Translational control by influenza virus. Selective and cap-dependent translation of viral mRNAs in infected cells

N-Terminal Acetylation by NatB Is Required for the Shutoff Activity of Influenza A Virus PA-X

N-terminal acetylation is a major posttranslational modification in eukaryotes catalyzed by N-terminal acetyltransferases (NATs), NatA through NatF. Although N-terminal acetylation modulates diverse protein functions, little is known about its roles in virus replication. We found that NatB, which comprises NAA20 and NAA25, is involved in the shutoff activity of influenza virus PA-X. The shutoff activity of PA-X was suppressed in NatB-deficient cells, and PA-X mutants that are not acetylated by NatB showed reduced shutoff activities. We also evaluated the importance of N-terminal acetylation of PA, because PA-X shares its N-terminal sequence with PA. Viral polymerase activity was reduced in NatB-deficient cells. Moreover, mutant PAs that are not acetylated by NatB lost their function in the viral polymerase complex. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that N-terminal acetylation is required for the shutoff activity of PA-X and for viral polymerase activity.

Host Shutoff in Influenza A Virus: Many Means to an End

Influenza A virus carries few of its own proteins, but uses them effectively to take control of the infected cells and avoid immune responses. Over the years, host shutoff, the widespread down-regulation of host gene expression, has emerged as a key process that contributes to cellular takeover in infected cells. Interestingly, multiple mechanisms of host shutoff have been described in influenza A virus, involving changes in translation, RNA synthesis and stability. Several viral proteins, notably the non-structural protein NS1, the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and the endoribonuclease PA-X have been implicated in host shutoff. This multitude of host shutoff mechanisms indicates that host shutoff is an important component of the influenza A virus replication cycle. Here we review the various mechanisms of host shutoff in influenza A virus and the evidence that they contribute to immune evasion and/or viral replication. We also discuss what the purpose of having multiple mechanisms may be.

RNA Modulates the Interaction between Influenza A Virus NS1 and Human PABP1

Nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) is a multifunctional protein involved in preventing host-interferon response in influenza A virus (IAV). Previous studies have indicated that NS1 also stimulates the translation of viral mRNA by binding to conserved sequences in the viral 5'-UTR. Additionally, NS1 binds to poly(A) binding protein 1 (PABP1) and eukaryotic initiation factor 4G (eIF4G). The interaction of NS1 with the viral 5'-UTR, PABP1, and eIF4G has been suggested to specifically enhance the translation of viral mRNAs. In contrast, we report that NS1 does not directly bind to sequences in the viral 5'-UTR, indicating that NS1 is not responsible for providing the specificity to stimulate viral mRNA translation. We also monitored the interaction of NS1 with PABP1 using a new, quantitative FRET assay. Our data show that NS1 binds to PABP1 with high affinity; however, the binding of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) to NS1 weakens the binding of NS1 to PABP1. Correspondingly, the binding of PABP1 to NS1 weakens the binding of NS1 to double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). In contrast, the affinity of PABP1 for binding to poly(A) RNA is not significantly changed by NS1. We propose that the modulation of NS1·PABP1 interaction by dsRNA may be important for the viral cycle.

Nuclear targeting of the betanodavirus B1 protein via two arginine-rich domains induces G1/S cell cycle arrest mediated by upregulation of p53/p21

The molecular functions of betanodavirus non-structural protein B and its role in host cell survival remain unclear. In the present study, we examined the roles of specific nuclear targeting domains in B1 localization as well as the effect of B1 nuclear localization on the cell cycle and host cell survival. The B1 protein of the Red spotted grouper nervous necrosis virus (RGNNV) was detected in GF-1 grouper cells as early as 24 hours post-infection (hpi). Using an EYFP-B1 fusion construct, we observed nuclear localization of the B1 protein (up to 99%) in GF-1 cells at 48 hpi. The nuclear localization of B1 was mediated by two arginine-rich nuclear targeting domains (B domain: ⁴⁶RRSRR⁵¹; C domain: ⁶³RDKRPRR⁷⁰) and domain C was more important than domain B in this process. B1 nuclear localization correlated with upregulation of p53 and p21^(wef1/cip1); downregulation of Cyclin D1, CDK4 and Mdm2; and G1/S cell cycle arrest in GF-1 cells. In conclusion, nuclear targeting of the RGNNV B1 protein via two targeting domains causes cell cycle arrest by up-regulating p53/p21 and down-regulating Mdm2, thereby regulating host cell survival.

Identification of novel amino acid residues of influenza virus PA-X that are important for PA-X shutoff activity by using yeast

The influenza A virus protein PA-X comprises an N-terminal PA region and a C-terminal PA-X-specific region. PA-X suppresses host gene expression, termed shutoff, via mRNA cleavage. Although the endonuclease active site in the N-terminal PA region of PA-X and basic amino acids in the C-terminal PA-X-specific region are known to be important for PA-X shutoff activity, other amino acids may also play a role. Here, we used yeast to identify novel amino acids of PA-X that are important for PA-X shutoff activity. Unlike wild-type PA-X, most PA-X mutants predominantly localized in the cytoplasm, indicating that these mutations decreased the shutoff activity of PA-X by affecting PA-X translocation to the nucleus. Mapping of the identified amino acids onto the N-terminal structure of PA revealed that some of them likely contribute to the formation of the endonuclease active site of PA.

