bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reovirus-Induced Apoptosis Requires Activation of Transcription Factor NF-κB
Authors: Connolly Jodi L. , Rodgers Steven E. , Clarke Penny , Ballard Dean W. , Kerr Lawrence D. , Tyler Kenneth L. , Dermody Terence S.
Published: July 2002

Reovirus infection induces apoptosis in cultured cells and in vivo. To identify host cell factors that mediate this response, we investigated whether reovirus infection alters the activation state of the transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). As determined in electrophoretic mobility shift assays, reovirus infection of HeLa cells leads to nuclear translocation of NF-κB complexes containing Rel family members p50 and p65. Reovirus-induced activation of NF-κB DNA-binding activity correlated with the onset of NF-κB-directed transcription in reporter gene assays. Three independent lines of evidence indicate that this functional form of NF-κB is required for reovirus-induced apoptosis. First, treatment of reovirus-infected HeLa cells with a proteasome inhibitor prevents NF-κB activation following infection and substantially diminishes reovirus-induced apoptosis. Second, transient expression of a dominant-negative form of IκB that constitutively represses NF-κB activation significantly reduces levels of apoptosis triggered by reovirus infection. Third, mutant cell lines deficient for either the p50 or p65 subunits of NF-κB are resistant to reovirus-induced apoptosis compared with cells expressing an intact NF-κB signaling pathway. These findings indicate that NF-κB plays a significant role in the mechanism by which reovirus induces apoptosis in susceptible host cells.
Productive Replication of Adeno-Associated Virus Can Occur in Human Papillomavirus Type 16 (HPV-16) Episome-Containing Keratinocytes and Is Augmented by the HPV-16 E2 Protein
Authors: Ogston Phyllis , Raj Kenneth , Beard Peter
Published: July 2002

We used a sensitive assay to test whether an adeno-associated virus (AAV) productive replication cycle can occur in immortalized human keratinocytes carrying episomal human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV-16) DNA. Following transfection with cloned AAV DNA, infectious AAV was produced, and the infectivity was blocked by anti-AAV antiserum. The HPV-16 E2 protein substantially increased the yield of AAV. Other HPV early proteins did not, in our experiments, show this ability. E2 has been shown to be able to affect p53 levels and to block cell cycle progression at mitosis. We tested the effect of changes in p53 expression on AAV replication and found that large differences in the level of p53 did not alter AAV DNA replication. In extension of this, we found that cellular help for AAV in response to stress was also independent of p53. To test if a mitotic block could trigger AAV DNA replication, we treated the cells with the mitotic inhibitor nocodazole. AAV DNA replication was stimulated by the presence of nocodazole in these and a number of other cell types tested. Yields of infectious virus, however, were not increased by this treatment. We conclude that the HPV-16 E2 protein stimulates AAV multiplication in these cells and propose that this occurs independently of the effects of E2 on p53 and cell cycle progression. Since the effect of E2 was not seen in keratinocytes lacking the HPV-16 episome, we suggest that E2 can help AAV by working in concert with other HPV-16 proteins.
The Role of Alpha/Beta and Gamma Interferons in Development of Immunity to Influenza A Virus in Mice
Authors: Price Graeme E. , Gaszewska-Mastarlarz Anna , Moskophidis Demetrius
Published: July 2002

During influenza virus infection innate and adaptive immune defenses are activated to eliminate the virus and thereby bring about recovery from illness. Both arms of the adaptive immune system, antibody neutralization of free virus and termination of intracellular virus replication by antiviral cytotoxic T cells (CTLs), play pivotal roles in virus elimination and protection from disease. Innate cytokine responses, such as alpha/beta interferon (IFN-α/β) or IFN-γ, can have roles in determining the rate of virus replication in the initial stages of infection and in shaping the initial inflammatory and downstream adaptive immune responses. The effect of these cytokines on the replication of pneumotropic influenza A virus in the respiratory tract and in the regulation of adaptive antiviral immunity was examined after intranasal infection of mice with null mutations in receptors for IFN-α/β, IFN-γ, and both IFNs. Virus titers in the lungs of mice unable to respond to IFNs were not significantly different from congenic controls for both primary and secondary infection. Likewise the mice were comparably susceptible to X31 (H3N2) influenza virus infection. No significant disruption to the development of normal antiviral CTL or antibody responses was observed. In contrast, mice bearing the disrupted IFN-α/β receptor exhibited accelerated kinetics and significantly higher levels of neutralizing antibody activity during primary or secondary heterosubtypic influenza virus infection. Thus, these observations reveal no significant contribution for IFN-controlled pathways in shaping acute or memory T-cell responses to pneumotropic influenza virus infection but do indicate some role for IFN-α/β in the regulation of antibody responses. Recognizing the pivotal role of CTLs and antibody in virus clearance, it is reasonable to assume a redundancy in IFN-mediated antiviral effects in pulmonary influenza. However, IFN-α/β seems to be a valid factor in determining tissue tropism and replicative rates of highly virulent influenza virus strains as reported previously by others, and this aspect is discussed here.
A Single Intramuscular Injection of Recombinant Plasmid DNA Induces Protective Immunity and Prevents Japanese Encephalitis in Mice
Authors: Chang Gwong-Jen J. , Hunt Ann R. , Davis Brent
Published: July 2002

