- Volume 73, Issue 8, 1992
Volume 73, Issue 8, 1992
- Animal
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Transmission of bovine spongiform encephalopathy and scrapie to mice
More LessTransmission from four cases of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) to mice resulted in neurological disease in 100% of recipient animals, after incubation periods of between 265 and 700 days post-injection. The results from the four cases were very similar to one another. There were major differences in the incubation period between the four inbred strains of mice tested, and even between strains of the same Sinc genotype, and the incubation periods of Sinc heterozygote mice were much longer than those for any of the inbred strains. Transmission from a case of natural scrapie differed in two important respects: there were no differences in the incubation period between mouse strains of the same Sinc genotype, and that of the heterozygotes was between those of the Sinc homozygotic parental strains. The distribution of vacuolar degeneration in the brains of mice infected with scrapie also differed from those infected with the BSE isolates. Transmission was also achieved from formol-fixed BSE brain. These results show that the same strain of agent caused disease in the BSE cases, and that the relationship of BSE to scrapie in sheep is unclear.
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Ordered appearance of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 nucleic acids following high multiplicity infection of macrophages
More LessThe order of appearance of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) nucleic acids was examined in monocyte-derived macrophages following a high multiplicity infection with macrophage-tropic virus. Using the polymerase chain reaction, viral DNA was first detected 2 h after infection and continued to accumulate over the next 24 h. Transcripts representing tat, rev and nef splicing were detected by 24 h, and transcripts representing env splicing were detected by 48 h after infection. Coincident with the appearance of env transcripts, new synthesis of cellular and extracellular p24 antigen began, multinucleated giant cells formed and progeny infectious virus emerged. This analytical system provides a foundation for further studies on the effects of antiviral agents and cellular factors on the replication cycle of HIV-1 in non-transformed, primary monocyte-derived macrophages.
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Complementation of human immunodeficiency virus glycoprotein mutations in trans
More LessThe external glycoproteins of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) (gp120) and HIV-2 (gp105) are responsible for binding the cellular receptor CD4. The proteins are functionally identical although their affinity for CD4 varies, with gp120 binding 10- to 20-fold more efficiently than gp105. To investigate the structural requirements for CD4 binding in each molecule we have constructed a number of hybrid glycoproteins in which sequences are exchanged between the two molecules via conserved residues and subsequently tested for their ability to bind to CD4. We found that two constructs in which the V1/V2 or V3 loops of gp105 are exchanged for those of gp120 continue to bind to CD4. Surprisingly, however, all other domain exchange mutants failed to bind to CD4 suggesting that long-range interactions within the molecule are sequence-specific. Mixing mutant molecules in vitro did not rescue CD4 binding. However, coexpression of a number of mutant glycoprotein pairs within the same cell produced complementation of CD4 binding ability; complementing molecules were shown to be heteromeric in structure. Alignment of the molecules within each complementation group allowed the interactive sequences necessary for receptor binding to be determined. These sequences constitute a novel target for the disruption of gp120 function.
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Induction and inhibition of bovine leukaemia virus expression in naturally infected cells
More LessBovine leukaemia virus (BLV) resides in infected lymphocytes in a latent, repressed state but becomes expressed a few hours after the cells are cultured in vitro. We have identified several conditions and factors affecting the expression of BLV in short-term cultures of naturally infected lymphoid cells. The presence of foetal calf serum in the culture medium greatly stimulates virus expression. This stimulation is not due to cellular proliferation. Transcription of BLV RNA and synthesis of p25 in the cultures of peripheral blood lymphocytes are preceded by a lag period of several hours. Synthesis of BLV p25 in these cultures takes place almost immediately after viral RNA synthesis. Extending previous results, we demonstrate that the plasma and lymphatic fluid of cattle contain factors that suppress and stimulate BLV expression. As a result of systematic examination of several parameters, we have developed reproducible assays for the detection of these factors. It is very likely that their relative concentration in the host is an important determinant of susceptibility and resistance to the development of lymphosarcoma and persistent lymphocytosis in BLV-infected cattle.
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Scheme for the generation of a truncated endogenous murine leukaemia virus, the Fv-4 resistance gene
More LessThe Fv-4 resistance (Fv-4r ) gene is a truncated endogenous murine leukaemia virus (MuLV) containing a 3′ portion of pol, the entire env gene and the 3′ long terminal repeat. Env expression renders mice resistant to infection by ecotropic MuLVs, probably via receptor interference. Previous studies have suggested that the flanking cellular sequences are also important for Fv-4 env gene expression. To establish how the truncated retrovirus was generated and the nature of the cellular sequences involved, the Fv-4 susceptible (Fv-4s ) allele DNA was cloned, and its restriction map and nucleotide sequence were compared with those of the Fv-4r allele. A likely mechanism for generation of the truncated endogenous MuLV is suggested by the results; integration of a prototype MuLV provirus at a site within the Fv-4s allele about 6 to 8 kb downstream of a non-retroviral promoter region, followed by deletion of the 5′ half of the provirus, with an accompanying loss of only 7 or 10 bp of cellular flanking sequences. The deletion may have led to the expression of the Fv-4r env gene under control of the non-retroviral promoter.