Selective Degradation of Host RNA Polymerase II Transcripts by Influenza A Virus PA-X Host Shutoff Protein

Influenza A viruses (IAVs) inhibit host gene expression by a process known as host shutoff. Host shutoff limits host innate immune responses and may also redirect the translation apparatus to the production of viral proteins. Multiple IAV proteins regulate host shutoff, including PA-X, a ribonuclease that remains incompletely characterized. We report that PA-X selectively targets host RNA polymerase II (Pol II) transcribed mRNAs, while sparing products of Pol I and Pol III. Interestingly, we show that PA-X can also target Pol II-transcribed RNAs in the nucleus, including non-coding RNAs that are not destined to be translated, and reporter transcripts with RNA hairpin structures that block ribosome loading. Transcript degradation likely occurs in the nucleus, as PA-X is enriched in the nucleus and its nuclear localization correlates with reduction in target RNA levels. Complete degradation of host mRNAs following PA-X-mediated endonucleolytic cleavage is dependent on the host 5’->3’-exonuclease Xrn1. IAV mRNAs are structurally similar to host mRNAs, but are synthesized and modified at the 3’ end by the action of the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase complex. Infection of cells with wild-type IAV or a recombinant PA-X-deficient virus revealed that IAV mRNAs resist PA-X-mediated degradation during infection. At the same time, loss of PA-X resulted in changes in the synthesis of select viral mRNAs and a decrease in viral protein accumulation. Collectively, these results significantly advance our understanding of IAV host shutoff, and suggest that the PA-X causes selective degradation of host mRNAs by discriminating some aspect of Pol II-dependent RNA biogenesis in the nucleus.

All viruses depend on host components to convert viral mRNAs into proteins. Several viruses, including influenza A virus, encode factors that trigger RNA destruction. The influenza A virus factor that serves in this capacity is known as PA-X. PA-X limits accumulation of host mRNAs and proteins in infected cells and suppresses host responses to infection, but to date its precise mechanism of action remains obscure. Here we report that PA-X selectively targets cellular mRNAs, while sparing viral mRNAs, thereby compromising host gene expression and ensuring priority access of viral mRNAs to the protein synthesis machinery. We demonstrate that complete degradation of mRNAs cut by PA-X is dependent on the host factor Xrn1 and that PA-X likely works in the cell’s nuclei. Interestingly, PA-X targeting appears to be selective for products of host RNA polymerase II, and canonical mRNA processing is required for cleavage. Even though viral mRNAs are spared from PA-X-mediated degradation, PA-X-deficient viruses displayed defects in the synthesis of certain viral mRNAs and decreased viral protein accumulation. Thus, PA-X-mediated host shutoff influences the efficiency of viral gene expression. These studies significantly advance our understanding of this important viral host shutoff protein and may provide future opportunities to limit the pathogenesis of influenza A virus infection.

Cell cycle regulation during viral infection

To replicate their genomes in cells and generate new progeny, viruses typically require factors provided by the cells that they have infected. Subversion of the cellular machinery that controls replication of the infected host cell is a common activity of many viruses. Viruses employ different strategies to deregulate cell cycle checkpoint controls and modulate cell proliferation pathways. A number of DNA and RNA viruses encode proteins that target critical cell cycle regulators to achieve cellular conditions that are beneficial for viral replication. Many DNA viruses induce quiescent cells to enter the cell cycle; this is thought to increase pools of deoxynucleotides and thus, facilitate viral replication. In contrast, some viruses can arrest cells in a particular phase of the cell cycle that is favorable for replication of the specific virus. Cell cycle arrest may inhibit early cell death of infected cells, allow the cells to evade immune defenses, or help promote virus assembly. Although beneficial for the viral life cycle, virus-mediated alterations in normal cell cycle control mechanisms could have detrimental effects on cellular physiology and may ultimately contribute to pathologies associated with the viral infection, including cell transformation and cancer progression and maintenance. In this chapter, we summarize various strategies employed by DNA and RNA viruses to modulate the replication cycle of the virus-infected cell. When known, we describe how these virus-associated effects influence replication of the virus and contribute to diseases associated with infection by that specific virus.

Virus infection rapidly activates the P58(IPK) pathway, delaying peak kinase activation to enhance viral replication

Previously we showed that the cellular protein P58(IPK) contributes to viral protein synthesis by decreasing the activity of the anti-viral protein, PKR. Here, we constructed a mathematical model to examine the P58(IPK) pathway and investigated temporal behavior of this biological system. We find that influenza virus infection results in the rapid activation of P58(IPK) which delays and reduces maximal PKR and eIF2α phosphorylation, leading to increased viral protein levels. We confirmed that the model could accurately predict viral and host protein levels at extended time points by testing it against experimental data. Sensitivity analysis of relative reaction rates describing P58(IPK) activity and the downstream proteins through which it functions helped identify processes that may be the most beneficial targets to thwart virus replication. Together, our study demonstrates how computational modeling can guide experimental design to further understand a specific metabolic signaling pathway during viral infection in a mammalian system.