Plasmid vectors containing Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) premembrane (prM) and envelope (E) genes were constructed that expressed prM and E proteins under the control of a cytomegalovirus immediate-early gene promoter. COS-1 cells transformed with this plasmid vector (JE-4B clone) secreted JEV-specific extracellular particles (EPs) into the culture media. Groups of outbred ICR mice were given one or two doses of recombinant plasmid DNA or two doses of the commercial vaccine JEVAX. All mice that received one or two doses of DNA vaccine maintained JEV-specific antibodies 18 months after initial immunization. JEVAX induced 100% seroconversion in 3-week-old mice; however, none of the 3-day-old mice had enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay titers higher than 1:400. Female mice immunized with this DNA vaccine developed plaque reduction neutralization antibody titers of between 1:20 and 1:160 and provided 45 to 100% passive protection to their progeny following intraperitoneal challenge with 5,000 PFU of virulent JEV strain SA14. Seven-week-old adult mice that had received a single dose of JEV DNA vaccine when 3 days of age were completely protected from a 50,000-PFU JEV intraperitoneal challenge. These results demonstrate that a recombinant plasmid DNA which produced JEV EPs in vitro is an effective vaccine.
Stable High-Level Expression of Heterologous Genes In Vitro and In Vivo by Noncytopathic DNA-Based Kunjin Virus Replicon Vectors
Authors: Varnavski Andrei N. , Young Paul R. , Khromykh Alexander A.
Published: July 2002

Primary features of the flavivirus Kunjin (KUN) subgenomic replicons include continuous noncytopathic replication in host cell cytoplasm and the ability to be encapsidated into secreted virus-like particles (VLPs). Previously we reported preparation of RNA-based KUN replicon vectors and expression of heterologous genes (HG) in cell culture after RNA transfection or after infection with recombinant KUN VLPs (A. N. Varnavski and A. A. Khromykh, Virology 255:366–375, 1999). In this study we describe the development of the next generation of KUN replicon vectors, which allow synthesis of replicon RNA in vivo from corresponding plasmid DNAs. These DNA-based vectors were able to direct stable expression of β-galactosidase (β-Gal) in several mammalian cell lines, and expression remained high (∼150 pg per cell) throughout cell passaging. The applicability of these vectors in vivo was demonstrated by β-Gal expression in the mouse lung epithelium for at least 8 weeks after intranasal inoculation and induction of anti-β-Gal antibody response after intramuscular inoculation of the β-Gal-encoding KUN replicon DNA. The noncytopathic nature of DNA-based KUN replicon vectors combined with high-level and stability of HG expression in a broad range of host cells should prove them to be useful in a variety of applications in vitro and in vivo.
Direct Ex Vivo Measurement of CD8+T-Lymphocyte Responses to Human Parvovirus B19
Authors: Tolfvenstam T. , Oxenius A. , Price D. A. , Shacklett B. L. , Spiegel H. M. L. , Hedman K. , Norbeck O. , Levi M. , Olsen K. , Kantzanou M. , Nixon D. F. , Broliden K. , Klenerman P.
Published: July 2002

Parvovirus B19 is a common human pathogen which can cause severe syndromes, including aplastic anemia and fetal hydrops. The mapping of the first parvovirus B19-derived CD8+T-lymphocyte epitope is described. This HLA-B35-restricted peptide derives from the nonstructural (NS1) protein and is strongly immunogenic in B19 virus-seropositive donors.
Tracking the Spread of a
lacZ
-Tagged Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 between the Eye and the Nervous System of the Mouse: Comparison of Primary and Recurrent Infection
Authors: Shimeld Carolyn , Efstathiou Stacey , Hill Terry
Published: July 2002

The spread of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) during primary ocular infection and after reactivation of latent infection in the trigeminal ganglion (TG) was examined in the mouse using a genetically modified virus containing the
lacZ
reporter gene under the control of the immediate-early 110 promoter. Whole tissue mounts of the eye and lids, their sensory nerves, and TG with the attached dorsal root entry zone (DRE) into the central nervous system (CNS) were stained for β-galactosidase. Sixteen hours after inoculation of the cornea by scarification, staining was found in the scarified epithelium of the cornea and in the unscarified conjunctiva. By 24 h, staining was also seen in a few TG neurons and by 96 h their number had greatly increased and their distribution was more widespread. Stained cells (identified as Schwann cells by their staining for glial fibrillary acidic protein [GFAP] or S-100) in the TG were first seen close to stained neurons at 40 h, and by 48 h lines of such cells extended partway toward the periphery and toward the DRE. By 72 h, these lines had reached the periphery and the DRE where the adjacent CNS was also stained. In the cornea, stained cells with the morphology and arrangement of Schwann cells were seen from 40 to 120 h. After reactivation of latent infection, 10 of 22 samples had positively stained neurons. In eight samples, corneal and lid epithelial cells were stained. No stained Schwann cells were seen in the TG; however, branched networks of such cells were present in the cornea and the lids. This detailed sequential analysis has provided new information on the involvement of Schwann cells in the pathogenesis of primary and recurrent HSV-1 disease in the TG and the cornea.
Hepatitis B Virus Large Envelope Protein Interacts with γ2-Adaptin, a Clathrin Adaptor-Related Protein
Authors: Hartmann-Stühler Cora , Prange Reinhild
Published: July 2002

