Parvoviruses as contaminants of permanent human cell lines. 3. Biological properties of the isolated viruses

Non-viral gene delivery of the oncotoxic protein NS1 for treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is related to increasing incidence rates and poor clinical outcomes due to lack of efficient treatment options and emerging resistance mechanisms. The aim of the present study is to exploit a non-viral gene therapy enabling the expression of the parvovirus-derived oncotoxic protein NS1 in HCC. This anticancer protein interacts with different cellular kinases mediating a multimodal host-cell death. Lipoplexes (LPX) designed to deliver a DNA expression plasmid encoding NS1 are characterized using a comprehensive set of in vitro assays. The mechanisms of cell death induction are assessed and phosphoinositide-dependent kinase 1 (PDK1) is identified as a potential predictive biomarker for a NS1-LPX-based gene therapy. In an HCC xenograft mouse model, NS1-LPX therapeutic approach results in a significant reduction in tumor growth and extended survival. Data provide convincing evidence for future studies using a targeted NS1 gene therapy for PDK1 overexpressing HCC.

Distinct host cell fates for human malignant melanoma targeted by oncolytic rodent parvoviruses

The rodent parvoviruses are known to be oncoselective, and lytically infect many transformed human cells. Because current therapeutic regimens for metastatic melanoma have low response rates and have little effect on improving survival, this disease is a prime candidate for novel approaches to therapy, including oncolytic parvoviruses. Screening of low-passage, patient-derived melanoma cell lines for multiplicity-dependent killing by a panel of five rodent parvoviruses identified LuIII as the most melanoma-lytic. This property was mapped to the LuIII capsid gene, and an efficiently melanoma tropic chimeric virus shown to undergo three types of interaction with primary human melanoma cells: (1) complete lysis of cultures infected at very low multiplicities; (2) acute killing resulting from viral protein synthesis and DNA replication, without concomitant expansion of the infection, due to failure to export progeny virions efficiently; or (3) complete resistance that operates at an intracellular step following virion uptake, but preceding viral transcription.

LuIII parvovirus selectively and efficiently targets, replicates in, and kills human glioma cells

Because productive infection by parvoviruses requires cell division and is enhanced by oncogenic transformation, some parvoviruses may have potential utility in killing cancer cells. To identify the parvovirus(es) with the optimal oncolytic effect against human glioblastomas, we screened 12 parvoviruses at a high multiplicity of infection (MOI). MVMi, MVMc, MVM-G17, tumor virus X (TVX), canine parvovirus (CPV), porcine parvovirus (PPV), rat parvovirus 1A (RPV1A), and H-3 were relatively ineffective. The four viruses with the greatest oncolytic activity, LuIII, H-1, MVMp, and MVM-G52, were tested for the ability, at a low MOI, to progressively infect the culture over time, causing cell death at a rate higher than that of cell proliferation. LuIII alone was effective in all five human glioblastomas tested. H-1 progressively infected only two of five; MVMp and MVM-G52 were ineffective in all five. To investigate the underlying mechanism of LuIII's phenotype, we used recombinant parvoviruses with the LuIII capsid replacing the MVMp capsid or with molecular alteration of the P4 promoter. The LuIII capsid enhanced efficient replication and oncolysis in MO59J gliomas cells; other gliomas tested required the entire LuIII genome to exhibit enhanced infection. LuIII selectively infected glioma cells over normal glial cells in vitro. In mouse models, human glioblastoma xenografts were selectively infected by LuIII when administered intratumorally; LuIII reduced tumor growth by 75%. LuIII also had the capacity to selectively infect subcutaneous or intracranial gliomas after intravenous inoculation. Intravenous or intracranial LuIII caused no adverse effects. Intracranial LuIII caused no infection of mature mouse neurons or glia in vivo but showed a modest infection of developing neurons.

The parvoviral capsid controls an intracellular phase of infection essential for efficient killing of stepwise-transformed human fibroblasts

Members of the rodent subgroup of the genus Parvovirus exhibit lytic replication and spread in many human tumor cells and are therefore attractive candidates for oncolytic virotherapy. However, the significant variation in tumor tropism observed for these viruses remains largely unexplained. We report here that LuIII kills BJ-ELR 'stepwise-transformed' human fibroblasts efficiently, while MVM does not. Using viral chimeras, we mapped this property to the LuIII capsid gene, VP2, which is necessary and sufficient to confer the killer phenotype on MVM. LuIII VP2 facilitates a post-entry, pre-DNA-amplification step early in the life cycle, suggesting the existence of an intracellular moiety whose efficient interaction with the incoming capsid shell is critical to infection. Thus targeting of human cancers of different tissue-type origins will require use of parvoviruses with capsids that effectively make this critical interaction.

