Adenovirus Precursor pVII Protein Stability Is Regulated By Its Propeptide Sequence

Adenovirus encodes for the pVII protein, which interacts and modulates virus DNA structure in the infected cells. The pVII protein is synthesized as the precursor protein and undergoes proteolytic processing by viral proteinase Avp, leading to release of a propeptide sequence and accumulation of the mature VII protein. Here we elucidate the molecular functions of the propeptide sequence present in the precursor pVII protein. The results show that the propeptide is the destabilizing element targeting the precursor pVII protein for proteasomal degradation. Our data further indicate that the propeptide sequence and the lysine residues K26 and K27 regulate the precursor pVII protein stability in a co-dependent manner. We also provide evidence that the Cullin-3 E3 ubiquitin ligase complex alters the precursor pVII protein stability by association with the propeptide sequence. In addition, we show that inactivation of the Cullin-3 protein activity reduces adenovirus E1A gene expression during early phase of virus infection. Collectively, our results indicate a novel function of the adenovirus propeptide sequence and involvement of Cullin-3 in adenovirus gene expression.     

High-level expression of the tick-borne encephalitis virus NS1 protein by using an adenovirus-based vector: protection elicited in a murine model.

Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) encodes an abundant, highly immunogenic nonstructural glycoprotein, NS1. The function of this protein has yet to be determined. We have cloned the NS1 gene from the Neudorfl strain of TBEV under the control of the powerful constitutive cytomegalovirus major immediate-early promoter into an adenovirus E1 deletion mutant. The novel combination of the cytomegalovirus immediate-early promoter and the adenovirus vector produced extremely high levels of NS1 expression in cells which do not support replication of the adenovirus deletion mutant. The recombinant protein was shown to be indistinguishable from authentic TBEV NS1 in its (i) apparent molecular weight by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, (ii) glycosylation pattern, (iii) ability to form high-molecular-weight complexes, and (iv) ability to be secreted from cells. Appropriate processing of NS1 expressed by the adenovirus recombinant occurred independently of any additional TBEV-encoded gene function. When directly inoculated into mice, the recombinant adenovirus RAd51 was shown to elicit an antibody response to the TBEV NS1 protein. Immunization with RAd51 conferred protection against challenge with TBEV.     

Deubiquitinating function of adenovirus proteinase

The invasion strategy of many viruses involves the synthesis of viral gene products that mimic the functions of the cellular proteins and thus interfere with the key cellular processes. Here we show that adenovirus infection is accompanied by an increased ubiquitin-cleaving (deubiquitinating) activity in the host cells. Affinity chromatography on ubiquitin aldehyde (Ubal), which was designed to identify the deubiquitinating proteases, revealed the presence of adenovirus L3 23K proteinase (Avp) in the eluate from adenovirus-infected cells. This proteinase is known to be necessary for the processing of viral precursor proteins during virion maturation. We show here that in vivo Avp deubiquitinates a number of cellular proteins. Analysis of the substrate specificity of Avp in vitro demonstrated that the protein deubiquitination by this enzyme could be as efficient as proteolytic processing of viral proteins. The structural model of the Ubal-Avp interaction revealed some similarity between S1-S4 substrate binding sites of Avp and ubiquitin hydrolases. These results may reflect the acquisition of an advantageous property by adenovirus and may indicate the importance of ubiquitin pathways in viral infection.     

Domain organization of the adenovirus preterminal protein.

