Monoclonal antibodies to the major nonstructural nuclear protein of minute virus of mice

Viral Capsid, Antibody, and Receptor Interactions: Experimental Analysis of the Antibody Escape Evolution of Canine Parvovirus

Canine parvovirus (CPV) is a small nonenveloped single-stranded DNA virus that causes serious diseases in dogs worldwide. The original strain of the virus (CPV-2) emerged in dogs during the late 1970s due to a host range switch of a virus similar to the feline panleukopenia virus that infected another host. The virus that emerged in dogs had altered capsid receptor and antibody binding sites, with some changes affecting both functions. Further receptor and antibody binding changes arose when the virus became better adapted to dogs or to other hosts. Here, we used in vitro selection and deep sequencing to reveal how two antibodies with known interactions select for escape mutations in CPV. The antibodies bound two distinct epitopes, and one largely overlapped the host receptor binding site. We also generated mutated antibody variants with altered binding structures. Viruses were passaged with wild-type (WT) or mutated antibodies, and their genomes were deep sequenced during the selective process. A small number of mutations were detected only within the capsid protein gene during the first few passages of selection, and most sites remained polymorphic or were slow to go to fixation. Mutations arose both within and outside the antibody binding footprints on the capsids, and all avoided the transferrin receptor type 1 binding footprint. Many selected mutations matched those that have arisen in the natural evolution of the virus. The patterns observed reveal the mechanisms by which these variants have been selected in nature and provide a better understanding of the interactions between antibody and receptor selections. IMPORTANCE Antibodies protect animals against infection by many different viruses and other pathogens, and we are gaining new information about the epitopes that induce antibody responses against viruses and the structures of the bound antibodies. However, less is known about the processes of antibody selection and antigenic escape and the constraints that apply in this system. Here, we used an in vitro model system and deep genome sequencing to reveal the mutations that arose in the virus genome during selection by each of two monoclonal antibodies or their mutated variants. High-resolution structures of each of the Fab:capsid complexes revealed their binding interactions. The wild-type antibodies or their mutated variants allowed us to examine how changes in antibody structure influence the mutational selection patterns seen in the virus. The results shed light on the processes of antibody binding, neutralization escape, and receptor binding, and they likely have parallels for many other viruses.

Viral capsid, antibody, and receptor interactions: experimental analysis of the antibody escape evolution of canine parvovirus

Canine parvovirus (CPV) is a small non-enveloped single-stranded DNA virus that causes serious diseases in dogs worldwide. The original strain of the virus (CPV-2) emerged in dogs during the late-1970s due to a host range switch of a virus similar to the feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) that infected another host. The virus that emerged in dogs had altered capsid receptor- and antibody-binding sites, with some changes affecting both functions. Further receptor and antibody binding changes arose when the virus became better adapted to dogs or to other hosts. Here, we use in vitro selection and deep sequencing to reveal how two antibodies with known interactions select for escape mutations in CPV. The antibodies bind two distinct epitopes, and one largely overlaps the host receptor binding site. We also engineered antibody variants with altered binding structures. Viruses were passaged with the wild type or mutated antibodies, and their genomes deep sequenced during the selective process. A small number of mutations were detected only within the capsid protein gene during the first few passages of selection, and most sites remained polymorphic or were slow to go to fixation. Mutations arose both within and outside the antibody binding footprints on the capsids, and all avoided the TfR-binding footprint. Many selected mutations matched those that have arisen in the natural evolution of the virus. The patterns observed reveal the mechanisms by which these variants have been selected in nature and provide a better understanding of the interactions between antibody and receptor selections.

IMPORTANCE

Antibodies protect animals against infection by many different viruses and other pathogens, and we are gaining new information about the epitopes that induce antibody responses against viruses and the structures of the bound antibodies. However, less is known about the processes of antibody selection and antigenic escape and the constraints that apply in this system. Here, we use an in vitro model system and deep genome sequencing to reveal the mutations that arise in the virus genome during selection by each of two monoclonal antibodies or their engineered variants. High-resolution structures of each of the Fab: capsid complexes revealed their binding interactions. The engineered forms of the wild-type antibodies or mutant forms allowed us to examine how changes in antibody structure influence the mutational selection patterns seen in the virus. The results shed light on the processes of antibody binding, neutralization escape, and receptor binding, and likely have parallels for many other viruses.

G2/M checkpoint regulation and apoptosis facilitate the nuclear egress of parvoviral capsids

The nuclear export factor CRM1-mediated pathway is known to be important for the nuclear egress of progeny parvovirus capsids in the host cells with virus-mediated cell cycle arrest at G2/M. However, it is still unclear whether this is the only pathway by which capsids exit the nucleus. Our studies show that the nuclear egress of DNA-containing full canine parvovirus. capsids was reduced but not fully inhibited when CRM1-mediated nuclear export was prevented by leptomycin B. This suggests that canine parvovirus capsids might use additional routes for nuclear escape. This hypothesis was further supported by our findings that nuclear envelope (NE) permeability was increased at the late stages of infection. Inhibitors of cell cycle regulatory protein cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (Cdk1) and pro-apoptotic caspase 3 prevented the NE leakage. The change in NE permeability could be explained by the regulation of the G2/M checkpoint which is accompanied by early mitotic and apoptotic events. The model of G2/M checkpoint activation was supported by infection-induced nuclear accumulation of cyclin B1 and Cdk1. Both NE permeability and nuclear egress of capsids were reduced by the inhibition of Cdk1. Additional proof of checkpoint function regulation and promotion of apoptotic events was the nucleocytoplasmic redistribution of nuclear transport factors, importins, and Ran, in late infection. Consistent with our findings, post-translational histone acetylation that promotes the regulation of several genes related to cell cycle transition and arrest was detected. In conclusion, the model we propose implies that parvoviral capsid egress partially depends on infection-induced G2/M checkpoint regulation involving early mitotic and apoptotic events.

Protein Myristoylation Plays a Role in the Nuclear Entry of the Parvovirus Minute Virus of Mice

Being nonpathogenic to humans, rodent parvoviruses (PVs) are naturally oncolytic viruses with great potential as anti-cancer agents. As these viruses replicate in the host cell nucleus, they must gain access to the nucleus during infection. The PV minute virus of mice (MVM) and several other PVs transiently disrupt the nuclear envelope (NE) and enter the nucleus through the resulting breaks. However, the molecular basis of this unique nuclear entry pathway remains uncharacterized. In this study, we used MVM as a model to investigate the molecular mechanism by which PVs induce NE disruption during viral nuclear entry. By combining bioinformatics analyses, metabolic labeling assays, mutagenesis, and pharmacological inhibition, we identified a functional myristoylation site at the sequence ⁷⁸GGKVGH⁸³ of the unique portion of the capsid protein VP1 (VP1u) of MVM. Performing proteolytic cleavage studies with a peptide containing this myristoylation site or with purified virions, we found tryptophan at position 77 of MVM VP1u is susceptible to chymotrypsin cleavage, implying this cleavage exposes G (glycine) 78 at the N-terminus of VP1u for myristoylation. Subsequent experiments using inhibitors of myristoylation and cellular proteases with MVM-infected cells, or an imaging-based quantitative NE permeabilization assay, further indicate protein myristoylation and a chymotrypsin-like activity are essential for MVM to locally disrupt the NE during viral nuclear entry. We thus propose a model for the nuclear entry of MVM in which NE disruption is mediated by VP1u myristoylation after the intact capsid undergoes proteolytic processing to expose the required N-terminal G for myristoylation. IMPORTANCE Rodent parvoviruses (PVs), including minute virus of mice (MVM), have the ability to infect and kill cancer cells and thereby possess great potential in anti-cancer therapy. In fact, some of these viruses are currently being investigated in both preclinical studies and clinical trials to treat a wide variety of cancers. However, the detailed mechanism of how PVs enter the cell nucleus remains unknown. In this study, we for the first time demonstrated a chemical modification called "myristoylation" of a MVM protein plays an essential role in the nuclear entry of the virus. We also showed, in addition to protein myristoylation, a chymotrypsin-like activity, which may come from cellular proteasomes, is required for MVM to get myristoylated and enter the nucleus. These findings deepen our understanding on how MVM and other related PVs infect host cells and provide new insights for the development of PV-based anti-cancer therapies.