Development of a PCR-based method coupled with a microplate colorimetric assay for the detection of Porcine Parvovirus and application to diagnosis in piglet tissues and human plasma

A new method for Porcine Parvovirus (PPV) diagnosis was developed. The method is based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification followed by hybridization and colorimetric detection of PCR products in microwell plates. A highly specific and sensitive amplification step was ensured by primers carefully selected in the VP2 structural gene and optimized PCR conditions. Uracyl-DNA-Glycosylase (UDG) in combination with dUTP was used to avoid false-positive results, and 100 copies of internal control (IC) were added to each PCR reaction to reveal any false-negative samples. Biotinylated amplified fragments were hybridized on specific capture probes covalently linked to microwell plates. Finally, the detection of hybridized PCR products was performed by means of a colorimetric reaction, which was automated. The method permitted the detection of 10(3) copies (6 fg) of replicative form DNA (RF-DNA) in 20 mg of lung sample, and 500 copies (3 fg) in 100 microl of plasma. It was used to analyse 24 field piglet tissue samples, and 35 human plasma or serum specimens collected from patients treated with porcine Factor VIII concentrates.

Mutations adjacent to the dimple of the canine parvovirus capsid structure affect sialic acid binding

The erythrocyte receptor on rhesus macaque erythrocytes used by canine parvovirus (CPV) for binding in hemagglutination (HA) was examined. Erythrocyte membrane proteins were electrophoresed and blotted to nitrocellulose and probed with [125I]-labeled CPV capsids, showing seven virus-binding proteins. Treatment of erythrocytes or isolated membranes with Clostridium perfringens neuraminidase virtually abolished virus binding. Binding was also affected by treatment with potassium periodate and inhibited by wheat germ agglutinin, but was not significantly affected by concanavalin A, peanut agglutinin, or soluble N-acetyl-neuraminlactose. A non-HA mutant of CPV failed to bind to erythrocytes or to blotted erythrocyte membrane proteins. The mutation was a single Arg-Lys difference of VP2 amino acid residue 377. The pH dependence of binding of the closely related feline panleukopenia virus was shown to result from a decreased binding in buffers with pH values of 6.8 or greater. The VP2 residues responsible for that difference have been shown to be 323 and 375. The sequences affecting binding were all adjacent to the dimple in the capsid, implicating that region of the capsid as the sialic acid binding site. The role of sialic acid in virus-host cell interactions was not defined, but the plaque sizes of the non-HA mutant and wild type CPV were indistinguishable.

The NS and capsid genes determine the host range of porcine parvovirus

Porcine parvovirus is an autonomous parvovirus which normally infects pigs and multiplies in porcine cells in vitro. In this report, we describe the properties of a variant designated P2, which has extended its host range to include canine cells. The variant was able to produce cytopathic effects (CPE) in canine cells, unlike the prototype NADL-2 strain. The variant also produced higher viral antigen and infectivity titers in canine cells than the NADL-2 strain, whereas both strains produced CPE and similar titers in porcine cells. Generation of recombinant plasmids between the P2 variant DNA and an infectious clone of NADL-2, and analysis of the properties of the virus stocks produced from these recombinant plasmids, indicated that two changes were necessary for this extension in the host range. One change was located in the nonstructural protein coding region and the other in the capsid coding region.

KBSH parvovirus: comparison with porcine parvovirus

We compared the molecular, antigenic, and pathogenic properties of KBSH parvovirus to those of porcine parvovirus (PPV) isolate NADL-8. KBSH, propagated in swine testes cells in culture, possessed two major capsid polypeptides of 83 and 64 kilodaltons that were similar in size to those of PPV. KBSH-infected cells also contained an 86-kilodalton nonstructural polypeptide that was identical in size to the PPV nonstructural polypeptide (NS-1). The KBSH polypeptides were structurally similar but not identical to the corresponding PPV polypeptides, as revealed by partial proteolysis mapping. Viral replicative-form DNA from KBSH-infected cells was similar in size to PPV replicative-form DNA and exhibited similar but not identical restriction endonuclease cleavage patterns to that of PPV replicative-form DNA. Antigenically, the two viruses were also very closely related. By using heterologous and homologous antisera, the two viruses were indistinguishable in hemagglutination inhibition and immunoprecipitation assays. However, pathogenically these viruses were dramatically different. NADL-8 caused fetal death when injected into swine fetuses in utero and viremia and high persisting antibody titers when administered orally to weaning-age swine. KBSH-inoculated fetuses were normal in appearance, and pigs orally exposed to KBSH failed to establish viremia and demonstrated only transient antibody titers. Thus, KBSH appears to be a PPV that is very closely related to a highly pathogenic PPV isolate, yet is itself nonpathogenic in swine. This reduced pathogenic potential of KBSH may be attributable to its poor ability to replicate in swine.