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Bovine rotavirus segment 5 protein expressed in the baculovirus system interacts with zinc and RNA
More LessThe cDNA sequence of genomic segment 5 of bovine rotavirus (RF strain) has been inserted into baculovirus transfer vectors, downstream of the polyhedrin promoter. Recombinant baculoviruses containing gene 5 were selected and the protein was expressed to high yields in Spodoptera frugiperda cells. The recombinant protein was inoculated into rabbits and mice to produce specific hyperimmune antisera. The polyclonal antiserum reacted with a protein in rotavirus-infected MA104 cells and with a protein translated in vitro. This serum was also used to confirm that the gene 5 protein is not a structural protein. Recently, the gene 5 product has been predicted to be a zinc finger protein and reported to contain a highly conserved arrangement of cysteine residues; here, we demonstrate that the recombinant gene 5 protein binds zinc and is an RNA-binding protein as are several other zinc finger proteins.
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A VP4 sequence highly conserved in human rotavirus strain AU-1 and feline rotavirus strain FRV-1
More LessThe primary amino acid sequence of the VP4 proteins of human rotavirus strain AU-1 and feline rotavirus strain FRV-1 was deduced from nucleotide sequence analysis of full-length genome segment 4 cDNAs produced by a combined reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The VP4 genes were 2359 nucleotides in length and contained one long open reading frame capable of encoding a protein of 775 amino acids. Strain AU-1 and FRV-1 VP4s were 98.8% similar at both the nucleotide sequence and amino acid level. Given that most of the genome segments of strains AU-1 and FRV-1 formed hybrids under stringent hybridization conditions, the relationship between their VP4 gene sequences is best explained by feline rotavirus being transmitted to human hosts as whole virions relatively recently. Of added interest is that AU-1 and FRV-1 VP4 both exhibit high degrees of similarity (96.0% nucleotide identity and 97.2 to 97.5% amino acid identity) with serotype G1 human rotavirus strain K8 VP4, which is distinct from any other sequenced VP4 allele. This suggests that strain K8 VP4 was derived by natural gene reassortment from a feline rotavirus or a strain AU-1-like human rotavirus.
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Neutralizing epitopes of the serotypes of bluetongue virus present in the United States
More LessNeutralizing epitopes present on the five serotypes of bluetongue virus (BTV) which have been isolated in the United States were investigated with a panel of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs). Neutralizing MAbs were raised against the U.S. prototype viruses of BTV serotypes 2, 10, 11, 13 and 17, and were reacted with each virus in both neutralization and immune precipitation assays. All MAbs neutralized and precipitated VP2 of the virus against which they were raised. Five MAbs raised against BTV-10 also precipitated VP2 of the prototype strain of BTV-17, and four of these MAbs neutralized BTV-17. To characterize further the neutralizing epitopes of BTV, the MAbs raised against BTV-10 and BTV-17 were reacted by immune precipitation and neutralization assays with four field strains each of BTV-17 and BTV-10 isolated from ruminants in the U.S. All MAbs raised against BTV-10 both precipitated VP2 and neutralized the four field isolates of BTV-10, whereas none of the MAbs raised against BTV-17 reacted with these viruses. By contrast, all seven MAbs raised against BTV-17 and four of the seven MAbs raised against BTV-10 precipitated VP2 of the four BTV-17 field isolates. Another MAb raised against BTV-10 precipitated VP2 of three of the four field isolates of BTV-17. Whereas neutralization of the BTV-17 field isolates by several MAbs was inconsistent, all 10 isolates of BTV-10 and BTV-17 were neutralized by three MAbs raised against BTV-10. Results of this and other studies indicate that multiple neutralizing epitopes exist on each serotype of BTV. Some of these epitopes are conserved whereas others apparently vary in their significance to the neutralization of individual field isolates of BTV-17 and perhaps other BTV serotypes. These findings have implications for the future development of efficacious subunit vaccines to prevent BTV infection of ruminants.
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Flow cytometric analysis of in vitro bluetongue virus infection of bovine blood mononuclear cells
More LessCultures of adherent and non-adherent bovine peripheral blood mononuclear (PBM) cells were inoculated with bluetongue virus (BTV) serotype 10. Some cultures of non-adherent cells were stimulated with interleukin 2 (IL-2) and concanavalin A for 24 h prior to virus inoculation. Cells were harvested at various intervals up to 72 h after inoculation. A panel of leukocyte differentiation antigen-specific monoclonal antibodies (MAbs), specific for bovine CD2, CD4 or CD8, monocytes and granulocytes, B cells, γδ T cells or the IL-2 receptor (IL-2r), was directly conjugated to fluorescein isothiocyanate, and a MAb specific for the BTV major core protein VP7 was directly conjugated to phycoerythrin. Cells were labelled with conjugated MAbs in single- and double-label immunofluorescence studies to identify specifically the BTV-infected cells in inoculated cultures. The viability of cells was determined by propidium iodide exclusion, and all analyses were done using flow cytometry. Productive infection of cultures of PBM cells was confirmed by virus titration. The data revealed a clear difference between subsets of bovine PBM cells in susceptibility to infection with BTV in vitro. Monocytes were readily infected with BTV, as were stimulated CD4+ cells, and infection was cytopathic to monocytes and stimulated lymphocytes. The proportion of infected cells decreased after 24 h and virus titres dropped markedly by 72 h in all cultures. CD4+ cells in cultures of unstimulated non-adherent cells inoculated with BTV showed increased expression of IL-2r. The possible relevance of these findings to the pathogenesis of BTV infection of cattle is discussed.