The NS1 protein of influenza A virus suppresses interferon-regulated activation of antigen-presentation and immune-proteasome pathways

The NS1 protein of influenza virus counters host antiviral defences primarily by antagonizing the type I interferon (IFN) response. Both the N-terminal dsRNA-binding domain and the C-terminal effector domain are required for optimal suppression of host responses during infection. To better understand the regulatory role of the NS1 effector domain, we used an NS1-truncated mutant virus derived from human H1N1 influenza isolate A/Texas/36/91 (Tx/91) and assessed global transcriptional profiles from two independent human lung cell-culture models. Relative to the wild-type Tx/91-induced gene expression, the NS1 mutant virus induced enhanced expression of innate immune genes, specifically NF-κB signalling-pathway genes and IFN-α and -β target genes. We queried an experimentally derived IFN gene set to gauge the proportion of IFN-responsive genes that are suppressed specifically by NS1. We show that the C-terminally truncated NS1 mutant virus is less efficient at suppressing IFN-regulated gene expression associated with activation of antigen-presentation and immune-proteasome pathways. This is the first report integrating genomic analysis from two independent human culture systems, including primary lung cells, using genetically similar H1N1 influenza viruses that differ only in the length of the NS1 protein.

Cellular transcripts regulated during infections with Highly Pathogenic H5N1 Avian Influenza virus in 3 host systems

Background

Highly pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) virus is able to infect many hosts and the virus replicates in high levels in the respiratory tract inducing severe lung lesions. The pathogenesis of the disease is actually the outcome of the infection as determined by complex host-virus interactions involving the functional kinetics of large numbers of participating genes. Understanding the genes and proteins involved in host cellular responses are therefore, critical for the elucidation of the mechanisms of infection.

Methods

Differentially expressed transcripts regulated in a H5N1 infections of whole lung organ of chicken, in-vitro chick embryo lung primary cell culture (CeLu) and a continuous Madin Darby Canine Kidney cell line was undertaken. An improved mRNA differential display technique (Gene Fishing™) using annealing control primers that generates reproducible, authentic and long PCR products that are detectable on agarose gels was used for the identification of differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Seven of the genes have been selected for validation using a TaqMan^® based real time quantitative PCR assay.

Results

Thirty seven known and unique differentially expressed genes from lungs of chickens, CeLu and MDCK cells were isolated. Among the genes isolated and identified include heat shock proteins, Cyclin D2, Prenyl (decaprenyl) diphosphate synthase, IL-8 and many other unknown genes. The quantitative real time RT-PCR assay data showed that the transcription kinetics of the selected genes were clearly altered during infection by the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza virus.

Conclusion

The Gene Fishing™ technique has allowed for the first time, the isolation and identification of sequences of host cellular genes regulated during H5N1 virus infection. In this limited study, the differentially expressed genes in the three host systems were not identical, thus suggesting that their responses to the H5N1 infection may not share similar mechanisms and pathways.

So similar, yet so different: selective translation of capped and polyadenylated viral mRNAs in the influenza virus infected cell

Influenza virus is included among the Orthomyxoviridae family and it is a major public health problem causing annual mortality worldwide. Viral mRNAs bear short capped oligonucleotide sequences at their 5'-ends, acquired from host cell pre-mRNAs during viral transcription, and are polyadenylated at their 3'-end. Therefore, viral and cellular mRNAs are undistinguishable from a structural point of view. However, selective translation of viral proteins occurs upon infection, while initiation and elongation steps of cellular mRNA translation are efficiently inhibited. Viruses do not possess the complex machinery required to translate their mRNAs and are then obliged to compete for host-cell factors and manipulate the translation apparatus to their own benefit. Thus, the understanding of the processes that govern viral translation could facilitate the finding of possible targets for anti viral interventions. In the present review, we will point out the mechanisms by which influenza virus takes control of the host-cell protein synthesis machinery to ensure the production of new viral particles. First, we will discuss the mechanisms by which the virus counteracts the anti viral translation repression induced in the infected cell. Next, we will focus on the shut-off of cellular protein synthesis and the specific requirements for the eIF4F complex on influenza mRNA translation. Finally, we will discuss the role of different cellular and viral proteins in the selective translation of viral messengers in the infected cell and we will summarize the proposed mechanisms for the recruitment of cellular translational machinery to the viral mRNAs.

Systems-level comparison of host responses induced by pandemic and seasonal influenza A H1N1 viruses in primary human type I-like alveolar epithelial cells in vitro

BACKGROUND

Pandemic influenza H1N1 (pdmH1N1) virus causes mild disease in humans but occasionally leads to severe complications and even death, especially in those who are pregnant or have underlying disease. Cytokine responses induced by pdmH1N1 viruses in vitro are comparable to other seasonal influenza viruses suggesting the cytokine dysregulation as seen in H5N1 infection is not a feature of the pdmH1N1 virus. However a comprehensive gene expression profile of pdmH1N1 in relevant primary human cells in vitro has not been reported. Type I alveolar epithelial cells are a key target cell in pdmH1N1 pneumonia.

METHODS

We carried out a comprehensive gene expression profiling using the Affymetrix microarray platform to compare the transcriptomes of primary human alveolar type I-like alveolar epithelial cells infected with pdmH1N1 or seasonal H1N1 virus.

