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Herbst H, Sauter M, Fuchs H, Kühler-Obbarius C, Löning T, Mueller-Lantzsch N. [Gene products of human endogenous retrovirus (HERV)-K in germ cell and trophoblastic tumors]. VERHANDLUNGEN DER DEUTSCHEN GESELLSCHAFT FUR PATHOLOGIE 1998; 81:464-70. [PMID: 9474889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Antibodies against Gag and Env proteins encoded by human endogenous retrovirus (HERV)-K genomes are found in the sera of patients with classical seminoma. This prompted us to study ovarian and testicular germ cell tumors, their precursor lesions, dysgenetic gonads, and trophoblast lesions for expression of HERV-K sequences by in situ hybridization using radioactive and non-radioactive probes. Expression of HERV-K sequences was found in all testicular and ovarian germ cell tumors with the exception of teratomas and spermatocytic seminomas. HERV-K expression was also found in testicular intraepithelial neoplasia (so-called carcinoma in situ) as well as in gonocytes of dysgenetic gonads. Among gestational trophoblastic lesions, HERV-K expression was regularly found in choriocarcinomas, but not in non-invasive molar lesions. There was no evidence for HERV-K expression in differentiated embryonal and adult tissues. The findings point to a common molecular pathogenesis of most germ cell tumor entities and malignant gestational trophoblastic disease. They furthermore support the concept of carcinoma in situ as a precursor lesion common to most testicular germ cell tumors. Conceivably, the detection of HERV-K gene products in body fluids and tissues will aid diagnosis and monitoring of germ cell tumors and related lesions.
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27
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Fackler OT, Schäfer M, Schmidt W, Zippel T, Heise W, Schneider T, Zeitz M, Riecken EO, Mueller-Lantzsch N, Ullrich R. HIV-1 p24 but not proviral load is increased in the intestinal mucosa compared with the peripheral blood in HIV-infected patients. AIDS 1998; 12:139-46. [PMID: 9468362 DOI: 10.1097/00002030-199802000-00003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate differences in viral and proviral load between the peripheral blood and the intestinal mucosal immune system in HIV-infected patients. DESIGN HIV-1 p24 and HIV DNA content were compared in blood samples and intestinal biopsies from HIV-infected patients. METHODS Intestinal biopsies and peripheral blood were simultaneously obtained from 27 HIV-infected patients undergoing diagnostic endoscopy. The p24 concentrations were measured in serum and homogenized intestinal biopsies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay after acid-dissociation of immune complexes. Proviral load was determined in blood and intestinal biopsies by a quantitative competitive polymerase chain reaction amplifying the HIV-1 nef gene from genomic DNA. RESULTS No significant differences were found in proviral load comparing HIV copies per 1.5 x 10(5) cell equivalents in blood [2650 (600-44000)] and intestinal biopsies [4200 (1325-19 625)]. Paired analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between serum and mucosal proviral load. In contrast, HIV core protein p24 was detected in intestinal biopsies from 18 patients in much higher concentrations than in serum [858 (262-4111) pg/g versus 34 (9-242) pg/g; P < 0.005]. The p24 concentrations in serum and intestinal biopsies did not correlate and no significant correlation was observed in serum or intestinal biopsies between proviral load and p24 concentrations. No clear correlations were observed between clinical parameters and HIV DNA or HIV p24 levels in blood or biopsies. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate a homogenous distribution of HIV proviral load in the peripheral blood and the intestinal mucosal immune system. The high viral antigen load in the intestine therefore indicates that mucosal HIV production is upregulated at the transcriptional and/or translational level. The intestinal mucosa is a major reservoir for HIV in HIV-infected patients.
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Herbst H, Sauter M, Kühler-Obbarius C, Löning T, Mueller-Lantzsch N. Human endogenous retrovirus (HERV)-K transcripts in germ cell and trophoblastic tumours. APMIS 1998; 106:216-20. [PMID: 9524581 DOI: 10.1111/j.1699-0463.1998.tb01338.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Prompted by the observation of retroviral particle formation in teratocarcinoma cell lines and the consistent finding of antibodies against Gag and Env proteins encoded by human endogenous retrovirus (HERV)-K genomes in the sera of patients with classical seminoma, we studied ovarian and testicular germ cell tumours, their precursor lesions, dysgenetic gonads, and trophoblast lesions for expression of HERV-K sequences by in situ hybridization using radioactive and non-radioactive probes. HERV-K transcripts were detected in all testicular and ovarian germ cell tumours with the exception of teratomas and spermatocytic seminomas. HERV-K expression was also common to testicular carcinoma in situ as well as gonocytes of dysgenetic gonads. Among gestational trophoblastic lesions, HERV-K expression was regularly found in choriocarcinomas, but not in molar lesions. The patterns of HERV-K expression suggest a common molecular pathogenesis of most germ cell tumour entities and malignant gestational trophoblastic disease. They furthermore support the concept of carcinoma in situ as a precursor lesion common to most testicular germ cell neoplasms. The detection of HERV-K gene products in body fluids and tissues may aid diagnosis and monitoring of germ cell tumours and related lesions.