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Regulation of expression of the reovirus receptor on differentiated HL60 cells
More LessThe reovirus receptor on mammalian cells has not been fully characterized and controversy exists over the nature of this receptor. We report here that the expression of this receptor is dependent on the differentiation status of a human promyelocytic leukaemia cell line (HL60). Phorbol treatment of HL60 cells for 24 h, at a concentration range of 160 nm down to 1 nm, led to differentiation of these cells towards monocytes and a loss of approximately 80% of their ability to bind reovirus in a fluorescence assay. These cells also lost their susceptibility to T1 and T3 reovirus infection. DMSO treatment for 24 h at a concentration of 1.25% (v/v) led to differentiation towards granulocytes. This was accompanied by an increase of approximately 15% in binding of reovirus to these cells. After being infected by T1 or T3 reovirus, the granulocytes produced higher titres of progeny virus than did untreated HL60 cells. Similar differences were noted when virus binding to HL60 cells was assayed using radiolabelled reovirus. These effects were not detected when murine L fibroblasts were treated with DMSO or phorbol. ATCC-derived murine R1.1 cells did not bind reovirus. Competition data indicated that there may be two reovirus receptors on HL60 cells, and that T1 can bind to only one receptor whereas T3 can bind to both receptors. Our data also suggested that the β-adrenergic receptor was unlikely to act as the reovirus receptor on HL60 cells.
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Immunoelectron microscopy of influenza A virus neuraminidase glycoprotein topography
More LessUsing immunoelectron microscopy, the distribution of influenza A virus neuraminidase (NA) glycoproteins was examined, after performing immunoreactions to virions on the grid. With polyclonal antibody, the immunolabels of the glycoproteins were found to be homogeneously distributed, whereas with monoclonal antibody they were found to be distributed in clusters. After destruction of haemagglutinin (HA) but not of NA activity with a high concentration of trypsin, the remaining visible spikes were evenly distributed. This finding was consistent with the absence of immunolabelling with anti-HA antibody, and the homogeneous pattern of immunolabels with anti-NA polyclonal antibody, but not with the clustered labelling with the anti-NA monoclonal antibody. Thus, the immunolabelling image with anti-NA polyclonal antibody was considered to reflect the true one.
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Analysis of the functional significance of amino acid residues in the putative NTP-binding pattern of the poliovirus 2C protein
More LessThe amino acid sequence of the poliovirus 2C protein contains two highly conserved stretches, GSPGTGKS136 and MDD177, which correspond to the consensus ‘A’ and ‘B’ motifs (GXXXXGKS/T and DD/E, respectively) found in nucleoside triphosphate-binding proteins. To assess the functional importance of these amino acid sequences, we changed conserved and non-conserved amino acids. The replacement of the non-conserved Thr133 residue with Ser or Ala did not markedly change the virus phenotype. Similarly, replacement of the non-conserved Pro131 residue by Ala did not abolish virus viability, but changes of this residue to Thr or Asn were not tolerated. No viable mutant could be isolated after transfection of cultured cells with transcripts mutated at the conserved Lys135, Ser136 or Asp177 residues. However, true revertants were selected from Arg135 and Ser135 mutants, from Glu177 and Gly177 mutants, and from Ala136 mutants. Thr136 mutants not only gave rise to true revertants, but also to two independent isolates of a suppressor mutant, Asn140→Tyr. All the lethal mutations resulted in severe inhibition of viral RNA synthesis in vivo, although no translational deficiency was detected in a cell-free system. This is the first direct evidence for the functional significance of the nucleoside triphosphatebinding pattern in the poliovirus 2C protein.
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The effects of a flanking sequence on the immune response to a B and a T cell epitope from the fusion protein of measles virus
More LessA region of the fusion protein of measles virus (residues 240 to 252) was predicted to contain a B and a T epitope. A synthetic peptide representing this sequence was shown to induce both T and B cell reactivity in several inbred strains of mice, but the responses were clearly major histocompatibility complex-restricted. Elongation of this peptide by six residues at the C terminus on the basis of predictions for B cell epitopes resulted not only in increased peptide immunogenicity in some strains of mice but also produced strain-related positive and negative effects on the recognition of the peptide. BALB/c and SWR mice were non-responders to the short version of the peptide but responded well to the elongated form. On the other hand, the injection of the elongated peptide into C57BL/6 mice resulted in a loss of both B and T cell responsiveness seen with the short version. These results indicate the importance of flanking sequences on the immunogenicity and antigenicity of synthetic B and T cell epitopes and highlight the necessity to determine the most appropriate size of peptide to be used as an immunogen.