RESULTS

Overall, we found that most of the genes that induced by the pdmH1N1 were similarly regulated in response to seasonal H1N1 infection with respect to both trend and extent of gene expression. These commonly responsive genes were largely related to the interferon (IFN) response. Expression of the type III IFN IL29 was more prominent than the type I IFN IFNβ and a similar pattern of expression of both IFN genes was seen in pdmH1N1 and seasonal H1N1 infection. Genes that were significantly down-regulated in response to seasonal H1N1 but not in response to pdmH1N1 included the zinc finger proteins and small nucleolar RNAs. Gene Ontology (GO) and pathway over-representation analysis suggested that these genes were associated with DNA binding and transcription/translation related functions.

CONCLUSIONS

Both seasonal H1N1 and pdmH1N1 trigger similar host responses including IFN-based antiviral responses and cytokine responses. Unlike the avian H5N1 virus, pdmH1N1 virus does not have an intrinsic capacity for cytokine dysregulation. The differences between pdmH1N1 and seasonal H1N1 viruses lay in the ability of seasonal H1N1 virus to down regulate zinc finger proteins and small nucleolar RNAs, which are possible viral transcriptional suppressors and eukaryotic translation initiation factors respectively. These differences may be biologically relevant and may represent better adaptation of seasonal H1N1 influenza virus to the host.

Influenza A virus replication induces cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase

Many viruses interact with the host cell division cycle to favor their own growth. In this study, we examined the ability of influenza A virus to manipulate cell cycle progression. Our results show that influenza A virus A/WSN/33 (H1N1) replication results in G(0)/G(1)-phase accumulation of infected cells and that this accumulation is caused by the prevention of cell cycle entry from G(0)/G(1) phase into S phase. Consistent with the G(0)/G(1)-phase accumulation, the amount of hyperphosphorylated retinoblastoma protein, a necessary active form for cell cycle progression through late G(1) into S phase, decreased after infection with A/WSN/33 (H1N1) virus. In addition, other key molecules in the regulation of the cell cycle, such as p21, cyclin E, and cyclin D1, were also changed and showed a pattern of G(0)/G(1)-phase cell cycle arrest. It is interesting that increased viral protein expression and progeny virus production in cells synchronized in the G(0)/G(1) phase were observed compared to those in either unsynchronized cells or cells synchronized in the G(2)/M phase. G(0)/G(1)-phase cell cycle arrest is likely a common strategy, since the effect was also observed in other strains, such as H3N2, H9N2, PR8 H1N1, and pandemic swine H1N1 viruses. These findings, in all, suggest that influenza A virus may provide favorable conditions for viral protein accumulation and virus production by inducing a G(0)/G(1)-phase cell cycle arrest in infected cells.

Virus versus host cell translation love and hate stories

Regulation of protein synthesis by viruses occurs at all levels of translation. Even prior to protein synthesis itself, the accessibility of the various open reading frames contained in the viral genome is precisely controlled. Eukaryotic viruses resort to a vast array of strategies to divert the translation machinery in their favor, in particular, at initiation of translation. These strategies are not only designed to circumvent strategies common to cell protein synthesis in eukaryotes, but as revealed more recently, they also aim at modifying or damaging cell factors, the virus having the capacity to multiply in the absence of these factors. In addition to unraveling mechanisms that may constitute new targets in view of controlling virus diseases, viruses constitute incomparably useful tools to gain in-depth knowledge on a multitude of cell pathways.

Proteomics analysis of host cells infected with infectious bursal disease virus

The effect of infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) infection on cellular protein expression is essential for viral pathogenesis. To characterize the cellular response to IBDV infection, the differential proteomes of chicken embryo fibroblasts, with and without IBDV infection, were analyzed at different time points with two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) followed by MALDI-TOF/TOF identification. Comparative analysis of multiple 2-DE gels revealed that the majority of protein expression changes appeared at 48 and 96 h after IBDV infection. Mass spectrometry identified 51 altered cellular proteins, including 13 up-regulated proteins and 38 down-regulated proteins 12-96 h after infection. Notably 2-DE analysis revealed that IBDV infection induced the increased expression of polyubiquitin, apolipoprotein A-I, heat shock 27-kDa protein 1, actins, tubulins, eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4A isoform 2, acidic ribosomal phosphoprotein, and ribosomal protein SA isoform 2. In addition, IBDV infection considerably suppressed those cellular proteins involved in ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation, energy metabolism, intermediate filaments, host translational apparatus, and signal transduction. Moreover 38 corresponding genes of the differentially expressed proteins were quantitated by real time RT-PCR to examine the transcriptional profiles between infected and uninfected chicken embryo fibroblasts. Western blot further confirmed the inhibition of Rho protein GDP dissociation inhibitor expression and the induction of polyubiquitin during IBDV infection. Subcellular distribution analysis of the cytoskeletal proteins vimentin and beta-tubulin clearly demonstrated that IBDV infection induced the disruption of the vimentin network and microtubules late in IBDV infection. Thus, this work effectively provides useful dynamic protein-related information to facilitate further investigation of the underlying mechanism of IBDV infection and pathogenesis.

Influenza virus mRNA translation revisited: is the eIF4E cap-binding factor required for viral mRNA translation?

