Partial characterization of temperature-sensitive mutants of pseudorabies virus

Discrete cleavage patterns of pseudorabies virus immediate early protein (IE180) seen in some cell lines upon extraction after cycloheximide reversal

Pseudorabies virus (PrV) encodes for a single and essential immediate early phosphoprotein designated IE180. In this study, IE180 was examined in lysates from various cell lines infected at high multiplicities under cycloheximide inhibition of protein synthesis and subsequent reversal. Three distinct protein patterns of IE180 which were cell-specific and dependant on the extraction procedure were revealed. Detergent lysates of PrV infected MDBK cells yielded almost exclusively wild type IE molecule (180 kDa). In contrast, SSG/94 cells, VERO or CV-1 cells did not yield 180 kDa molecules but predominantly a shorter variant of approximately 60 kDa in molecular mass. Additional bands of about 50/55 kDa were also detected in lysates of SSG/94 and VERO cells by immunoprecipitation. Lysates of CV-1 and MDBK cells also yielded a 120 kDa molecule. The smaller molecular mass bands occurred in the presence of PMSF and aprotinin however, cleavage was blocked completely by addition of N alpha-p-Tosyl-L-lysine chloromethyl ketone (TLCK) into the lysis buffer. Moreover, an ability of the shorter IE180 variants to bind heparin was also revealed in the study. These data provide useful insights on protease profiles encountered among different PrV susceptible cells and indicates the use of appropriate protease inhibitors such as TLCK to protect IE180 under these experimental conditions.

A glycoprotein gX-beta-galactosidase fusion gene as insertional marker for rapid identification of pseudorabies virus mutants

We describe the isolation and characterization of infectious pseudorabies virus (PrV) mutants expressing functional beta-galactosidase. To obtain high level expression of the enzyme, sequences of the bacterial beta-galactosidase gene starting with codon 8 were inserted in frame behind the promoter and the first seven codons of the nonessential PrV glycoprotein gX-gene. Cotransfection of this construct with viral DNA yielded PrV mutants that could be easily identified after plaque staining with a chromogenic substrate. These mutants carry the gX-beta galactosidase fusion gene inserted into the authentic gX-gene leading to loss of gX-expression. The gX-beta galactosidase fusion gene could be excised as an expression cassette and placed into other non-essential PrV genomic regions, such as the thymidine kinase gene and the glycoprotein gI-gene, resulting in inactivation of the target genes. The fusion gene remains stably integrated in the viral genome at all three locations tested. It therefore appears ideal as an insertional and easily identifiable marker and greatly facilitates isolation and purification of PrV mutants.

Replication of two porcine parvovirus isolates at non-permissive temperatures

Previous studies have shown that replication in vitro of the porcine parvovirus (PPV) isolate, KBSH, was restricted at 39 degrees C but not at 37 degrees C. In contrast, replication of the Kresse isolate was restricted at 37 degrees C but not at 39 degrees C. In this study, Kresse and KBSH isolates were passaged up to ten times in swine testicle (ST) cells at non-permissive temperatures, and at subsequent passage viral protein synthesis, viral DNA synthesis, and progeny virus were evaluated. KBSH became adapted for replication at 39 degrees C upon serial passages, displaying an appreciable increase in viral progeny, viral polypeptides, and viral DNA concentration. This finding was also observed with Kresse virus isolate continuously passaged at 37 degrees C. Neither isolate became adapted for replication at 32 degrees C. In an attempt to examine the effect of in vitro passage at non-permissive temperatures on pathogenicity in swine, KBSH passaged 10 times either at 37 degrees C or 39 degrees C was inoculated into swine fetuses. Two of four fetuses inoculated with 39 degrees C-passaged KBSH were dead and hemorrhagic or mummified. All four fetuses inoculated with 39 degrees C-KBSH contained viral antigen and viral DNA. In contrast, fetuses inoculated with 37 degrees C-passaged KBSH, or with cell culture fluid were normal in appearance. Viral antigen and viral DNA were not demonstrated in fetuses inoculated with 37 degrees C-KBSH or cell culture fluids. These findings suggest the possibility that the ability to replicate at 39 degrees C is associated with virulence in swine fetuses.