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Mechanisms of neutralization of a nairovirus (Dugbe virus) by polyclonal IgG and IgM
More LessDugbe virus is a member of the nairovirus genus of the Bunyaviridae. Purified polyclonal anti-Dugbe virus IgG, which neutralized > 99.5% of virus, reduced attachment of virus to BSC-1 cell monolayers by only 36%. A 100-fold lower concentration neutralized virus by 88%, and had no effect upon attachment. Neutralizing IgG did not affect the ability of Dugbe virus to be internalized by or to fuse with BSC-1 cells. This suggests that IgG neutralization occurs largely at a stage subsequent to primary uncoating. Purified polyclonal anti-Dugbe virus IgM neutralized infectivity and had no effect on the attachment of virus to cells, but inhibited internalization of virus by about 50%. Thus IgM neutralizes partly by interfering with entry of virus and partly by a post-entry event. Neutralization by intermediate concentrations of IgM was enhanced 20-fold in the presence of complement. At high concentrations of IgM, complement-dependent neutralization declined. This is probably due to IgM binding in a planar rather than crab conformation, which does not expose the complement binding sites. Aggregation occurred only at relatively low concentrations of immunoglobulin. Electron microscopy and reactivation of infectivity by vortexing suggested that aggregation makes only a minor contribution to neutralization by IgG or IgM.
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Cooperation of oncogenes in cell transformation and sensitization to killing by the parvovirus minute virus of mice
More LessThe established line of normal Fisher rat fibroblasts (FR3T3) is naturally resistant to the parvovirus minute virus of mice (MVM), and was used as a model system to study the influence of stepwise transformation on the susceptibility of cells to this virus. When transformed with genes encoding the class I nuclear oncoproteins large T antigen of polyomavirus (PyLT) or v-myc, cells retained a normal appearance, but acquired some ability to form colonies in soft agar. On the other hand, the class II transforming oncogenes encoding the middle T antigen of polyomavirus (PyMT) and c-Ha-ras-1 induced both morphological alterations and a high capacity for anchorage-independent growth in transfected cells. The concomitant expression of oncogenes from both classes (PyLT+PyMT; v-myc+c-Ha-ras-1) induced a supertransformed phenotype characterized by the piling-up of cells into poorly adherent foci, even in low density cultures. The progressive transformation of this cellular system was found to coincide with a gradual increase in its susceptibility to MVMp (MVM prototype strain) infection. Compared to parental cells, class I, class II and double transformants proved to be sensitized to killing by MVMp to a low, moderate and large extent, respectively. Thus, oncogenes from different functional classes appeared to cooperate in the responsiveness of cells to parvovirus attack. Interestingly, this cooperation exacerbated both the killing of infected cells and their capacity to produce viral non-structural (NS) proteins, in agreement with the reported cytotoxic activity of NS polypeptides. Therefore, in this system, parameters of the parvovirus life cycle may serve as indications of the overall progression of the transformation process.
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Further characterization of the biological and pathogenic properties of erythromelalgia-related poxviruses
More LessSix isolates of erythromelalgia-related poxvirus (ERPV) were characterized with respect to host range, c.p.e. and inclusions, pock formation on chorioallantoic membrane (CAM), morphogenesis, serological reactivity, pathogenesis in animals and DNA restriction fragment profile. The results suggest that ERPV is either a new member of the Orthopoxvirus genus or a subspecies of ectromelia virus. Evidence is provided that (i) ERPV has a wide host range in vitro in which characteristic viral c.p.e. and inclusion bodies are induced; (ii) ERPV, unlike ectromelia virus, causes the formation of tiny greyish-white pocks on CAM both at 34 °C and 39 °C; (iii) eosinophilic A-type inclusions of ERPV do not contain viral particles; (iv) ERPV isolates are neutralized by both rabbit anti-vaccinia virus and mouse anti-ectromelia virus sera, but not vice versa; (v) young rabbits are not susceptible to ERPV by skin and/or corneal scratch infection even though ERPV is lethal for mice by intraperitoneal inoculation; (vi) the HindIII and SalI fragment profiles of ERPV P-4 DNA are similar to, but obviously different from, those of Chinese ectromelia virus. These biological and pathogenic characteristics of ERPV are distinguishable from those of other members of the genus Orthopoxvirus currently described in the literature.
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Characterization of a strain of murine cytomegalovirus which fails to grow in the salivary glands of mice
More LessCharacterization of a tissue culture-adapted strain of murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV), the Vancouver strain, which demonstrated altered tissue tropism in mice was undertaken to help understand the mechanism of pathogenesis of cytomegaloviruses. The Vancouver strain grew to a limited extent in the spleen but failed to grow in the salivary glands of inoculated mice. This mutation probably arose during multiple in vitro passaging of the parental Smith strain. The Vancouver strain replicated more quickly and produced a greater yield of virus per cycle than the Smith strain in vitro, resulting in a larger plaque size. In addition to these phenotypic differences, the Vancouver strain was found to have a 9.4 kb deletion spanning the XbaI I/L junction of the parental Smith strain (0.960 to 0.995 map units), and a 0.9 kb insertion which mapped to the EcoRI K fragment (0.37 to 0.47 map units). Analysis of virus-induced proteins at various times post-infection identified only one major change in Vancouver strain-infected cells, the absence of a 42K protein found in Smith-infected cells at early and late times.
