Is ribonucleotide reductase the transforming function of herpes simplex virus 2?

Transformation of cells by herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) can be induced by the BglII C (0.43-0.58 map units) or N (0.58-0.625) fragments of the viral genome. Sequences partially overlapping both fragments (0.566-0.602) encode two 3' coterminal mRNAs; these in turn direct the synthesis of two related polypeptides of molecular weight 140,000 (140K) and 35K (refs 4, 7), which may be involved in transformation. Recently, a temperature-sensitive (ts) mutation affecting HSV-induced ribonucleotide reductase has been mapped within this common region (B.M. Dutia, personal communication). We have partially purified the induced reductase and raised a rabbit antiserum to it which inhibits the enzyme activity and immunoprecipitates from infected cells a 144K polypeptide and minor species including a 38K polypeptide. Here we show that a monoclonal antibody to the putative transforming proteins competes with the rabbit serum for the 144K and 38K antigens and also immunoprecipitates specifically the induced reductase activity. These results suggest a possible role for ribonucleotide reductase in HSV-2-induced transformation.     

Recombination: Multiply infected spleen cells in HIV patients

The genome of the human immunodeficiency virus is highly prone to recombination, although it is not obvious whether recombinants arise infrequently or whether they are constantly being spawned but escape identification because of the massive and rapid turnover of virus particles. Here we use fluorescence in situ hybridization to estimate the number of proviruses harboured by individual splenocytes from two HIV patients, and determine the extent of recombination by sequencing amplified DNA from these cells. We find an average of three or four proviruses per cell and evidence for huge numbers of recombinants and extensive genetic variation. Although this creates problems for phylogenetic analyses, which ignore recombination effects, the intracellular variation may help to broaden immune recognition.     

Glycoprotein C of herpes simplex virus 1 acts as a receptor for the C3b complement component on infected cells

Receptors for the Fc portion of immunoglobulins or for the third component of complement (C3) are present on a variety of circulating and fixed tissue cells including granulocytes, monocytes, lymphocytes and glomerular epithelial cells. Cells which lack Fc receptors may express them after infection by herpes simplex virus (HSV)-1, HSV-2, cytomegalovirus or varicella zoster virus. We recently reported that infection by HSV-1 induces both Fc and C3 receptors on human endothelial cells. Glycoprotein E of HSV-1 has been shown to function as an Fc receptor. We now demonstrate that glycoprotein C (gC) of HSV-1 functions as a C3b receptor. This receptor appears following HSV-1, but not HSV-2, infection. Detection of the C3b receptor is blocked by monoclonal antibodies to glycoprotein C (gC) of HSV-1, but not by monoclonal antibodies to other HSV-1 glycoproteins. In addition, the MP mutant of HSV-1, which lacks gC, fails to express a C3b receptor. These results assign a new function of gC of HSV-1 and demonstrate potentially important differences between HSV-1 and HSV-2 glycoproteins.     

Decreased virulence of recombinant vaccinia virus expression vectors is associated with a thymidine kinase-negative phenotype

Recent advances in molecular genetics have led to the possibility of using large DNA viruses, such as vaccinia virus, as a biological delivery system for immunizing man against unrelated disease-causing agents. When live vaccinia virus recombinants expressing the hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg), the influenza A virus haemagglutinin, the herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 D glycoprotein, the rabies virus G glycoprotein and the vesicular stomatitis virus G glycoprotein were used for immunization, animals were protected upon challenge with the appropriate pathogenic agent. A major concern with using such vaccines, however, stems from the previously documented vaccinia virus-associated post-immunizing complications. We present here experimental evidence that thymidine kinase-negative (TK-) vaccinia virus recombinants, constructed by inserting a variety of DNA coding sequences into the vaccinia virus tk gene, are less pathogenic for mice than wild-type virus.     