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29
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Mayer J, Meese E, Mueller-Lantzsch N. Multiple human endogenous retrovirus (HERV-K) loci with gag open reading frames in the human genome. CYTOGENETICS AND CELL GENETICS 1997; 78:1-5. [PMID: 9345895 DOI: 10.1159/000134614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Human endogenous retrovirus HERV-K is present in 25-30 copies per haploid human genome. At least one of these loci is capable of producing full-length Gag protein, high amounts of which have been detected in germ cell tumors and derived cell lines. The latter display HERV-K Gag-encoded retroviral particles. Here, we employed the protein truncation test (PTT) in combination with a monochromosomal hybrid mapping panel to identify the human chromosomes harboring HERV-K gag genes with an open reading frame for Gag protein. Eight human chromosomes were found to contain intact HERV-K gag genes. PTT results were corroborated by partial sequencing of subregions from different HERV-K gag genes. The high number of HERV-K Gag open reading frames supports the idea of retroviral sequences retaining a biological benefit in the human genome.
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30
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Winkelspecht B, Mueller-Lantzsch N, Köhler H. Serological evidence for reactivation of EBV infection due to uraemic immunodeficiency. Nephrol Dial Transplant 1997; 12:2099-104. [PMID: 9351072 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/12.10.2099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reactivation of EBV infection is a common finding in immunocompromised individuals. The influence of 'uraemic immunodeficiency' on EBV infection is so far not well defined. METHODS We determined specific antibodies to EBV nuclear antigens (EBNA) 1 and 2 in sera of 286 patients with immunodeficiency due to progressive chronic renal failure and of 51 healthy controls. We used the baculovirus vector expression system for recombinant production of EBNA1 and EBNA2. RESULTS Serological evidence of reactivated or chronic persistent EBV infection, i.e. an anti-EBNA1/anti-EBNA2 ratio (E1/E2) < 1, was found in 18% of patients with chronic renal failure not yet receiving renal replacement therapy (CRF), 11% of peritoneal dialysis patients (CAPD), 25% of haemodialysis patients (HD), 24% of renal transplant recipients (TX), and in 6% of healthy controls. Rate of EBV reactivation was significantly increased in HD (P = 0.004) and TX (P = 0.006) patients compared to healthy controls. Moreover, the difference between HD and CAPD patients was statistically significant (P < 0.05). This finding may reflect additional effects modulating the function of the immunosystem, probably through activation of immunologically competent cells by contact with the artificial surfaces of dialysis membranes. Although the rate of EBV reactivations is expected to increase further under conditions of therapeutic immunosuppression, our serological approach did not detect an additional effect of immunosuppressive therapy following renal transplantation. However, this finding may reflect an impaired endogenous synthesis of antibodies caused by immunosuppressive agents. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that determination of E1/E2 is useful for assessment of EBV infection in patients with chronic renal failure and 'uraemic immunodeficiency'. In patients with immunosuppressive therapy following renal transplantation additional testing including direct estimation of viral load, is necessary to correctly assess the state of EBV infection.
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31
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Fackler OT, Kienzle N, Kremmer E, Boese A, Schramm B, Klimkait T, Kücherer C, Mueller-Lantzsch N. Association of human immunodeficiency virus Nef protein with actin is myristoylation dependent and influences its subcellular localization. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMISTRY 1997; 247:843-51. [PMID: 9288906 DOI: 10.1111/j.1432-1033.1997.00843.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) Nef functions are thought to be mediated via interactions with cellular proteins. Utilizing zone velocity sedimentation in glycerol gradients we found that recombinant HIV-1 Nef non-covalently associates with actin forming a high-molecular-mass complex of 150-300 kDa. This Nef/actin complex was present in human B and T lymphocytes but not in insect cells and was dependent on the N-terminal myristoylation of Nef, whereas the SH3-binding proline motif of Nef was not involved. Despite being myristoylated, HIV-2 Nef did not associate with actin. This might reflect differences in the subcellular localization of Nef since cell-fractionation experiments revealed that HIV-1 Nef was virtually exclusively localized in the cytoskeletal (detergent-insoluble) fraction whereas HIV-2 Nef had significantly reduced affinity for the cytoskeleton. Colocalization experiments in HIV-1-infected CD4+ fibroblasts revealed that Nef/actin complexes may also exist in HIV-infected cells. This novel interaction of HIV-1 Nef with actin provides insight into the association of Nef with cellular structures and reveals general differences in the interactions of the Nef proteins from HIV-1 and HIV-2.