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Mechanisms of bovine herpesvirus type 1 neutralization by monoclonal antibodies to glycoproteins gI, gIII and gIV
More LessWe examined a panel of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BHV-1) glycoproteins gI, gIII and gIV for inhibition of virus attachment and interference with subsequent steps of infection. Attachment of radiolabelled virions was partially prevented by 600 to 700 µg/ml of IgM antibodies against gI and gIII and one IgG2A antibody against gIV, but not by the majority of MAbs against any of the three viral glycoproteins. Productive infection following attachment was prevented by lower concentrations of MAbs 5106 and 4807 against gI and by 0.7 to 5.5 µg/ml of all five MAbs against gIV. MAbs against gIV had almost the same activity whether added before or after BHV-1 was incubated with cells, suggesting that their principal activity is to prevent the penetration of virus through the cell membrane. The ability of polyethylene glycol to overcome neutralization by one anti-gIV MAb supported this concept, but an attempt to confirm this by direct electron microscopy failed. A bovine monospecific antiserum against gIV had approximately 10-fold more neutralizing activity against BHV-1 than did antisera against gI or gIII. Complement increased the activity of anti-gI and anti-gIII MAbs by 10- to 100-fold, but had little or no effect on neutralization by anti-gIV MAbs. Some antibodies against gI and gIV inhibited the enlargement of plaques in cell cultures. Taken together, these data suggest that MAbs against gIV are the principal agents of BHV-1 neutralization, and that these antibodies can be fully effective in areas such as the ocular and respiratory mucosae, from which complement is absent at the time of primary exposure to infection.
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The preS1 domain of hepatitis B virus and IgA cross-react in their binding to the hepatocyte surface
More LessUsing a solid-phase assay we have demonstrated specific competition between the preS1 sequence of hepatitis B virus and human IgA in their binding to isolated normal human liver plasma membranes, suggesting molecular mimicry. Monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies raised against virus and IgA epitopes were used to detect and map immunological cross-reactivity to the virus sequence involved in liver cell binding. These findings suggest the existence of a common receptor or of closely related receptors for the attachment of HBV and IgA to human liver cells.
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Transcription patterns of human papillomavirus type 16 in genital intraepithelial neoplasia: evidence for promoter usage within the E7 open reading frame during epithelial differentiation
Human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16 transcription was analysed by in situ hybridization using 125I-labelled subgenomic riboprobes, from 26 genital intraepithelial neoplastic (IN) lesions, in formalin-fixed biopsies from 18 different cases. Distinct transcription patterns separable by the presence or absence of late gene transcription were detected. In 12 lesions, late gene expression was absent; HPV transcripts corresponding to the E6 and E7 open reading frame (ORF) were detectable in all basal cells and were usually evenly distributed through all layers of the epithelium. Transcripts corresponding to the E1, E2 and E2/E4 ORFs were present in nine of 12 lesions and displayed a similar distribution. In 14 lesions late gene transcripts were present. E6 and E7 transcripts were detectable basally in all but one lesion. The levels of E7 but not E6 transcripts were markedly increased in the superficial cells of differentiating epithelia, with an identical distribution and at similar levels to those of the E2/E4 transcript. We propose that the most abundant transcript in genital IN lesions containing late gene expression is an E7/E1 ^ E2/E4 transcript corresponding to that reported in HPV-6/11 condylomata and which is derived from a similar promoter within the E7 ORF.
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Human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16 and 33 E6/E7 region transcripts in tonsillar carcinomas can originate from integrated and episomal HPV DNA
This study was undertaken to determine whether human papillomavirus (HPV) E6/E7 gene transcription in tonsillar carcinomas is correlated with viral DNA integration. Therefore, tonsillar carcinomas containing HPV-16 (n = 2) and HPV-33 (n = 2) DNA were analysed for the viral physical state and transcription of the E6/E7 region. Southern blot analysis, DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and, eventually, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis revealed indications for the presence of only episomal DNA in the HPV-16-containing biopsies and only integrated DNA in one HPV-33-containing biopsy. The second HPV-33-containing carcinoma, from which one biopsy and two resected tumour specimens were analysed, showed a rather complex physical state profile. The biopsy of this tumour contained only episomal DNA, one resected tumour part contained only integrated DNA and the remaining tumour part contained both integrated and episomal HPV-33 DNA. Independent of the viral physical state, all biopsies and resected tumour parts tested showed the presence of E6/E7 transcripts as determined by RNA PCR. The results indicate that E6/E7 transcripts in tonsillar carcinomas can originate from integrated as well as episomal HPV DNA.
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Functional analysis of human papillomavirus type 16 E7 by complementation with adenovirus E1A mutants
More LessFunctional analysis of human papillomavirus type 16 E7 protein by complementation with adenovirus E1A mutants in baby rat kidney cells has shown that the retinoblastoma gene product (RB)-binding region of E7 can substitute in trans for that of E1A. An N-terminal E7 mutant was unable to complement an E1A mutant unable to bind p300, indicating that the two mutants were defective for functionally equivalent activities. E7 proteins with mutations within the RB-binding region were also unable to complement either the non-p300-binding E1A mutant or the N-terminal E7 mutant, suggesting that these mutations affect more than just RB binding.