Need for DNA topoisomerase activity as a swivel for DNA replication for transcription of ribosomal RNA

Yeast strains with mutations in the genes for DNA topoisomerases I and II have been identified previously in both Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Schizosaccharomyces pombe. The topoisomerase II mutants (top2) are conditional-lethal temperature-sensitive (ts) mutants. They are defective in the termination of DNA replication and the segregation of daughter chromosomes, but otherwise appear to replicate and transcribe DNA normally. Topoisomerase I mutants (top1), including strains with null mutations are viable and exhibit no obvious growth defects, demonstrating that DNA topoisomerase I is not essential for viability in yeast. In contrast to the single mutants, top1 top2 ts double mutants from both Schizosaccharomyces pombe and Saccharomyces cerevisiae grow poorly at the permissive temperature and stop growth rapidly at the non-permissive temperature. Here we report that DNA and ribosomal RNA synthesis are drastically inhibited in an S. cerevisiae top1 top2 ts double mutant at the restrictive temperature, but that the rate of poly(A)+ RNA synthesis is reduced only about threefold and transfer DNA synthesis remains relatively normal. The results suggest that DNA replication and at least ribosomal RNA synthesis require an active topoisomerase, presumably to act as a swivel to relieve torsional stress, and that either topoisomerase can perform the required function (except in termination of DNA replication where topoisomerase II is required).     

Generation of a recombinant herpes simplex virus which can provide packaging function for recombinant adeno-associated

The generation of a recombinant HSV (rHSV) that can provide packaging function for rAAV production is described. A set of cosmids including cos48, cos28, cos6, cos14 and cos56, which represents the HSV-1 genome was used for generation of this rHSV. Rep and cap genes of AAV-2 were inserted into Xba Ⅰ site of UL2 gene on cos6, generating cos6-rcΔUL2. After being digested with Pac Ⅰ , cos6-rcΔUL2 and the other 4 cosmids were cotrans-fected into BHK-21 cells. The recombinant virus HSV1-rc/ΔUL2 carrying rep and cap genes was generated due to the homologous recombination of the 5 cosmids. The results showed that the existence of rep and cap genes on this rHSV was stable from passage to passage and the rHSV could support the packaging of rAAV either in cells transiently transfected with AAV vector or in stable cell line harboring AAV vector. Further modification of this rHSV and optimization of conditions involved in rAAV preparation may lead to a large-scale production of rAAV in the near future.     

An immunologically active chimaeric protein containing herpes simplex virus type 1 glycoprotein D

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2) cause both persistent and latent infections, including recurrent cutaneous disease, lethal neonatal disease, central nervous system disease and other clinical syndromes. Modified live vaccines or conventionally prepared subunit vaccines have generally been unsuccessful in the treatment of HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections from the standpoints of safety and efficacy. It has been established that HSV-1 and HSV-2 infectivity may be neutralized in vitro with antisera directed specifically against each of the four major glycoproteins of the virus (gA/gB, gC, gD and gE) and antisera against glycoprotein gD, of either HSV-1 or HSV-2, are capable of neutralizing both HSV-1 and HSV-2 infectivity in vitro and in vivo. We have previously reported on the identification, DNA sequence and expression at low level in Escherichia coli of the gD gene of HSV-1 strain Patton. Here we describe construction of a hybrid gene encoding a chimaeric protein containing HSV-1 gD, bacteriophage lambda Cro and E. coli beta-galactosidase (gD-beta-gal) protein, which is expressed at high level in E. coli. Moreover, the chimaeric protein elicits antibodies in rabbits that not only immunoprecipitate gD from cells infected with HSV-1 and HSV-2 but also neutralize HSV-1 and HSV-2 infectivity in vitro.     

The oncogenic potential of herpes simplex viruses: evidence for a 'hit-and-run' mechanism

Experiments to determine the mechanism of transformation of herpes simplex virus (HSV) have identified fragments of viral DNA which are able to initiate transformation. No set of viral genes seems to be consistently retained or expressed in the transformed cells or in human cervical tumours, suggesting that viral DNA is not needed to maintain the transformed phenotype. In fact there is no conclusive evidence that initiation of neoplasia is mediated by a viral protein. Here we revisit the 'hit-and-run' hypothesis and its implications for HSV-induced tumorigenicity.     