For the outcome of a hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, the viral L envelope protein with its pre-S domain performs pivotal functions by mediating attachment of HBV to liver cells, envelopment of viral capsids, release of (sub)viral particles, regulation of supercoiled DNA amplification, and transcriptional transactivation. To assess its multiple functions and host-protein assistance involved, we initiated a two-hybrid screen using the L-specific pre-S1 domain as bait. With this approach, we have identified γ2-adaptin, a putative member of the clathrin adaptor proteins responsible for protein sorting and trafficking, as a specific binding partner of L protein. Evidence for a physical interaction between L protein and γ2-adaptin was also demonstrated by affinity chromatography and coimmunoprecipitation, and the binding sites were mapped to the L-specific pre-S1 domain and the γ2-adaptin-specific ear domain. The specificity of the interaction was further sustained by the failure of γ1-adaptin, a closely related γ2-adaptin homologue, to associate with L protein. Analysis of an L mutant protein indicates that the L–γ2-adaptin interaction strictly depends on the pre-S1 domain of transmembrane L protein oriented to the cytosol and thus appears to occur in the cytosolic environment. Interestingly, coexpression of the two interacting partners in transfected cells resulted in recruitment of γ2-adaptin by L protein onto
cis
-Golgi-like structures, strongly indicating that the association is physiologically relevant. Together, the results suggest a role for γ2-adaptin in L-mediated processes of viral biogenesis and/or pathogenesis, such as facilitating and guiding HBV assembly.
Physical and Functional Interactions between the Corepressor CtBP and the Epstein-Barr Virus Nuclear Antigen EBNA3C
Authors: Touitou Robert , Hickabottom Mark , Parker Gillian , Crook Tim , Allday Martin J.
Published: July 2002

CtBP has been shown to be a highly conserved corepressor of transcription. E1A and all the various transcription factors to which CtBP binds contain a conserved PLDLS CtBP-interacting domain, and EBNA3C includes a PLDLS motif (amino acids [aa] 728 to 732). Here we show that EBNA3C binds to CtBP both in vitro and in vivo and that the interaction requires an intact PLDLS. The C terminus of EBNA3C (aa 580 to 992) has modest
trans
-repressor activity when it is fused to the DNA-binding domain of Gal4, and deletion or mutation of the PLDLS sequence ablates this and unmasks a transactivation function within the fragment. However, loss of the CtBP interaction motif had little effect on the ability of full-length EBNA3C to repress transcription. A striking correlation between CtBP binding and the capacity of EBNA3C to cooperate with (Ha-)Ras in the immortalization and transformation of primary rat embryo fibroblasts was also revealed.
Specific Interaction of a Novel Foamy Virus Env Leader Protein with the N-Terminal Gag Domain
Authors: Wilk Thomas , Geiselhart Verena , Frech Matthias , Fuller Stephen D. , Flügel Rolf M. , Löchelt Martin
Published: July 2002

Cryoelectron micrographs of purified human foamy virus (HFV) and feline foamy virus (FFV) particles revealed distinct radial arrangements of Gag proteins. The capsids were surrounded by an internal Gag layer that in turn was surrounded by, and separated from, the viral membrane. The width of this layer was about 8 nm for HFV and 3.8 nm for FFV. This difference in width is assumed to reflect the different sizes of the HFV and FFV MA domains: the HFV MA domain is about 130 residues longer than that of FFV. The distances between the MA layer and the edge of the capsid were identical in different particle classes. In contrast, only particles with a distended envelope displayed an invariant, close spacing between the MA layer and the Env membrane which was absent in the majority of particles. This indicates a specific interaction between MA and Env at an unknown step of morphogenesis. This observation was supported by surface plasmon resonance studies. The purified N-terminal domain of FFV Gag specifically interacted with synthetic peptides and a defined protein domain derived from the N-terminal Env leader protein. The specificity of this interaction was demonstrated by using peptides varying in the conserved Trp residues that are known to be required for HFV budding. The interaction with Gag required residues within the novel virion-associated FFV Env leader protein of about 16.5 kDa.
Rescue of Recombinant
Thogoto Virus
from Cloned cDNA
Authors: Wagner Elke , Engelhardt Othmar G. , Gruber Simone , Haller Otto , Kochs Georg
Published: July 2002

Thogoto virus
(THOV) is a tick-transmitted orthomyxovirus with a genome consisting of six negative-stranded RNA segments. To rescue a recombinant THOV, the viral structural proteins were produced from expression plasmids by means of a vaccinia virus expressing the T7 RNA polymerase. Genomic virus RNAs (vRNAs) were generated from plasmids under the control of the RNA polymerase I promoter. Using this system, we could efficiently recover recombinant THOV following transfection of 12 plasmids into 293T cells. To verify the recombinant nature of the rescued virus, specific genetic tags were introduced into two vRNA segments. The availability of this efficient reverse genetics system will allow us to address hitherto-unanswered questions regarding the biology of THOV by manipulating viral genes in the context of infectious virus.
Localization to the Nucleolus Is a Common Feature of Coronavirus Nucleoproteins, and the Protein May Disrupt Host Cell Division
Authors: Wurm Torsten , Chen Hongying , Hodgson Teri , Britton Paul , Brooks Gavin , Hiscox Julian A.
Published: July 2002