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Vaginal immunization of rats with a synthetic peptide from human immunodeficiency virus envelope glycoprotein
More LessLocal secretory immunity in the vagina may confer a degree of protection against heterosexual transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Since the vagina has been shown to respond to local immunization, we have undertaken intravaginal immunization of rats with a 20-mer peptide (amino acid residues 102 to 121) of the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (gp120). The peptide was administered in combination with an ‘absorption enhancer’, lysophosphatidyl glycerol (LPG), which has previously been shown to promote the absorption of intravaginally administered peptides, while exerting only mild effects on epithelial membrane integrity. Intravaginal immunization with LPG and the peptide induced serum and vaginal wash IgA and IgG antibody responses which were enhanced in comparison to those after immunization with the peptide alone. Serum antibodies induced by both subcutaneous and intravaginal immunization were able to recognize recombinant HIV-1 gp120. However, the rat antiserum displayed no neutralizing activity against the virus. These results demonstrate that LPG is an effective immunological adjuvant for intravaginally administered peptide antigens. An alternative absorption enhancer, bestatin (BES), was not effective as an immunological adjuvant when administered intravaginally and blocked the adjuvant activity of LPG when BES and LPG were used in combination.
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Transcription patterns of human papillomavirus type 16 in genital intraepithelial neoplasia: evidence for promoter usage within the E7 open reading frame during epithelial differentiation
Human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16 transcription was analysed by in situ hybridization using 125I-labelled subgenomic riboprobes, from 26 genital intraepithelial neoplastic (IN) lesions, in formalin-fixed biopsies from 18 different cases. Distinct transcription patterns separable by the presence or absence of late gene transcription were detected. In 12 lesions, late gene expression was absent; HPV transcripts corresponding to the E6 and E7 open reading frame (ORF) were detectable in all basal cells and were usually evenly distributed through all layers of the epithelium. Transcripts corresponding to the E1, E2 and E2/E4 ORFs were present in nine of 12 lesions and displayed a similar distribution. In 14 lesions late gene transcripts were present. E6 and E7 transcripts were detectable basally in all but one lesion. The levels of E7 but not E6 transcripts were markedly increased in the superficial cells of differentiating epithelia, with an identical distribution and at similar levels to those of the E2/E4 transcript. We propose that the most abundant transcript in genital IN lesions containing late gene expression is an E7/E1 ^ E2/E4 transcript corresponding to that reported in HPV-6/11 condylomata and which is derived from a similar promoter within the E7 ORF.
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Expression of the amino-terminal half of the NS1 region of the hepatitis C virus genome and detection of an antibody to the expressed protein in patients with liver diseases
A cDNA fragment encompassing the 5′-terminal half of the NS1 region of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) genome was cloned. The cDNA was expressed in insect cells using a recombinant baculovirus, and a protein band of approximately 21K was identified by immunoblotting with a serum sample from a patient with chronic hepatitis C. Antibody to the protein was detected in sera from 13.4% of patients with chronic non-A, non-B hepatitis (NANBH), 20.8% of patients with liver cirrhosis and 16.8% of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma with no serum markers for hepatitis B virus infection. However, the antibody was not detected in sera from patients with actute NANBH. The prevalence of antibody to the protein encoded by the NS1 region was lower than that of antibody to the HCV core protein, but much higher than that of antibody to the envelope protein. Thus, the NS1 region of the HCV genome is suggested to encode a protein produced during the course of HCV replication.
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Correlation of E protein binding with cell susceptibility to dengue 4 virus infection
More LessSupernatant culture fluids from dengue virus type 4 (DEN-4)-infected cultures of monkey kidney Vero cells and Aedes albopictus C6/36 cells contained the virion structural proteins; secreted NS1 was found only in supernatants from infected Vero cells. Using supernatant culture fluids from [35S]methionine-labelled, virus-infected Vero and C6/36 cells, binding of radiolabelled viral proteins was examined with various cell lines varying in susceptibility to DEN-4 infection. Binding of viral E protein was observed with the highly infectible Vero and LLC-MK2 cell lines, whereas a very small degree of binding was seen with four other cell lines (mouse fibroblast L929, bovine kidney MDBK, human hepatoma Hep G2 and primary human endothelial cells) which are less susceptible to DEN-4 infection. The results suggest that cell susceptibility to DEN-4 may be determined largely at the stage of virus binding, i.e. by the presence of a cell receptor capable of binding viral E protein.
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Evidence for putative immediate early antigens in human herpesvirus 6-infected cells
More LessHuman herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) induced nuclear antigens in cells as early as 3 h after infection. These nuclear antigens were induced by all three strains of HHV-6 tested, and their de novo synthesis required the function(s) of the intact viral genome. Their appearance was not affected by 2,2′-anhydro(1-β-d-arabinofuranosyl)cytosine, but was completely inhibited by cycloheximide. However, the nuclear antigens did appear if cycloheximide was replaced with actinomycin D. Thus, the nuclear antigens seem to be equivalent to the immediate early antigens of other herpesviruses.
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A novel herpes simplex virus gene (UL49A) encodes a putative membrane protein with counterparts in other herpesviruses
More LessComparative analysis of DNA sequences located between the coding regions of genes UL49 and UL50 of herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and -2) has revealed a small open reading frame (ORF) of 91 and 87 codons respectively with the characteristics of a genuine protein-coding region. The predicted protein products are clearly related and exhibit features of membrane-inserted proteins, with potential N-proximal signal peptides and C-proximal membrane anchor regions. Counterparts are present in the other sequenced alphaherpesviruses, namely varicella-zoster virus (a previously undescribed gene, 9A) and equine herpesvirus type 1 (gene 10), in the betaherpesvirus human cytomegalovirus (gene UL73) and in the gammaherpesvirus Epstein-Barr virus (gene BLRF1). Therefore, we consider that this ORF represents an additional HSV gene (UL49A) with counterparts in all sequenced alpha-, beta- and gammaherpesviruses.
