Death and survival: viral regulation of TNF signaling pathways

Dissociated production of perforin, granzyme B, and IFN-gamma by HIV-specific CD8(+) cells in HIV infection

CD8(+) T cells play a crucial role in the control of viral infections such as HIV. The functional characterization of HIV-specific CD8(+) T cells has so far been largely restricted to studies of IFN-gamma. The TCR-triggered release of the effector molecules perforin (PFN) and granzyme B (GzB), however, is thought to be a central pathway for the destruction of virus-infected target cells by CD8(+) effector T cells. Here we would like to address two major findings. On the one hand we propose that ex vivo measurements of PFN and GzB secretion via ELISPOT may permit the distinction between in vivo resting versus activated CD8(+) memory T cells in healthy and HIV-infected individuals. Therefore, extending the present standard of IFN-gamma measurements to the analysis of PFN and GzB release in functional T cell assays will provide new insights into CD8(+) effector T cell functions. It should enable the evaluation of therapeutic vaccination efficacy by its ability to reactivate and convert IFN-gamma-positive, but GzB- and PFN-negative memory CD8(+) T cells into PFN/GzB-secreting effector cells. On the other hand, we report on a frequent ex vivo dissociation of the HIV peptide-induced secretion of PFN and GzB in chronic HIV infection underlining CD8(+) effector T cell diversity in this disease--an aspect that also has to be accounted for in immune monitoring approaches.

Lymphotoxin αβ2 (Membrane Lymphotoxin) Is Critically Important for Resistance toLeishmania majorInfection in Mice

Although the essential role of TNF-alpha in the control of intracellular pathogens including Leishmania major is well established, it is uncertain whether the related cytokine lymphotoxin alphabeta2 (LTalpha1beta2, membrane lymphotoxin) plays any role in this process. In this study, we investigated the contribution of membrane lymphotoxin in host response to L. major infection by using LTbeta-deficient (LTbeta(-/-)) mice on the resistant C57BL/6 background. Despite mounting early immune responses comparable to those of wild-type (WT) mice, LTbeta(-/-) mice developed chronic nonhealing cutaneous lesions due to progressive and unresolving inflammation that is accompanied by uncontrolled parasite proliferation. This chronic disease was associated with striking reduction in IL-12 and Ag-specific IFN-gamma production by splenocytes from infected mice. Consistent with defective cellular immune response, infected LTbeta(-/-) mice had significantly low Ag-specific serum IgG1 and IgG2a levels compared with WT mice. Although administration of rIL-12 to L. major-infected LTbeta(-/-) mice caused complete resolution of chronic lesions, it only partially (but significantly) reduced parasite proliferation. In contrast, blockade of LIGHT signaling in infected LTbeta(-/-) mice resulted in acute and progressive lesion development, massive parasite proliferation, and dissemination to the visceral organs. Although infected LTbeta(-/-) WT bone marrow chimeric mice were more resistant than LTbeta(-/-) mice, they still had reduced ability to control parasites and showed defective IL-12 and IFN-gamma production compared with infected WT mice. These results suggest that membrane lymphotoxin plays critical role in resistance to L. major by promoting effective T cell-mediated anti-Leishmania immunity.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha gene from mandarin fish, Siniperca chuatsi: molecular cloning, cytotoxicity analysis and expression profile

In this report, we cloned a cDNA and the gene of mandarin fish (Siniperca chuatsi) tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). The length of TNF-alpha cDNA was 1461 bp, contained an open reading frame (ORF) of 762 bp, which encoded 253 amino acids. The positions of cysteine residues, transmembrane sequence, and protease cleavage site were similar with other reported fish TNF-alpha and mammalian TNF-alpha. Mandarin fish TNF-alpha gene has a length of 1940 bp, and consists of four exons and three introns. There are three NF-kappaB/rel regulatory/binding sites in gene's 5' flanking region. Expression of mandarin fish TNF-alpha mRNA was constitutive in all tissues detected. After challenge of infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus (ISKNV), which results a high mortality rate in mandarin fish and has caused huge economic losses in China, the expression of TNF-alpha mRNA in head kidney and kidney did not show significant changes from 0 day to 15 days post-infection. While in blood and spleen, the gene's mRNA showed up-regulations in 4 days post-infection and down-regulations in 15 days post-infection, which indicated the mRNA expression of TNF-alpha may related to the infection of ISKNV and the survival of mandarin fish. Mature form of recombinant mandarin fish TNF-alpha protein (400-4000 ng/ml) showed an evident apoptosis induction ability of human HeLa cells, in a dose-dependent manner, although to a lesser extent compared to the recombinant human TNF-alpha protein (200 ng/ml).