Generation and Validation of Monoclonal Antibodies Suitable for Detecting and Monitoring Parvovirus Infections

For many applications it is necessary to detect target proteins in living cells. This is particularly the case when monitoring viral infections, in which the presence (or absence) of distinct target polypeptides potentially provides vital information about the pathology caused by the agent. To obtain suitable tools with which to monitor parvoviral infections, we thus generated monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) in order to detect the major non-structural protein NS1 in the intracellular environment and tested them for sensitivity and specificity, as well as for cross-reactivity towards related species. Using different immunogens and screening approaches based on indirect immunofluorescence, we describe here a panel of mAbs suitable for monitoring active infections with various parvovirus species by targeting the major non-structural protein NS1. In addition to mAbs detecting the NS1 of parvovirus H-1 (H-1PV) (belonging to the Rodent protoparvovirus 1 species, which is currently under validation as an anti-cancer agent), we generated tools with which to monitor infections by human cutavirus (CuV) and B19 virus (B19V) (belonging to the Primate protoparvovirus 3 and the Primate erythroparvovirus 1 species, respectively, which were both found to persistently infect human tissues). As well as mAbs able to detect NS1 from a broad range of parvoviruses, we obtained entities specific for either (distinct) members of the Rodent protoparvovirus 1 species, human CuV, or human B19V.

Viral targeting of glioblastoma stem cells with patient-specific genetic and post-translational p53 deregulations

Cancer therapy urges targeting of malignant subsets within self-renewing heterogeneous stem cell populations. We dissect the genetic and functional heterogeneity of human glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) within patients by their innate responses to non-pathogenic mouse parvoviruses that are tightly restrained by cellular physiology. GSC neurospheres accumulate assembled capsids but restrict viral NS1 cytotoxic protein expression by an innate PKR/eIF2α-P response counteractable by electric pulses. NS1 triggers a comprehensive DNA damage response involving cell-cycle arrest, neurosphere disorganization, and bystander disruption of GSC-derived brain tumor architecture in rodent models. GSCs and cancer cell lines permissive to parvovirus genome replication require p53-Ser15 phosphorylation (Pp53S15). NS1 expression is enhanced by exogeneous Pp53S15 induction but repressed by wtp53. Consistently, patient-specific GSC subpopulations harboring p53 gain-of-function mutants and/or Pp53S15 are selective viral targets. This study provides a molecular foundation for personalized biosafe viral therapies against devastating glioblastoma and other cancers with deregulated p53 signaling.

Enteric viruses evoke broad host immune responses resembling those elicited by the bacterial microbiome

The contributions of the viral component of the microbiome-the virome-to the development of innate and adaptive immunity are largely unknown. Here, we systematically defined the host response in mice to a panel of eukaryotic enteric viruses representing six different families. Infections with most of these viruses were asymptomatic in the mice, the magnitude and duration of which was dependent on the microbiota. Flow cytometric and transcriptional profiling of mice mono-associated with these viruses unveiled general adaptations by the host, such as lymphocyte differentiation and IL-22 signatures in the intestine, as well as numerous viral-strain-specific responses that persisted. Comparison with a dataset derived from analogous bacterial mono-association in mice identified bacterial species that evoke an immune response comparable with the viruses we examined. These results expand an understanding of the immune space occupied by the enteric virome and underscore the importance of viral exposure events.

Cytoplasmic Parvovirus Capsids Recruit Importin Beta for Nuclear Delivery

Parvoviruses are an important platform for gene and cancer therapy. Their cell entry and the following steps, including nuclear import, are inefficient, limiting their use in therapeutic applications. Two models exist on parvoviral nuclear entry: the classical import of the viral capsid using nuclear transport receptors of the importin (karyopherin) family or the direct attachment of the capsid to the nuclear pore complex leading to the local disintegration of the nuclear envelope. Here, by laser scanning confocal microscopy and in situ proximity ligation analyses combined with coimmunoprecipitation, we show that infection requires importin β-mediated access to the nuclear pore complex and nucleoporin 153-mediated interactions on the nuclear side. The importin β-capsid interaction continued within the nucleoplasm, which suggests a mixed model of nuclear entry in which the classical nuclear import across the nuclear pore complex is accompanied by transient ruptures of the nuclear envelope, also allowing the passive entry of importin β-capsid complexes into the nucleus.IMPORTANCE Parvoviruses are small DNA viruses that deliver their DNA into the postmitotic nuclei, which is an important step for parvoviral gene and cancer therapies. Limitations in virus-receptor interactions or endocytic entry do not fully explain the low transduction/infection efficiency, indicating a bottleneck after virus entry into the cytoplasm. We thus investigated the transfer of parvovirus capsids from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, showing that the nuclear import of the parvovirus capsid follows a unique strategy, which differs from classical nuclear import and those of other viruses.

Complex and Dynamic Interactions between Parvovirus Capsids, Transferrin Receptors, and Antibodies Control Cell Infection and Host Range

Antibody and receptor binding are key virus-host interactions that control host range and determine the success of infection. Canine and feline parvovirus capsids bind the transferrin receptor type 1 (TfR) to enter host cells, and specific structural interactions appear necessary to prepare the stable capsids for infection. Here, we define the details of binding, competition, and occupancy of wild-type and mutant parvovirus capsids with purified receptors and antibodies. TfR-capsid binding interactions depended on the TfR species and varied widely, with no direct relationship between binding affinity and infection. Capsids bound feline, raccoon, and black-backed jackal TfRs at high affinity but barely bound canine TfRs, which mediated infection efficiently. TfRs from different species also occupied capsids to different levels, with an estimated 1 to 2 feline TfRs but 12 black-backed jackal TfRs binding each capsid. Multiple alanine substitutions within loop 1 on the capsid surface reduced TfR binding but substitutions within loop 3 did not, suggesting that loop 1 directly engaged the TfR and loop 3 sterically affected that interaction. Binding and competition between different TfRs and/or antibodies showed complex relationships. Both antibodies 14 and E competed capsids off TfRs, but antibody E could also compete capsids off itself and antibody 14, likely by inducing capsid structural changes. In some cases, the initial TfR or antibody binding event affected subsequent TfR binding, suggesting that capsid structure changes occur after TfR or antibody binding and may impact infection. This shows that precise, host-specific TfR-capsid interactions, beyond simple attachment, are important for successful infection.IMPORTANCE Host receptor binding is a key step during viral infection and may control both infection and host range. In addition to binding, some viruses require specific interactions with host receptors in order to infect, and anti-capsid antibodies can potentially disrupt these interactions, leading to neutralization. Here, we examine the interactions between parvovirus capsids, the receptors from different hosts, and anti-capsid antibodies. We show that interactions between parvovirus capsids and host-specific TfRs vary in both affinity and in the numbers of receptors bound, with complex effects on infection. In addition, antibodies binding to two sites on the capsids had different effects on TfR-capsid binding. These experiments confirm that receptor and antibody binding to parvovirus capsids are complex processes, and the infection outcome is not determined simply by the affinity of attachment.

