Tobacco mosaic virus infection spreads cell to cell as intact replication complexes

Washout-Resistant, pH-Responsive Anti-TMV Nanoimmune Inducer Based on Cellulose Nanocrystals

The application of antiplant virus agents on leaf surfaces faces challenges due to their vulnerability to wear, instability, and limited duration, which in turn jeopardizes plant health and yield. In recent years, high-aspect-ratio nanomaterials have gained prominence as powerful carriers for disease treatment, thanks to their exceptional penetrability and precise drug delivery capabilities. Here, we synthesized a pH-responsive nanoimmune inducer (CNC-AMO) with strong leaf adhesion through a Schiff base reaction, achieved by grafting amino-oligosaccharides (AMOs) on the surface of aldehyde-based CNC (CNC-CHO). Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, zeta potential, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and elemental analysis were used to characterize the CNC-AMO. The CNC-AMO displayed the capability for pH-responsive AMO release, showcasing its potential for targeted and controlled delivery. When applied to plants, the CNC-AMO exhibited impressive anti-TMV efficacy during a weeklong observation period. Meanwhile, the CNC-AMO exhibited remarkable adhesion and scouring resistance on the surfaces of the plant leaves. We strongly believe that the synergy of environmentally friendly synthetic materials, efficient plant virus control, and streamlined scalability positions CNC-AMOs as a promising pesticide for plant virus therapy.

Protective Activity of Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae Strain 33504-Mat209 against Alfalfa Mosaic Virus Infection in Faba Bean Plants

The application of Rhizobium spp., nitrogen-fixing plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, as biocontrol agents to enhance systemic disease resistance against plant viral infections is a promising approach towards achieving sustainable and eco-friendly agriculture. However, their potential as antivirals and biocontrol agents is less studied. Herein, the capability of Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae strain 33504-Mat209 was evaluated to promote plant growth and enhance faba bean systemic resistance against alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV) infection. Under greenhouse conditions, the soil inoculation with 3504-Mat209 resulted in notable improvements in growth and an increase in chlorophyll content. This led to a marked decrease in the disease incidence, severity, and viral accumulation level by 48, 74, and 87%, respectively. The protective effect of 33504-Mat209 was linked to significant decreases in non-enzymatic oxidative stress indicators, specifically H₂O₂ and MDA. Additionally, there were significant increases in the activity of reactive oxygen species scavenging enzymes, such as peroxidase (POX) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO), compared to the virus treatment. The elevated transcript levels of polyphenolic pathway genes (C₄H, HCT, C₃H, and CHS) and pathogenesis-related protein-1 were also observed. Out of 18 detected compounds, HPLC analysis revealed that 33504-Mat209-treated plants increased the accumulation of several compounds, such as gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, catechin, pyrocatechol, daidzein, quercetin, and cinnamic acid. Therefore, the ability of 33504-Mat209 to promote plant growth and induce systemic resistance against AMV infection has implications for utilizing 33504-Mat209 as a fertilizer and biocontrol agent. This could potentially introduce a new strategy for safeguarding crops, promoting sustainability, and ensuring environmental safety in the agricultural sector. As far as we know, this is the first study of biological control of AMV mediated by Rhizobium spp. in faba bean plants.

Role of Plant Virus Movement Proteins in Suppression of Host RNAi Defense

One of the systems of plant defense against viral infection is RNA silencing, or RNA interference (RNAi), in which small RNAs derived from viral genomic RNAs and/or mRNAs serve as guides to target an Argonaute nuclease (AGO) to virus-specific RNAs. Complementary base pairing between the small interfering RNA incorporated into the AGO-based protein complex and viral RNA results in the target cleavage or translational repression. As a counter-defensive strategy, viruses have evolved to acquire viral silencing suppressors (VSRs) to inhibit the host plant RNAi pathway. Plant virus VSR proteins use multiple mechanisms to inhibit silencing. VSRs are often multifunctional proteins that perform additional functions in the virus infection cycle, particularly, cell-to-cell movement, genome encapsidation, or replication. This paper summarizes the available data on the proteins with dual VSR/movement protein activity used by plant viruses of nine orders to override the protective silencing response and reviews the different molecular mechanisms employed by these proteins to suppress RNAi.