Oncolytic vesicular stomatitis virus induces apoptosis via signaling through PKR, Fas, and Daxx

Matrix (M) protein mutants of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) are promising oncolytic agents for cancer therapy. Previous research has implicated Fas and PKR in apoptosis induced by other viruses. Here, we show that dominant-negative mutants of Fas and PKR inhibit M protein mutant virus-induced apoptosis. Most previous research has focused on the adapter protein FADD as a necessary transducer of Fas-mediated apoptosis. However, the expression of dominant-negative FADD had little effect on the induction of apoptosis by M protein mutant VSV. Instead, virus-induced apoptosis was inhibited by the expression of a dominant-negative mutant of the adapter protein Daxx. These data indicate that Daxx is more important than FADD for apoptosis induced by M protein mutant VSV. These results show that PKR- and Fas-mediated signaling play important roles in cell death during M protein mutant VSV infection and that Daxx has novel functions in the host response to virus infection by mediating virus-induced apoptosis.

Poxvirus tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR)-like T2 proteins contain a conserved preligand assembly domain that inhibits cellular TNFR1-induced cell death

The poxvirus tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) homologue T2 has immunomodulatory properties; secreted myxoma virus T2 (M-T2) protein binds and inhibits rabbit TNF-alpha, while intracellular M-T2 blocks virus-induced lymphocyte apoptosis. Here, we define the antiapoptotic function as inhibition of TNFR-mediated death via a highly conserved viral preligand assembly domain (vPLAD). Jurkat cell lines constitutively expressing M-T2 were generated and shown to be resistant to UV irradiation-, etoposide-, and cycloheximide-induced death. These cells were also resistant to human TNF-alpha, but M-T2 expression did not alter surface expression levels of TNFRs. Previous studies indicated that T2's antiapoptotic function was conferred by the N-terminal region of the protein, and further examination of this region revealed a highly conserved N-terminal vPLAD, which is present in all poxvirus T2-like molecules. In cellular TNFRs and TNF-alpha-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) receptors (TRAILRs), PLAD controls receptor signaling competency prior to ligand binding. Here, we show that M-T2 potently inhibits TNFR1-induced death in a manner requiring the M-T2 vPLAD. Furthermore, we demonstrate that M-T2 physically associates with and colocalizes with human TNFRs but does not prevent human TNF-alpha binding to cellular receptors. Thus, M-T2 vPLAD is a species-nonspecific dominant-negative inhibitor of cellular TNFR1 function. Given that the PLAD is conserved in all known poxvirus T2-like molecules, we predict that it plays an important function in each of these proteins. Moreover, that the vPLAD confers an important antiapoptotic function confirms this domain as a potential target in the development of the next generation of TNF-alpha/TNFR therapeutics.

Inhibition of TNF receptor 1 internalization by adenovirus 14.7K as a novel immune escape mechanism

The adenoviral protein E3-14.7K (14.7K) is an inhibitor of TNF-induced apoptosis, but the molecular mechanism underlying this protective effect has not yet been explained exhaustively. TNF-mediated apoptosis is initiated by ligand-induced recruitment of TNF receptor-associated death domain (TRADD), Fas-associated death domain (FADD), and caspase-8 to the death domain of TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1), thereby establishing the death-inducing signaling complex (DISC). Here we report that adenovirus 14.7K protein inhibits ligand-induced TNFR1 internalization. Analysis of purified magnetically labeled TNFR1 complexes from murine and human cells stably transduced with 14.7K revealed that prevention of TNFR1 internalization resulted in inhibition of DISC formation. In contrast, 14.7K did not affect TNF-induced NF-kappaB activation via recruitment of receptor-interacting protein 1 (RIP-1) and TNF receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF-2). Inhibition of endocytosis by 14.7K was effected by failure of coordinated temporal and spatial assembly of essential components of the endocytic machinery such as Rab5 and dynamin 2 at the site of the activated TNFR1. Furthermore, we found that the same TNF defense mechanisms were instrumental in protecting wild-type adenovirus-infected human cells expressing 14.7K. This study describes a new molecular mechanism implemented by a virus to escape immunosurveillance by selectively targeting TNFR1 endocytosis to prevent TNF-induced DISC formation.