The subcellular localization of transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) and mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) (group I and group II coronaviruses, respectively) nucleoproteins (N proteins) were examined by confocal microscopy. The proteins were shown to localize either to the cytoplasm alone or to the cytoplasm and a structure in the nucleus. This feature was confirmed to be the nucleolus by using specific antibodies to nucleolin, a major component of the nucleolus, and by confocal microscopy to image sections through a cell expressing N protein. These findings are consistent with our previous report for infectious bronchitis virus (group III coronavirus) (J. A. Hiscox et al.
,
J. Virol. 75:506–512, 2001), indicating that nucleolar localization of the N protein is a common feature of the coronavirus family and is possibly of functional significance. Nucleolar localization signals were identified in the domain III region of the N protein from all three coronavirus groups, and this suggested that transport of N protein to the nucleus might be an active process. In addition, our results suggest that the N protein might function to disrupt cell division. Thus, we observed that approximately 30% of cells transfected with the N protein appeared to be undergoing cell division. The most likely explanation for this is that the N protein induced a cell cycle delay or arrest, most likely in the G
2
/M phase. In a fraction of transfected cells expressing coronavirus N proteins, we observed multinucleate cells and dividing cells with nucleoli (which are only present during interphase). These findings are consistent with the possible inhibition of cytokinesis in these cells.
Identification of a Central DNA Flap in Feline Immunodeficiency Virus
Authors: Whitwam Todd , Peretz Mary , Poeschla Eric
Published: July 2002

A duplication of the polypurine tract (PPT) at the center of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) genome (the cPPT) has been shown to prime a separate plus-strand initiation and to result in a plus-strand displacement (DNA flap) that plays a role in nuclear import of the viral preintegration complex. Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a lentivirus that infects nondividing cells, causes progressive CD4
+
T-cell depletion, and has been used as a substrate for lentiviral vectors. However, the PPT sequence is not duplicated elsewhere in the FIV genome and a central plus-strand initiation or strand displacement has not been identified. Using Southern blotting of S1 nuclease-digested FIV preintegration complexes isolated from infected cells, we detected a single-strand discontinuity at the approximate center of the reverse-transcribed genome. Primer extension analyses assigned the gap to the plus strand, and mapped the 5′ terminus of the downstream (D+) segment to a guanine residue in a purine-rich tract in
pol
(AAAAGAAGAGGTA
G
GA). RACE experiments then mapped the 3′ terminus of the upstream plus (U+)-strand segment to a T nucleotide located 88 nucleotides downstream of the D+ strand 5′ terminus, thereby identifying the extent of D+ strand displacement and the central termination sequence of this virus. Unlike HIV, the FIV cPPT is significantly divergent in sequence from its 3′ counterpart (AAAAAAGAAAAAAGGGTGG) and contains one and in some cases two pyrimidines. An invariant thymidine located −2 to the D+ strand origin is neither required nor optimal for codon usage at this position. Although the mapped cPPTs of FIV and HIV-1 act in
cis
, they encode homologous amino acids in integrase.
Arginine-Glycine-Aspartic Acid Motif Is Critical for Human Parechovirus 1 Entry
Authors: Boonyakiat Yingmanee , Hughes Pamela J. , Ghazi Farideh , Stanway Glyn
Published: July 2002

The human parechovirus 1 RGD motif in VP1 was studied by mutagenesis. An RGD-to-RGE change gave only revertant viruses with a restored RGD, while deletion of GD was lethal and nonrevertable. Mutations at the +1 and +2 positions had some effect on growth properties and a +1 M-to-P change was lethal. These studies indicate that the RGD motif plays a critical role in infectivity, presumably by interacting with integrins, and that downstream amino acids can have an influence on function.
Resistance to Nucleoside Analog Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors Mediated by Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 p6 Protein
Authors: Peters Solange , Muñoz Miguel , Yerly Sabine , Sanchez-Merino Victor , Lopez-Galindez Cecilio , Perrin Luc , Larder Brendan , Cmarko Dusan , Fakan Stanislav , Meylan Pascal , Telenti Amalio
Published: July 2002

Resistance of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) to antiretroviral agents results from target gene mutation within the
pol
gene, which encodes the viral protease, reverse transcriptase (RT), and integrase. We speculated that mutations in genes other that the drug target could lead to drug resistance. For this purpose, the p1-p6

gag

-p6

pol

region of HIV-1, placed immediately upstream of
pol
, was analyzed. This region has the potential to alter Pol through frameshift regulation (
p1
), through improved packaging of viral enzymes (p6
Gag
), or by changes in activation of the viral protease (p6
Pol
). Duplication of the proline-rich p6
Gag
PTAP motif, necessary for late viral cycle activities, was identified in plasma virus from 47 of 222 (21.2%) patients treated with nucleoside analog RT inhibitor (NRTI) antiretroviral therapy but was identified very rarely from drug-naı̈ve individuals. Molecular clones carrying a 3-amino-acid duplication, APPAPP (transframe duplication SPTSPT in p6
Pol
), displayed a delay in protein maturation; however, they packaged a 34% excess of RT and exhibited a marked competitive growth advantage in the presence of NRTIs. This phenotype is reminiscent of the inoculum effect described in bacteriology, where a larger input, or a greater infectivity of an organism with a wild-type antimicrobial target, leads to escape from drug pressure and a higher MIC in vitro. Though the mechanism by which the PTAP region participates in viral maturation is not known, duplication of this proline-rich motif could improve assembly and packaging at membrane locations, resulting in the observed phenotype of increased infectivity and drug resistance.
Interleukin-7 in Plasma Correlates with CD4 T-Cell Depletion and May Be Associated with Emergence of Syncytium-Inducing Variants in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1-Positive Individuals
Authors: Llano Anuska , Barretina Jordi , Gutiérrez Arantxa , Blanco Julià , Cabrera Cecilia , Clotet Bonaventura , Esté José A.
Published: July 2002