Optimizing the Targeting of Mouse Parvovirus 1 to Murine Melanoma Selects for Recombinant Genomes and Novel Mutations in the Viral Capsid Gene

Combining virus-enhanced immunogenicity with direct delivery of immunomodulatory molecules would represent a novel treatment modality for melanoma, and would require development of new viral vectors capable of targeting melanoma cells preferentially. Here we explore the use of rodent protoparvoviruses targeting cells of the murine melanoma model B16F10. An uncloned stock of mouse parvovirus 1 (MPV1) showed some efficacy, which was substantially enhanced following serial passage in the target cell. Molecular cloning of the genes of both starter and selected virus pools revealed considerable sequence diversity. Chimera analysis mapped the majority of the improved infectivity to the product of the major coat protein gene, VP2, in which linked blocks of amino acid changes and one or other of two apparently spontaneous mutations were selected. Intragenic chimeras showed that these represented separable components, both contributing to enhanced infection. Comparison of biochemical parameters of infection by clonal viruses indicated that the enhancement due to changes in VP2 operates after the virus has bound to the cell surface and penetrated into the cell. Construction of an in silico homology model for MPV1 allowed placement of these changes within the capsid shell, and revealed aspects of the capsid involved in infection initiation that had not been previously recognized.

Promoter-Targeted Histone Acetylation of Chromatinized Parvoviral Genome Is Essential for the Progress of Infection

The association of host histones with parvoviral DNA is poorly understood. We analyzed the chromatinization and histone acetylation of canine parvovirus DNA during infection by confocal imaging andin situproximity ligation assay combined with chromatin immunoprecipitation and high-throughput sequencing. We found that during late infection, parvovirus replication bodies were rich in histones bearing modifications characteristic of transcriptionally active chromatin, i.e., histone H3 lysine 27 acetylation (H3K27ac). H3K27ac, in particular, was located in close proximity to the viral DNA-binding protein NS1. Importantly, our results show for the first time that in the chromatinized parvoviral genome, the two viral promoters in particular were rich in H3K27ac. Histone acetyltransferase (HAT) inhibitors efficiently interfered with the expression of viral proteins and infection progress. Altogether, our data suggest that the acetylation of histones on parvoviral DNA is essential for viral gene expression and the completion of the viral life cycle.

IMPORTANCE

Viral DNA introduced into cell nuclei is exposed to cellular responses to foreign DNA, including chromatinization and epigenetic silencing, both of which determine the outcome of infection. How the incoming parvovirus resists cellular epigenetic downregulation of its genes is not understood. Here, the critical role of epigenetic modifications in the regulation of parvovirus infection was demonstrated. We showed for the first time that a successful parvovirus infection is characterized by the deposition of nucleosomes with active histone acetylation on the viral promoter areas. The results provide new insights into the regulation of parvoviral gene expression, which is an important aspect of the development of parvovirus-based virotherapy.

The minute virus of mice exploits different endocytic pathways for cellular uptake

The minute virus of mice, prototype strain (MVMp), is a non-enveloped, single-stranded DNA virus of the family Parvoviridae. Unlike other parvoviruses, the mechanism of cellular uptake of MVMp has not been studied in detail. We analyzed MVMp endocytosis in mouse LA9 fibroblasts and a tumor cell line derived from epithelial-mesenchymal transition through polyomavirus middle T antigen transformation in transgenic mice. By a combination of immunofluorescence and electron microscopy, we found that MVMp endocytosis occurs at the leading edge of migrating cells in proximity to focal adhesion sites. By using drug inhibitors of various endocytic pathways together with immunofluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry analysis, we discovered that MVMp can use a number of endocytic pathways, depending on the host cell type. At least three different mechanisms were identified: clathrin-, caveolin-, and clathrin-independent carrier-mediated endocytosis, with the latter occurring in transformed cells but not in LA9 fibroblasts.

Complementation for an essential ancillary non-structural protein function across parvovirus genera

Parvoviruses encode a small number of ancillary proteins that differ substantially between genera. Within the genus Protoparvovirus, minute virus of mice (MVM) encodes three isoforms of its ancillary protein NS2, while human bocavirus 1 (HBoV1), in the genus Bocaparvovirus, encodes an NP1 protein that is unrelated in primary sequence to MVM NS2. To search for functional overlap between NS2 and NP1, we generated murine A9 cell populations that inducibly express HBoV1 NP1. These were used to test whether NP1 expression could complement specific defects resulting from depletion of MVM NS2 isoforms. NP1 induction had little impact on cell viability or cell cycle progression in uninfected cells, and was unable to complement late defects in MVM virion production associated with low NS2 levels. However, NP1 did relocate to MVM replication centers, and supports both the normal expansion of these foci and overcomes the early paralysis of DNA replication in NS2-null infections.

Cell migration is another player of the minute virus of mice infection

The parvovirus minute virus of mice, prototype strain (MVMp), preferentially infects and kills cancer cells. This intrinsic MVMp oncotropism may depend in part on the early stages of MVMp infection. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the early events of MVMp infection in mouse LA9 fibroblasts and a highly invasive mouse mammary tumor cell line derived from polyomavirus middle T antigen-mediated transformation. Using a combination of fluorescence and electron microscopy, we found that various parameters of the cell migration process affect MVMp infection. We show that, after binding to the plasma membrane, MVMp particles rapidly cluster at the leading edge of migrating cells, which exhibit higher levels of MVMp uptake than non-motile cells. Moreover, promoting cell migration on a fibronectin matrix increased MVMp infection, and induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition allowed MVMp replication in non-permissive epithelial cells. Hence, we propose that cell migration influences the early stages of MVMp infection.

Differential replication of two porcine parvovirus strains in bovine cell lines ensues from initial DNA processing and NS1 expression

Porcine parvovirus (PPV) is a small DNA virus with restricted coding capacity. The 5 kb genome expresses three major non-structural proteins (NS1, NS2 and SAT), and two structural proteins (VP1 and VP2). These few viral proteins are pleiotropic and interact with cellular components throughout viral replication. In this regard, very few cell lines have been shown to replicate the virus efficiently. Cell lines were established from a primary culture of bovine cells that allowed allotropic variants of PPV to be distinguished. Three cell lines were differentially sensitive to infection by two prototype PPV strains, NADL-2 and Kresse. In the first cell line (D10), infection was restricted early in the infectious cycle and was not productive. Infection of the second cell line (G11) was 1000 times less efficient with the NADL-2 strain compared with porcine cells, while production of infectious virus of the Kresse strain was barely detectable. Restriction points in these cells were the initial generation of DNA replication intermediates and NS1 production. Infection with chimeras between NADL-2 and Kresse showed that residues outside the previously described allotropic determinant were also partially responsible for the restriction to Kresse replication in G11 cells. F4 cells were permissive to both strains, although genome replication and infectious virus production were lower than in the porcine cells used for comparison. These results highlight the dependent nature of parvovirus tropism on host factors and suggest that cells from a non-host origin can fully support a productive infection by both strains.

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.