Bluetongue virus and double-stranded RNA increase human vascular permeability: role of p38 MAPK

Endothelial cell (EC) involvement in viral hemorrhagic fevers has been clearly established. However, virally activated mechanisms leading to endothelial activation and dysfunction are not well understood. Several different potential mechanisms such as direct viral infection, alterations in procoagulant/anticoagulant balance, and increased cytokine production have been suggested. We utilized a model of EC barrier dysfunction and vascular endothelial leakage to explore the effect of bluetongue virus (BTV), a hemorrhagic fever virus of ruminants, on human lung endothelial cell barrier properties. Infection of human lung EC with BTV induced a significant and dose-dependent decrease in trans-endothelial electrical resistance (TER). Furthermore, decreases in TER occurred in conjunction with cytoskeletal rearrangement, suggesting a direct mechanism for viral infection-mediated endothelial barrier disruption. Interestingly, double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) mimicked the effects of BTV on endothelial barrier properties. Both BTV- and dsRNA-induced endothelial barrier dysfunction was blocked by treatment with a pharmacological inhibitor of p38 MAPK. The induction of vascular permeability by dsRNA treatment or BTV infection was concomitent with induction of inflammatory cytokines. Taken together, our data suggest that the presence of dsRNA during viral infections and subsequent activation of p38 MAPK is a potential molecular pathway for viral induction of hemorrhagic fevers. Collectively, our data suggest that inhibition of p38 MAPK may be a possible therapeutic approach to alter viral-induced acute hemorrhagic diseases.

Restoring immune defenses via lymphotoxin signaling: lessons from cytomegalovirus

Although primary infection with human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), a beta-herpesvirus, is widespread and acquired early in life, it rarely causes disease in immune-competent individuals. However, in immune-compromised patients HCMV infection or reactivation invariably leads to serious disease, the effective treatment of which remains a difficult clinical problem. Current antiviral therapy is limited not only by toxicity but also by the continual emergence of drugresistant viruses. The limitations of these current therapeutics provides a strong impetus to develop novel approaches that will enhance the host's immune responsiveness while at the same time effectively controlling virus replication. Type I interferon (IFN) plays a critical role in initiating innate antiviral defenses and promoting adaptive responses and lymphotoxin (LT)-alphabeta has recently been identified as an essential effector cytokine regulating the induction of type I IFN during CMV infection. In particular, CMV infection of immune-compromised mice has revealed the immunotherapeutic potential of the lymphotoxin-beta receptor (LTbetaR) signaling pathway to restore immune function and provide protection from CMV mortality. In this review, we discuss the potential benefits and risks associated with LTbetaR-directed immunotherapy for CMV disease and other persistent viral infections.

Adenovirus RIDalphabeta complex inhibits lipopolysaccharide signaling without altering TLR4 cell surface expression

The transmembrane heterotrimer complex 10.4K/14.5K, also known as RID (for "receptor internalization and degradation"), is encoded by the adenovirus E3 region, and it down-regulates the cell surface expression of several unrelated receptors. We recently showed that RID expression correlates with down-regulation of the cell surface expression of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor 1 in several human cells. This observation provided the first mechanistic explanation for the inhibition of TNF alpha-induced chemokines by RID. Here we analyze the immunoregulatory activities of RID on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1beta)-mediated responses. Although both signaling pathways are strongly inhibited by RID, the chemokines up-regulated by IL-1beta stimulation are only marginally inhibited. In addition, RID inhibits signaling induced by LPS without affecting the expression of the LPS receptor Toll-like receptor 4, demonstrating that RID need not target degradation of the receptor to alter signal transduction. Taken together, our data demonstrate the inhibitory effect of RID on two additional cell surface receptor-mediated signaling pathways involved in inflammatory processes. The data suggest that RID has intracellular targets that impair signal transduction and chemokine expression without evidence of receptor down-regulation.