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) primary infection is characterized by the use of CCR5 as a coreceptor for viral entry, which is associated with the non-syncytium-inducing (NSI) phenotype in lymphoid cells. Syncytium-inducing (SI) variants of HIV-1 appear in advanced stages of HIV-1 infection and are characterized by the use of CXCR4 as a coreceptor. The emergence of SI variants is accompanied by a rapid decrease in the number of T cells. However, it is unclear why SI variants emerge and what factors trigger the evolution of HIV from R5 to X4 variants. Interleukin-7 (IL-7), a cytokine produced by stromal cells of the thymus and bone marrow and by keratin, is known to play a key role in T-cell development. We evaluated IL-7 levels in plasma of healthy donors and HIV-positive patients and found significantly higher levels in HIV-positive patients. There was a negative correlation between circulating IL-7 levels and CD4+T-cell count in HIV-positive patients (r= −0.621;P< 0.001), suggesting that IL-7 may be involved in HIV-induced T-cell depletion and disease progression. IL-7 levels were higher in individuals who harbored SI variants and who had progressed to having CD4 cell counts of lower than 200 cells/μl than in individuals with NSI variants at a similar stage of disease. IL-7 induced T-cell proliferation and up-regulated CXCR4 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in vitro. Taken together, our results suggest a role for IL-7 in the maintenance of T-cell regeneration and depletion by HIV in infected individuals and a possible relationship between IL-7 levels and the emergence of SI variants.
Assembly and Maturation of the Flavivirus Kunjin Virus Appear To Occur in the Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum and along the Secretory Pathway, Respectively
Authors: Mackenzie Jason M. , Westaway Edwin G.
Published: July 2002

The intracellular assembly site for flaviviruses in currently not known but is presumed to be located within the lumen of the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER). Building on previous studies involving immunofluorescence (IF) and cryoimmunoelectron microscopy of Kunjin virus (KUN)-infected cells, we sought to identify the steps involved in the assembly and maturation of KUN. Thus, using antibodies directed against envelope protein E in IF analysis, we found the accumulation of E within regions coincident with the RER and endosomal compartments. Immunogold labeling of cryosections of infected cells indicated that E and minor envelope protein prM were localized to reticulum membranes continuous with KUN-induced convoluted membranes (CM) or paracrystalline arrays (PC) and that sometimes the RER contained immunogold-labeled virus particles. Both proteins were also observed to be labeled in membranes at the periphery of the induced CM or PC structures, but the latter were very seldom labeled internally. Utilizing drugs that inhibit protein and/or membrane traffic throughout the cell, we found that the secretion of KUN particles late in infection was significantly affected in the presence of brefeldin A and that the infectivity of secreted particles was severely affected in the presence of monensin and
N
-nonyl-deoxynojirimycin. Nocodazole did not appear to affect maturation, suggesting that microtubules play no role in assembly or maturation processes. Subsequently, we showed that the exit of intact virions from the RER involves the transport of individual virions within individual vesicles en route to the Golgi apparatus. The results suggest that the assembly of virions occurs within the lumen of the RER and that subsequent maturation occurs via the secretory pathway.
Secondary Structural Elements within the 3′ Untranslated Region of Mouse Hepatitis Virus Strain JHM Genomic RNA
Authors: Liu Qi , Johnson Reed F. , Leibowitz Julian L.
Published: July 2002

Previously, we characterized two host protein binding elements located within the 3′-terminal 166 nucleotides of the mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) genome and assessed their functions in defective-interfering (DI) RNA replication. To determine the role of RNA secondary structures within these two host protein binding elements in viral replication, we explored the secondary structure of the 3′-terminal 166 nucleotides of the MHV strain JHM genome using limited RNase digestion assays. Our data indicate that multiple stem-loop and hairpin-loop structures exist within this region. Mutant and wild-type DIssEs were employed to test the function of secondary structure elements in DI RNA replication. Three stem structures were chosen as targets for the introduction of transversion mutations designed to destroy base pairing structures. Mutations predicted to destroy the base pairing of nucleotides 142 to 136 with nucleotides 68 to 74 exhibited a deleterious effect on DIssE replication. Destruction of base pairing between positions 96 to 99 and 116 to 113 also decreased DI RNA replication. Mutations interfering with the pairing of nucleotides 67 to 63 with nucleotides 52 to 56 had only minor effects on DIssE replication. The introduction of second complementary mutations which restored the predicted base pairing of positions 142 to 136 with 68 to 74 and nucleotides 96 to 99 with 116 to 113 largely ameliorated defects in replication ability, restoring DI RNA replication to levels comparable to that of wild-type DIssE RNA, suggesting that these secondary structures are important for efficient MHV replication. We also identified a conserved 23-nucleotide stem-loop structure involving nucleotides 142 to 132 and nucleotides 68 to 79. The upstream side of this conserved stem-loop is contained within a host protein binding element (nucleotides 166 to 129).
CREB-Binding Protein and Histone Deacetylase Regulate the Transcriptional Activity of Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Open Reading Frame 50
Authors: Gwack Yousang , Byun Hyewon , Hwang Seungmin , Lim Chunghun , Choe Joonho
Published: July 2002