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Complete nucleotide sequences of two soybean mosaic virus strains differentiated by response of soybean containing the Rsv resistance gene
More LessThe complete nucleotide sequence of the genomic RNAs of strains G2 and G7 of soybean mosaic virus were determined. In both cases, the genome is 9588 nucleotides long, excluding the 3′-terminal poly(A) sequence. A large open reading frame (nucleotides 132 to 9329) encodes a polyprotein of 3066 amino acids with a predicted M r of either 349542 (strain G2) or 349741 (strain G7). Based on comparison with the proposed locations of cleavage sites of other potyvirus polyproteins, nine mature proteins are predicted. The mature proteins of the two strains share 94 to 100% amino acid identity, with the greatest variability occurring in the 35K and 42K proteins. Differences in local net charge in portions of these proteins as well as differences in amino acid sequence throughout the genome are discussed in relation to resistance and susceptibility of host plants to strains G2 and G7. Comparison with other potyviruses may be useful for taxonomic clarification of viruses and strains.
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In vitro decapsidation of turnip yellow mosaic virus investigated by cryo-electron microscopy: a model for the decapsidation of a small isometric virus
More LessThe in vitro decapsidation of a small isometric plant virus, turnip yellow mosaic virus (TYMV), was investigated by cryo-electron microscopy. Cryo-electron micrographs of TYMV and empty shells show that rapidly frozen virions still contain their RNA. Images of vitrified virions resemble closely those previously obtained by negative staining. Rapidly frozen virions decapsidate upon thawing although they remain well dispersed on the grid. The escape of the RNA through a hole at the periphery of the capsid could be visualized. The results suggest a model for the in situ decapsidation of small icosahedral viruses.
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Poa semilatent virus, a hordeivirus having no internal polydisperse poly(A) in the 3′ non-coding region of the RNA genome
More LessRNA from the Hungarian isolate of poa semilatent virus (PSLV) directed in vitro synthesis of 120K, 75K, 25K (coat protein) and 20K polypeptides. In vitro translation of PSLV RNA was blocked by the cap analogue, m7Gpp, thus suggesting that the virus RNA was capped. PSLV RNA could be aminoacylated with [14C]tyrosine in vitro. The sequence of 1.5 kb from the 3′ end of the PSLV RNA γ component revealed two open reading frames (ORFs) separated by a uridinerich intergenic region. The putative product of the incomplete 5′-proximal ORF showed a close amino acid sequence similarity with the C-terminal segment of the γa protein (putative RNA replicase) encoded in the barley stripe mosaic virus (BSMV) RNA γ, and the 20K product of the 3′-proximal ORF was found to be related to the 17K γb product of BSMV. The sequence of 0.8 kb from the 3′ end of PSLV RNA β encompassed two (incomplete) overlapping ORFs whose putative products are related to the βc and βd proteins encoded in the similarly arranged ORFs of BSMV RNA β. Nucleotide sequence homology between the respective parts of the two hordeivirus genomes was restricted to the ORF for γa, the spacer between the ORFs for γa and γb, and the 3′ non-coding region, particularly the 95 nucleotide segment at the 3′ end representing a tRNA-like structure. Despite limited sequence conservation beyond this segment, the entire 3′ non-coding region of PSLV RNA could be folded in a tight pseudoknotted structure closely resembling that of BSMV RNA. Surprisingly, the ‘signature’ sequence typical for BSMV RNA, internal polydisperse poly(A) intercalated between the coding part and the 3′ tRNA-like structure, was not detected in the PSLV genome. Instead, the virus RNA contained several oligoadenylate stretches spaced by other residues, close to the junction of its coding and 3′ non-coding portions.
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Immunodetection of the proteins encoded by grapevine chrome mosaic nepovirus RNA2
More LessFragments of the putative non-structural proteins (44K and 46K) encoded by RNA2 of grapevine chrome mosaic nepovirus (GCMV) were expressed as fusion proteins in Escherichia coli and used to raise specific antisera. All three proteins encoded by GCMV RNA2 (viral coat protein, and the 44K and 46K proteins) were detected by immunoblotting in subcellular fractions prepared from the leaves of infected Chenopodium quinoa plants, confirming a previously proposed model of the GCMV RNA2-encoded polyprotein. In addition to the 44K protein, one of the antisera detected a 90K protein presumably representing a precursor of the 44K and 46K proteins. Whereas the 44K and coat proteins could be detected in both soluble and membrane fractions, the 46K protein was found to be specific to the membrane fraction. Analysis of the kinetics of accumulation of the proteins showed that the 44K and 46K proteins were very transient whereas the coat protein was more stable and could be detected up to 21 days after inoculation. These results provide the first direct in vivo data supporting the maturation map of the GCMV RNA2 polyprotein deduced from in vitro experiments.