The DARC conspiracy--virus invasion tactics

Is there a "conspiracy" at work among viral pathogens? Apparently, yes. Rabies virus, lenti- and retroviruses, and herpesviruses, the "co-conspirators", target select members of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily to invade the cells of their host. The intrigue deepens, as several reports have revealed that the viral envelope proteins interact with the cellular TNF receptor in a highly conserved region of previously unknown function. Targeting of this region by diverse pathogens suggests that a selective advantage is acquired. This advantage might involve regulation of the immune response, because recent investigations of the herpesvirus entry receptor demonstrated that this conserved region engages an inhibitory co-receptor governing T-cell activation.

E2 of hepatitis C virus inhibits apoptosis

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the major causative agent of chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma, and can be involved in very long chronic infections up to 30 years or more. Therefore, it has been speculated that HCV possesses mechanisms capable of modulating host defense systems such as innate and adaptive immunity. To investigate this virus-host interaction, we generated HCV replicons containing various HCV structural proteins and then analyzed the sensitivity of replicon-containing cells to the apoptosis-inducing agent, TRAIL. TRAIL-induced apoptosis was monitored by cleavage of procaspase-3 and procaspase-9 as well as that of their substrate poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase. TRAIL-induced apoptosis was inhibited in cells expressing HCV E2. Moreover, expression of HCV E2 enhanced the colony forming efficiency of replicon-containing cells by 25-fold. Blockage of apoptosis by E2 seems to be related to inhibition of TRAIL-induced cytochrome c release from the mitochondria. Based on these results, we propose that E2 augments persistent HCV infection by blocking host-induced apoptosis of infected cells.

Functional tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand production by avian influenza virus-infected macrophages

Severe human disease associated with influenza A H5N1 virus was first detected in Hong Kong in 1997. Its recent reemergence in Asia and high associated mortality highlight the need to understand its pathogenesis. We investigated the roles of death receptor ligands (DRLs) in H5N1 infection. Significant up-regulation of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)–related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and TNF-α, but not Fas ligand (FasL) mRNA, was detected in human monocyte–derived macrophages (MDMs) infected with avian influenza viruses A/Hong Kong/483/97 (H5N1/97) or its precursor, A/Quail/Hong Kong/G1/97. H5N1/97-infected MDMs exhibited the strongest induction of apoptosis in Jurkat T cells, and it could be reduced by TRAIL–receptor 2 blocking antibody. Furthermore, influenza virus infection enhanced the sensitivity of Jurkat T cells to apoptosis induced by TNF-α, TRAIL, and FasL. Our data suggested that functional TRAIL produced by influenza virus–infected MDMs was related to their cytotoxicity and that the enhanced sensitization to DRL-induced apoptosis detected in avian influenza may contribute to disease pathogenesis

Modulation of tumor necrosis factor by microbial pathogens

In response to invasion by microbial pathogens, host defense mechanisms get activated by both the innate and adaptive arms of the immune responses. TNF (tumor necrosis factor) is a potent proinflammatory cytokine expressed by activated macrophages and lymphocytes that induces diverse cellular responses that can vary from apoptosis to the expression of genes involved in both early inflammatory and acquired immune responses. A wide spectrum of microbes has acquired elegant mechanisms to overcome or deflect the host responses mediated by TNF. For example, modulatory proteins encoded by multiple families of viruses can block TNF and TNF-mediated responses at multiple levels, such as the inhibition of the TNF ligand or its receptors, or by modulating key transduction molecules of the TNF signaling pathway. Bacteria, on the other hand, tend to modify TNF-mediated responses specifically by regulating components of the TNF signaling pathway. Investigation of these diverse strategies employed by viral and bacterial pathogens has significantly advanced our understanding of both host TNF responses and microbial pathogenesis. This review summarizes the diverse microbial strategies to regulate TNF and how such insights into TNF modulation could benefit the treatment of inflammatory or autoimmune diseases.