A survey of human leukaemias for sequences of a human retrovirus

Human T-cell leukaemia-lymphoma virus (HTLV) is an exogenous human retrovirus distinct from all known animal retroviruses. HTLV is closely linked to a subtype of adult T-cell malignancies and except for isolated cases, has not been found associated with any other form of leukaemia, lymphoma or other cancers (see refs 1, 2 for review). HTLV can be transmitted to cord blood T lymphocytes in vitro and the infected cells exhibit characteristics of transformed neoplastic T cells. We have recently cloned DNA sequences derived from approximately 1 kilobase (kb) of the 5' and 3' termini of the HTLV genome, as well as a 4-5-kb defective HTLV provirus flanked by cellular sequences. The availability of these probes has enabled us to carry out a limited survey of different fresh or cultured cells from patients of different lymphoid and myeloid malignancies for HTLV-related DNA sequences. The results presented here show that cells from all Japanese patients with adult T-cell leukaemia and several patients with various mature T-cell malignancies from elsewhere contained one or more copies of a highly conserved HTLV genome. The infected cells are of clonal origin. Fresh cells from 1 of the 10 myeloid leukaemic patients contained exogenous DNA sequences distantly related to HTLV.     

Generation of a recombinant herpes simplex virus which can provide packaging function for recombinant adeno-associated virus

The generation of a recombinant HSV (rHSV) that can provide packaging function for rAAV production is described. A set of cosmids including cos48, cos28, cos6, cosl4 and cos56, which represents the HSV-1 genome was used for generation of this rHSV.Rep andcap genes of AAV-2 were inserted intoXba I site ofUL2 gene on cod, generating cos6rcΔUL2. After being digested withPac I, cos6-rcΔUL2 and the other 4 cosmids were cotransfected into BHK-21 cells. The recombinant virus HSV1-rc/ΔUL2 carryingrep andcap genes was generated due to the homologous recombination of the 5 cosmids. The results showed that the existence ofrep andcap genes on this rHSV was stable from passage to passage and the rHSV could support the packaging of rAAV either in cells transiently transfected with AAV vector or in stable cell line harboring AAV vector. Further modification of this rHSV and optimization of conditions involved in rAAV preparation may lead to a large-scale production of rAAV in the near future.     

Antiviral activities of extracts from Hong Kong seaweeds

We extracted six Hong Kong brown seaweed species with hot water for their antiviral properties. The cytotoxicity and antiviral activity of these extracts were tested by MTT [3-（4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl）-2,5-diphenlytetrezolium bromide] method, cytopathic effect reduction assay, and plaque reduction assay. The antiviral effect was further determined by flow cytometric analysis. The results showed that most of these extracts inhibited the propagation of herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 （HSV-1 and HSV-2） standard strains with very low cytotoxicity to the host cells. The extracts ofHydroclathrus clathratus and Lobophora variegata showed more potential anti-HSV activities than the extracts of the other four seaweeds. They also had moderate antirespiratory syncytial virus （RSV） activities but could not inhibit influenza A virus. Hydroclathrus clathratus was further extracted by diluted acid and alkali and the antiviral effects of the extracts were also detected. The result showed that the hot water extract contained the main carbohydrate components that exhibited the antiviral activities against various strains of HSV, including the acyclovir-resistant strain. HI-3, a compound fractionated from this hot water extract, showed a dose-dependent anti-HSV activity in flow cytometric analysis and plaque reduction assay.     