Studies on the multiplication of a porcine parvovirus

A porcine parvovirus has been characterized with regard to its replication in foetal porcine kidney cells and certain biophysical properties. Electron microscopy of infected cells at selected times postinfection revealed that porcine parvovirus replication took place within or near a series of granular intranuclear inclusions which may be contiguous with cellular heterochromatin. Developing virions were observed to aggregate into a nucleolar-like amorphous mass which gradually disrupted as cellular integrity was lost. Purified virions were found to have a buoyant density in CsCl of 1.38 g/ml, while 'empty' particles had a buoyant density of 1.29 g/ml. The particle diameter was calculated to be approximately 22 nm.

The association of calf serum with the contamination of BHK21 clone 13 suspension cells by a parvovirus serologically related to the minute virus of mice (MVM)

An investigation of persistent cell deaths of BHK21 suspension cells during subculturing resulted in the isolation of a viral agent. The agent was isolated from samples of dead cells, cell growth media and 2 batches of calf serum. It was established that the agent was associated with the use of certain batches of calf serum. The isolated virus was found to replicate effectively only in rapidly growing BHK cell cultures. In monolayers it caused the formation of large intranuclear inclusion bodies. The isolate was a strong haemagglutinin; it was stable to ether, chloroform, pH 3 and heating at 56 degrees C. It was shown to be a DNA-virus and by electron-microscopy it was evident as unenveloped spherical, small particles (21 nm in diameter). In sucrose density gradients the virus sedimented as 2 peaks at approximately 114S and 85-92S, and by caesium chloride equilibrium centrifugation, two main peaks at densities of 1.39 and 1.31 g/ml were evident with a minor peak at 1.35. The capsid of the complete virion consisted of 3 polypeptides. The agent has therefore been provisionally designated a member of the Parvoviridae family, genus parvovirus. Serologically it was found to be related to MVM. The isolated parvovirus was inactivated by 0.05 per cent peracetic acid and 0.05 per cent acetylethyleneimine.

Replication of porcine parvovirus in peripheral blood lymphocytes, monocytes, and peritoneal macrophages

Porcine peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL), peripheral blood monocytes, and peritoneal macrophages were examined for their ability to support porcine parvovirus (PPV) replication. The cell cultures were infected with the NADL-2 strain of PPV at 0.1 multiplicity of infection. PBL cultures were stimulated with the following phytomitogens: phytohemagglutinin M, concanavalin A, and pokeweed mitogen. Unstimulated PBL cultures infected with PPV and uninfected PBL stimulated with phytomitogens served as controls. All cultures were examined daily for PPV-specific immunofluorescence and hemagglutinin. PPV replicated in PBL cultures stimulated with all phytomitogens. Both viral hemagglutinin in culture fluids and nuclear immunofluorescence in cells were detected. In contrast, unstimulated PBL did not support viral replication; however, PPV antigen was detected in the cytoplasm. PPV persisted in unstimulated PBL for 21 days (duration of the experiment) without replication, but replicated each time with the addition of phytohemagglutinin M at 0, 3, 7, 14, and 21 days after infection. Uninfected PBL stimulated with phytomitogens lacked both viral hemagglutinin and immunofluorescence. Simultaneous detection of lymphocyte surface marker and viral antigens in pokeweed mitogen-stimulated PBL revealed that both T and non-T cells (B and null cells) are able to support PPV replication. Peripheral blood monocytes and peritoneal macrophages phagocytized PPV but did not support virus replication.