Molecular mechanisms of HLA class I antigen abnormalities following viral infection and transformation

In humans as in other animal species, CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) play an important if not the major role in controlling virus-infected and malignant cell growth. The interactions between CD8+ T cells and target cells are mediated by human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I antigens loaded with viral and tumor antigen-derived peptides along with costimulatory receptor/ligand stimuli. Thus, to escape from CD8+ T-cell recognition and destruction, viruses and tumor cells have developed strategies to inhibit the expression and/or function of HLA class I antigens. In contrast, cells with downregulated MHC class I surface expression can be recognized by NK cells, although NK cell-mediated lysis could be abrogated by the expression of inhibiting NK cell receptors. This review discusses the molecular mechanisms utilized by viruses to inhibit the formation, transport and/or expression of HLA class I antigen/peptide complexes on the cell surface. The knowledge about viral interference with MHC class I antigen presentation is not only crucial to understand the pathogenesis of viral diseases, but contributes also to the design of novel strategies to counteract the escape mechanisms utilized by viruses. These investigations may eventually lead to the development of effective immunotherapies to control viral infections and virus-associated malignant diseases.

A lymphotoxin-IFN-beta axis essential for lymphocyte survival revealed during cytomegalovirus infection

The importance of lymphotoxin (LT) betaR (LTbetaR) as a regulator of lymphoid organogenesis is well established, but its role in host defense has yet to be fully defined. In this study, we report that mice deficient in LTbetaR signaling were highly susceptible to infection with murine CMV (MCMV) and early during infection exhibited a catastrophic loss of T and B lymphocytes, although the majority of lymphocytes were themselves not directly infected. Moreover, bone marrow chimeras revealed that lymphocyte survival required LTalpha expression by hemopoietic cells, independent of developmental defects in lymphoid tissue, whereas LTbetaR expression by both stromal and hemopoietic cells was needed to prevent apoptosis. The induction of IFN-beta was also severely impaired in MCMV-infected LTalpha(-/-) mice, but immunotherapy with an agonist LTbetaR Ab restored IFN-beta levels, prevented lymphocyte death, and enhanced the survival of these mice. IFN-alphabetaR(-/-) mice were also found to exhibit profound lymphocyte death during MCMV infection, thus providing a potential mechanistic link between type 1 IFN induction and lymphocyte survival through a LTalphabeta-dependent pathway important for MCMV host defense.

Identification of TRAIL as an interferon regulatory factor 3 transcriptional target

Interferon production and apoptosis in virus-infected cells are necessary to prevent progeny virus production and to eliminate infected cells. Paramyxovirus infection induces apoptosis through interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF-3), but the exact mechanism of how IRF-3 functions is unknown. We show that IRF-3 is involved in the transcriptional induction of TRAIL, a key player in the apoptosis pathway. IRF-3 upregulates TRAIL transcription following viral infection and binds an interferon-stimulated response element in the TRAIL promoter. The mRNA for TRAIL and its receptor, DR5, are induced following viral infection. These studies identify TRAIL as a novel IRF-3 transcriptional target.

LMP1 protein from the Epstein-Barr virus is a structural CD40 decoy in B lymphocytes for binding to TRAF3