A viral movement protein co-opts endoplasmic reticulum luminal-binding protein and calreticulin to promote intracellular movement

Intracellular movement is an important step for the initial spread of virus in plants during infection. This process requires virus-encoded movement proteins (MPs) and their interaction with host factors. Despite the large number of known host factors involved in the movement of different viruses, little is known about host proteins that interact with one of the MPs encoded by potexviruses, the triple-gene-block protein 3 (TGBp3). The main obstacle lies in the relatively low expression level of potexviral TGBp3 in hosts and the weak or transient nature of interactions. Here, we used TurboID-based proximity labeling to identify the network of proteins directly or indirectly interacting with the TGBp3 of a potexvirus, Bamboo mosaic virus (BaMV). Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) luminal-binding protein 4 and calreticulin 3 of Nicotiana benthamiana (NbBiP4 and NbCRT3, respectively) associated with the functional TGBp3-containing BaMV movement complexes, but not the movement-defective mutant, TGBp3M. Fluorescent microscopy revealed that TGBp3 colocalizes with NbBiP4 or NbCRT3 and the complexes move together along ER networks to cell periphery in N. benthamiana. Loss- and gain-of-function experiments revealed that NbBiP4 or NbCRT3 is required for the efficient spread and accumulation of BaMV in infected leaves. In addition, overexpression of NbBiP4 or NbCRT3 enhanced the targeting of BaMV TGBp1 to plasmodesmata (PD), indicating that NbBiP4 and NbCRT3 interact with TGBp3 to promote the intracellular transport of virion cargo to PD that facilitates virus cell-to-cell movement. Our findings revealed additional roles for NbBiP4 and NbCRT3 in BaMV intracellular movement through ER networks or ER-derived vesicles to PD, which enhances the spread of BaMV in N. benthamiana.

Distinct Mechanisms of Endomembrane Reorganization Determine Dissimilar Transport Pathways in Plant RNA Viruses

Plant viruses exploit the endomembrane system of infected cells for their replication and cell-to-cell transport. The replication of viral RNA genomes occurs in the cytoplasm in association with reorganized endomembrane compartments induced by virus-encoded proteins and is coupled with the virus intercellular transport via plasmodesmata that connect neighboring cells in plant tissues. The transport of virus genomes to and through plasmodesmata requires virus-encoded movement proteins (MPs). Distantly related plant viruses encode different MP sets, or virus transport systems, which vary in the number of MPs and their properties, suggesting their functional differences. Here, we discuss two distinct virus transport pathways based on either the modification of the endoplasmic reticulum tubules or the formation of motile vesicles detached from the endoplasmic reticulum and targeted to endosomes. The viruses with the movement proteins encoded by the triple gene block exemplify the first, and the potyviral system is the example of the second type. These transport systems use unrelated mechanisms of endomembrane reorganization. We emphasize that the mode of virus interaction with cell endomembranes determines the mechanism of plant virus cell-to-cell transport.

Plant-based production and characterization of a promising Fc-fusion protein against microgravity-induced bone density loss

Microgravity-induced bone loss is a main obstacle for long term space missions as it is difficult to maintain bone mass when loading stimuli is reduced. With a typical bone mineral density loss of 1.5% per month of microgravity exposure, the chances for osteoporosis and fractures may endanger astronauts’ health. Parathyroid Hormone or PTH (1–34) is an FDA approved treatment for osteoporosis, and may reverse microgravity-induced bone loss. However, PTH proteins requires refrigeration, daily subcutaneous injection, and have a short shelf-life, limiting its use in a resource-limited environment, like space. In this study, PTH was produced in an Fc-fusion form via transient expression in plants, to improve the circulatory half-life which reduces dosing frequency and to simplify purification if needed. Plant-based expression is well-suited for space medicine application given its low resource consumption and short expression timeline. The PTH-Fc accumulation profile in plant was established with a peak expression on day 5 post infiltration of 373 ± 59 mg/kg leaf fresh weight. Once the PTH-Fc was purified, the amino acid sequence and the binding affinity to its target, PTH 1 receptor (PTH1R), was determined utilizing biolayer interferometry (BLI). The binding affinity between PTH-Fc and PTH1R was 2.30 × 10⁻⁶ M, similar to the affinity between PTH (1–34) and PTH1R (2.31 × 10⁻⁶ M). Its function was also confirmed in a cell-based receptor stimulation assay, where PTH-Fc was able to stimulate the PTH1R producing cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) with an EC₅₀ of (8.54 ± 0.12) x 10⁻⁹ M, comparable to the EC₅₀ from the PTH (1–34) of 1.49 × 10⁻⁸ M. These results suggest that plant recombinant PTH-Fc exhibits a similar binding affinity and potency in a PTH1R activation assay compared to PTH. Furthermore, it can be produced rapidly at high levels with minimal resources and reagents, making it ideal for production in low resource environments such as space.