In adenovirus-infected cells, the virus-encoded preterminal protein and DNA polymerase form a heterodimer that is directly involved in initiation of DNA replication. Monoclonal antibodies were raised against preterminal protein, and epitopes recognized by the antibodies were identified by using synthetic peptides. Partial proteolysis of preterminal protein reveals that it has a tripartite structure, with the three domains being separated by two protease-sensitive areas, located at sites processed by adenovirus protease. These areas of protease sensitivity are probably surface-exposed loops, as they are the sites, along with the C-terminal region of preterminal protein, recognized by the monoclonal antibodies. Preterminal protein is protected from proteolytic cleavage when bound to adenovirus DNA polymerase, suggesting either multiple contact points between the proteins or a DNA polymerase-induced conformational change in preterminal protein. Two of the preterminal protein-specific antibodies induced dissociation of the preterminal protein-adenovirus DNA polymerase heterodimer and inhibited initiation of adenovirus DNA replication in vitro. Antibodies binding close to the primary processing sites of adenovirus protease inhibited DNA binding, consistent with UV cross-linking results which reveal that an N-terminal, protease-resistant domain of preterminal protein contacts DNA. Monoclonal antibodies recognizing epitopes within the C-terminal 60 amino acids of preterminal protein stimulate DNA binding, an effect mediated through a decrease in the dissociation rate constant. These results suggest that preterminal protein contains a large, noncontiguous surface required for interaction with DNA polymerase, an N-terminal DNA binding domain, and a C-terminal regulatory domain.     

Adenovirus protein V induces redistribution of nucleolin and B23 from nucleolus to cytoplasm

Adenovirus infection inhibits synthesis and processing of rRNA and redistributes nucleolar antigens. Adenovirus protein V associates with nucleoli in infected cells. This study delineates regions of protein V independently capable of nucleolar targeting. Also, evidence is presented that protein V has the unique property of relocating nucleolin and B23 to the cytoplasm when transiently expressed on its own in uninfected cells. Point mutation analysis indicates a role for the C terminus of protein V in the redirection of nucleolin and B23 to the cytoplasm. This is the first time an adenovirus protein has been shown to have a direct effect on nucleolar antigens in isolation from viral infection. Moreover, adenovirus protein V is the first protein demonstrated to be capable of redirecting nucleolin and B23 to the cytoplasm.     

Nuclear import of adenovirus DNA in vitro involves the nuclear protein import pathway and hsc70

Adenovirus, a respiratory virus with a double-stranded DNA genome, replicates in the nuclei of mammalian cells. We have developed a cytosol-dependent in vitro assay utilizing adenovirus nucleocapsids to examine the requirements for adenovirus docking to the nuclear pore complex and for DNA import into the nucleus. Our assay reveals that adenovirus DNA import is blocked by a competitive excess of classical protein nuclear localization sequences and other inhibitors of nuclear protein import and indicates that this process is dependent on hsc70. Previous work revealed that the hexon (coat) protein of adenovirus is the only major protein on the surface of the adenovirus nucleocapsid that docks at the nuclear pore complex. This, together with our finding that in vitro nuclear import of hexon is inhibited by an excess of classical nuclear localization sequences, suggests a role for the hexon protein in adenovirus DNA import. However, recombinant transport factors that are sufficient for hexon import in permeabilized cells do not support DNA import, indicating that there are other as yet unidentified factors required for this process.     

Mutations within the ADP (E3-11.6K) protein alter processing and localization of ADP and the kinetics of cell lysis of adenovirus-infected cells

ADP (also known as E3-11.6K protein) is synthesized abundantly in late adenovirus infection and is required for efficient lysis of infected cells and release of viral progeny at the end of the viral replication cycle. ADP is a type III bitopic N(endo)C(exo) nuclear membrane and Golgi glycoprotein that is produced at high levels in late adenovirus infection (>24 h postinfection). We show pulse-chase and other studies indicating that ADP undergoes a complex process of N- and O-linked glycosylation and proteolytic cleavage. In order to further characterize ADP, a series of 23 deletion and point mutations has been constructed in the adenovirus serotype 2 adp gene and then built into a wild-type adenovirus background. These mutants were analyzed for processing and intracellular localization of ADP. Mutation of the single predicted N glycosylation site eliminated N glycosylation. Deletion of a region in ADP rich in serine and threonine residues reduced O glycosylation. In general, mutations within the lumenal domain of ADP resulted in lower protein stability; immunofluorescence assays indicated that these ADPs were primarily present in the Golgi apparatus. Viruses with mutations within the cytoplasmic-nucleoplasmic domain of ADP showed normal glycosylation patterns and protein abundance for ADP, but the protein was often found throughout cellular membranes rather than being localized specifically to the nuclear membrane and Golgi apparatus. The ADP virus mutants were analyzed by cell viability assays to determine the kinetics of cell lysis following infection of human A549 cells. In general, viruses with mutations within the lumenal domain of ADP display greatly reduced efficiencies of cell lysis. Viruses with large deletions in the cytoplasmic-nucleoplasmic domain of ADP retain much of their ability to lyse infected cells.     