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32
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Theis S, Atz J, Mueller-Lantzsch N, Roemer K. A function in apoptosis other than transactivation inherent in the NH2-terminal domain of p53. Int J Cancer 1997; 71:858-66. [PMID: 9180157 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1097-0215(19970529)71:5<858::aid-ijc26>3.0.co;2-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
p53-mediated programmed cell death (PMCD) often requires an intact transactivation domain of the p53 tumor suppressor and is therefore usually interpreted to rely upon the transactivation of genes. As a notable exception, murine GHFT1 cells have been documented to perish in a p53-dependent manner even in the presence of transcription inhibitor actinomycin D (Act D) and have since served as one model system for transactivation-independent apoptosis. We report here that p53 transactivation domain mutant Q22,S23 nonetheless fails to mediate apoptosis in these cells as efficiently as wild-type p53. This suggests that some function of the NH2-terminal domain other than the transactivation of genes supports PMCD of GHFT1 cells. To substantiate this suggestion, we employed a p53 whose transactivation domain had been replaced with the one of VP16, which acts through the same elements of the basal transcription machinery. Although the hybrid was fully competent for transactivation, it was impaired for the mediation of apoptosis to the same extent as mutant Q22,S23. Thus, a function of the transactivation domain other than the binding to the transcription co-activators hTAF(II)31 and 70 is required for the efficient induction of apoptosis in GHFT1 cells.
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33
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Götzinger N, Sauter M, Roemer K, Mueller-Lantzsch N. Regulation of human endogenous retrovirus-K Gag expression in teratocarcinoma cell lines and human tumours. THE JOURNAL OF GENERAL VIROLOGY 1997. [PMID: 9000088 DOI: 10.1099/0022-1317-77-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Human endogenous retrovirus-K (HERV-K) Gag protein is produced by both Tera 1 and PA-1 (ovarian teratocarcinoma) cells, but only Tera 1 cells release the protein in the form of particles. It was unclear how Gag production was regulated in these cell types. Although both Tera 1 and PA-1 cells express Gag, demethylation upon treatment with 5-azacytidine (5-AZC) or exposure to the chromatin-modifying agent n-butyrate resulted in an increase in Gag protein levels only in Tera 1 cells. Consistent with this cell type-specific overexpression of Gag in response to demethylation, exposure to 5-AZC caused undermethylation of the gag gene and adjacent 5'LTR only in Tera 1 but not PA-1 or Raji cells. Similarly and importantly, undermethylation of gag sequences and expression of Gag were also correlated in primary human testicular tumours. These results therefore suggest that endogenous retroviral elements are subject to regulation through the methylation of CpG dinucleotides.
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34
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Fischer N, Kremmer E, Lautscham G, Mueller-Lantzsch N, Grässer FA. Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen 1 forms a complex with the nuclear transporter karyopherin alpha2. J Biol Chem 1997; 272:3999-4005. [PMID: 9020106 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.272.7.3999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is implicated in the induction of several malignancies. The nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA1) is the only viral protein that is expressed consistently in all EBV-associated tumors. EBNA1 is involved in the replication and maintenance of the viral episome in the infected cell and exhibits oncogenic activity in transgenic mice. Here we report the identification of the nuclear transporter karyopherin alpha2 as a cellular partner of EBNA1 using the yeast "two-hybrid system." Karyopherin alpha2 is also called importin alpha or Rch1. The binding to karyopherin alpha2 was mediated through a C-terminal region of EBNA1 encompassing the nuclear localization signal, whereas clones of EBNA1 devoid of the nuclear localization signal failed to bind to karyopherin alpha2. The interaction was biochemically confirmed by far-Western analysis using bacterially expressed karyopherin alpha2 and karyopherin alpha2-specific monoclonal antibodies. The nuclear transport of EBNA1 was impaired by expression of N-terminally truncated karyopherin alpha2. Zone velocity sedimentation in a sucrose gradient indicated that: (i) EBNA1 and Rch1 colocalize; and (ii) the association of karyopherin alpha2 with high molecular weight protein complexes might be impeded by the presence of EBNA1.