Epstein-Barr virus is a human herpesvirus that causes infectious mononucleosis and lymphoproliferative malignancies. LMP1 (latent membrane protein-1), which is encoded by this virus and which is essential for transformation of B lymphocytes, acts as a constitutively active mimic of the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) CD40. LMP1 is an integral membrane protein containing six transmembrane segments and a cytoplasmic domain at the C terminus that binds to intracellular TNFR-associated factors (TRAFs). TRAFs are intracellular co-inducers of downstream signaling from CD40 and other TNFRs, and TRAF3 is required for activation of B lymphocytes by LMP1. Cytoplasmic C-terminal activation region 1 of LMP1 bears a motif (PQQAT) that conforms to the TRAF recognition motif PVQET in CD40. In this study, we report the crystal structure of this portion of LMP1 C-terminal activation region-1 (204PQQATDD210) bound in complex with TRAF3. The PQQAT motif is bound in the same binding crevice on TRAF3 where CD40 is bound, providing a molecular mechanism for LMP1 to act as a CD40 decoy for TRAF3. The LMP1 motif is presented in the TRAF3 crevice as a close structural mimic of the PVQET motif in CD40, and the intermolecular contacts are similar. However, the viral protein makes a unique contact: a hydrogen bond network formed between Asp210 in LMP1 and Tyr395 and Arg393 in TRAF3. This intermolecular contact is not made in the CD40-TRAF3 complex. The additional hydrogen bonds may stabilize the complex and strengthen the binding to permit LMP1 to compete with CD40 for binding to the TRAF3 crevice, influencing downstream signaling to B lymphocytes and contributing to dysregulated signaling by LMP1.

Network communications: lymphotoxins, LIGHT, and TNF

Lymphotoxins (LT) provide essential communication links between lymphocytes and the surrounding stromal and parenchymal cells and together with the two related cytokines, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and LIGHT (LT-related inducible ligand that competes for glycoprotein D binding to herpesvirus entry mediator on T cells), form an integrated signaling network necessary for efficient innate and adaptive immune responses. Recent studies have identified signaling pathways that regulate several genes, including chemokines and interferons, which participate in the development and function of microenvironments in lymphoid tissue and host defense. Disruption of the LT/TNF/LIGHT network alleviates inflammation in certain autoimmune disease models, but decreases resistance to selected pathogens. Pharmacological disruption of this network in human autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis alleviates inflammation in a significant number of patients, but not in other diseases, a finding that challenges our molecular paradigms of autoimmunity and perhaps will reveal novel roles for this network in pathogenesis.

The human papillomavirus 16 E6 protein can either protect or further sensitize cells to TNF: effect of dose

High-risk strains of human papillomavirus, including HPV 16, cause human cervical carcinomas, due in part to the activity of their E6 oncogene. E6 interacts with a number of cellular proteins involved in host-initiated apoptotic responses. Paradoxically, literature reports show that E6 can both protect cells from and sensitize cells to tumor necrosis factor (TNF). To examine this apparent contradiction, E6 was transfected into U2OS cells and stable clones were treated with TNF. Intriguingly, clones with a high level of E6 expression displayed an increased sensitivity to TNF by undergoing apoptosis, while those with low expression were resistant. Furthermore, TNF treatment of cells in which the expression of E6 was regulated by the addition of doxycycline demonstrated clearly that while low levels of E6 protect cells from TNF, high levels sensitize cells. Together, these results demonstrate that virus-host interactions can be complex and that both quantitative and qualitative aspects are important in determining outcome.

Lymphotoxin and LIGHT signaling pathways and target genes

Lymphotoxins (LT alpha and LT beta), LIGHT [homologous to LT, inducible expression, competes with herpes simplex virus (HSV) glycoprotein D for HSV entry mediator (HVEM), a receptor expressed on T lymphocytes], tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and their specific receptors LT beta R, HVEM, and TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1) and TNFR2, form the immediate family of the larger TNF superfamily. These cytokines establish a critical communication system required for the development of secondary lymphoid tissues; however, knowledge of the target genes activated by these signaling pathways is limited. Target genes regulated by the LT alpha beta-LT beta R pathway include the tissue-organizing chemokines, CXCL13, CCL19, and CCL21, which establish cytokine circuits that regulate LT expression on lymphocytes, leading to organized lymphoid tissue. Infectious disease models have revealed that LT alpha beta pathways are also important for innate and adaptive immune responses involved in host defense. Here, regulation of interferon-beta by LT beta R and TNFR signaling may play a crucial role in certain viral infections. Regulation of autoimmune regulator in the thymus via LT beta R implicates LT/LIGHT involvement in central tolerance. Dysregulated expression of LIGHT overrides peripheral tolerance leading to T-cell-driven autoimmune disease. Blockade of TNF/LT/LIGHT pathways as an intervention in controlling autoimmune diseases is attractive, but such therapy may have risks. Thus, identifying and understanding the target genes may offer an opportunity to fine-tune inhibitory interventions.