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Differentiation of cucumber mosaic virus isolates using the polymerase chain reaction
More LessA procedure based on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been developed to classify cucumber mosaic cucumovirus (CMV) isolates accurately into two subgroups. Two CMV-specific primers that flank the CMV capsid protein gene were used to amplify a DNA fragment of approximately 870 bp. Restriction enzyme analysis of this fragment produces distinct restriction patterns that assign the CMV isolate into one of two subgroups. These two restriction groups correlate with the previously established CMV subgroupings; this PCR-based method may provide a simple alternative to the serological assays used for typing CMV isolates.
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Insect-mediated transmission of mixed and reassorted cucumovirus genomic RNAs
More LessTransmissions of virus using the aphid Myzus persicae were performed using plants co-infected with two cucumoviruses, tomato aspermy virus (V-TAV) and cucumber mosaic virus (M-CMV). Five of the aphidtransmitted progeny viruses (3.7%) induced symptoms distinct from those induced by either parental virus. Northern blot hybridization analysis of encapsidated RNAs from these novel progeny demonstrated that all of the RNA profiles were characteristic of pseudorecombinants, i.e. viruses with reassorted genomic RNAs. The two larger RNAs, 1 and 2, originated from V-TAV, whereas RNA 3 was derived from M-CMV. A more sensitive RNase protection assay analysis of both unencapsidated and encapsidated RNAs revealed the presence of minor populations of V-TAV-derived RNA 3 in all of these novel progeny, and of M-CMV-derived RNA 1 (and presumably RNA 2) in one of the progeny. A bias against the encapsidation of the minor populations of RNAs by the M-CMV coat protein was observed, suggesting that there is specificity or competition with regard to the encapsidation of cucumoviral RNAs in vivo. This study demonstrates that insect vectors can mediate the establishment of pseudorecombinants with mixed populations of RNA 3.
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An N-proximal sequence of the alfalfa mosaic virus movement protein is necessary for association with cell walls in transgenic plants
More LessWe have made transgenic tobacco plants (Nicotiana tabacum, cv. Xanthi nc) expressing the movement protein (P3, 300 amino acids) of alfalfa mosaic virus (AlMV) and two N-terminally deleted proteins lacking respectively 12 and 77 amino acids of the P3 sequence (P3Δ[1–12] and P3Δ[1-77]). The same proteins were expressed in recombinant yeast. By subcellular fractionation, the full-length P3 protein expressed by transgenic plants was found to be associated with cell walls as well as with cytoplasmic particulate material, as was the wild type movement protein expressed by AlMV-infected tobacco plants. P3Δ[1-12] behaved similarly but P3Δ[1-77] was found only in the cytoplasm. It thus appears that a polypeptide domain located between amino acids 13 and 77 of the P3 sequence is necessary for association of the protein with cell walls.
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Identification and characterization of pseudo-recombinants of red clover mottle comovirus
More LesscDNA clones specific for the two genomic RNAs of strain O of the comovirus red clover mottle virus (RCMV) were constructed. Using these clones, in conjunction with clones specific for RNAs of RCMV strain S, local lesion isolates containing reciprocal pseudo-recombinants between strains S and O were identified. Investigation of the biological properties of these pseudo-recombinants showed that the ability of RCMV to infect Chenopodium quinoa is determined by B RNA. The results also suggest that both RNAs are involved in symptom formation in Pisum sativum. Analysis of the strain O clones enabled the sequences at the 3′ ends of both genomic RNAs of strain O to be determined. Comparison of these sequences with the corresponding region of the strain S RNAs suggests that the 3′ terminal sequences critical for replicase recognition may lie somewhat upstream of the poly(A) tract.
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Non-viral heterogeneous sequences at the 5′ ends of tomato spotted wilt virus mRNAs
More LessSubgenomic messenger RNAs transcribed from the tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) S RNA segment were partially purified from total RNA extracts of TSWV-infected Nicotiana rustica and analysed by primer extension analysis. The data obtained show the presence of non-viral sequences, 12 to 20 nucleotides in length, at the 5′ ends of the N and NSs mRNAs, indicating a cap-snatching mechanism for the initiation of transcription. This is the first report of a plant virus using such a mechanism for transcription of the viral genome.
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Conservation of the putative methyltransferase domain: a hallmark of the ‘Sindbis-like’ supergroup of positive-strand RNA viruses
More LessComputer-assisted comparisons of the large proteins involved in the replication of viral RNA have revealed a novel domain located near the N termini of these proteins and conserved throughout the so-called ‘Sindbis-like’ supergroup of positive-strand RNA viruses. This domain encompasses four distinct conserved motifs, with motifs I, II and IV containing an invariant His residue, the AspXXArg signature and an invariant Tyr residue, respectively. Each of the two large groups of viruses within this supergroup, the ‘altovirus’ group (alphaviruses, tobamoviruses, tobraviruses, hordeiviruses, tricornaviruses, furoviruses, hepatitis E virus and probably rubiviruses), and the ‘typovirus’ group (tymoviruses, potexviruses, carlaviruses and apple chlorotic leaf spot virus), can be characterized by additional conserved sequence motifs. Based on the available results of biochemical studies and site-directed mutagenesis of the alphavirus proteins, it is hypothesized that this domain may be involved in methylation of the cap during viral RNA maturation. Unlike the other conserved domains, the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and the RNA helicase, the motifs typical of the putative methyltransferase domain are universal within the Sindbis-like supergroup but are not found in the proteins of any other viruses, constituting a distinctive hallmark of this supergroup.
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