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS)-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) open reading frame 50 (ORF50) encodes a viral transcriptional activator, which binds to the KSHV promoter and stimulates the transcription of viral early and late genes, thus activating the lytic cycle of KSHV. We report here that KSHV ORF50 binds to the cellular proteins CREB-binding protein (CBP) and histone deacetylase (HDAC) and these binding events modulate ORF50-activated viral transcription. Binding of ORF50 to CBP and HDAC activates and represses, respectively, ORF50-mediated viral transcription. KSHV ORF50 was shown to bind to the C/H3 domain and the C-terminal transcriptional activation domain of CBP, while CBP bound to the amino-terminal basic domain and the carboxyl-terminal transactivation domain of ORF50. The LXXLL motif within the transcriptional activation domain of ORF50 is reminiscent of the CBP-binding sequence found in nuclear receptor proteins. The adenovirus E1A protein, which also binds to the C/H3 domain of CBP, repressed the transcriptional activation activity of ORF50. The cellular protein c-Jun, which binds to the kinase-induced activation domain of ORF50, stimulated ORF50-mediated viral transcription. The HDAC1-interacting domain of ORF50 was shown to be a central proline-rich sequence. Our data provide a framework for delineating the regulatory mechanisms used by KSHV to modulate its transcription and replication through interaction with both histone acetyltransferases and HDACs.
Entry of Human Parechovirus 1
Authors: Joki-Korpela Päivi , Marjomäki Varpu , Krogerus Camilla , Heino Jyrki , Hyypiä Timo
Published: July 2002

Human parechovirus 1 (HPEV-1) is a prototype member of parechoviruses, a recently established picornavirus genus. Although there is preliminary evidence that HPEV-1 recognizes α
V
integrins as cellular receptors, our understanding of early events during HPEV-1 infection is still very limited. The aim of this study was to clarify the entry mechanisms of HPEV-1, including the attachment of the virus onto the host cell surface and subsequent internalization. In blocking experiments with monoclonal antibodies against different receptor candidates, antibodies against α
V
and β
3
integrin subunits, in particular in combination, appeared to be the most efficient ones in preventing the HPEV-1 infection. To find out whether HPEV-1 uses clathrin-coated vesicles or other routes for the entry into the host cell, we carried out double-labeling experiments of virus-infected cells with anti-HPEV-1 antibodies and antibodies against known markers of the clathrin and the caveolin routes. At the early phase of infection (5 min postinfection [p.i.]) HPEV-1 colocalized with EEA1 (early endosomes), and later, after 30 min p.i., it colocalized with mannose-6-phosphate receptor (late endosomes), whereas no colocalization with caveolin-1 was observed. The data indicate that HPEV-1 utilizes the clathrin-dependent endocytic pathway for entry into the host cells. Interestingly, endocytosed HPEV-1 capsid proteins were observed in the endoplasmic reticulum and
cis
-Golgi network 30 to 60 min p.i. Depolymerization of microtubules with nocodazole inhibited translocation of the virus to the late endosomes but did not block HPEV-1 replication, suggesting that the RNA genome may be released early during the entry process.
Self-Assembly of Nucleocapsid-Like Particles from Recombinant Hepatitis C Virus Core Protein
Authors: Kunkel Meghan , Lorinczi Marta , Rijnbrand René , Lemon Stanley M. , Watowich Stanley J.
Published: July 2002

Little is known about the assembly pathway and structure of hepatitis C virus (HCV) since insufficient quantities of purified virus are available for detailed biophysical and structural studies. Here, we show that bacterially expressed HCV core proteins can efficiently self-assemble in vitro into nucleocapsid-like particles. These particles have a regular, spherical morphology with a modal distribution of diameters of approximately 60 nm. Self-assembly of nucleocapsid-like particles requires structured RNA molecules. The 124 N-terminal residues of the core protein are sufficient for self-assembly into nucleocapsid-like particles. Inclusion of the carboxy-terminal domain of the core protein modifies the core assembly pathway such that the resultant particles have an irregular outline. However, these particles are similar in size and shape to those assembled from the 124 N-terminal residues of the core protein. These results provide novel opportunities to delineate protein-protein and protein-RNA interactions critical for HCV assembly, to study the molecular details of HCV assembly, and for performing high-throughput screening of assembly inhibitors.
Capsid Structure of Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus, a Gammaherpesvirus, Compared to Those of an Alphaherpesvirus, Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1, and a Betaherpesvirus, Cytomegalovirus
Authors: Trus Benes L. , Heymann J. Bernard , Nealon Karin , Cheng Naiqian , Newcomb William W. , Brown Jay C. , Kedes Dean H. , Steven Alasdair C.
Published: July 2002

The capsid of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) was visualized at 24-Å resolution by cryoelectron microscopy. Despite limited sequence similarity between corresponding capsid proteins, KSHV has the same T=16 triangulation number and much the same capsid architecture as herpes simplex virus (HSV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV). Its capsomers are hexamers and pentamers of the major capsid protein, forming a shell with a flat, close-packed, inner surface (the “floor”) and chimney-like external protrusions. Overlying the floor at trigonal positions are (αβ
2
) heterotrimers called triplexes. The floor structure is well conserved over all three viruses, and the most variable capsid features reside on the outer surface, i.e., in the shapes of the protrusions and triplexes, in which KSHV resembles CMV and differs from HSV. Major capsid protein sequences from the three subfamilies have some similarity, which is closer between KSHV and CMV than between either virus and HSV. The triplex proteins are less highly conserved, but sequence analysis identifies relatively conserved tracts. In alphaherpesviruses, the α-subunit (VP19c in HSV) has a 100-residue N-terminal extension and an insertion near the C terminus. The small basic capsid protein sequences are highly divergent: whereas the HSV and CMV proteins bind only to hexons, difference mapping suggests that the KSHV protein, ORF65, binds around the tips of both hexons and pentons.
Virus-Specific and Bystander CD8+T-Cell Proliferation in the Acute and Persistent Phases of a Gammaherpesvirus Infection
Authors: Belz Gabrielle T. , Doherty Peter C.
Published: July 2002