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35
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Götzinger N, Sauter M, Roemer K, Mueller-Lantzsch N. Regulation of human endogenous retrovirus-K Gag expression in teratocarcinoma cell lines and human tumours. J Gen Virol 1996; 77 ( Pt 12):2983-90. [PMID: 9000088 DOI: 10.1099/0022-1317-77-12-2983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retrovirus-K (HERV-K) Gag protein is produced by both Tera 1 and PA-1 (ovarian teratocarcinoma) cells, but only Tera 1 cells release the protein in the form of particles. It was unclear how Gag production was regulated in these cell types. Although both Tera 1 and PA-1 cells express Gag, demethylation upon treatment with 5-azacytidine (5-AZC) or exposure to the chromatin-modifying agent n-butyrate resulted in an increase in Gag protein levels only in Tera 1 cells. Consistent with this cell type-specific overexpression of Gag in response to demethylation, exposure to 5-AZC caused undermethylation of the gag gene and adjacent 5'LTR only in Tera 1 but not PA-1 or Raji cells. Similarly and importantly, undermethylation of gag sequences and expression of Gag were also correlated in primary human testicular tumours. These results therefore suggest that endogenous retroviral elements are subject to regulation through the methylation of CpG dinucleotides.
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36
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Schorr J, Kellner R, Fackler O, Freund J, Konvalinka J, Kienzle N, Kräusslich HG, Mueller-Lantzsch N, Kalbitzer HR. Specific cleavage sites of Nef proteins from human immunodeficiency virus types 1 and 2 for the viral proteases. J Virol 1996; 70:9051-4. [PMID: 8971042 PMCID: PMC191010 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.70.12.9051-9054.1996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2) Nef is proteolytically cleaved by the HIV-2-encoded protease. The proteolysis is not influenced by the absence or presence of the N-terminal myristoylation. The main cleavage site is located between residues 39 and 40, suggesting a protease recognition sequence, GGEY-SQFQ. As observed previously for Nef protein from HIV-1, a large, stable core domain with an apparent molecular mass of 30 kDa is produced by the proteolytic activity. Cleavage of Nef from HIV-1 in two domains by its own protease or the protease from HIV-2 is also independent of Nef myristoylation. However, processing of HIV-1 Nef by the HIV-2 protease is less selective than that by the HIV-1 protease: the obtained core fragment is heterogeneous at its N terminus and has an additional cleavage site between amino acids 99 and 100. Preliminary experiments suggest that the full-length Nef of HIV-2 and the core domain are part of the HIV-2 particles, analogous to the situation reported recently for HIV-1.
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37
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Fackler OT, Kremmer E, Mueller-Lantzsch N. Evidence for the association of Nef protein with HIV-2 virions. Virus Res 1996; 46:105-10. [PMID: 9029783 DOI: 10.1016/s0168-1702(96)01389-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
HIV-Nef protein supports viral infectivity prior to proviral integration. This requires Nef to be present before the expression of viral genes and suggests its delivery as part of the virion. We report here that the Nef proteins of HIV-2-HOM and HIV-2-ROD are associated with the virion. After the separation of pelleted virus in a 20-60% sucrose density gradient, both proteins cosedimented with the virion-associated reverse transcriptase (RT) activity at a density characteristic of retroviral particles. Whereas Nef-2-ROD was present in the virion only as the full-length protein, HIV-2-HOM appeared as 32 and 35 kDa isoforms. The smaller isoform is identical in molecular weight to the protein expected from proteolytic cleavage of full-length Nef-2-HOM by the virion-based protease. Virion-association of Nef helps to explain the recently redefined biological function of this regulatory protein.
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38
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Sauder C, Müller A, Cubitt B, Mayer J, Steinmetz J, Trabert W, Ziegler B, Wanke K, Mueller-Lantzsch N, de la Torre JC, Grässer FA. Detection of Borna disease virus (BDV) antibodies and BDV RNA in psychiatric patients: evidence for high sequence conservation of human blood-derived BDV RNA. J Virol 1996; 70:7713-24. [PMID: 8892892 PMCID: PMC190841 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.70.11.7713-7724.1996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
In several vertebrate species, Borna disease virus (BDV), the prototype of a new group of animal viruses, causes central nervous system disease accompanied by diverse behavioral abnormalities. Seroepidemiological data indicate that BDV may contribute to the pathophysiology of certain human mental disorders. This hypothesis is further supported by the detection of both BDV antigens and BDV RNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with psychiatric disorders and the isolation of BDV from such PBMCs. Here we describe serological and molecular epidemiological studies on psychiatric patients and healthy individuals from the area of Homburg, Germany. Using a novel Western blot (immunoblot) assay, we found a BDV seroprevalence of 9.6% among 416 neuropsychiatric patients, which is significantly higher than the 1.4% found among 203 healthy control individuals. Human sera displayed a prominent immunoreactivity against the virus nucleoprotein, the p40 antigen. Reverse transcriptase-mediated PCR analysis of RNA extracted from PBMCs of a subset of 26 of the neuropsychiatric patients revealed that 50% were BDV RNA positive. Three of the 13 BDV RNA-positive patients also had BDV-positive serology, whereas one patient with serum antibodies to BDV p40 antigen did not harbor detectable BDV RNA in PBMCs. BDV p40 and p24 sequences derived from human PBMCs exhibited both a high degree of inter- and intrapatient conservation and a close genetic relationship to animal-derived BDV sequences.