Cooperative Virus-Virus Interactions: An Evolutionary Perspective

Despite extensive evidence of virus-virus interactions, not much is known about their biological significance. Importantly, virus-virus interactions could have evolved as a form of cooperation or simply be a by-product of other processes. Here, we review and discuss different types of virus-virus interactions from the point of view of social evolution, which provides a well-established framework for interpreting the fitness costs and benefits of such traits. We also classify interactions according to their mechanisms of action and speculate on their evolutionary implications. As in any other biological system, the evolutionary stability of viral cooperation critically requires cheaters to be excluded from cooperative interactions. We discuss how cheater viruses exploit cooperative traits and how viral populations are able to counteract this maladaptive process.

Enhancing systemic resistance in faba bean (Vicia faba L.) to Bean yellow mosaic virus via soil application and foliar spray of nitrogen-fixing Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae strain 33504-Alex1

Rhizobium spp. manifests strong nitrogen fixation ability in legumes. However, their significance as biocontrol agents and antivirals has rarely been investigated. Under greenhouse conditions, the molecularly identified nitrogen-fixing plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae strain 33504-Alex1, isolated from the root nodules of faba bean plants, was tested as a soil inoculum or a foliar application to trigger faba bean plants' resistance against Bean yellow mosaic virus (BYMV) infection. Compared to the non-treated faba bean plants, the applications of 33504-Alex1 in either soil or foliar application significantly promoted growth and improved total chlorophyll content, resulting in a considerable reduction in disease incidence and severity and the inhibition index of BYMV in the treated faba bean plants. Furthermore, the protective activities of 33504-Alex1 were associated with significant reductions in non-enzymatic oxidative stress markers [hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA)] and remarkably increased DPPH free radical scavenging activity and total phenolic content compared to the BYMV treatment at 20 days post-inoculation. Additionally, an increase in reactive oxygen species scavenging enzymes [superoxide dismutase (SOD) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO)] and induced transcriptional levels of pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins (PR-1, PR-3, and PR-5) were observed. Of the 19 polyphenolic compounds detected in faba bean leaves by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis, gallic and vanillic acids were completely shut down in BYMV treatment. Interestingly, the 33504-Alex1 treatments were associated with the induction and accumulation of the most detected polyphenolic compounds. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis showed hexadecanoic acid 2,3-dihydroxypropyl ester, tetraneurin-A-Diol, oleic acid, and isochiapin B are the major compounds in the ethyl acetate extract of 33504-Alex1 culture filtrate (CF), suggesting it acts as an elicitor for the induction of systemic acquired resistance (SAR) in faba bean plants. Consequently, the capacity of R. leguminosarum bv. viciae strain 33504-Alex1 to enhance plant growth and induce systemic resistance to BYMV infection will support the incorporation of 33504-Alex1 as a fertilizer and biocontrol agent and offer a new strategy for crop protection, sustainability, and environmental safety in agriculture production.

The function of chloroplast ferredoxin-NADP+ oxidoreductase positively regulates the accumulation of bamboo mosaic virus in Nicotiana benthamiana

A gene down-regulated in Nicotiana benthamiana after bamboo mosaic virus (BaMV) infection had high identity to the nuclear-encoded chloroplast ferredoxin NADP+ oxidoreductase gene (NbFNR). NbFNR is a flavoenzyme involved in the photosynthesis electron transport chain, catalysing the conversion of NADP+ into NADPH. To investigate whether NbFNR is involved in BaMV infection, we used virus-induced gene silencing to reduce the expression of NbFNR in leaves and protoplasts. After BaMV inoculation, the accumulation of BaMV coat protein and RNA was significantly reduced. The transient expression of NbFNR fused with orange fluorescent protein (OFP) localized in the chloroplasts and elevated the level of BaMV coat protein. These results suggest that NbFNR could play a positive role in regulating BaMV accumulation. Expressing a mutant that failed to translocate to the chloroplast did not assist in BaMV accumulation. Another mutant with a catalytic site mutation could support BaMV accumulation to some extent, but accumulation was significantly lower than that of the wild type. In an in vitro replication assay, the replicase complex with FNR inhibitor, heparin, the RdRp activity was reduced. Furthermore, BaMV replicase was revealed to interact with NbFNR in yeast two-hybrid and co-immunoprecipitation experiments. Overall, these results suggest that NbFNR localized in the chloroplast with functional activity could efficiently assist BaMV accumulation.