Parvoviral left-end hairpin ears are essential during infection for establishing a functional intranuclear transcription template and for efficient progeny genome encapsidation

The 121-nucleotide left-end telomere of Minute Virus of Mice (MVM) can be folded into a Y-shaped hairpin with short axial ears that are highly conserved within genus Parvovirus. To explore their potential role(s) during infection, we constructed infectious plasmid clones that lacked one or other ear. Although these were nonviable when transfected into A9 cells, excision of the viral genome and DNA amplification appeared normal, and viral transcripts and proteins were expressed, but progeny virion production was minimal, supporting the idea of a potential role for the ears in genome packaging. To circumvent the absence of progeny that confounded further analysis of these mutants, plasmids were transfected into 293T cells both with and without an adenovirus helper construct, generating single bursts of progeny. These virions bound to A9 cells and were internalized but failed to initiate viral transcription, protein expression, or DNA replication. No defects in mutant virion stability or function could be detected in vitro. Significantly, mutant capsid gene expression and DNA replication could be rescued by coinfection with wild-type virions carrying a replication-competent, capsid-gene-replacement vector. To pinpoint where such complementation occurred, prior transfection of plasmids expressing only MVM nonstructural proteins was explored. NS1 alone, but not NS2, rescued transcription and protein expression from both P4 and P38 promoters, whereas NS1 molecules deleted for their C-terminal transactivation domain did not. These results suggest that the mutant virions reach the nucleus, uncoat, and are converted to duplex DNA but require an intact left-end hairpin structure to form the initiating transcription complex.

The intermediate filament network protein, vimentin, is required for parvoviral infection

Intermediate filaments (IFs) have recently been shown to serve novel roles during infection by many viruses. Here we have begun to study the role of IFs during the early steps of infection by the parvovirus minute virus of mice (MVM). We found that during early infection with MVM, after endosomal escape, the vimentin IF network was considerably altered, yielding collapsed immunofluorescence staining near the nuclear periphery. Furthermore, we found that vimentin plays an important role in the life cycle of MVM. The number of cells, which successfully replicated MVM, was reduced in infected cells in which the vimentin network was genetically or pharmacologically modified; viral endocytosis, however, remained unaltered. Perinuclear accumulation of MVM-containing vesicles was reduced in cells lacking vimentin. Our data suggests that vimentin is required for the MVM life cycle, presenting possibly a dual role: (1) following MVM escape from endosomes and (2) during endosomal trafficking of MVM.

Parvovirus evades interferon-dependent viral control in primary mouse embryonic fibroblasts

Engagement of innate viral sensors elicits a robust antiviral program via the induction of type I interferons (IFNs). Innate defense mechanisms against ssDNA viruses are not well defined. Here, we examine type I IFN induction and effectiveness in controlling a ssDNA virus. Using mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs), we found that a murine parvovirus, minute virus of mice (MVMp), induced a delayed but significant IFN response. MEFs deficient in mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein (MAVS) mounted a wild-type IFN response to MVMp infection, indicating that RIG-I-dependent RNA intermediate recognition is not required for innate sensing of this virus. However, MVMp-induced IFNs, as well recombinant type I IFNs, were unable to inhibit viral replication. Finally, MVMp infected cells became unresponsive to Poly (I:C) stimulation. Together, these data suggest that the MVMp efficiently evades antiviral immune mechanisms imposed by type I IFNs, which may in part explain their efficient transmission between mice.

Proteomic analysis identifies a novel function for galectin-3 in the cell entry of parvovirus

Cellular factors associated with the parvovirus minute virus of mice (MVM) during infection are thought to play important roles in the MVM life cycle but only a few of these have been identified. Here we used a proteomic-based approach in order to identify host-binding partners of MVM. Using purified MVM as bait for immunoprecipitation assays, a total of 150 proteins were identified in MVM immunoprecipitates by quantitative liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Galectin-3 was one of six proteins showing a statistically significant enrichment across replicates. Small interfering RNA depletion studies revealed an important role for galectin-3 in MVM endocytosis and infectivity in LA9 mouse fibroblast cells. Galectin-3-depleted cells were less susceptible to MVM infection than control cells and showed a significant reduction of MVM cellular uptake, but not of MVM binding to the cell surface. Our results indicate an important role for galectin-3 in the cellular uptake of MVM. We propose that galectin-3 facilitates the access of MVM to its receptor(s) at the plasma membrane and in this way promotes MVM endocytosis.

Identification of feline panleukopenia virus proteins expressed in Purkinje cell nuclei of cats with cerebellar hypoplasia

Parvoviruses depend on initiation of host cell division for their replication. Undefined parvoviral proteins have been detected in Purkinje cells of the cerebellum after experimental feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) infection of neonatal kittens and in naturally occurring cases of feline cerebellar hypoplasia. In this study, a parvoviral protein in the nucleus of Purkinje cells of kittens with cerebellar hypoplasia was shown by immunoprecipitation to be the FPV viral capsid protein VP2. In PCR-confirmed, FPV-associated feline cerebellar hypoplasia, expression of the FPV VP2 protein was demonstrated by immunohistochemistry in Purkinje cell nuclei in 4/10 cases and expression of the FPV non-structural protein NS1 was demonstrated in Purkinje cell nuclei in 5/10 cases. Increased nuclear ERK1 expression was observed in several Purkinje cells in 1/10 kittens. No expression of the G1 and S mitotic phase marker proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was evident in Purkinje cell nuclei. These results support the hypothesis that FPV is able to proceed far into its replication cycle in post-mitotic Purkinje cells.

Maintenance of the flip sequence orientation of the ears in the parvoviral left-end hairpin is a nonessential consequence of the critical asymmetry in the hairpin stem

Parvoviral terminal hairpins are essential for viral DNA amplification but are also implicated in multiple additional steps in the viral life cycle. The palindromes at the two ends of the minute virus of mice (MVM) genome are dissimilar and are processed by different resolution mechanisms that selectively direct encapsidation of predominantly negative-sense progeny genomes and conserve a single Flip sequence orientation at the 3' (left) end of such progeny. The sequence and predicted structure of these 3' hairpins are highly conserved within the genus Parvovirus, exemplified by the 121-nucleotide left-end sequence of MVM, which folds into a Y-shaped hairpin containing small internal palindromes that form the "ears" of the Y. To explore the potential role(s) of this hairpin in the viral life cycle, we constructed infectious clones with the ear sequences either inverted, to give the antiparallel Flop orientation, or with multiple transversions, conserving their base composition but changing their sequence. These were compared with a "bubble" mutant, designed to activate the normally silent origin in the inboard arm of the hairpin, thus potentially rendering symmetric the otherwise asymmetric junction resolution mechanism that drives maintenance of Flip. This mutant exhibited a major defect in viral duplex and single-strand DNA replication, characterized by the accumulation of covalently closed turnaround forms of the left end, and was rapidly supplanted by revertants that restored asymmetry. In contrast, both sequence and orientation changes in the hairpin ears were tolerated, suggesting that maintaining the Flip orientation of these structures is a consequence of, but not the reason for, asymmetric left-end processing.

Evolutionary reconstructions of the transferrin receptor of Caniforms supports canine parvovirus being a re-emerged and not a novel pathogen in dogs

Parvoviruses exploit transferrin receptor type-1 (TfR) for cellular entry in carnivores, and specific interactions are key to control of host range. We show that several key mutations acquired by TfR during the evolution of Caniforms (dogs and related species) modified the interactions with parvovirus capsids by reducing the level of binding. These data, along with signatures of positive selection in the TFRC gene, are consistent with an evolutionary arms race between the TfR of the Caniform clade and parvoviruses. As well as the modifications of amino acid sequence which modify binding, we found that a glycosylation site mutation in the TfR of dogs which provided resistance to the carnivore parvoviruses which were in circulation prior to about 1975 predates the speciation of coyotes and dogs. Because the closely-related black-backed jackal has a TfR similar to their common ancestor and lacks the glycosylation site, reconstructing this mutation into the jackal TfR shows the potency of that site in blocking binding and infection and explains the resistance of dogs until recent times. This alters our understanding of this well-known example of viral emergence by indicating that canine parvovirus emergence likely resulted from the re-adaptation of a parvovirus to the resistant receptor of a former host.