Activation of HIV LTR-directed expression: analysis with pseudorabies virus immediate early gene

The long terminal repeat (LTR) region of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1), which regulates viral gene expression, is modulated by viral trans-acting proteins of HIV and DNA viruses and by biologically active chemical agents that induce cellular proliferation and/or differentiation. The pseudorabies virus immediate early gene (PIE) shares similar transcriptional trans-activating properties with the gene products of several other DNA viruses. The transient expression chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) assays in HeLa cells transfected with HIV long terminal repeat (LTR)-CAT and PIE plasmids demonstrated trans-activation of the HIV LTR by PIE. Analyses of 5' deletion mutants and site-directed Sp1 and transactivation responsive (TAR) region mutants of the LTR indicated PIE-responsive sequences located between -65 and -17. Synergistic cooperativity between PIE and the HIV-1 tat protein was demonstrated. PIE exhibited a marked stimulatory effect upon HIV replication in HeLa cells transfected with a biologically active HIV proviral DNA. These data provide evidence that, like a number of other DNA containing viruses, PRV can trans-activate HIV gene expression.

Temperature dependent replication of porcine parvovirus isolates

The replication of four porcine parvovirus isolates, NADL-8, NADL-2, KBSH, and Kresse, in swine testes cells were compared at temperatures of 32, 37, and 39 degrees C. Replication of the Kresse isolate was restricted at 32 and 37 degrees C as evidenced by progeny virus, virus polypeptide and viral DNA synthesis, but not at 39 degrees C. In contrast, replication of KBSH was restricted at 39 degrees C, but not at 37 or 32 degrees C. Findings from this study support the contention that replication of KBSH and Kresse isolates are temperature dependent.

Effects of a temperature-sensitive mutation in the immediate-early gene of pseudorabies virus on class II and class III gene transcription

The pseudorabies virus immediate-early protein activates transcription of both class II and class III genes. At present it is not known whether the activation of class II genes occurs through an activation of cellular factors or by a direct interaction of the immediate-early protein with factors or DNA. It is also not known whether the activation of class II and class III genes occurs by a similar or different mechanism. We utilized tsG, a temperature-sensitive mutation in the immediate-early gene of pseudorabies virus, to study the activation of viral genes transcribed by RNA polymerases II and III. Previous studies have shown that tsG inhibits wild-type adenovirus early gene transcription in coinfections at the nonpermissive temperature (L. T. Feldman and S. E. Ahlers, J. Virol. 57:13-17, 1986). Using this system of mixed infections as an assay, we obtained several results which allowed us to draw certain conclusions about the mode of action of the pseudorabies virus immediate-early protein (IEP). First, the tsG mutation inhibits the formation of new transcription complexes on class II genes, but does not affect transcription from preestablished transcription complexes formed in the presence or absence of the adenovirus E1A protein. Second, tsG does not inhibit transcription from class III genes, suggesting that the activation by IEP of class II and class III genes occurs by different mechanisms. Third, activation of transcription by the adenovirus E1A protein is not dominant to inhibition by tsG, suggesting that the temperature-sensitive IEP is involved in some physical interaction which actively inhibits transcription of viral genes.

Genome location and identification of functions defective in the Bartha vaccine strain of pseudorabies virus

We have shown previously (Lomniczi et al., J. Virol. 52:198-205, 1984) that the Bartha vaccine strain of pseudorabies virus has a deletion in the short unique (Us) region of its genome--a deletion that is related to the absence of virus virulence. This strain is, however, also defective in other genes involved in virulence. We show here that virulence can be restored by marker rescue of the Bartha strain to which an intact Us has been restored (but not to the parental Bartha strain) by sequences derived from approximate map units 0.460 and 0.505 of the wild-type virus genome. No difference in the ability to grow in cell culture was observed between parental Bartha, Bartha 43/25a (Bartha to which an intact Us has been restored), or the doubly rescued Bartha strains. However, only the doubly rescued Bartha strain was virulent for both chickens and pigs and replicated to high titers when inoculated directly into the brains of chickens. The sequences that could restore virulence to the Bartha 43/25a strain encode four genes, all of which are involved in processes leading to the assembly of nucleocapsids. Since these sequences rescue virulence, it appears that a function that plays a role in nucleocapsid assembly is defective in the Bartha strain and that this defect contributes to the lack of virulence of this virus.

