ii) that the genetic requirements for latency depend on the route of infection. While some of these phenotypes have been observed with specific mutations in the M1 and M2 genes, other phenotypes have never been observed with the available γHV68 mutants. These studies highlight the importance of loss-of-function mutations in defining the genetic requirements for the establishment and maintenance of herpesvirus latency.
Mechanism of Cell Entry and Transformation by Enzootic Nasal Tumor Virus
Authors: Dirks Clarissa , Duh Fuh-Mei , Rai Sharath K. , Lerman Michael I. , Miller A. Dusty
Published: July 2002

Enzootic nasal tumor virus (ENTV) induces nasal epithelial cancer in infected sheep, but it is a simple retrovirus lacking a known oncogene. ENTV is closely related to jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV), which also causes cancer in sheep but in the epithelial cells of the lower airways and alveoli. Here we show that as with JSRV, the envelope (Env) protein of ENTV can transform cultured cells and thus is likely to be responsible for oncogenesis in animals. In addition, the ENTV Env protein mediates virus entry using the same receptor as does JSRV Env, the candidate tumor suppressor Hyal2. However, ENTV Env mediates entry into cells from a more restricted range of species than does JSRV, and based on this finding we have identified amino acid regions in the Env proteins that are important for virus entry. Also, because ENTV does not efficiently use human Hyal2 as a receptor, we cloned the ovine Hyal2 cDNA and show that the encoded protein functions as an efficient receptor for both ENTV and JSRV. In summary, although ENTV and JSRV use the same cell surface receptor for cell entry and apparently transform cells by the same mechanism, they induce cancer in different tissues of infected sheep, indicating that oncogenesis is regulated at some other level. The transcriptional regulatory elements in these viruses are quite different, indicating that tissue-specific oncogenesis is likely regulated at the level of viral gene expression.
Myxoma Virus Leukemia-Associated Protein Is Responsible for Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I and Fas-CD95 Down-Regulation and Defines Scrapins, a New Group of Surface Cellular Receptor Abductor Proteins
Authors: Guerin Jean-Luc , Gelfi Jacqueline , Boullier Severine , Delverdier Maxence , Bellanger Frederique-Anne , Bertagnoli Stephane , Drexler Ingo , Sutter Gerd , Messud-Petit Frederique
Published: July 2002

Down-modulation of major histocompatibility class I (MHC-I) molecules is a viral strategy for survival in the host.Myxoma virus, a member of thePoxviridaefamily responsible for rabbit myxomatosis, can down-modulate the expression of MHC-I molecules, but the viral factor(s) has not been described. We cloned and characterized a gene coding for an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-resident protein containing an atypical zinc finger and two transmembrane domains, which we called myxoma virus leukemia-associated protein (MV-LAP). MV-LAP down-regulated surface MHC-I and Fas-CD95 molecules upon transfection; the mechanism probably involves an exacerbation of endocytosis and was lost when the ER retention signal was removed. In addition, the lytic activity of MHC-I-restricted antigen-specific cytolytic T lymphocytes (CTL) against myxoma virus-infected antigen-presenting target cells was significantly reduced, revealing a strong correlation between MHC-I down-regulation by MV-LAP and CTL killing in vitro. In vivo experiments with a knockout virus showed that MV-LAP is a virulence factor, potentially involved in the immunosuppression characteristic of myxomatosis. Data bank analysis revealed that MV-LAP has homologs in herpesviruses and other poxviruses. We propose the name “scrapins” to define a new group of ER-resident surface cellular receptor abductor proteins. The down-regulation of cell surface molecules by scrapins probably helps protect infected cells during viral infections.
Efficient Concerted Integration by Recombinant Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Integrase without Cellular or Viral Cofactors
Authors: Sinha Sapna , Pursley Michael H. , Grandgenett Duane P.
Published: July 2002