Parvoviruses in cats and dogs have been studied as a model system to understand how viruses gain the ability to infect new host species. By studying the evolution of the transferrin receptor, which the virus uses to enter a cell, we discovered that the ancestors of dogs were likely infected by a parvovirus millions of years ago until they evolved and became resistant; this was caused by their transferrin receptor changing so it no longer bound the virus. When a variant virus that infects dogs emerged in the 1970s, it had adapted to overcome this block. This story suggests that diseases which were once eliminated from a species can evolve and regain the infectivity for that host, therefore having high potential to be emerging diseases. We identified features of the receptor that were important to the evolution of this host-virus interaction and confirmed their role in regulating virus binding in cell culture.

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.

Limited transferrin receptor clustering allows rapid diffusion of canine parvovirus into clathrin endocytic structures

Viral pathogens usurp cell surface receptors to access clathrin endocytic structures, yet the mechanisms of virus incorporation into these structures remain incompletely understood. Here we used fluorescence microscopy to directly visualize the association of single canine parvovirus (CPV) capsids with cellular transferrin receptors (TfR) on the surfaces of live feline cells and to monitor how these CPV-TfR complexes access endocytic structures. We found that most capsids associated with fewer than five TfRs and that ∼25% of TfR-bound capsids laterally diffused into assembling clathrin-coated pits less than 30 s after attachment. Capsids that did not encounter a coated pit dissociated from the cell surface with a half-life of ∼30 s. Together, our results show how CPV exploits the natural mechanism of TfR endocytosis to engage the clathrin endocytic pathway and reveal that the low affinity of capsids for feline TfRs limits the residence time of capsids on the cell surface and thus the efficiency of virus internalization.

The role of evolutionary intermediates in the host adaptation of canine parvovirus

The adaptation of viruses to new hosts is a poorly understood process likely involving a variety of viral structures and functions that allow efficient replication and spread. Canine parvovirus (CPV) emerged in the late 1970s as a host-range variant of a virus related to feline panleukopenia virus (FPV). Within a few years of its emergence in dogs, there was a worldwide replacement of the initial virus strain (CPV type 2) by a variant (CPV type 2a) characterized by four amino acid differences in the capsid protein. However, the evolutionary processes that underlie the acquisition of these four mutations, as well as their effects on viral fitness, both singly and in combination, are still uncertain. Using a comprehensive experimental analysis of multiple intermediate mutational combinations, we show that these four capsid mutations act in concert to alter antigenicity, cell receptor binding, and relative in vitro growth in feline cells. Hence, host adaptation involved complex interactions among both surface-exposed and buried capsid mutations that together altered cell infection and immune escape properties of the viruses. Notably, most intermediate viral genotypes containing different combinations of the four key amino acids possessed markedly lower fitness than the wild-type viruses.

Mutations at the base of the icosahedral five-fold cylinders of minute virus of mice induce 3'-to-5' genome uncoating and critically impair entry functions

The linear single-stranded DNA genome of minute virus of mice can be ejected, in a 3'-to-5' direction, via a cation-linked uncoating reaction that leaves the 5' end of the DNA firmly complexed with its otherwise intact protein capsid. Here we compare the phenotypes of four mutants, L172T, V40A, N149A, and N170A, which perturb the base of cylinders surrounding the icosahedral 5-fold axes of the virus, and show that these structures are strongly implicated in 3'-to-5' release. Although noninfectious at 37°C, all mutants were viable at 32°C, showed a temperature-sensitive cell entry defect, and, after proteolysis of externalized VP2 N termini, were unable to protect the VP1 domain, which is essential for bilayer penetration. Mutant virus yields from multiple-round infections were low and were characterized by the accumulation of virions containing subgenomic DNAs of specific sizes. In V40A, these derived exclusively from the 5' end of the genome, indicative of 3'-to-5' uncoating, while L172T, the most impaired mutant, had long subgenomic DNAs originating from both termini, suggesting additional packaging portal defects. Compared to the wild type, genome release in vitro following cation depletion was enhanced for all mutants, while only L172T released DNA, in both directions, without cation depletion following proteolysis at 37°C. Analysis of progeny from single-round infections showed that uncoating did not occur during virion assembly, release, or extraction. However, unlike the wild type, the V40A mutant extensively uncoated during cell entry, indicating that the V40-L172 interaction restrains an uncoating trigger mechanism within the endosomal compartment.

Recruitment of DNA replication and damage response proteins to viral replication centers during infection with NS2 mutants of Minute Virus of Mice (MVM)

MVM NS2 is essential for viral DNA amplification, but its mechanism of action is unknown. A classification scheme for autonomous parvovirus-associated replication (APAR) center development, based on NS1 distribution, was used to characterize abnormal APAR body maturation in NS2null mutant infections, and their organization examined for defects in host protein recruitment. Since acquisition of known replication factors appeared normal, we looked for differences in invoked DNA damage responses. We observed widespread association of H2AX/MDC1 damage response foci with viral replication centers, and sequestration and complex hyperphosphorylation of RPA(32), which occurred in wildtype and mutant infections. Quantifying these responses by western transfer indicated that both wildtype and NS2 mutant MVM elicited ATM activation, while phosphorylation of ATR, already basally activated in asynchronous A9 cells, was downregulated. We conclude that MVM infection invokes multiple damage responses that influence the APAR environment, but that NS2 does not modify the recruitment of cellular proteins.

Effect of ATP binding and hydrolysis on dynamics of canine parvovirus NS1

The replication protein NS1 is essential for genome replication and protein production in parvoviral infection. Many of its functions, including recognition and site-specific nicking of the viral genome, helicase activity, and transactivation of the viral capsid promoter, are dependent on ATP. An ATP-binding pocket resides in the middle of the modular NS1 protein in a superfamily 3 helicase domain. Here we have identified key ATP-binding amino acid residues in canine parvovirus (CPV) NS1 protein and mutated amino acids from the conserved A motif (K406), B motif (E444 and E445), and positively charged region (R508 and R510). All mutations prevented the formation of infectious viruses. When provided in trans, all except the R508A mutation reduced infectivity in a dominant-negative manner, possibly by hindering genome replication. These results suggest that the conserved R510 residue, but not R508, is the arginine finger sensory element of CPV NS1. Moreover, fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP), complemented by computer simulations, was used to assess the binding properties of mutated fluorescent fusion proteins. These experiments identified ATP-dependent and -independent binding modes for NS1 in living cells. Only the K406M mutant had a single binding site, which was concluded to indicate ATP-independent binding. Furthermore, our data suggest that DNA binding of NS1 is dependent on its ability to both bind and hydrolyze ATP.

Early steps in cell infection by parvoviruses: host-specific differences in cell receptor binding but similar endosomal trafficking

Canine parvovirus (CPV) and feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) are closely related parvoviruses that differ in their host ranges for cats and dogs. Both viruses bind their host transferrin receptor (TfR), enter cells by clathrin-mediated endocytosis, and traffic with that receptor through endosomal pathways. Infection by these viruses appears to be inefficient and slow, with low numbers of virions infecting the cell after a number of hours. Species-specific binding to TfR controls viral host range, and in this study FPV and strains of CPV differed in the levels of cell attachment, uptake, and infection in canine and feline cells. During infection, CPV particles initially bound and trafficked passively on the filopodia of canine cells while they bound to the cell body of feline cells. That binding was associated with the TfR as it was disrupted by anti-TfR antibodies. Capsids were taken up from the cell surface with different kinetics in canine and feline cells but, unlike transferrin, most did not recycle. Capsids labeled with fluorescent markers were seen in Rab5-, Rab7-, or Rab11-positive endosomal compartments within minutes of uptake, but reached the nucleus. Constitutively active or dominant negative Rab mutants changed the intracellular distribution of capsids and affected the infectivity of virus in cells.