Stages in the nuclear association of the herpes simplex virus transcriptional activator protein ICP4

The nuclear localization of the herpes simplex virus transcriptional activator protein ICP4 was studied by indirect immunofluorescence. At early times after viral infection, ICP4 quickly localized to a diffuse intranuclear distribution. ICP4 later concentrated in globular compartments within the nucleus. The redistribution to the compartments was dependent on viral DNA replication. Double staining for ICP4 and ICP8, the early major DNA-binding protein, revealed that both were found in the same intranuclear globular compartments at late times. These were previously named "replication compartments" (M. P. Quinlan, L. B. Chen, and D. M. Knipe, Cell 36:857-868, 1984). Because ICP4 and ICP8 are known to function in transcriptional activation and DNA replication, respectively, both DNA replication and late transcription may occur in these compartments. The association of ICP4 and ICP8 with the replication compartments appeared to be independent in that the retention of ICP8 in the compartments required ongoing viral DNA synthesis, while the association of ICP4 was independent of viral DNA synthesis once the compartments were formed. Because ICP4 shows a different distribution at early and late times, stimulation of transcription by ICP4 may involve different molecular events or contacts during these two periods of the replicative cycle.

Repression of adenovirus early gene expression by coinfection with a temperature-sensitive mutant in the immediate-early gene of pseudorabies virus

Wild-type adenovirus was coinfected with a mutant temperature sensitive for the immediate-early gene of pseudorabies virus. At the nonpermissive temperature, this mutant, tsG, strongly inhibited the transcription of all adenovirus early genes, including E1A. This inhibition was not observed with wild-type pseudorabies virus coinfection or with tsG coinfection at the permissive temperature. The level of repression was dependent upon the ratio of tsG to adenovirus in the infection. The results suggest that the temperature-sensitive protein may be interacting with transcription factors on the viral DNA or with the DNA itself to inhibit adenovirus transcription.

The expression of viral functions is necessary for recombination of a herpesvirus (pseudorabies)

To determine whether viral functions are necessary for recombination of the pseudorabies virus genome in infected cells, we have used as a model system marker rescue at the permissive temperature (PT) and nonpermissive temperature (NPT) of a temperature sensitive mutant (tsG1) deficient in the immediate-early (180K) protein. Two restriction fragments, both of which can rescue tsG1 at the PT but only one of which encompasses the whole immediate-early gene and can complement tsG1, were compared for their ability to rescue the mutant at the NPT. Although both restriction fragments rescued the mutant with equal frequency at the PT, only the fragment which could express the immediate-early 180K protein prior to recombination, i.e. could complement tsG1, rescued the mutant at the NPT. We conclude that the expression of viral functions is necessary for high frequency recombination of the pseudorabies virus genome.

Stimulation of expression of a herpes simplex virus DNA-binding protein by two viral functions

We examined the expression and localization of herpesvirus proteins in monkey cells transfected with recombinant plasmids containing herpes simplex virus (HSV) DNA sequences. Low levels of expression of the major HSV DNA-binding protein ICP8 were observed when ICP8-encoding plasmids were introduced into cells alone. ICP8 expression was greatly increased when a recombinant plasmid encoding the HSV alpha (immediate-early) ICP4 and ICP0 genes was transfected with the ICP8 gene. Deletion and subcloning analysis indicated that two separate functions capable of stimulating ICP8 expression were encoded on the alpha gene plasmid. One mapped in or near the ICP4 gene, and one mapped in or near the ICP0 gene. Their stimulatory effects were synergistic when introduced on two separate plasmids. Thus, two separate viral functions can activate herpesvirus early gene expression in transfected cells.

Stimulation of expression of a herpes simplex virus DNA-binding protein by two viral functions

We examined the expression and localization of herpesvirus proteins in monkey cells transfected with recombinant plasmids containing herpes simplex virus (HSV) DNA sequences. Low levels of expression of the major HSV DNA-binding protein ICP8 were observed when ICP8-encoding plasmids were introduced into cells alone. ICP8 expression was greatly increased when a recombinant plasmid encoding the HSV alpha (immediate-early) ICP4 and ICP0 genes was transfected with the ICP8 gene. Deletion and subcloning analysis indicated that two separate functions capable of stimulating ICP8 expression were encoded on the alpha gene plasmid. One mapped in or near the ICP4 gene, and one mapped in or near the ICP0 gene. Their stimulatory effects were synergistic when introduced on two separate plasmids. Thus, two separate viral functions can activate herpesvirus early gene expression in transfected cells.