细菌内同源重组法制备FMDV聚蛋白编码基因重组腺病毒

采用PCR方法从重组质粒pMD18_T/PP中扩增出FMDV的聚蛋白(PP)编码基因,再亚克隆至腺病毒穿梭质粒中,形成重组穿梭质粒rpAd_CMV/PP;将获得的重组穿梭质粒与腺病毒骨架载体通过在大肠杆菌内质粒间同源重组获得重组腺病毒质粒rpAd/PP。将腺病毒载体线性化后用脂质体介导转染293细胞从而获得含有口蹄疫病毒PP编码基因的重组腺病毒。通过倒置显微镜观测,可见明显的细胞病变,利用荧光显微镜可观测到报告基因绿色荧光蛋白的表达,并在电镜下观察到FMDV的空衣壳。结果证明已成功获得了含有口蹄疫病毒PP编码基因的重组腺病毒rAd/PP,并成功表达组装FMDV空衣壳,为FMDV腺病毒活载体疫苗的研究奠定了基础。     

African swine fever virus protease, a new viral member of the SUMO-1-specific protease family

African swine fever virus (ASFV) is a complex DNA virus that employs polyprotein processing at Gly-Gly-Xaa sites as a strategy to produce several major core components of the viral particle. The virus gene S273R encodes a 31-kDa protein that contains a "core domain" with the conserved catalytic residues characteristic of SUMO-1-specific proteases and the adenovirus protease. Using a COS cell expression system, it was found that protein pS273R is capable of cleaving the viral polyproteins pp62 and pp220 in a specific way giving rise to the same intermediates and mature products as those produced in ASFV-infected cells. Furthermore, protein pS273R, like adenovirus protease and SUMO-1-specific enzymes, is a cysteine protease, because its activity is abolished by mutation of the predicted catalytic histidine and cysteine residues and is inhibited by sulfhydryl-blocking reagents. Protein pS273R is expressed late after infection and is localized in the cytoplasmic viral factories, where it is found associated with virus precursors and mature virions. In the virions, the protein is present in the core shell, a domain where the products of the viral polyproteins are also located. The identification of the ASFV protease will allow a better understanding of the role of polyprotein processing in virus assembly and may contribute to our knowledge of the emerging family of SUMO-1-specific proteases.     

Naturally occurring heterologous trans-splicing of adenovirus RNA with host cellular transcripts during infection

The impact of viral infection on normal host RNA processing remains largely unexplored. We postulated that the high abundance of virally derived nuclear RNA in infected cells could impact host cell RNA splicing and viability. To test for aberrant RNA splicing we examined trans-splicing following infection with the replication-competent adenovirus mutant d11520 that lacks E1B 55 kDa protein. Trans-splicing was observed between viral RNA and several cellular precursor mRNAs, including beta-actin and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase. Using a tetracycline-inducible model system simulating viral trans-splicing activity we observed that overexpression of a trans-splicing RNA specifically inhibited cell proliferation. These results demonstrate that heterologous trans-splicing occurs naturally during adenovirus infection and suggest that trans-splicing may contribute to disruption of cell function.     

Adenovirus-specific DNA-binding protein inhibits the hydrolysis of DNA by DNase in vitro.