Influenza virus mRNAs bear a short capped oligonucleotide sequence at their 5' ends derived from the host cell pre-mRNAs by a "cap-snatching" mechanism, followed immediately by a common viral sequence. At their 3' ends, they contain a poly(A) tail. Although cellular and viral mRNAs are structurally similar, influenza virus promotes the selective translation of its mRNAs despite the inhibition of host cell protein synthesis. The viral polymerase performs the cap snatching and binds selectively to the 5' common viral sequence. As viral mRNAs are recognized by their own cap-binding complex, we tested whether viral mRNA translation occurs without the contribution of the eIF4E protein, the cellular factor required for cap-dependent translation. Here, we show that influenza virus infection proceeds normally in different situations of functional impairment of the eIF4E factor. In addition, influenza virus polymerase binds to translation preinitiation complexes, and furthermore, under conditions of decreased eIF4GI association to cap structures, an increase in eIF4GI binding to these structures was found upon influenza virus infection. This is the first report providing evidence that influenza virus mRNA translation proceeds independently of a fully active translation initiation factor (eIF4E). The data reported are in agreement with a role of viral polymerase as a substitute for the eIF4E factor for viral mRNA translation.

Modulation of the host cell proteome by the intracellular apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii

To investigate how intracellular parasites manipulate their host cell environment at the molecular level, we undertook a quantitative proteomic study of cells following infection with the apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Using conventional two-dimensional electrophoresis, difference gel electrophoresis (DIGE), and mass spectrometry, we identified host proteins that were consistently modulated in expression following infection. We detected modification of protein expression in key metabolic pathways, including glycolysis, lipid and sterol metabolism, mitosis, apoptosis, and structural-protein expression, suggestive of global reprogramming of cell metabolism by the parasite. Many of the differentially expressed proteins had not been previously implicated in the response to the parasite, while others provide important corroborative protein evidence for previously proposed hypotheses of pathogen-cell interactions. Significantly, over one-third of all modulated proteins were mitochondrial, and this was further investigated by DIGE analysis of a mitochondrion-enriched preparation from infected cells. Comparison of our proteomic data with previous transcriptional studies suggested that a complex relationship exits between transcription and protein expression that may be partly explained by posttranslational modifications of proteins and revealed the importance of investigating protein changes when interpreting transcriptional data. To investigate this further, we used phosphatase treatment and DIGE to demonstrate changes in the phosphorylation states of several key proteins following infection. Overall, our findings indicate that the host cell proteome responds in a dramatic way to T. gondii invasion, in terms of both protein expression changes and protein modifications, and reveal a complex and intimate molecular relationship between host and parasite.

Functional dissection of naturally occurring amino acid substitutions in eIF4E that confers recessive potyvirus resistance in plants

Naturally existing variation in the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) homolog encoded at the pvr1 locus in Capsicum results in recessively inherited resistance against several potyviruses. Previously reported data indicate that the physical interaction between Capsicum-eIF4E and the viral genome-linked protein (VPg) is required for the viral infection in the Capsicum-Tobacco etch virus (TEV) pathosystem. In this study, the potential structural role(s) of natural variation in the eIF4E protein encoded by recessive resistance alleles and their biological consequences have been assessed. Using high-resolution three-dimensional structural models based on the available crystallographic structures of eIF4E, we show that the amino acid substitution G107R, found in many recessive plant virus resistance genes encoding eIF4E, is predicted to result in a substantial modification in the protein binding pocket. The G107R change was shown to not only be responsible for the interruption of VPg binding in planta but also for the loss of cap binding ability in vitro, the principal function of eIF4E in the host. Overexpression of the Capsicum-eIF4E protein containing the G107R amino acid substitution in Solanum lycopersicum indicated that this polymorphism alone is sufficient for the acquisition of resistance against several TEV strains.

The cellular protein P58IPK regulates influenza virus mRNA translation and replication through a PKR-mediated mechanism

We previously hypothesized that efficient translation of influenza virus mRNA requires the recruitment of P58(IPK), the cellular inhibitor of PKR, an interferon-induced kinase that targets the eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF2alpha. P58(IPK) also inhibits PERK, an eIF2alpha kinase that is localized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and induced during ER stress. The ability of P58(IPK) to interact with and inhibit multiple eIF2alpha kinases suggests it is a critical regulator of both cellular and viral mRNA translation. In this study, we sought to definitively define the role of P58(IPK) during viral infection of mammalian cells. Using mouse embryo fibroblasts from P58(IPK-/-) mice, we demonstrated that the absence of P58(IPK) led to an increase in eIF2alpha phosphorylation and decreased influenza virus mRNA translation. The absence of P58(IPK) also resulted in decreased vesicular stomatitis virus replication but enhanced reovirus yields. In cells lacking the P58(IPK) target, PKR, the trends were reversed-eIF2alpha phosphorylation was decreased, and influenza virus mRNA translation was increased. Although P58(IPK) also inhibits PERK, the presence or absence of this kinase had little effect on influenza virus mRNA translation, despite reduced levels of eIF2alpha phosphorylation in cells lacking PERK. Finally, we showed that influenza virus protein synthesis and viral mRNA levels decrease in cells that express a constitutively active, nonphosphorylatable eIF2alpha. Taken together, our results support a model in which P58(IPK) regulates influenza virus mRNA translation and infection through a PKR-mediated mechanism which is independent of PERK.