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MESH Headings
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Animals
- Antibodies, Viral/blood
- Antibodies, Viral/immunology
- Antigens, Viral/genetics
- Antigens, Viral/immunology
- Base Sequence
- Blotting, Western
- Borna Disease/blood
- Borna Disease/immunology
- Borna Disease/virology
- Borna disease virus/genetics
- Borna disease virus/immunology
- Borna disease virus/isolation & purification
- Cell Line
- Conserved Sequence
- DNA, Viral/analysis
- Female
- Humans
- Leukocytes, Mononuclear/virology
- Male
- Mental Disorders/virology
- Middle Aged
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Polymerase Chain Reaction
- RNA, Viral/analysis
- Rabbits
- Sequence Analysis, DNA
- Spodoptera/cytology
- Viral Proteins/genetics
- Viral Proteins/immunology
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39
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Sommer P, Kremmer E, Bier S, König S, Zalud P, Zeppezauer M, Jones JF, Mueller-Lantzsch N, Grässer FA. Cloning and expression of the Epstein-Barr virus-encoded dUTPase: patients with acute, reactivated or chronic virus infection develop antibodies against the enzyme. J Gen Virol 1996; 77 ( Pt 11):2795-805. [PMID: 8922474 DOI: 10.1099/0022-1317-77-11-2795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The gene encoding the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-specific dUTPase was amplified from virus DNA by PCR. The active enzyme was expressed in Escherichia coli and in insect cells as a non-fusion protein. The protein from E. coli specifically converted dUTP to dUMP and did not react with other dNTPs or NTPs. Preliminary experiments yielded a Km value of about 0.8 microM for dUTP. MAbs against the dUTPase reacted with a protein of approximately 31 kDa in 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-stimulated B cells harbouring either type 1 or type 2 EBV. The protein was found in untreated cells at low levels, whereas induction of the lytic replication cycle by TPA treatment or by providing the immediate early transactivator BZLF1 in trans resulted in increased expression. We demonstrated that the virus dUTPase isolated from EBV-infected cells is a phosphoprotein. The protein expressed in insect cells was used to test for the presence of specific antibodies in sera from normal, healthy carriers and from patients with various diseases. While the sera of EBV-negative individuals (0/3) or healthy carriers (0/33) did not contain detectable levels of antibodies, patients with mononucleosis (5/18), chronic EBV infection (2/7), EBV reactivation (7/20) and human immunodeficiency virus infection (5/24) showed elevated antibody titres against the enzyme. This indicated that the dUTPase is expressed during EBV replication and reactivation. The enzyme might therefore be a potential target for drug therapy under conditions of active DNA replication.
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40
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Herbst H, Sauter M, Mueller-Lantzsch N. Expression of human endogenous retrovirus K elements in germ cell and trophoblastic tumors. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 1996; 149:1727-35. [PMID: 8909261 PMCID: PMC1865275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Antibodies against proteins encoded by human endogenous retrovirus (HERV)-K family genes are consistently found in the sera of patients with classical seminoma. Furthermore, HERV-K Gag-encoded protein could be detected in corresponding tumor biopsies. Addressing questions as to the extent of HERV gene expression in biologically related lesions, we studied various testicular and ovarian germ cell tumors (GCTs), GCT precursor lesions, and gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) for the presence of HERV-K gene transcripts in tissue sections. By in situ hybridization using four non-overlapping, isotopically labeled RNA probes specific for HERV-K gag and env sequences on archival tissue samples, consistent HERV-K expression of gag and env genes was found to be common to all GCTs and their testicular precursor lesions with the exception of teratomas, mature and immature, and spermatocytic seminomas. HERV-K expression was also found in malignant GTD (choriocarcinoma) but not in benign GTD (noninvasive molar pregnancy). There was no evidence for HERV-K expression in differentiated embryonal and adult tissues as well as a total of 53 tumors other than GCT or GTD. The findings point to a common molecular pathoetiology of GCT and malignant GTD, have implications for the classification of GCTs, and support the concept of carcinoma in situ as a precursor lesion common to all forms of testicular GCT.