Replication of retroviruses requires integration of the linear viral DNA genome into the host chromosomes. Integration requires the viral integrase (IN), located in high-molecular-weight nucleoprotein complexes termed preintegration complexes (PIC). The PIC inserts the two viral DNA termini in a concerted manner into chromosomes in vivo as well as exogenous target DNA in vitro. We reconstituted nucleoprotein complexes capable of efficient concerted (full-site) integration using recombinant wild-type human immunodeficiency virus type I (HIV-1) IN with linear retrovirus-like donor DNA (480 bp). In addition, no cellular or viral protein cofactors are necessary for purified bacterial recombinant HIV-1 IN to mediate efficient full-site integration of two donor termini into supercoiled target DNA. At ∼30 nM IN (20 min at 37°C), approximately 15 and 8% of the input donor is incorporated into target DNA, producing half-site (insertion of one viral DNA end per target) and full-site integration products, respectively. Sequencing the donor-target junctions of full-site recombinants confirms that 5-bp host site duplications have occurred with a fidelity of ∼70%, similar to the fidelity when using IN derived from nonionic detergent lysates of HIV-1 virions. A key factor allowing recombinant wild-type HIV-1 IN to mediate full-site integration appears to be the avoidance of high IN concentrations in its purification (∼125 μg/ml) and in the integration assay (<50 nM). The results show that recombinant HIV-1 IN may not be significantly defective for full-site integration. The findings further suggest that a high concentration or possibly aggregation of IN is detrimental to the assembly of correct nucleoprotein complexes for full-site integration.
Varicella-Zoster Virus Open Reading Frame 2 Encodes a Membrane Phosphoprotein That Is Dispensable for Viral Replication and for Establishment of Latency
Authors: Sato Hitoshi , Pesnicak Lesley , Cohen Jeffrey I.
Published: July 2002

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) encodes six genes that do not have homologs in herpes simplex virus. One of these genes, VZV open reading frame 2 (ORF2), was expressed as a 31-kDa phosphoprotein in the membranes of infected cells. Unlike equine and bovine herpesvirus type 1 ORF2 homologs that are associated with virions, VZV virions contained no detectable ORF2 protein. The ORF2 deletion mutant established a latent infection in cotton rats at a frequency and with a number of VZV genomes similar to that of the parental virus. ORF63 transcripts, a hallmark of latent infection, were present in ganglia latently infected with both the ORF2 deletion mutant and parental VZV. Thus, ORF2 is the first VZV gene shown to be dispensable for establishment of latent infection in an animal model.
Effect of the V3 Loop Deletion of Envelope Glycoprotein on Cellular Responses and Protection against Challenge with Recombinant Vaccinia Virus Expressing gp160 of Primary Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Isolates
Authors: Kiszka Irena , Kmieciak Dariusz , Gzyl Jaroslaw , Naito Toshio , Bolesta Elizabeth , Sieron Aleksander , Singh Satya P. , Srinivasan Alagarsamy , Trinchieri Giorgio , Kaneko Yutaro , Kozbor Danuta
Published: July 2002

The magnitude and breadth of cytotoxic-T-lymphocyte (CTL) responses induced by human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) envelope protein from which the hypervariable V3 loop had been deleted (ΔV3) were evaluated in the HLA-A2/Kbtransgenic mice. It was demonstrated that vaccines expressing the ΔV3 mutant of either HIV-1IIIBor HIV-189.6envelope glycoprotein induced broader CD8+T-cell activities than those elicited by the wild-type (WT) counterparts. Specifically, the differences were associated with higher responses to conserved HLA-A2-restricted CTL epitopes of the envelope glycoprotein and could be correlated with an increased cell surface occupancy by the epitope-HLA-A2 complexes in target cells expressing the ΔV3 mutant. Using recombinant vaccinia virus expressing heterologous gp160 of primary HIV-1 isolates in a murine challenge system, we observed that the extent of resistance to viral transmission was higher in animals immunized with the ΔV3 than the WT envelope vaccine. The protection was linked to the presence of envelope-specific CD8+T cells, since depletion of these cells by anti-CD8 antibody treatment at the time of challenge abolished the vaccine-induced protection. The results from our studies provide insights into approaches for boosting the breadth of envelope-specific CTL responses.
New Groups of Potential Antituberculotics: Bis(1-aryltetrazol-5-yl) Disulfides. Structure Activity Relationship
Authors: Waisser Karel , Kuneš Jiří , Hrabálek Alexandr , Odlerová Želmíra
Published: July 2002