Hijacking of the host-cell response and translational control during influenza virus infection

Influenza virus is a major public health problem with annual deaths in the US of 36,000 with pandemic outbreaks, such as in 1918, resulting in deaths exceeding 20 million worldwide. Recently, there is much concern over the introduction of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 viruses into the human population. Influenza virus has evolved complex translational control strategies that utilize cap-dependent translation initiation mechanisms and involve the recruitment of both viral and host-cell proteins to preferentially synthesize viral proteins and prevent activation of antiviral responses. Influenza virus is a member of the Orthomyxoviridae family of negative-stranded, segmented RNA viruses and represents a particularly attractive model system as viral replication strategies are closely intertwined with normal cellular processes including the host defense and stress pathways. In this chapter, we review the parallels between translational control in influenza virus infected cells and in stressed cells with a focus on selective translation of viral mRNAs and the antagonism of the dsRNA and host antiviral responses. Moreover, we will discuss how the use of genomic technologies such as DNA microarrays and high through-put proteomics can be used to gain new insights into the control of protein synthesis during viral infection and provide a near comprehensive view of virus-host interactions.

Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses of rhabdomyosarcoma cells reveal differential cellular gene expression in response to enterovirus 71 infection

Insights into the host antiviral strategies as well as viral disease manifestations can be achieved through the elucidation of host- and virus-mediated transcriptional responses. An oligo-based microarray was employed to analyse mRNAs from rhabdomyosarcoma cells infected with the MS/7423/87 strain of enterovirus 71 (EV71) at 20 h post infection. Using Acuity software and LOWESS normalization, 152 genes were found to be downregulated while 39 were upregulated by greater than twofold. Altered transcripts include those encoding components of cytoskeleton, protein translation and modification; cellular transport proteins; protein degradation mediators; cell death mediators; mitochondrial-related and metabolism proteins; cellular receptors and signal transducers. Changes in expression profiles of 15 representative genes were authenticated by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), which also compared the transcriptional responses of cells infected with EV71 strain 5865/Sin/000009 isolated from a fatal case during the Singapore outbreak in 2000. Western blot analyses of APOB, CLU, DCAMKL1 and ODC1 proteins correlated protein and transcript levels. Two-dimensional proteomic maps highlighted differences in expression of cellular proteins (CCT5, CFL1, ENO1, HSPB1, PSMA2 and STMN1) following EV71 infection. Expression of several apoptosis-associated genes was modified, coinciding with apoptosis attenuation observed in poliovirus infection. Interestingly, doublecortin and CaM kinase-like 1 (DCAMKL1) involved in brain development, was highly expressed during infection. Thus, microarray, real-time RT-PCR and proteomic analyses can elucidate the global view of the numerous and complex cellular responses that contribute towards EV71 pathogenesis.

Microarray and real-time RT-PCR analyses of differential human gene expression patterns induced by severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus infection of Vero cells

Vero E6 African green monkey kidney cells are highly susceptible to infection with the newly emerging severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), and they are permissive for rapid viral replication, with resultant cytopathic effects. We employed cDNA microarray analysis to characterize the cellular transcriptional responses of homologous human genes at 12 h post-infection. Seventy mRNA transcripts belonging to various functional classes exhibited significant alterations in gene expression. There was considerable induction of heat shock proteins that are crucial to the immune response mechanism. Modified levels of several transcripts involved in pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory processes exemplified the balance between opposing forces during SARS pathogenesis. Other genes displaying altered transcription included those associated with host translation, cellular metabolism, cell cycle, signal transduction, transcriptional regulation, protein trafficking, protein modulators, and cytoskeletal proteins. Alterations in the levels of several novel transcripts encoding hypothetical proteins and expressed sequence tags were also identified. In addition, transcription of apoptosis-related genes DENN and hIAP1 was upregulated in contrast to FAIM. Elevated Mx1 expression signified a strong host response to mediate antiviral resistance. Also expressed in infected cells was the C-terminal alternative splice variant of the p53 tumor suppressor gene encoding a modified truncated protein that can influence the activity of wild-type p53. We observed the interplay between various mechanisms to favor virus multiplication before full-blown apoptosis and the triggering of several pathways in host cells in an attempt to eliminate the pathogen. Microarray analysis identifies the critical host–pathogen interactions during SARS-CoV infection and provides new insights into the pathophysiology of SARS.

Efficient translation of mRNAs in influenza A virus-infected cells is independent of the viral 5' untranslated region

We test the hypothesis that the translation machinery in cells infected by influenza A virus efficiently translates only mRNAs that possess the influenza viral 5' untranslated region (5'-UTR) by introducing mRNAs directly into the cytoplasm of infected cells. This strategy avoids effects due to the inhibition of the nuclear export of cellular mRNAs mediated by the viral NS1 protein. In one approach, we transfect in vitro synthesized mRNAs into infected cells and demonstrate that these mRNAs are efficiently translated whether or not they possess the influenza viral 5'-UTR. In the second approach, an mRNA is synthesized endogenously in the cytoplasm of influenza A virus infected cells by a constitutively expressed T7 RNA polymerase. Although this mRNA is uncapped and lacks the influenza viral 5'-UTR sequence, it is efficiently translated in infected cells via an internal ribosome entry site. We conclude that the translation machinery in influenza A virus infected cells is capable of efficiently translating all mRNAs and that the switch from cellular to virus-specific protein synthesis that occurs during infection results from other processes.