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41
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Sauter M, Roemer K, Best B, Afting M, Schommer S, Seitz G, Hartmann M, Mueller-Lantzsch N. Specificity of antibodies directed against Env protein of human endogenous retroviruses in patients with germ cell tumors. Cancer Res 1996; 56:4362-5. [PMID: 8813125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
We report here that 85% of the patients with germ cell tumors (GCTs) produce antibodies directed against Env protein of human endogenous retroviruses. Individuals that received antitumor treatment showed a decrease with time in their antibody titers. Importantly, of the rare cases of non-GCT individuals with Env-antibodies (n= 15, 0.8%), none produced antibodies directed against the transmembrane domain (TM), whereas all tested Env-positive GCT patients (n= 49) generated such antibodies at high titers. TM is required for Env to be expressed at the cell surface. Thus, anti-TM antibodies constitute highly specific markers for GCT and may hint at a function of Env during tumorigenesis.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies, Neoplasm/blood
- Antibodies, Neoplasm/immunology
- Antibodies, Viral/blood
- Antibodies, Viral/immunology
- Antibody Specificity
- Antigens, Neoplasm/genetics
- Antigens, Neoplasm/immunology
- Biomarkers, Tumor/blood
- Cell Line
- Female
- Gene Products, env/genetics
- Gene Products, env/immunology
- Gene Products, gag/immunology
- Germinoma/blood
- Germinoma/immunology
- Germinoma/virology
- Humans
- Male
- Neoplasms/blood
- Neoplasms/immunology
- Nucleopolyhedroviruses/genetics
- Peptide Fragments/genetics
- Peptide Fragments/immunology
- Recombinant Proteins/genetics
- Recombinant Proteins/immunology
- Retroviridae/genetics
- Retroviridae/immunology
- Retroviridae/isolation & purification
- Spodoptera
- Testicular Diseases/blood
- Testicular Diseases/immunology
- Testicular Neoplasms/blood
- Testicular Neoplasms/immunology
- Testicular Neoplasms/virology
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42
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De La Torre JC, Gonzalez-Dunia D, Cubitt B, Mallory M, Mueller-Lantzsch N, Grässer FA, Hansen LA, Masliah E. Detection of borna disease virus antigen and RNA in human autopsy brain samples from neuropsychiatric patients. Virology 1996; 223:272-82. [PMID: 8806563 DOI: 10.1006/viro.1996.0479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Borna disease virus (BDV) causes a central nervous system disease in several vertebrate species which is characterized by behavioral disturbances. Seroepidemiological data indicate an association of BDV infection with certain human mental disorders. Sclerosis of the hippocampus and astrocytosis constitute histopathological hallmarks of BDV infection in animals. Therefore, we searched for human brain autopsy cases with such histopathological features. Five of 600 cases examined were identified as having hippocampus sclerosis and astrocytosis. Using immunocytochemistry, RT-PCR, and in situ hybridization, we detected both BDV antigen and RNA in autopsy brain samples from 4 of these 5 patients, who presented with a clinical history of mental disorders involving memory loss and depression. This is the first demonstration that BDV can infect human brain tissue, possibly contributing to the pathophysiology of specific human neuropsychiatric disorders.
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43
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Roemer K, Mueller-Lantzsch N. p53 transactivation domain mutant Q22, S23 is impaired for repression of promoters and mediation of apoptosis. Oncogene 1996; 12:2069-79. [PMID: 8668332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
p53 is multifunctional. To assess exactly what function is critical for the prevention of neoplastic transformation has proven difficult. Mutants with substitutions at positions 22 and 23 promised to address the relevance of transcription transactivation since they seemed to be defective specifically for this function. We report here that p53 mutant Q22, S23 [p53 (22,23)] is not only impaired for transactivation but for the repression of the fos promoter and SV40 early promoter. Furthermore, whereas p53 (22,23) fails to efficiently transactivate reporter genes in two p53-negative cell lines, it stimulates reporters and suppresses proliferation in two wild-type (wt) p53-positive cell lines strongly above the levels induced by the transfection procedure alone. This transactivation is refractory to inhibition by MDM-2. Finally, p53 (22,23) expressed from large plasmid quantity (1 microg) is crippled for the mediation of apoptosis in p53-negative Hep3B hepatocarcinoma cells. Nevertheless, at a quantity of only 10 ng, both mutant and wt p53 plasmids but not control plasmid, are able to induce some cell death which is not inhibitable by MDM-2. Thus, a correlation exists between p53's functions to regulate promoters and to efficiently mediate apoptosis in Hep3B cells.
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Winkelspecht B, Grässer F, Pees HW, Mueller-Lantzsch N. Anti-EBNA1/anti-EBNA2 ratio decreases significantly in patients with progression of HIV infection. Arch Virol 1996; 141:857-64. [PMID: 8678831 DOI: 10.1007/bf01718160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Reactivation of EBV infection is common in immunocompromised individuals. We determined specific antibodies to EBV-encoded nuclear antigens (EBNA)1 and 2 in 102 sera of HIV-infected individuals. Anti-EBNA1/anti-EBNA2 ratio (E1/E2) is less than 1 in chronic infection and exceeds 1 in healthy EBV-positive carriers. 52% of cases had E1/E2 < 1. E1/E2 decreased remarkably during the progression of HIV infection. Detectable HIV-Antigen, decline of CD4+ cell count and CD4+/CD8+ ratio were correlated with an increasing prevalence of E1/E2 below 1. We conclude that determination of E1/E2 is useful in immunocompromised patients.