Replication process of the parvovirus H-1. X. Isolation of a mutant defective in replicative-form DNA replication

A temperature-sensitive mutant of H-1, ts14, that is partially defective in replicative-form (RF) DNA synthesis has been isolated. ts14 H-1 is characterized by a decrease in plaque-forming ability and production of infectious virus at the restrictive temperature of 39.5 degrees C. RF DNA synthesis of ts14 is reduced to 3 to 7% of that of wild-type H-1 at either the restrictive or the permissive temperature. A complementation analysis of RF synthesis of ts14 and a viable defective H-1 virus, DI-1, or wild-type H-3 indicates that the defective RF DNA synthesis of ts14 is cis-acting. ts14, unlike wild-type H-1, causes a multiplicity-dependent inhibition of DI-1 or H-3, but not LuIII, RF DNA synthesis. Mixed infections of cells with two parvoviruses also exhibited a cross-interference for viral protein synthesis that was multiplicity dependent, ts14 inhibited infectious virus production of H-1 or H-3, but not LuIII. LuIII-or H-3-pseudotype particles were produced by coinfection with H-1. H-3 and H-1 showed similar interactions with ts14, and H-3 DNA was more homologous to H-1 than was LuIII by comparative physical mapping studies. The results suggest that ts14 is a mutant with a defect in a regulatory sequence of its DNA that influence RF DNA replication.

Isolation and characterization of a parvovirus of rabbits

The isolation and characterization of a new virus from rabbit stool are described. The virus replicated in rabbit kidney cell cultures and agglutinated human group O erythrocytes at 4 degrees C. It was stable at acid pH and resistant to chloroform and heat treatment. The growth of the virus was inhibited by 5-iodo-2-deoxyuridine, and virions were stained red with acridine orange, suggesting that they contain single-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid. The density of virions was 1.41 to 1.44 g/ml in CsCl, and the sedimentation value was 137S in sucrose at 4 degrees C. The infectious particles had cubic symmetry and were 27 to 28 nm in diameter by electron microscopy. By these properties this virus can be classified as a member of the parvovirus group. Antibody response was demonstrated in the rabbit from which this virus was recovered. A number of rabbits from a commercial source were found to contain hemagglutination-inhibiting antibody to this virus.

Feline panleukopenia. II. The relationship of intestinal mucosal cell proliferation rates to viral infection and development of lesions

Proliferation rates of small intestinal mucosal cells of noninfected germfree and specific pathogen-free kittens were compared to the incidence of infected cells and microscopic lesions in kittens experimentally infected with panleukopenia virus. Mucosal crypt length, cells per crypt, mitotic index and villous length were greater in specific pathogen-free kittens than in germfree kittens. Crypt cells per unit length and villous length per crypt length ratio were greater in germfree kittens. The cryptal cell proliferation rate of specific pathogen-free kittens was 2.24 times that of germfree kittens. Mucosal crypt length, cell per crypt and villous length were greater in the proximal jejunum than in the midjejunum of kittens within groups. Cell proliferation rates per crypt did not differ between areas of the intestine in kittens within groups. There were more virus-infected cells and lesions in specific pathogen-free kittens than in germfree kittens. The incidence of virus-infected cells and lesions was greater in the proximal jejumum and decreased along the small intestine.

Infection of newborn and fetal hamsters induced by inoculation of LuIII parvovirus

The LuIII parvovirus was adapted to the newborn hamster and produced a systemic infection with massive intestinal hemorrhage. Inoculation of pregnant hamsters lead to transplacental infection of the fetuses and abortion. Most fetal deaths were observed in animals inoculated on days 8 and 10 of gestation. Virus was recovered from dead fetuses, placentas, and viable fetuses. Histological lesions were found in the heart, liver, kidney and CNS of infected fetuses.

Multiplication of parvovirus LuIII in a synchronized culture system. III. Replication of viral DNA

The replication of the single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) of parvovirus LuIII was studied in synchronized HeLa cells. After infection of the cells in early S phase, synthesis of a replicative form (RF) DNA became detectable as early as 9 h postinfection, i.e., after display of the cellular helper function(s) indispensable for the replication of LuIII virus. According to digestion with nuclease S1, hybridization studies, and electron microscopy, RF DNA is a linear, double-stranded molecule comparable in length to mature ssDNA. It sedimented around 15S in neutral solution and banded at 1.714 g/ml in CsCl. Moreover, replication of LuIII DNA obviously includes a further replicative intermediate DNA which sedimented in front of RF DNA and bore single-stranded side-chains. Newly synthesized DNA disappeared from pools containing both RF DNA and replicative intermediate DNA within 5 min and reappeared in progeny virions only after 15 min. Intranuclear accumulation of significant amounts of progeny ssDNA could not be detected. It was postulated, therefore, that newly synthesized ssDNA is immediately enclosed in a stable maturation complex and resists extraction by the method of Hirt (1967).