Characterization of the immediate-early functions of pseudorabies virus

The immediate-early transcripts of pseudorabies virus have been located in a region of the genome situated internally within the inverted repeat between map positions 0.99 and 0.95. A single immediate-early transcript (approximately 6 kb) can be detected both in the cytoplasmic and nuclear fractions of infected, cycloheximide-treated cells. Analysis of the proteins synthesized after removal of cycloheximide from infected cells or after translation in vitro of the RNA isolated from these cells revealed the presence of a single protein (180K) not present in similarly treated, uninfected cells. That this is a virus protein and is specified by the immediate-early region of the genome was shown by selection and translation of mRNA hybridizing with virus DNA from the appropriate region of the genome. The effects of infection of cells with a temperature-sensitive mutant (tsG1) defective in the 180K protein were studied. At the nonpermissive temperature only immediate-early RNA was transcribed and only one virus protein, the 180K protein was synthesized. Inhibition of cellular protein and DNA synthesis was also observed. After shift down of tsG1-infected cells from the nonpermissive to the permissive temperature at 3 hr post infection, a transition to early RNA transcription occurred. However, if the shift down was delayed until 5 hr post infection, transcription of the virus genome was completely inhibited and an abortive infection ensued. Shift of the mutant-infected cells from the permissive to the nonpermissive temperature resulted in a decrease in the rate of accumulation of early and late transcripts, and a resumption of the synthesis of immediate-early RNA and protein. From these as well as from previous results, it is concluded that pseudorabies virus codes for a single multifunctional immediate-early protein which is essential for the transcription of immediate-early to early RNA and is required for the continuous transcription of early (and late) RNA. The immediate-early protein is also self-regulatory; the presence of the functional immediate-early protein represses the transcription of its RNA. In addition, the immediate-early protein of pseudorabies virus appears to play a direct role, under certain conditions, in the inhibition of cellular macromolecular synthesis.

Localization of the regions of homology between the genomes of herpes simplex virus, type 1, and pseudorabies virus

Only 8% of the sequences of the genomes of pseudorabies (PRV) and herpes simplex (type 1) (HSV) viruses are homologous. These homologous sequences have been shown previously to be distributed throughout most of the genomes of the two viruses. By means of blot hybridization of restriction fragments of HSV-1 DNA to cloned, nick-translated restriction fragments of PRV DNA, it was possible to compare the location on the genomes of these viruses of the homologous regions. The results showed that the genome of PRV is, for the most part, colinear with the IL arrangement of the genome of HSV-1. An inversion or translocation of sequences mapping on the PRV genome between 0.07 and 0.39 map units was observed on the genome of one of these viruses. A comparison of the map positions of five genes with known functions confirmed these findings. The genes coding for the major immediate-early protein, the major capsid protein, and the thymidine kinase occupy similar positions on the genome of PRV and on the genome of HSV-1 in the IL arrangement. However, the genes for DNA polymerase and for the major DNA binding protein appear to be inverted relative to one another on the genomes of the two viruses.

Functions of the major nonstructural DNA binding protein of a herpesvirus (pseudorabies)

Eight mutants of pseudorabies virus belonging to complementation group 3 and situated between 0.14 and 0.18 units on the physical map of the genome were analyzed. All the mutants tested in this respect (seven) recombined with one another, indicating that the mutations were located in different regions of the gene. All mutants were DNA-; the first round, as well as subsequent rounds, of DNA replication was completely blocked at the nonpermissive temperature in the mutant-infected cells. After shift-up from the permissive to the nonpermissive temperature, viral DNA synthesis continued for a short period of time only and viral DNA which had accumulated at the permissive temperature became degraded. Parental viral DNA, however, retained its integrity at the nonpermissive temperature and viral DNA synthesis started immediately after shift-down of the mutant-infected cells from the nonpermissive to the permissive temperature (even in the absence of protein synthesis). All mutants belonging to complementation group 3 tested (5 out of 8) produced a thermolabile nonstructural DNA binding protein (136K). In some of the mutant virus-infected cells this protein failed to migrate to the nucleus. We conclude that the pseudorabies virus mutants in complementation group 3 code for a defective 136K protein and that this protein is not only essential to the process of viral DNA synthesis but also plays a role in the stabilization of progeny DNA (but not of nonreplicating parental DNA) within the infected cells.