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Treib J, Haass A, Mueller-Lantzsch N, Ehrfeld H, Mueller-Rheiland D, Woessner R, Holzer G, Schimrigk K. Tick-borne encephalitis in the Saarland and the Rhineland-Palatinate. Infection 1996; 24:242-4. [PMID: 8811363 DOI: 10.1007/bf01781102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The Saarland and the Rhineland-Palatinate are not considered endemic regions for tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), and patients in this region have not been routinely advised to undergo vaccination or serologic testing for TBE. In 1994, a significantly increased incidence of TBE cases was noted in the neighbouring state of Baden-Württemberg. In the same year, the first TBE acquired in the Saarland was diagnosed. To investigate the infection risk for TBE in the Saarland and Rhineland-Palatinate, the records of 2,123 serologic tests for TBE collected since 1989 were systematically examined. In addition, 904 frozen sera of patients displaying inflammatory changes in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were analyzed. IgG and IgM antibodies against TBE virus were found in 15 patients, four of which were verified clinically and serologically as TBE. One of these four cases was certainly and another was probably acquired in the Saarland. Three other patients displayed serologic signs of a TBE virus contact. The results of this study suggest that the occurrence of single cases in the Saarland has to be considered, but the risk is very small.
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Schlehofer B, Blettner M, Geletneky K, Haaf HG, Kaatsch P, Michaelis J, Mueller-Lantzsch N, Niehoff D, Winkelspecht B, Wahrendorf J, Schlehofer JR. Sero-epidemiological analysis of the risk of virus infections for childhood leukaemia. Int J Cancer 1996; 65:584-90. [PMID: 8598307 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1097-0215(19960301)65:5<584::aid-ijc5>3.0.co;2-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Virus infections have been thought to be involved in the development of childhood leukaemia. In order to address this issue we determined, in a case-control study, the prevalence of antibodies to viruses infecting blood or bone-marrow cells [Epstein-Barr virsus (EBV), human herpes virus type 6 (HHV-6), parvovirus B19] as well as to the human virus known for its tumour-suppressive properties, the adeno-associated virus type 2 (AAV-2), in the sera of 121 children with leukaemia in Germany, and in 197 control individuals, hospitalized for other reasons, and matched for age and gender to the cases. In addition, we developed a questionnaire to be answered by the children's parents, in order to gain information on previous infections of the children as well as to calculate for factors which may influence serological findings. Comparative determination of the prevalence of antibodies against AAV-2, B-19 or HHV-6 revealed no significant differences in cases and controls. However, antibodies to EBV were more frequently found in children with leukaemia younger than 6 years of age (age at the time of diagnosis of leukaemia) than in controls. Apparently, infection with AAV-2 has no protective effect in childhood leukaemia, in contrast to results observed for other malignancies. Similarly, and in accordance with results on leukaemia in adults, we found no indication of a protective effect of infection with the parvovirus B-19. The data suggest that EBV, which is known to be involved in various lymphomas, may play a role in the development of childhood leukaemia in young children.
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Schommer S, Sauter M, Kräusslich HG, Best B, Mueller-Lantzsch N. Characterization of the human endogenous retrovirus K proteinase. J Gen Virol 1996; 77 ( Pt 2 ):375-9. [PMID: 8627242 DOI: 10.1099/0022-1317-77-2-375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The proteinase of the human endogenous retrovirus K (HERV-K) shows similarity to retrovirus aspartic proteinases. It is translated from a transcript composed of gag and prt. The proteinase was expressed either as full-length native protein or as truncated protein in Escherichia coli. Functional protein was demonstrated by its autocatalytic cleavage into an 18 kDa fragment recognized by a polyclonal antiserum. This autocatalytic cleavage was specifically inhibited by a human immunodeficiency virus type 1 proteinase inhibitor. The HERV-K proteinase expressed in E. coli was capable of cleaving HERV-K Gag translated in vitro. Major protein fragments of 39 and 30 kDa, and minor protein fragments of 26, 22 and 21 kDa were obtained. Similar fragments are also observed in the human teratocarcinoma cell line Tera1. Our data suggest that the HERV-K proteinase is functionally equivalent to other retrovirus proteinases and thus probably functions in the processing of Gag precursor protein.