Tula hantavirus infection of Vero E6 cells induces apoptosis involving caspase 8 activation

Hantaviruses are known to cause two severe human diseases: haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. The mechanisms of pathogenesis of these two diseases are progressively becoming understood. Recently, two hantaviruses, Hantaan and Prospect Hill were reported to cause programmed cell death of Vero E6 cells. This study shows that Tula hantavirus (TULV) infection efficiently triggers an apoptotic programme in infected Vero E6 cells, and that the replication of TULV is required for the activation of caspase 3 and the cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase, two molecular hallmarks of apoptosis. The enforced treatment of infected Vero E6 cells with tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), but not interferon alpha (IFN-alpha), advanced the time course of apoptosis. Furthermore, caspase 8 was activated on day 4 post-infection, the same day when caspase 3 was activated. TNF receptor 1 was induced during a late stage of TULV infection. These data suggest that, unlike during influenza A virus infection, TNF-alpha, but not type I IFN-alpha/beta, may contribute significantly to apoptosis in a synergistic manner with TULV propagation. Interestingly, pretreatment with a broad-spectrum caspase inhibitor, z-VAD-fmk, efficiently inhibited apoptosis of TULV-infected Vero E6 cells. Taken together, these results suggest that TULV replication initiates a typical apoptotic programme involving caspase 8 activation.

Poxvirus protein N1L targets the I-kappaB kinase complex, inhibits signaling to NF-kappaB by the tumor necrosis factor superfamily of receptors, and inhibits NF-kappaB and IRF3 signaling by toll-like receptors

Poxviruses encode proteins that suppress host immune responses, including secreted decoy receptors for pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1 (IL-1) and the vaccinia virus proteins A46R and A52R that inhibit intracellular signaling by members of the IL-1 receptor (IL-1R) and Toll-like receptor (TLR) family. In vivo, the TLRs mediate the innate immune response by serving as pathogen recognition receptors, whose oligomerized intracellular Toll/IL-1 receptor (TIR) domains can initiate innate immune signaling. A family of TIR domain-containing adapter molecules transduces signals from engaged receptors that ultimately activate NF-kappaB and/or interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) to induce pro-inflammatory cytokines. Data base searches detected a significant similarity between the N1L protein of vaccinia virus and A52R, a poxvirus inhibitor of TIR signaling. Compared with other poxvirus virulence factors, the poxvirus N1L protein strongly affects virulence in vivo; however, the precise target of N1L was previously unknown. Here we show that N1L suppresses NF-kappaB activation following engagement of Toll/IL-1 receptors, tumor necrosis factor receptors, and lymphotoxin receptors. N1L inhibited receptor-, adapter-, TRAF-, and IKK-alpha and IKK-beta-dependent signaling to NF-kappaB. N1L associated with several components of the multisubunit I-kappaB kinase complex, most strongly associating with the kinase, TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1). Together these findings are consistent with the hypothesis that N1L disrupts signaling to NF-kappaB by Toll/IL-1Rs and TNF superfamily receptors by targeting the IKK complex for inhibition. Furthermore, N1L inhibited IRF3 signaling, which is also regulated by TBK1. These studies define a role for N1L as an immunomodulator of innate immunity by targeting components of NF-kappaB and IRF3 signaling pathways.

Depletion of physiological levels of the human TID1 protein renders cancer cell lines resistant to apoptosis mediated by multiple exogenous stimuli

The human homologue of the Drosophila tumor suppressor lethal (2) tumorous imaginal discs (l(2)tid) gene, hTID1, encodes two proteins derived from alternate mRNA splicing. The splice variants TidL and TidS were previously reported from protein overexpression and dominant-negative mutant protein studies to exhibit opposing biological activities in response to exogenous cytotoxic stimuli. TidL was found to promote apoptosis while TidS suppressed it. To elucidate the physiological function of hTID1, we depleted hTID1 proteins using the technique of RNA interference (RNAi). Here, we show that cells essentially lacking expression of hTID1 proteins are protected from cell death in response to multiple stimuli, including cisplatin, tumor necrosis factor alpha/cycloheximide and mitomycin C. We also generated stable cell populations depleted of hTID1 proteins by RNAi using DNA vectors. In addition to apoptosis resistance, stable hTID1 knockdown cells exhibited an enhanced ability for anchorage-independent growth, as measured by an increase in soft-agar colony formation. These results suggest that hTID1 functions as an important cell death regulator and raise the interesting possibility that hTID1 could exert tumor suppressor activity.