Trichoderma hamatum Strain Th23 Promotes Tomato Growth and Induces Systemic Resistance against Tobacco Mosaic Virus

Trichoderma hamatum strain Th23, isolated from tomato roots, was molecularly identified using phylogenetic analysis based on ITS, tef1, and rpb2 gene sequences and evaluated for its efficiency in suppressing tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) infection for the first time. Under greenhouse conditions, the application of Th23 promoted tomato growth with significant increases in shoot and root parameters as well as improved total chlorophyll content. Compared to the nontreated tomato plants, the soil pretreatment of tomato plants 48 h before TMV inoculation produced a significant reduction in the TMV accumulation level by 84.69% and enhanced different growth parameters. In contrast, TMV had a deleterious impact on fresh and dry matter accumulation and inhibited photosynthetic capacity. Furthermore, the protective activity of Th23 was associated with a significant increase in reactive oxygen species scavenging enzymes (PPO, CAT, and SOD) as well as decreased nonenzymatic oxidative stress markers (H₂O₂ and MDA) compared to the TMV treatment at 15 days post-viral inoculation (dpi). In addition, considerable increases in the transcriptional levels of polyphenolic genes (HQT and CHS) and pathogenesis-related proteins (PR-1 and PR-7) were shown to induce systemic resistance against TMV. Consequently, the ability of T. hamatum strain Th23 to promote plant growth, induce systemic resistance, and boost innate immunity against TMV infestation supported the incorporation of Th23 as a potential biocontrol agent for managing plant viral infections. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the antiviral activity of T. hamatum against plant viral infection.

In Vivo Visualization of Mobile mRNA Particles in Plants Using BglG

Cells have developed mechanisms for cytoplasmic RNA transport and localization that participate in the regulation and subcellular localization of protein synthesis. In addition, plants can exchange RNA molecules between cells through plasmodesmata and to distant tissues in the phloem. These mechanisms are hijacked by RNA viruses to establish their replication complexes and to disseminate their genomes throughout the plant organism with the help of virus-encoded movement proteins (MP). Live imaging of RNA molecules is a fundamental approach to understand the regulation and molecular basis of these processes. The most widely used experimental systems for the in vivo visualization of genetically encoded RNA molecules are based on fluorescently tagged RNA binding proteins that bind to specific motifs inserted into the RNA, thus allowing the tracking of the specific RNA molecule by fluorescent microscopy. Recently, we developed the use of the E. coli RNA binding protein BglG for the imaging of RNAs tagged with BglG-binding sites in planta. We describe here the detailed method by which we use this in vivo RNA tagging system for the real-time imaging of Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) MP mRNA.

First Report of Protective Activity of Paronychia argentea Extract against Tobacco Mosaic Virus Infection

The widespread use of chemical control agents and pesticides for plant-pathogen control has caused many human health and environmental issues. Plant extracts and biocontrol agents have robust antimicrobial activity against different plant pathogens. However, their antiviral activities are still being investigated. In the present study, the methanol extract of Paronychia argentea was characterized and evaluated for its protective activity against the tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) infection in tomato plants under greenhouse conditions at 21 days post-inoculation. The results showed that the foliar application of P. argentea extract (10 µg/mL) enhanced tomato plant growth, resulting in significant increases in shoot and root parameters and total chlorophyll contents. Moreover, a significant reduction in TMV accumulation level in P. argentea-treated plants of 77.88% compared to non-treated plants was reported. Furthermore, induction of systemic resistance with significant elevation in production of antioxidant enzymes (PPO, CAT, and SOD) and transcriptional levels of the pathogenesis-related proteins (PR-1 and PR-7) and polyphenolic genes (CHS and HQT) were also observed. Out of 16 detected compounds, HPLC analysis revealed that the most abundant polyphenolic compounds found in P. argentea extract were gallic acid (5.36 µg/mL), kaempferol (7.39 µg/mL), quercetin (7.44 µg/mL), ellagic acid (7.89 µg/mL), myricetin (8.36 µg/mL), and ferulic acid (8.69 µg/mL). The findings suggest that the use of P. argentea extract as an effective and safe source for the production of bioactive compounds may offer a solution for a promising approach for the management of plant viral infections. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the protective activity of P. argentea extract against plant viral diseases.