Oxidation of 1-aryltetrazole-5-thiols afforded bis(1-aryltetrazol-5-yl) disulfides. The compounds were tested for antimycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, M. kansasii, M. avium and M. fortuitum. In the case of M. tuberculosis, the logarithm of minimum inhibitory concentration showed a parabolic dependence on hydrophobic substituent constants. Although the compounds exhibited low to medium activity, the most active derivative, bis(4-chlorophenyltetrazol-5-yl) disulfide (III) was more effective against atypical strains than are the commercial tuberculostatics used as standards.
Study of Substituted Formylchromones
Authors: El-Shaaer Hafez M. , Zahradník Pavol , Lácová Margita , Matulová Mária
Published: July 2002

Substituted derivatives of 2- and 3-formylchromone were synthesized and studied by IR, 13C and 1H NMR spectroscopy and the AM1 quantum chemical method. Energy and electron distribution calculations confirm the preference of the synplanar conformation in 3-formylchromones. The calculated charges on the carbon atoms correlate well with the experimental 13C chemical shifts. Substituents bonded to the aromatic nucleus have only small effect on the electron structure of the pyrone ring.
Reaction of 6-Substituted 3-Amino-2-phenyl-4(3H)- Quinazolinones with D-Ribose and L-Arabinose
Authors: Abdel-Megeed Mohamed F. , Saleh Mohamed A. , Abdo Mohamed A. , El-Hiti Gamal A.
Published: July 2002

Condensation of 3-amino-2-phenyl-4(3H)-quinazolinone (Ia) and 3-amino-6-bromo-2-phenyl-4(3H)-quinazolinone (Ib) with D-ribose and L-arabinose in boiling methanol gave the corresponding N-glycosides IIa, IIIa, IIb and IIIb. Acetylation of compounds II and III, followed by Zemplen's deacetylation, afforded the N-acetyl derivatives VIa, VIb, VIIa and VIIb. According to their NMR spectra in solution, the N-ribosides exist as β-pyranosides in the 4C1 (D) conformation whereas the N-arabinosides are α-pyranosides in the 4C1 (L) conformation.
Homolytic Acetylation of 2,5-Dimethylpyrazine
Authors: Opletalová Veronika , Hartl Jiří , Patel Asmita , Boulton Michael
Published: July 2002

2,5-Dimethylpyrazine prepared by the method described in the literature was acetylated by means of acetaldehyde, tert-butylhydroperoxide and ferrous sulfate. 2,5-Diacetyl-3,6-dimethylpyrazine and 2-acetyl-3,5,6-trimethylpyrazine were obtained. The structure of the products was confirmed by NMR and mass spectral data, and the compounds were screened for biological activity using 20 different screens. No interesting biological activity was found.
Synthesis and Antibacterial Properties of Some 4-Amino Substituted 2-Phenyl-6H-5,1,3-benzothiadiazocines
Authors: Bodajla Michal , Stankovský Štefan , Špirková Katarína , Jantová Soňa
Published: July 2002

Some 4-amino substituted 2-phenyl-6H-5,1,3-benzothiadiazocines (4a-4j) were prepared by cyclization of the corresponding N1-[N-(2-chloromethylphenyl)benzimidoyl]-N2-substituted thioureas (3a-3j). The IR,1H NMR and mass spectra of the title compounds are reported together with the results of antibacterial screening.