The adenovirus-specific DNA-binding protein was isolated from adenovirus type 5-infected KB cells and shown to possess DNase inhibitor activity. The protein decreased the rate of hydrolysis of single-strand DNA proportionately to its concentration in the reaction. Two peaks of activity were obtained upon sedimentation in a glycerol gradient, probably corresponding to the two major adenovirus-specific polypeptides in the preparation (molecular weights, 72,000 and 44,000). The DNase inhibitor activity of the adenovirus DNA-binding protein was distinguishable from that of the cellular DNA-binding protein, which we have described previously (K, Nass and G. D. Frenkel, J. Biol. Chem. 254:3407-3410, 1979), by its pattern of sedimentation and by the effect of temperature on the two activities. For the adenovirus DNA-binding protein, the ratio of DNase inhibitor activity at 43 degrees C to that at 30 degrees C was approximately 14, whereas for the cellular protein this ratio was less than 3. The DNase inhibitor activity with the temperature coefficient of 14 was absent from cells infected with adenovirus type 5 ts125 at 40 degrees C. DNase inhibition is a simple, sensitive, quantitative method for assay of the adenovirus DNA-binding protein.     

Characterization of the knob domain of the adenovirus type 5 fiber protein expressed in Escherichia coli.

The adenovirus fiber protein is used for attachment of the virus to a specific receptor on the cell surface. Structurally, the protein consists of a long, thin shaft that protrudes from the vertex of the virus capsid and terminates in a globular domain termed the knob. To verify that the knob is the domain which interacts with the cellular receptor, we have cloned and expressed the knob from adenovirus type 5 together with a single repeat of the shaft in Escherichia coli. The protein was purified by conventional chromatography and functionally characterized for its interaction with the adenovirus receptor. The recombinant knob domain bound about 4,700 sites per HeLa cell with an affinity of 3 x 10(9) M-1 and blocked adenovirus infection of human cells. Antibodies raised against the knob also blocked virus infection. By gel filtration and X-ray diffraction analysis of protein crystals, the knob was shown to consist of a homotrimer of 21-kDa subunits. The results confirm that the trimeric knob is the ligand for attachment to the adenovirus receptor.     

A 10,400-molecular-weight membrane protein is coded by region E3 of adenovirus.

Previous studies with adenovirus mutants have indicated that a 10,400-molecular-weight (10.4K) protein predicted to be coded by an open reading frame in region E3 of adenovirus functions to down regulate the epidermal growth factor receptor (C. R. Carlin, A. E. Tollefson, H. A. Brady, B. L. Hoffman, and W. S. M. Wold, Cell 57:135-144, 1989). We now demonstrate that the 10.4K protein is in fact synthesized in cells infected by group C adenoviruses. This was done by immunoprecipitation of 10.4K from cells infected by a variety of E3 mutants, using antisera against three different synthetic peptides corresponding to the predicted 10.4K sequence. The 10.4K protein was translated primarily from E3 mRNA f, as indicated by cell-free translation of mRNA purified by hybridization from cells infected with an RNA processing mutant that synthesizes predominantly mRNA f. The 10.4K protein was overproduced or underproduced in vivo, respectively, by mutants that overproduce or underproduce E3 mRNA f, also indicating that the 10.4K protein is translated primarily from mRNA f. The 10.4K protein migrated as two bands with apparent molecular weights of 16,000 and 11,000 (10 to 18% gradient gels); both bands contained 10.4K epitopes, as shown by Western blot (immunoblot). Only the 16K band was obtained by cell-free translation, suggesting that the 16K protein is the precursor to the 11K protein. The 10.4K protein is a membrane protein, as shown by cell fractionation experiments and as predicted from its sequence. The predicted 10.4K sequence as well as a putative N-terminal signal sequence and 30-residue transmembrane domain are conserved in adenovirus types 2 and 5 (group C) and in types 3, 7, and 35 (group B).     

表达PRRSV M蛋白重组腺病毒的构建及其免疫特性研究

本研究通过RT-PCR方法扩增猪繁殖与呼吸综合征病毒(PRRSV)S1株的M蛋白基因,将其克隆重组到人 血清5型腺病毒载体中,转染293细胞,制备重组腺病毒rAd-M。RT-PCR和IFA方法鉴定,结果表明rAd-M可表 达M基因的mRNA和M蛋白。纯化的rAd-M重组腺病毒经293细胞连续传25代,滴度稳定为107.8 TCID50／ mL。动物免疫试验结果表明,该重组腺病毒rAd-M能够刺激机体产生PRRSV的特异性抗体免疫和细胞免疫应 答反应,从而为PRRSV结构蛋白功能及其基因工程疫苗研究奠定了基础。     

Processing of vimentin occurs during the early stages of adenovirus infection.