A locus on mouse chromosome 6 that determines resistance to herpes simplex virus also influences reactivation, while an unlinked locus augments resistance of female mice

During studies to determine a role for tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection using TNF receptor null mutant mice, we discovered a genetic locus, closely linked to the TNF p55 receptor (Tnfrsf1a) gene on mouse chromosome 6 (c6), that determines resistance or susceptibility to HSV-1. We named this locus the herpes resistance locus, Hrl, and showed that it also mediates resistance to HSV-2. Hrl has at least two alleles, Hrl(r), expressed by resistant strains like C57BL/6 (B6), and Hrl(s), expressed by susceptible strains like 129S6 (129) and BALB/c. Although Hrl is inherited as an autosomal dominant gene, resistance to HSV-1 is strongly sex biased such that female mice are significantly more resistant than male mice. Analysis of backcrosses between resistant B6 and susceptible 129 mice revealed that a second locus, tentatively named the sex modifier locus, Sml, functions to augment resistance of female mice. Besides determining resistance, Hrl is one of several genes involved in the control of HSV-1 replication in the eye and ganglion. Remarkably, Hrl also affects reactivation of HSV-1, possibly by interaction with some unknown gene(s). We showed that Hrl is distinct from Cmv1, the gene that determines resistance to murine cytomegalovirus, which is encoded in the major NK cell complex just distal of p55 on c6. Hrl has been mapped to a roughly 5-centimorgan interval on c6, and current efforts are focused on obtaining a high-resolution map for Hrl.

Structurally distinct recognition motifs in lymphotoxin-beta receptor and CD40 for tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor (TRAF)-mediated signaling

Lymphotoxin-beta receptor (LTbetaR) and CD40 are members of the tumor necrosis factor family of signaling receptors that regulate cell survival or death through activation of NF-kappaB. These receptors transmit signals through downstream adaptor proteins called tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factors (TRAFs). In this study, the crystal structure of a region of the cytoplasmic domain of LTbetaR bound to TRAF3 has revealed an unexpected new recognition motif, 388IPEEGD393, for TRAF3 binding. Although this motif is distinct in sequence and structure from the PVQET motif in CD40 and PIQCT in the regulator TRAF-associated NF-kappaB activator (TANK), recognition is mediated in the same binding crevice on the surface of TRAF3. The results reveal structurally adaptive "hot spots" in the TRAF3-binding crevice that promote molecular interactions driving specific signaling after contact with LTbetaR, CD40, or the downstream regulator TANK.

Apo2L/TRAIL: apoptosis signaling, biology, and potential for cancer therapy

Apo2 ligand or tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (Apo2L/TRAIL) is one of several members of the TNF gene superfamily that induce apoptosis through engagement of death receptors. Apo2L/TRAIL is unusual as compared to any other cytokine as it interacts with a complex system of receptors: two pro-apoptotic death receptors and three anti-apoptotic decoys. This protein has generated tremendous excitement as a potential tumor-specific cancer therapeutic because, as a stable soluble trimer, it selectively induces apoptosis in many transformed cells but not in normal cells. Transcriptional activation of Apo2L/TRAIL by interferons (IFNs) through specific regulatory elements in its promoter, and possibly by a number of other cytokines, reveals its possible involvement in the activation of natural killer cells, cytotoxic T lymphocytes, and dendritic cells. In this review, we focus on the apoptosis signaling pathways stimulated by Apo2L/TRAIL, summarize what is known to date about the physiological role of this ligand and the potential for its application to cancer therapy.