Dynamics and interactions of parvoviral NS1 protein in the nucleus

Nuclear positioning and dynamic interactions of viral proteins with nuclear substructures play essential roles during infection with DNA viruses. Visualization of the intranuclear interactions and motility of the parvovirus replication protein (NS1) in living cells gives insight into specific parvovirus protein-cellular structure interactions. Confocal analysis of highly synchronized infected Norden Laboratory Feline Kidney cells showed accumulation of nuclear NS1 in discrete interchromosomal foci. NS1 fused with enhanced yellow fluorescence protein (NS1-EYFP) provided a marker in live cells for dynamics of NS1 traced by photobleaching techniques. Fluorescence Recovery after Photobleaching suggested that the NS1 protein is not freely diffusing but undergoes transient interactions with nuclear compartments. Fluorescence Loss in Photobleaching demonstrated for the first time the shuttling of a parvoviral protein between the nucleus and the cytoplasm as assayed with NS1-EYFP. Finally, time-lapse imaging of infected cells revealed that the intranuclear distribution of NS1-EYFP evolves dramatically starting from the formation of NS1 foci and proceeding to a homogenous distribution extending throughout the nucleus.

Purified feline and canine transferrin receptors reveal complex interactions with the capsids of canine and feline parvoviruses that correspond to their host ranges

The cell infection processes and host ranges of canine parvovirus (CPV) and feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) are controlled by their capsid interactions with the transferrin receptors (TfR) on their host cells. Here, we expressed the ectodomains of wild-type and mutant TfR and tested those for binding to purified viral capsids and showed that different naturally variant strains of the viruses were associated with variant interactions with the receptors which likely reflect the optimization of the viral infection processes in the different hosts. While all viruses bound the feline TfR, reflecting their tissue culture host ranges, a naturally variant mutant of CPV (represented by the CPV type-2b strain) that became the dominant virus worldwide in 1979 showed significantly lower levels of binding to the feline TfR. The canine TfR ectodomain did not bind to a detectable level in the in vitro assays, but this appears to reflect the naturally low affinity of that interaction, as only low levels of binding were seen when the receptor was expressed on mammalian cells; however, that was sufficient to allow endocytosis and infection. The apical domain of the canine TfR controls the specific interaction with CPV capsids, as a canine TfR mutant altering a glycosylation site in that domain bound FPV, CPV-2, and CPV-2b capsids efficiently. Enzymatic removal of the N-linked glycans did not allow FPV binding to the canine TfR, suggesting that the protein sequence difference is itself important. The purified feline TfR inhibited FPV and CPV-2 binding and infection of feline cells but not CPV-2b, indicating that the receptor binding may be able to prevent the attachment to the same receptor on cells.

Host range mutants of Minute Virus of Mice with a single VP2 amino acid change require additional silent mutations that regulate NS2 accumulation

Two host range switch mutants of the immunosuppressive strain of parvovirus Minute Virus of Mice (MVMi) were isolated from plaques on A9 fibroblasts. Both carried a single coding mutation at residue D399 in VP2, to alanine and glycine in hr105 and hr107, respectively, and a second, non-coding, guanine-to-adenine change at nucleotide 1970 in hr105 and 1967 in hr107. These mutations were recreated in a wild type MVMi infectious plasmid clone, both alone and as pairs, in either the original or switched combinations. All single mutants failed to replicate productively in fibroblasts, but the two pairs of changes were functionally equivalent. Single D399 mutations allowed the viruses to initiate infection in fibroblasts, but NS2 expression was severely restricted and correlated with poor accumulation and release of progeny virus. Mutations at 1967 or 1970 enhanced NS2 accumulation, and allowed efficient progeny production and release. Conversely, the D399 mutations destroyed the viruses' ability to infect EL4 lymphocytes. In all productive EL4 infections, NS2 was expressed at high ratios even in the absence of upstream mutations, and progeny accumulation was efficient. However, EL4 cells lack a mechanism for early progeny release, potentially explaining why virus amplification in these cells is slow.

Exploitation of microtubule cytoskeleton and dynein during parvoviral traffic toward the nucleus

Canine parvovirus (CPV), a model virus for the study of parvoviral entry, enters host cells by receptor-mediated endocytosis, escapes from endosomal vesicles to the cytosol, and then replicates in the nucleus. We examined the role of the microtubule (MT)-mediated cytoplasmic trafficking of viral particles toward the nucleus. Immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy showed that capsids were transported through the cytoplasm into the nucleus after cytoplasmic microinjection but that in the presence of MT-depolymerizing agents, viral capsids were unable to reach the nucleus. The nuclear accumulation of capsids was also reduced by microinjection of an anti-dynein antibody. Moreover, electron microscopy and light microscopy experiments demonstrated that viral capsids associate with tubulin and dynein in vitro. Coprecipitation studies indicated that viral capsids interact with dynein. When the cytoplasmic transport process was studied in living cells by microinjecting fluorescently labeled capsids into the cytoplasm of cells containing fluorescent tubulin, capsids were found in close contact with MTs. These results suggest that intact MTs and the motor protein dynein are required for the cytoplasmic transport of CPV capsids and contribute to the accumulation of the capsid in the nucleus.

Residues in the apical domain of the feline and canine transferrin receptors control host-specific binding and cell infection of canine and feline parvoviruses

Canine parvovirus (CPV) and feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) capsids bind to the transferrin receptors (TfRs) of their hosts and use these receptors to infect cells. The binding is partially host specific, as FPV binds only to the feline TfR, while CPV binds to both the canine and feline TfRs. The host-specific binding is controlled by a combination of residues within a raised region of the capsid. To define the TfR structures that interact with the virus, we altered the apical domain of the feline or canine TfR or prepared chimeras of these receptors and tested the altered receptors for binding to FPV or CPV capsids. Most changes in the apical domain of the feline TfR did not affect binding, but replacing Leu221 with Ser or Asp prevented receptor binding to either FPV or CPV capsids, while replacing Leu221 with Lys resulted in a receptor that bound only to CPV but not to FPV. Analysis of recombinants of the feline and canine TfRs showed that sequences controlling CPV-specific binding were within the apical domain and that more than one difference between these receptors determined the CPV-specific binding of the canine TfR. Single changes within the canine TfR which removed a single amino acid insertion or which eliminated a glycosylation site gave that receptor the expanded ability to bind to FPV and CPV. In some cases, binding of capsids to mutant receptors did not result in infection, suggesting a structural role for the receptor in cell infection by the viruses.

The natural host range shift and subsequent evolution of canine parvovirus resulted from virus-specific binding to the canine transferrin receptor

Canine parvovirus (CPV) is a host range variant of a feline virus that acquired the ability to infect dogs through changes in its capsid protein. Canine and feline viruses both use the feline transferrin receptor (TfR) to infect feline cells, and here we show that CPV infects canine cells through its ability to specifically bind the canine TfR. Receptor binding on host cells at 37 degrees C only partially correlated with the host ranges of the viruses, and an intermediate virus strain (CPV type 2) bound to higher levels on cells than did either the feline panleukopenia virus or a later strain of CPV. During the process of adaptation to dogs the later variant strain of CPV gained the ability to more efficiently use the canine TfR for infection and also showed reduced binding to feline and canine cells compared to CPV type 2. Differences on the top and the side of the threefold spike of the capsid surface controlled specific TfR binding and the efficiency of binding to feline and canine cells, and these differences also determined the cell infection properties of the viruses.