Global impact of influenza virus on cellular pathways is mediated by both replication-dependent and -independent events

Influenza virus, the causative agent of the common flu, is a worldwide health problem with significant economic consequences. Studies of influenza virus biology have revealed elaborate mechanisms by which the virus interacts with its host cell as it inhibits the synthesis of cellular proteins, evades the innate antiviral response, and facilitates production of viral RNAs and proteins. With the advent of DNA array technology it is now possible to obtain a large-scale view of how viruses alter the environment within the host cell. In this study, the cellular response to influenza virus infection was examined by monitoring the steady-state mRNA levels for over 4,600 cellular genes. Infections with active and inactivated influenza viruses identified changes in cellular gene expression that were dependent on or independent of viral replication, respectively. Viral replication resulted in the downregulation of many cellular mRNAs, and the effect was enhanced with time postinfection. Interestingly, several genes involved in protein synthesis, transcriptional regulation, and cytokine signaling were induced by influenza virus replication, suggesting that some may play essential or accessory roles in the viral life cycle or the host cell's stress response. The gene expression pattern induced by inactivated viruses revealed induction of the cellular metallothionein genes that may represent a protective response to virus-induced oxidative stress. Genome-scale analyses of virus infections will help us to understand the complexities of virus-host interactions and may lead to the discovery of novel drug targets or antiviral therapies.

Protein synthesis shut-off induced by influenza virus infection is independent of PKR activity

The role of PKR activity in influenza virus-induced cell shut-off was studied by infection of PKR(+) or PKR(-) cell cultures and metabolic labeling in vivo. No differences in the synthesis of viral proteins or the decay of cellular protein synthesis were observed. To investigate the relevance of the inhibition of cellular pre-mRNA polyadenylation and nucleocytoplasmic transport in virus-induced shut-off, we carried out similar experiments with mutant viruses lacking C-terminal sequences of NS1 protein. No differences in the shut-off induced by mutant versus wild-type viruses were observed, indicating that these nuclear events are not relevant for shut-off. The analysis of cytoplasmic mRNA stability indicated that the accumulation of viral mRNA during the infection correlated with the progressive decay of cellular mRNA, in both the wild type and an NS1 deletion mutant.

Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4GI is a cellular target for NS1 protein, a translational activator of influenza virus

Influenza virus NS1 protein is an RNA-binding protein whose expression alters several posttranscriptional regulatory processes, like polyadenylation, splicing, and nucleocytoplasmic transport of cellular mRNAs. In addition, NS1 protein enhances the translational rate of viral, but not cellular, mRNAs. To characterize this effect, we looked for targets of NS1 influenza virus protein among cellular translation factors. We found that NS1 coimmunoprecipitates with eukaryotic initiation factor 4GI (eIF4GI), the large subunit of the cap-binding complex eIF4F, either in influenza virus-infected cells or in cells transfected with NS1 cDNA. Affinity chromatography studies using a purified His-NS1 protein-containing matrix showed that the fusion protein pulls down endogenous eIF4GI from COS-1 cells and labeled eIF4GI translated in vitro, but not the eIF4E subunit of the eIF4F factor. Similar in vitro binding experiments with eIF4GI deletion mutants indicated that the NS1-binding domain of eIF4GI is located between residues 157 and 550, in a region where no other component of the translational machinery is known to interact. Moreover, using overlay assays and pull-down experiments, we showed that NS1 and eIF4GI proteins interact directly, in an RNA-independent manner. Mapping of the eIF4GI-binding domain in the NS1 protein indicated that the first 113 N-terminal amino acids of the protein, but not the first 81, are sufficient to bind eIF4GI. The first of these mutants has been previously shown to act as a translational enhancer, while the second is defective in this activity. Collectively, these and previously published data suggest a model where NS1 recruits eIF4GI specifically to the 5' untranslated region (5' UTR) of the viral mRNA, allowing for the preferential translation of the influenza virus messengers.

Translational control of viral gene expression in eukaryotes

As obligate intracellular parasites, viruses rely exclusively on the translational machinery of the host cell for the synthesis of viral proteins. This relationship has imposed numerous challenges on both the infecting virus and the host cell. Importantly, viruses must compete with the endogenous transcripts of the host cell for the translation of viral mRNA. Eukaryotic viruses have thus evolved diverse mechanisms to ensure translational efficiency of viral mRNA above and beyond that of cellular mRNA. Mechanisms that facilitate the efficient and selective translation of viral mRNA may be inherent in the structure of the viral nucleic acid itself and can involve the recruitment and/or modification of specific host factors. These processes serve to redirect the translation apparatus to favor viral transcripts, and they often come at the expense of the host cell. Accordingly, eukaryotic cells have developed antiviral countermeasures to target the translational machinery and disrupt protein synthesis during the course of virus infection. Not to be outdone, many viruses have answered these countermeasures with their own mechanisms to disrupt cellular antiviral pathways, thereby ensuring the uncompromised translation of virion proteins. Here we review the varied and complex translational programs employed by eukaryotic viruses. We discuss how these translational strategies have been incorporated into the virus life cycle and examine how such programming contributes to the pathogenesis of the host cell.