The cycling characteristics of CD8+T cells specific for two lytic-phase epitopes of murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (γHV68) have been analyzed for mice with high or low levels of virus persistence. The extent of cell division is generally reflective of the antigen load and suggests that γHV68 may be regularly reactivating from latency for some months after the resolution of the acute phase of the infectious process. Although γHV68 infection is also associated with massive proliferation of lymphocytes that are not obviously specific for the virus, the level of “bystander-induced” cycling in a population of influenza virus-specific CD8+T cells was generally fourfold lower than the extent of cell division seen for the antigen-driven, γHV68-specific response. The overall conclusion is that turnover rates substantially in excess of 5 to 10% over 6 days for CD8+“memory” T-cell populations are likely to be reflective of continued antigenic exposure.
Neither
LAT
nor Open Reading Frame
P
Mutations Increase Expression of Spliced or Intron-Containing
ICP0
Transcripts in Mouse Ganglia Latently Infected with Herpes Simplex Virus
Authors: Chen Shun-Hua , Lee Lily Yeh , Garber David A. , Schaffer Priscilla A. , Knipe David M. , Coen Donald M.
Published: July 2002

Latent infections by herpes simplex virus are characterized by repression of productive-cycle gene expression. Several hypotheses to explain this repression involve inhibition of expression of the immediate-early gene activator ICP0 during latency. To address these hypotheses, we developed quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR assays that detected spliced and intron-containing
ICP0
transcripts in mouse ganglia latently infected with wild-type virus. In these ganglia, the numbers of spliced
ICP0
transcripts correlated better with the numbers of transcripts from the immediate-early gene encoding ICP4 than with those from the early gene encoding thymidine kinase. There were fewer spliced than intron-containing
ICP0
transcripts on average, with considerable ganglion-to-ganglion variation. We then investigated whether
ICP0
expression in latently infected ganglia is reduced by the latency-associated transcripts (LATs) and whether splicing of
ICP0
transcripts is inhibited by the product of open reading frame (ORF) P. A
LAT
deletion mutation which essentially eliminates expression of the major LATs did not appreciably increase levels of
ICP0
transcripts.
LAT
deletion mutants did, however, appear to express reduced levels of intron-containing
ICP0
transcripts.
ORF P
mutations did not alter levels of
ICP0
transcripts in a manner consistent with inhibition of
ICP0
splicing by ORF P. Although these results argue against antisense inhibition of
ICP0
expression by LATs or inhibition of
ICP0
splicing by ORF P, they are consistent with the possibilities of a block between immediate-early and early gene expression and regulation of spliced versus intron-containing
ICP0
transcripts in latently infected ganglia.
Eukaryotic Elongation Factor 1A Interacts with the Upstream Pseudoknot Domain in the 3′ Untranslated Region of Tobacco Mosaic Virus RNA
Authors: Zeenko Vladimir V. , Ryabova Lyubov A. , Spirin Alexander S. , Rothnie Helen M. , Hess Daniel , Browning Karen S. , Hohn Thomas
Published: July 2002

The genomic RNA of tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), like that of other positive-strand RNA viruses, acts as a template for both translation and replication. The highly structured 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of TMV RNAs plays an important role in both processes; it is not polyadenylated but ends with a tRNA-like structure (TLS) preceded by a conserved upstream pseudoknot domain (UPD). The TLS of tobamoviral RNAs can be specifically aminoacylated and, in this state, can interact with eukaryotic elongation factor 1A (eEF1A)/GTP with high affinity. Using a UV cross-linking assay, we detected another specific binding site for eEF1A/GTP, within the UPDs of TMV and crucifer-infecting tobamovirus (crTMV), that does not require aminoacylation. A mutational analysis revealed that UPD pseudoknot conformation and some conserved primary sequence elements are required for this interaction. Its possible role in the regulation of tobamovirus gene expression and replication is discussed.
Chemokine Expression in the Central Nervous System of Mice with a Viral Disease Resembling Multiple Sclerosis: Roles of CD4+and CD8+T Cells and Viral Persistence
Authors: Ransohoff R. M. , Wei T. , Pavelko K. D. , Lee J.-C. , Murray P. D. , Rodriguez M.
Published: July 2002

During the first 45 days after intracerebral infection with Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV), the levels of mRNAs encoding chemokines MCP-1/CCL2, RANTES/CCL5, and IP-10/CXCL10 in the central nervous system (CNS) are closely related to the sites of virus gene expression and tissue inflammation. In the present study, these chemokines were monitored during the latter 135 days of a 6-month course of TMEV-induced disease in susceptible (PLJ) or resistant (C57BL/6) mice that possessed or lacked either CD4+or CD8+T cells. These data were additionally correlated to mouse genotype, virus persistence in the CNS, antiviral antibody titers, mortality, and the severity of neurological disease. Surprisingly, the major determinant of chemokine expression was virus persistence: the factors of susceptible or resistant genotype, severity of neuropathology, and presence or absence of regulatory T cells exerted minimal effects. Our observations indicated that chemokine expression in the CNS in this chronic viral disorder was intrinsic to the CNS innate immune response to infection and was not governed by elements of the adaptive immune system.
Mechanism of Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Induced Complement Expression in Astrocytes and Neurons
Authors: Speth Cornelia , Schabetsberger Thomas , Mohsenipour Iradji , Stöckl Gabriele , Würzner Reinhard , Stoiber Heribert , Lass-Flörl Cornelia , Dierich Manfred P.
Published: July 2002