The VP1 N-terminal sequence of canine parvovirus affects nuclear transport of capsids and efficient cell infection

The unique N-terminal region of the parvovirus VP1 capsid protein is required for infectivity by the capsids but is not required for capsid assembly. The VP1 N terminus contains a number of groups of basic amino acids which resemble classical nuclear localization sequences, including a conserved sequence near the N terminus comprised of four basic amino acids, which in a peptide can act to transport other proteins into the cell nucleus. Testing with a monoclonal antibody recognizing residues 2 to 13 of VP1 (anti-VP1-2-13) and with a rabbit polyclonal serum against the entire VP1 unique region showed that the VP1 unique region was not exposed on purified capsids but that it became exposed after treatment of the capsids with heat (55 to 75 degrees C), or urea (3 to 5 M). A high concentration of anti-VP1-2-13 neutralized canine parvovirus (CPV) when it was incubated with the virus prior to inoculation of cells. Both antibodies blocked infection when injected into cells prior to virus inoculation, but neither prevented infection by coinjected infectious plasmid DNA. The VP1 unique region could be detected 4 and 8 h after the virus capsids were injected into cells, and that sequence exposure appeared to be correlated with nuclear transport of the capsids. To examine the role of the VP1 N terminus in infection, we altered that sequence in CPV, and some of those changes made the capsids inefficient at cell infection.

Palmitoylation of CCR5 is critical for receptor trafficking and efficient activation of intracellular signaling pathways

CCR5 is a CC chemokine receptor expressed on memory lymphocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells and also constitutes the main coreceptor for macrophage-tropic (or R5) strains of human immunodeficiency viruses. In the present study, we investigated whether CCR5 was palmitoylated in its carboxyl-terminal domain by generating alanine substitution mutants for the three cysteine residues present in this region, individually or in combination. We found that wild-type CCR5 was palmitoylated, but a mutant lacking all three Cys residues was not. Through the use of green fluorescent fusion proteins and immunofluorescence studies, we found that the absence of receptor palmitoylation resulted in sequestration of CCR5 in intracellular biosynthetic compartments. By using the fluorescence recovery after photobleaching technique, we showed that the non-palmitoylated mutant had impaired diffusion properties within the endoplasmic reticulum. We next studied the ability of the mutants to bind and signal in response to chemokines. Chemokines binding and activation of G(i)-mediated signaling pathways, such as calcium mobilization and inhibition of adenylate cyclase, were not affected. However, the duration of the functional response, as measured by a microphysiometer, and the ability to increase [(35)S]guanosine 5'-3-O-(thio)triphosphate binding to membranes were severely affected for the non-palmitoylated mutant. The ability of RANTES (regulated on activation normal T cell expressed and secreted) and aminooxypentane-RANTES to promote CCR5 endocytosis was not altered by cysteine replacements. Finally, we found that the absence of receptor palmitoylation reduced the human immunodeficiency viruses coreceptor function of CCR5, but this effect was secondary to the reduction in surface expression. In conclusion, we found that palmitoylated cysteines play an important role in the intracellular trafficking of CCR5 and are likely necessary for efficient coupling of the receptor to part of its repertoire of signaling cascades.

Canine and feline parvoviruses can use human or feline transferrin receptors to bind, enter, and infect cells

Canine parvovirus (CPV) enters and infects cells by a dynamin-dependent, clathrin-mediated endocytic pathway, and viral capsids colocalize with transferrin in perinuclear vesicles of cells shortly after entry (J. S. L. Parker and C. R. Parrish, J. Virol. 74:1919-1930, 2000). Here we report that CPV and feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), a closely related parvovirus, bind to the human and feline transferrin receptors (TfRs) and use these receptors to enter and infect cells. Capsids did not detectably bind or enter quail QT35 cells or a Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell-derived cell line that lacks any TfR (TRVb cells). However, capsids bound and were endocytosed into QT35 cells and CHO-derived TRVb-1 cells that expressed the human TfR. TRVb-1 cells or TRVb cells transiently expressing the feline TfR were susceptible to infection by CPV and FPV, but the parental TRVb cells were not. We screened a panel of feline-mouse hybrid cells for susceptibility to FPV infection and found that only those cells that possessed feline chromosome C2 were susceptible. The feline TfR gene (TRFC) also mapped to feline chromosome C2. These data indicate that cell susceptibility for these viruses is determined by the TfR.

Cytoplasmic trafficking of the canine parvovirus capsid and its role in infection and nuclear transport

To begin a successful infection, viruses must first cross the host cell plasma membrane, either by direct fusion with the membrane or by receptor-mediated endocytosis. After release into the cytoplasm those viruses that replicate in the nucleus must target their genome to that location. We examined the role of cytoplasmic transport of the canine parvovirus (CPV) capsid in productive infection by microinjecting two antibodies that recognize the intact CPV capsid into the cytoplasm of cells and also by using intracellular expression of variable domains of a neutralizing antibody fused to green fluorescence protein. The two antibodies tested and the expressed scFv all efficiently blocked virus infection, probably by binding to virus particles while they were in the cytoplasm and before entering the nucleus. The injected antibodies were able to block most infections even when injected 8 h after virus inoculation. In control studies, microinjected capsid antibodies did not interfere with CPV replication when they were coinjected with an infectious plasmid clone of CPV. Cytoplasmically injected full and empty capsids were able to move through the cytosol towards the nuclear membrane in a process that could be blocked by nocodazole treatment of the cells. Nuclear transport of the capsids was slow, with significant amounts being found in the nucleus only 3 to 6 h after injection.

Cellular uptake and infection by canine parvovirus involves rapid dynamin-regulated clathrin-mediated endocytosis, followed by slower intracellular trafficking

Canine parvovirus (CPV) is a small, nonenveloped virus that is a host range variant of a virus which infected cats and changes in the capsid protein control the ability of the virus to infect canine cells. We used a variety of approaches to define the early stages of cell entry by CPV. Electron microscopy showed that virus particles concentrated within clathrin-coated pits and vesicles early in the uptake process and that the infecting particles were rapidly removed from the cell surface. Overexpression of a dominant interfering mutant of dynamin in the cells altered the trafficking of capsid-containing vesicles. There was a 40% decrease in the number of CPV-infected cells in mutant dynamin-expressing cells, as well as a approximately 40% decrease in the number of cells in S phase of the cell cycle, which is required for virus replication. However, there was also up to 10-fold more binding of CPV to the surface of mutant dynamin-expressing cells than there was to uninduced cells, suggesting an increased receptor retention on the cell surface. In contrast, there was little difference in virus binding, virus infection rate, or cell cycle distribution between induced and uninduced cells expressing wild-type dynamin. CPV particles colocalized with transferrin in perinuclear endosomes but not with fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran, a marker for fluid-phase endocytosis. Cells treated with nanomolar concentrations of bafilomycin A1 were largely resistant to infection when the drug was added either 30 min before or 90 min after inoculation, suggesting that there was a lag between virus entering the cell by clathrin-mediated endocytosis and escape of the virus from the endosome. High concentrations of CPV particles did not permeabilize canine A72 or mink lung cells to alpha-sarcin, but canine adenovirus type 1 particles permeabilized both cell lines. These data suggest that the CPV entry and infection pathway is complex and involves multiple vesicular components.