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Meese E, Göttert E, Zang KD, Sauter M, Schommer S, Mueller-Lantzsch N. Human endogenous retroviral element k10 (HERV-K10): chromosomal localization by somatic hybrid mapping and fluorescence in situ hybridization. CYTOGENETICS AND CELL GENETICS 1996; 72:40-2. [PMID: 8565630 DOI: 10.1159/000134157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The human endogenous retrovirus K10 (HERV-K10) was mapped to human chromosomes using HERV-K10 specific PCR primers on a somatic hybrid mapping panel. A non-random chromosomal location was demonstrated with PCR signals on chromosomes 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 19, 20, 21, 22 and Y. There was a lack of PCR products on the other chromosomes, even after hybridization with a HERV-K10 specific probe. To further localize the HERV-K10 sequence we used fluorescence in situ hybridization. Chromosomes 1, 3, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12 and 22 were found to contain several HERV-K10 sequences in different regions. The presence of several integration sites on some chromosomes is consistent with previous studies demonstrating 30-50 copies of the HERV-K10 sequence per haploid genome. The mapping information reported in this study will assist the analysis of the biological significance of the HERV-K10 sequence.
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Kremmer E, Kranz BR, Hille A, Klein K, Eulitz M, Hoffmann-Fezer G, Feiden W, Herrmann K, Delecluse HJ, Delsol G, Bornkamm GW, Mueller-Lantzsch N, Grässert FA. Rat monoclonal antibodies differentiating between the Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigens 2A (EBNA2A) and 2B (EBNA2B). Virology 1995; 208:336-42. [PMID: 11831716 DOI: 10.1006/viro.1995.1157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Rat monoclonal antibodies were produced against the C-terminus of Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigens 2A (EBNA2A) and 2B (EBNA2B) expressed as bacterial trpE fusion proteins. The initial screening was performed using a soluble bacterial extract containing the fusion proteins. Positive hybridomas were confirmed by immunofluorescence on SF158 (Spodoptera frugiperda) insect cells infected with recombinant baculovirus (Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus) and expressing the complete EBNA2A or EBNA2B genes. We selected a panel of antibodies which reacted either with both antigens or specifically with EBNA2A or with EBNA2B. The antibodies were extensively characterized using immunoprecipitation, Western blotting, epitope mapping on synthesized peptide segments of EBNA2A, immunocytology, and immunohistology on both cryostat sections and paraffin sections of AIDS-associated primary central nervous system lymphomas.
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Sauter M, Schommer S, Kremmer E, Remberger K, Dölken G, Lemm I, Buck M, Best B, Neumann-Haefelin D, Mueller-Lantzsch N. Human endogenous retrovirus K10: expression of Gag protein and detection of antibodies in patients with seminomas. J Virol 1995; 69:414-21. [PMID: 7983737 PMCID: PMC188589 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.69.1.414-421.1995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The human endogenous retrovirus K10 (HERV-K10) has been identified in the human genome by its homology to retroviruses of other vertebrates (M. Ono, T. Yasunaga, T. Miyata, and H. Ushikubo, J. Virol. 60:589-598, 1986). Using PCR amplification, DNA cloning, sequencing, and procaryotic expression, we were able to demonstrate that HERV-K10 encodes a 73-kDa protein which was processed by a HERV-K10-encoded protease to yield proteins p22/p26, p30, and p15/16. Analysis of the teratocarcinoma cell line Tera 1 or tumor tissues by immunoblotting demonstrated that the 80-kDa polyprotein of HERV-K10 gag and a processed protein of 39 kDa were expressed. In addition, a major protein of 39 kDa and additional species of 30, 22, 19, and 17 kDa could be detected in the supernatant of Tera 1 cells, suggesting that HERV-K10 Gag proteins are either secreted or processed to probably incomplete viral particles. In addition, the gag gene of HERV-K10 was expressed in the baculovirus system. Using this recombinant system to test antisera from patients with different diseases and healthy individuals, we were able to detect antibodies against the N-terminal part of HERV-K10 Gag in 2 to 4% of groups of tumor patients with titers ranging between 1:80 and 1:640, while approximately 0.1 to 0.5% of healthy individuals exhibited antibodies with lower titers. In contrast, patients with seminoma had antibody titers in the range of 1:2,560 at the time when the tumor was detected. Immunohistochemistry using specific rabbit sera or monoclonal antibodies against HERV-K10 Gag revealed that the Gag protein is expressed in the cytoplasm of the tumor cells. Furthermore, an 80-kDa protein corresponding to the HERV-K10 Gag polyprotein could be detected in tumor biopsies. For the first time, these data indicate that HERV-K10 Gag proteins are synthesized in seminoma cells and tumors exhibit relatively high antibody titers against Gag. So far, no information on which role HERV-K10 plays in the development of this tumor exists.
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