AcNPV增强子hr5增强HBsAg基因表达的研究

用形成包涵体（ＯＯＣ＋）并能利用人工合成启动序列和多角体ＸＩＶ启动子表达外源基因的转移载体质粒ｐＳＸＩＶＶＩ＋Ｘ３将多角体基因、乙型肝炎病毒表面抗原（ＨＢＳＡｇ）基因和苜蓿丫纹夜蛾核型多角体病毒（ＡｃＮＰＶ）的增强子ｈｒ５部分序列同时插入无包涵体的粉纹夜蛾核型多角体病毒ＴｎＮＰＶ－ＳＶＩ－Ｇ基因组中，得到两株高效表达ＨＢｓＡｇ基因又形成包涵体的重组病毒ＴｎＮＰＶ－ｓｈｒ３５－ＯＣＣ＋和ＴｎＮＰＶ－ｓｈｒ２６－ＯＣＣ＋．对重组病毒的酶切鉴定、ＤＮＡ斑点杂交和Ｓｏｕｔｈｅｒｎｂｌｏｔ分析证实，外源基因及其相应的启动子和增强子序列已正确插入病毒基因组中．插入顺序中，ｈｒ５增强子是插入ＨＢｓＡｇ基因下游，多角体基因与ＨＢｓＡｇ基因方向相反．１２５Ⅰ－固相放射免疫检测和Ｗｅｓｔｅｒｎｂｌｏｔ结果表明，ＨＢｓＡｇ基因在昆虫离体细胞中得到高效表达并保留了抗原活性．ＴｎＮＰＶ－ｓｈｒ２６－ＯＣＣ＋和ＴｎＮＰＶ－ｓｈｒ３５－ＯＣＣ＋表达的ＨＢｓＡ吕蛋白与没有插入增强子序列的重组病毒ＴｎＮＰＶ—ＨＢｓ８５－ＯＣＣ＋的比较，分别提高了４０％和４６％．     

酵母ZDNA重复顺序的分子克隆研究

为了对酵母分子生物学理论研究及实际应用的探讨,进行了酵母DNA分子克隆。采用重组DNA技术及放射性分子探针杂交法从克隆库中检测出两大类含有ZDNA重复顺序的重组子。第一类是含有端粒区ZDNA重复顺序及自主复制顺序的重组子。这些重组子对端粒区灼整合转化研究对开拓基因工程的应用具有重要意义。第二类是含有染色体内部分散的ZDNA重复顺序的重组子。这些重组子对研究内在ZDNA的结构和功能有重要的理论价值。按实验结果计算,在酵母基因组中大约存在有100个ZDNA重复顺序片段。     

Mediation of virion penetration into vascular cells by association of basic fibroblast growth factor with herpes simplex virus type 1

Herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) is a ubiquitous pathogen that is associated with considerable morbidity in the general population. Although it is known that the virion uses a basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptor to penetrate vascular cells, it is not known how the viral particle recognizes and binds to this cell surface protein. Here we report that an immunoreactive basic FGF-like protein is associated with the viral particle and that this association appears responsible for viral uptake. Accordingly, HSV-1 infection of Swiss 3T3 cells stimulates the tyrosine phosphorylation of the specific substrate that characterizes the initial cellular response to basic FGF. Antibodies to basic FGF prevent this phosphorylation and inhibit HSV-1 uptake. Because no basic FGF sequence is found in the HSV-1 genome, a model for the infection for some target cells is presented whereby the viral particle uses host cell-derived basic FGF to ensure subsequent infectivity of newly replicated virus.     

禽类多瘤病毒APV-1的cDNA病毒突变体构建

为进一步研究禽类多瘤病毒晚期基因多顺反子翻译调控的分子机制,设计和构建了与野生型病毒APV-1相同的在AUG位点有agno-1a突变区和7个插入氨基酸的新型重组病毒.用碱裂解法提取了APV-1 cDNA克隆pHL1003,全长线性目的片段由Acc I部分酶切后回收,再用T4连接酶将合成的agno插入片段磷酸化后与目的片段连接得到了重组质粒,最后转化至E.coli DH10b感受态细胞中筛选阳性克隆.经PCR,PAGE和DNA测序验证获得了APV-1突变cDNA克隆.