The cerebral complement system is hypothesized to contribute to neurodegeneration in the pathogenesis of AIDS-associated neurological disorders. Our former results have shown that the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) strongly induces the synthesis of complement factor C3 in astrocytes. This upregulation explains in vivo data showing elevated complement levels in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with AIDS-associated neurological symptoms. Since inhibition of complement synthesis and activation in the brain may represent a putative therapeutic goal to prevent virus-induced damage, we analyzed in detail the mechanisms of HIV-induced modulation of C3 expression. HIV-1 increased the C3 levels in astrocyte culture supernatants from 30 to up to 400 ng/ml; signal transduction studies revealed that adenylate cyclase activation with upregulation of cyclic AMP is the central signaling pathway to mediate that increase. Furthermore, activity of protein kinase C is necessary for HIV induction of C3, since inhibition of protein kinase C by prolonged exposure to the phorbol ester tetradecanoyl phorbol acetate partly abolished the HIV effect. The cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha and gamma interferon were not involved in mediating the HIV-induced C3 upregulation, since neutralizing antibodies had no effect. Besides whole HIV virions, the purified viral proteins Nef and gp41 are biologically active in upregulating C3, whereas Tat, gp120, and gp160 were not able to modulate C3 synthesis. Further experiments revealed that neurons were also able to respond on incubation with HIV with increased C3 synthesis, although the precise pattern was slightly different from that in astrocytes. This strengthens the hypothesis that HIV-induced complement synthesis represents an important mechanism for the pathogenesis of AIDS in the brain.
RNA Replication of Mouse Hepatitis Virus Takes Place at Double-Membrane Vesicles
Authors: Gosert Rainer , Kanjanahaluethai Amornrat , Egger Denise , Bienz Kurt , Baker Susan C.
Published: July 2002

The replication complexes (RCs) of positive-stranded RNA viruses are intimately associated with cellular membranes. To investigate membrane alterations and to characterize the RC of mouse hepatitis virus (MHV), we performed biochemical and ultrastructural studies using MHV-infected cells. Biochemical fractionation showed that all 10 of the MHV gene 1 polyprotein products examined pelleted with the membrane fraction, consistent with membrane association of the RC. Furthermore, MHV gene 1 products p290, p210, and p150 and the p150 cleavage product membrane protein 1 (MP1, also called p44) were resistant to extraction with Triton X-114, indicating that they are integral membrane proteins. The ultrastructural analysis revealed double-membrane vesicles (DMVs) in the cytoplasm of MHV-infected cells. The DMVs were found either as separate entities or as small clusters of vesicles. To determine whether MHV proteins and viral RNA were associated with the DMVs, we performed immunocytochemistry electron microscopy (IEM). We found that the DMVs were labeled using an antiserum directed against proteins derived from open reading frame 1a of MHV. By electron microscopy in situ hybridization (ISH) using MHV-specific RNA probes, DMVs were highly labeled for both gene 1 and gene 7 sequences. By combined ISH and IEM, positive-stranded RNA and viral proteins localized to the same DMVs. Finally, viral RNA synthesis was detected by labeling with 5-bromouridine 5′-triphosphate. Newly synthesized viral RNA was found to be associated with the DMVs. We conclude from these data that the DMVs carry the MHV RNA replication complex and are the site of MHV RNA synthesis.
Minute Virus of Mice NS1 Interacts with the SMN Protein, and They Colocalize in Novel Nuclear Bodies Induced by Parvovirus Infection
Authors: Young Philip J. , Jensen Klaus T. , Burger Lisa R. , Pintel David J. , Lorson Christian L.
Published: July 2002

The human
survival motor neuron
(
SMN
) gene is the spinal muscular atrophy-determining gene, and a knockout of the murine
Smn
gene results in preembryonic lethality. Here we show that SMN can directly interact in vitro and in vivo with the large nonstructural protein NS1 of the autonomous parvovirus minute virus of mice (MVM), a protein essential for viral replication and a potent transcriptional activator. Typically, SMN localizes within nuclear Cajal bodies and diffusely in the cytoplasm. Following transient NS1expression, SMN and NS1 colocalize within Cajal bodies. At early time points following parvovirus infection, NS1 fails to colocalize with SMN within Cajal bodies; however, during the course of MVM infection, dramatic nuclear alterations occur. Formerly distinct nuclear bodies such as Cajal bodies, promyelocytic leukemia gene product (PML) oncogenic domains (PODs), speckles, and autonomous parvovirus-associated replication (APAR) bodies are seen aggregating at later points in infection. These newly formed large nuclear bodies (termed SMN-associated APAR bodies) are active sites of viral replication and viral capsid assembly. These results highlight the transient nature of nuclear bodies and their contents and identify a novel nuclear body formed during infection. Furthermore, simple transient expression of the viral nonstructural proteins is insufficient to induce this nuclear reorganization, suggesting that this event is induced specifically by a step in the viral infection process.
Conformational Analysis of 2,4-Disubstituted 9-Oxobicyclo[3.3.1]nonane Derivatives
Authors: Camps Pelayo , Castañé Joan , Jaime Carlos , Pérez Francesc , Vázquez Santiago
Published: July 2002

The conformational analysis of several 2,4-disubstituted 9-oxobicyclo[3.3.1]nonane derivatives (diesters IIIb and IIIc, and dihalo compounds IV, Va, Vb and VI) derived from 9-oxobicyclo[3.3.1]nonane-exo-2, exo-4-dicarboxylic acid has been studied by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy with the aid of Molecular Mechanics Calculations (MM3 program).