Regulation of eukaryotic protein synthesis: selective influenza viral mRNA translation is mediated by the cellular RNA-binding protein GRSF-1

To better understand regulation of eukaryotic protein synthesis, we studied cellular and viral mRNA translation in influenza virus-infected cells. Influenza virus infection results in a dramatic shut-off of cellular protein synthesis that is concomitant with selective viral mRNA translation. Earlier work showed that these events are mediated by viral and/or cellular factors binding to the 5' untranslated region (5' UTR) of viral mRNAs. To identify trans-acting cellular proteins responsible for selective viral protein synthesis, we employed the yeast three-hybrid system. Using the 5' UTR of the influenza virus nucleocapsid protein (NP) mRNA as bait, we identified the cellular RNA-recognition motif containing RNA-binding protein G-rich sequence factor 1 (GRSF-1) as a positive-acting translational regulatory factor. The in vivo yeast assay revealed GRSF-1 specifically bound to the NP 5' UTR but not select NP 5' UTR mutants or cellular RNA 5' UTRs. These data were confirmed by gel shift assays using recombinant GRSF-1. Importantly, recombinant GRSF-1 specifically stimulated translation of a NP 5' UTR-driven template in cell-free translation systems. Furthermore, translation efficiency of NP 5' UTR-driven templates was reduced markedly in GRSF-1-depleted HeLa cell extracts, but restored in GRSF-1-reconstituted extracts. GRSF-1 also stimulated translation of an NP 5' UTR-driven template in HeLa cell extracts that were depleted of essential factors by addition of RNA oligonucleotides representing the viral 5' UTR RNA. Taken together, these data document the functional demonstration of a cellular protein binding to influenza virus RNAs and, importantly, suggest that influenza virus may recruit GRSF-1 to the 5' UTR to ensure preferential translation of viral mRNAs in infected cells.

What happens inside lentivirus or influenza virus infected cells: insights into regulation of cellular and viral protein synthesis

Efficient manipulation of the regulatory mechanisms controlling host cell gene expression provides the means for productive infection by animal viruses. Upon infecting the host cell, viruses must: (i) bypass the cellular antiviral defense mechanisms to prevent the translational blocks imposed by the interferon pathway; and (ii) effectively "hijack" the host protein synthetic machinery into mass production of virion protein components. The multicomponent regulatory nature of cellular gene expression has provided the means of selecting for a diverse range of mechanisms utilized by animal viruses to ensure that replication efficiency is maintained throughout the virus life cycle. One important research component of the careful examination of gene regulation is those studies that focus on elucidating the mechanisms by which viruses control mRNA translation during host cell infection. Much of the work in our laboratory has focused on elucidating the strategies by which human immunodeficiency virus type 1 and influenza virus regulate protein synthesis during infection. Here we describe the ways in which these two distinctly different RNA viruses ensure the selective and efficient translation of their viral mRNAs in infected cells. These strategies include circumvention of the deleterious effects associated with activation of the interferon-induced protein kinase, PKR. Herein we describe our methodologies designed to elucidate the translational regulation in cells infected by these viruses. We conclude with a brief summary of new directions, utilizing these methods, taken toward understanding the translational control mechanisms imposed by these viral systems, and how our studies of virally infected cells have allowed us to identify growth-regulating components of normal, uninfected cells.

Translational control by influenza virus. Identification of cis-acting sequences and trans-acting factors which may regulate selective viral mRNA translation

We have shown that sequences contained within the viral mRNA 5'-untranslated region (UTR) played a critical role in directing selective influenza viral mRNA translation. We therefore attempted to identify transacting factors that may regulate viral mRNA translation through interactions with the 5'-UTR and at the same time map the precise sequences to which these factors bind. We can now demonstrate that multiple cellular proteins interact with influenza viral but not cellular 5'-UTRs using gel mobility shift and UV cross-linking analyses. Gel supershift studies revealed that the La autoantigen was one of the cellular proteins that interacted with the viral 5'-UTR. Utilizing mutants of the viral mRNA 5' UTR, we have determined that sequences within the very 5'-conserved region and nucleotides immediately 3' are necessary but not always sufficient for binding certain cellular proteins. Northwestern analysis showed the binding of a distinct subset of cellular proteins to the viral 5'-UTR, but also demonstrated interactions of the viral nonstructural protein NS1. Gel shift analysis with purified recombinant NS1 confirmed the binding of the viral protein to a specific region of the viral 5'-UTRs. A model describing the possible role of these cellular and viral RNA-binding proteins in regulating influenza virus mRNA translation will be discussed.

Influenza virus NS1 protein enhances the rate of translation initiation of viral mRNAs

The effect of NS1 protein on the efficiency of influenza virus mRNA translation was evaluated by determining the accumulation of nucleoprotein (NP) or M1 mRNAs in the cytoplasm of cells expressing either of these genes alone or in combination with the NS1 gene, as well as the total cell accumulation of NP or M1 protein. Coexpression of NS1, but not of NS2 protein, led to increases in the translation of these mRNAs in the range of 5- to 100-fold. This translation enhancement was specific for viral mRNAs, since the translation of neither cat nor lacZ mRNAs was affected by the coexpression of NS1 protein. The use of chimeric cat genes containing the 5'-extracistronic sequences of the influenza virus mRNAs corresponding to segment 2, 7, or 8 indicated that these sequences can in part account for the observed effect. The enhancement of viral mRNA translation mediated by NS1 protein was due to an increase in the translation initiation rate, since the sizes of NP-specific polysomes, but not those of lacZ-specific polysomes, was significantly higher in cells coexpressing NS1 protein than in those expressing only the NP gene.