Evidence is presented that a fraction of vimentin, a component of cytoskeleton recently found to be associated with intracytoplasmic, migrating adenovirus type 2 (Ad2), is processed into smaller polypeptides at early times after infection. The extent of vimentin cleavage appears to depend upon both the multiplicity of infection and the adenovirus serotype. Ad2, Ad5, Ad4, and Ad9 induced similar vimentin cleavage in infected cells, whereas Ad3, Ad7, and Ad12, for which most infecting particles are found sequestered within phagosomes, induced very little, if any, vimentin breakdown. This suggests that vimentin processing is in some way related to the number of virus particles migrating through the cytoplasm. Experiments performed in vitro and in vivo with adenovirus temperature-sensitive mutants H2 ts1 and H2 ts112 and UV-inactivated wild-type Ad2 indicated that vimentin processing is due to a nonvirion, cytoskeleton-associated, proteolytic enzyme activated by adenovirus and sharing characteristics with the protease described by Nelson and Traub (W.J. Nelson and P. Traub, J. Cell Sci. 57:25-49, 1982). The activity of this protease appears to be required for productive infection by adenovirus serotypes 2 and 5 (subgroup C), 4 (subgroup E), and 9 (subgroup D) but not by the oncogenic serotypes 3 and 7 (subgroup B) and 12 (subgroup A).     

Inhibition of adenovirus DNA replication by vesicular stomatitis virus leader RNA.

Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) leader RNA and a synthetic oligodeoxynucleotide of the same sequence were found to inhibit the replication of adenovirus DNA in vitro. In contrast, the small RNA transcribed by the VSV defective interfering particle DI-011 did not prevent adenovirus DNA replication. The inhibition produced by leader RNA was at the level of preterminal protein (pTP)-dCMP complex formation, the initiation step of adenovirus DNA replication. Initiation requires the adenovirus pTP-adenovirus DNA polymerase complex (pTP-Adpol), the adenovirus DNA-binding protein, and nuclear factor I. Specific replication in the presence of leader RNA was restored when the concentration of adenovirus-infected or uninfected nuclear extract was increased or by the addition of purified pTP-Adpol or HeLa cell DNA polymerase alpha-primase to inhibited replication reactions. Furthermore, the activities of both purified DNA polymerases could be inhibited by the leader sequence. These results suggest that VSV leader RNA is the viral agent responsible for inhibition of adenovirus and possibly cellular DNA replication during VSV infection.     

Secreted proteins from Mycobacterium tuberculosis gain access to the cytosolic MHC class-I antigen-processing pathway

CD8+ T cells play an important role in the host response to infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). Mtb resides in an arrested phagosome that is phenotypically similar to an early endosome. The mechanisms by which Mtb-derived Ags gain access to the HLA-I-processing pathway are incompletely characterized. Studies with CD8+ T cell lines have suggested that Mtb Ags gain access to the HLA-I pathway in an alternate vacuolar pathway that is both brefeldin A (BFA) and TAP independent. To define the requirements of entry of Ag into the HLA-I pathway, we have used human CD8+ T cell clones specific for the secreted Mtb Ag CFP10. Human monocyte-derived dendritic cells were pulsed with CFP10 expressed in a recombinant adenovirus, surface adsorbed to microspheres, or in its native form by Mtb. When delivered by adenovirus, processing and presentation of CFP10 were blocked by both BFA and the proteasomal blocker lactacystin. In contrast, processing of CFP10 adsorbed to the surface of microspheres was not affected by either of these Ag-processing inhibitors. BFA, lactacystin, and TAP inhibition blocked the recognition of Mtb-infected dendritic cells, suggesting that processing was via a cytosolic pathway for this secreted protein Ag. We conclude that secreted proteins from Mtb can be processed in a BFA- and proteasome-dependent manner, consistent with egress of Ag into the cytosol and subsequent loading of proteasomally derived peptides.