Severe leukopenia and dysregulated erythropoiesis in SCID mice persistently infected with the parvovirus minute virus of mice

Parvovirus minute virus of mice strain i (MVMi) infects committed granulocyte-macrophage CFU and erythroid burst-forming unit (CFU-GM and BFU-E, respectively) and pluripotent (CFU-S) mouse hematopoietic progenitors in vitro. To study the effects of MVMi infection on mouse hemopoiesis in the absence of a specific immune response, adult SCID mice were inoculated by the natural intranasal route of infection and monitored for hematopoietic and viral multiplication parameters. Infected animals developed a very severe viral-dose-dependent leukopenia by 30 days postinfection (d.p.i.) that led to death within 100 days, even though the number of circulating platelets and erythrocytes remained unaltered throughout the disease. In the bone marrow of every lethally inoculated mouse, a deep suppression of CFU-GM and BFU-E clonogenic progenitors occurring during the 20- to 35-d.p.i. interval corresponded with the maximal MVMi production, as determined by the accumulation of virus DNA replicative intermediates and the yield of infectious virus. Viral productive infection was limited to a small subset of primitive cells expressing the major replicative viral antigen (NS-1 protein), the numbers of which declined with the disease. However, the infection induced a sharp and lasting unbalance of the marrow hemopoiesis, denoted by a marked depletion of granulomacrophagic cells (GR-1(+) and MAC-1(+)) concomitant with a twofold absolute increase in erythroid cells (TER-119(+)). A stimulated definitive erythropoiesis in the infected mice was further evidenced by a 12-fold increase per femur of recognizable proerythroblasts, a quantitative apoptosis confined to uninfected TER-119(+) cells, as well as by a 4-fold elevation in the number of circulating reticulocytes. Therefore, MVMi targets and suppresses primitive hemopoietic progenitors leading to a very severe leukopenia, but compensatory mechanisms are mounted specifically by the erythroid lineage that maintain an effective erythropoiesis. The results show that infection of SCID mice with the parvovirus MVMi causes a novel dysregulation of murine hemopoiesis in vivo.

A novel heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein-like protein interacts with NS1 of the minute virus of mice

NS1, the major nonstructural parvovirus protein of the minute virus of mice, is a multifunctional protein responsible for several aspects of viral replication. NS1 transactivates the P38 promoter (used to express the structural proteins), as well as its own strong promoter, P4. To study the mechanism of activation and to map regions of NS1 responsible for transactivation, NS1 and various deletions of NS1 were cloned in frame with the GAL4DB and cotransfected into COS-7 and LA9 cells with a synthetic GAL4-responsive reporter plasmid. These studies showed NS1 can directly activate transcription through its 129 carboxyl-terminal amino acid residues. Any deletion from this region of the C terminus, even as few as 8 amino acids, completely abolishes transactivation. A yeast two-hybrid system used to identify protein-protein interactions demonstrated that NS1 is able to dimerize when expressed in yeast cells. However, only an almost complete NS11-638 bait was able to interact with the full-length NS1. A two-hybrid screen identified a HeLa cell cDNA clone (NS1-associated protein 1 [NSAP1]) that interacts with NS11-276 and NS11-638. An additional sequence was predicted from human EST (expressed sequence tag) data, and the cDNA was estimated to be at least 2,221 bp long, potentially encoding a 562-amino-acid protein product. A polyclonal antibody raised to a synthetic peptide within NSAP1 recognizes an approximately 65-kDa cellular protein. This NSAP1 cDNA has not previously been characterized, but the predicted protein sequence is 80% identical to the recently identified heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) R (W. Hassfeld et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 26:439-445, 1998). NSAP1 contains four ribonucleoprotein domains, as well as a highly repetitive C-terminal region. A closely related mouse cDNA (deduced from murine EST data) encodes a protein with only a single amino acid residue change from the human protein. NSAP1 is predicted to be a 65-kDa polynucleotide binding protein, and it likely functions in the regulation of splicing and/or transport of mRNAs from the nucleus.

Epidemiological characterization of newly recognized rat parvovirus, "rat orphan parvovirus"

Newly recognized rat parvovirus (rat orphan parvovirus: ROPV) was examined for viral excretion and persistence in infected rats, and also for infectivity to mice and hamsters. The virus appeared to replicate mainly in lymphoid or hematopoietic tissues, and was detected in feces, urine and oropharynx of the infected rats at 1 to 4 weeks postinfection. The infective virus was also detected in peripheral leukocytes and various tissues at an acute phase of infection, and decreased in every tissue at 8 weeks postinfection. Viral DNA, however, was persistent in lymphoid tissues at least up to 24 weeks postinfection. When the virus was inoculated to mice and hamsters, no evidence of viral production and antibody response was demonstrated. ROPV is assumed to be a variant of the known rat parvovirus which resulted to alter cell tropism and persist in lymphoid or hematopoietic tissues, in order to escape from host immune system.

Vertical transmission to embryo and fetus in maternal infection with rat virus (RV)

The influence of maternal rat virus (RV) infection on rat embryogenesis and fetus was examined by viral reisolation, immunostaining and PCR analysis. Vertical transmission caused by the UT-1 strain of RV depended on the stage of gestation when maternal infection occurred. When females were infected at the pre-mating point, the number of fetuses was smaller than that normally obtained, possibly due to infection at the stage of the hatched blastocyst, but almost all of the fetuses obtained were free from infection and developed normally. The incidence of transplacental infection was the highest when pregnant females were infected in the middle of the gestation stage, and some of the fetuses died. In pregnant females which were infected late in the gestation stage, all fetuses developed normally. Some of them were infected transplacentally and harbored the infectious virus. Much attention should be paid to performing reliable rederivation of RV-infected rat colonies by hysterectomy and embryo transfer.

Expression of functional parvoviral NS1 from recombinant vaccinia virus: effects of mutations in the nucleotide-binding motif

The gene encoding the major replicative protein, NS1, of minute virus of mice (MVM) was transferred into a recombinant vaccinia virus vector in place of the vaccinia thymidine kinase gene. The NS1 gene was placed under control of a bacteriophage T7 promoter and expressed in cells coinfected with another recombinant vaccinia virus, vTF7-3, which encodes the T7 RNA polymerase. Expression of NS1 was further enhanced by the presence of a 5' untranslated region, derived from encephalomyocarditis virus, which allows efficient cap-independent translation. This system was used to produce and analyze wild-type NS1 and two mutant forms of the protein, NS1K405R and NS1K405M, in which the highly conserved lysine codon located in the putative purine triphosphate binding site of NS1 was changed to arginine and methionine, respectively. Full-length NS1 was expressed efficiently in both human and mouse cells infected with each of the three recombinant viruses, and in each case the NS1 was rapidly and efficiently translocated into the nucleus. Wild-type NS1 expressed in this way was biologically active. It was able to trans-activate an MVM P38 promoter located in a host chromosomal site, whereas the two mutant forms of NS1 showed no significant activity in this assay, and it was capable of resolving palindromic junction fragments cloned from multimeric MVM replicative form DNA molecules. These substrates, representing MVM genomic left-end:left-end and right-end:right-end fusions, were resolved in a DNA synthesis-dependent in vitro reaction supplemented with nuclear extracts containing recombinant wild-type NS1. Neither of the two mutant forms of the polypeptide had any detectable activity in this assay.

Expression of minute virus of mice major nonstructural protein in insect cells: purification and identification of ATPase and helicase activities

The gene encoding the major nonstructural (NS-1) protein of minute virus of mice (MVM) has been expressed in insect cells using a baculovirus expression system. This 83-kDa polypeptide was found to be localized in the soluble (cytosolic) fraction in insect cells, in contrast with the nuclear localization of NS-1 expressed in MVM-infected mouse LA-9 cells. The protein was purified by immunoaffinity chromatography using a monoclonal antibody (MAb) prepared to an NS-1 fusion peptide [(Yeung et al., Virology 185, 35-45 (1991)]. Recombinant NS-1 was eluted using either low pH or a synthetic peptide corresponding to the epitope of the MAb. The peptide-eluted material is greater than 95% pure and biologically active in that it has ATPase activity and ATP-dependent helicase activity as determined by a strand displacement assay.