Three-dimensional quantitative imaging of Tobacco mosaic virus and Zucchini yellow mosaic virus induced ultrastructural changes

Two-dimensional ultrastructural changes of Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV) in tobacco and pumpkin plants, respectively, are well studied. To provide 3D data, representative control and infected cells were reconstructed using serial sectioning and transmission electron microscopy. Quantitative data of 3D ultrastructural changes were then extracted from the cytosol and organelles by image analysis. While TMV induced the accumulation of an average of 40 virus inclusion bodies in the cytosol, which covered about 13% of the cell volume, ZYMV caused the accumulation of an average of 1752 cylindrical inclusions in the cytosol, which covered about 2.7% of the total volume of the cell. TMV infection significantly decreased the number and size of mitochondria (- 49 and - 20%) and peroxisomes (- 62 and - 28%) of the reconstructed cell. The reconstructed ZYMV-infected cell contained more (105%) and larger (109%) mitochondria when compared to the control cell. While the reconstructed TMV-infected cell contained larger (20%) and the ZYMV-infected smaller (19%) chloroplasts, both contained less chloroplasts (- 40% for TMV and - 23% for ZYMV). In chloroplasts, the volume of starch and plastoglobules increased (664% and 150% for TMV and 1324% and 1300% for ZYMV) when compared to the control. The latter was correlated with a decrease in the volume of thylakoids in the reconstructed ZYMV-infected cell (- 31%) indicating that degradation products from thylakoids are transported and stored in plastoglobules. Summing up, the data collected in this study give a comprehensive overview of 3D changes induced by TMV and ZYMV in plants.

Exploring the Multifunctional Roles of Odontoglossum Ringspot Virus P126 in Facilitating Cymbidium Mosaic Virus Cell-to-Cell Movement during Mixed Infection

Synergistic interactions among viruses, hosts and/or transmission vectors during mixed infection can alter viral titers, symptom severity or host range. Viral suppressors of RNA silencing (VSRs) are considered one of such factors contributing to synergistic responses. Odontoglossum ringspot virus (ORSV) and cymbidium mosaic virus (CymMV), which are two of the most significant orchid viruses, exhibit synergistic symptom intensification in Phalaenopsis orchids with unilaterally enhanced CymMV movement by ORSV. In order to reveal the underlying mechanisms, we generated infectious cDNA clones of ORSV and CymMV isolated from Phalaenopsis that exerted similar unilateral synergism in both Phalaenopsis orchid and Nicotiana benthamiana. Moreover, we show that the ORSV replicase P126 is a VSR. Mutagenesis analysis revealed that mutation of the methionine in the carboxyl terminus of ORSV P126 abolished ORSV replication even though some P126 mutants preserved VSR activity, indicating that the VSR function of P126 alone is not sufficient for viral replication. Thus, P126 functions in both ORSV replication and as a VSR. Furthermore, P126 expression enhanced cell-to-cell movement and viral titers of CymMV in infected Phalaenopsis flowers and N. benthamiana leaves. Taking together, both the VSR and protein function of P126 might be prerequisites for unilaterally enhancing CymMV cell-to-cell movement by ORSV.

Carrot mottle virus ORF4 movement protein targets plasmodesmata by interacting with the host cell SUMOylation system

Plant virus movement proteins (MPs) facilitate virus spread in their plant hosts, and some of them are known to target plasmodesmata (PD). However, how the MPs target PD is still largely unknown. Carrot mottle virus (CMoV) encodes the ORF3 and ORF4 proteins, which are involved in CMoV movement. In this study, we used CMoV as a model to study the PD targeting of a plant virus MP. We showed that the CMoV ORF4 protein, but not the ORF3 protein, modified PD and led to the virus movement. We found that the CMoV ORF4 protein interacts with the host cell small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) 1, 2 and the SUMO-conjugating enzyme SCE1, resulting in the ORF4 protein SUMOylation. Downregulation of mRNAs for NbSCE1 and NbSUMO impaired CMoV infection. The SUMO-interacting motifs (SIMs) LVIVF, VIWV, and a lysine residue at position 78 (K78) are required for the ORF4 protein SUMOylation. The mutation of these motifs prevented the protein to efficiently target PD, and further slowed or completely abolished CMoV systemic movement. Finally, we found that some of these motifs are highly conserved among umbraviruses. Our data suggest that the CMoV ORF4 protein targets PD by interacting with the host cell SUMOylation system.

Multiple cellular compartments engagement in Nicotiana benthamiana-peanut stunt virus-satRNA interactions revealed by systems biology approach

KEY MESSAGE

PSV infection changed the abundance of host plant's transcripts and proteins associated with various cellular compartments, including ribosomes, chloroplasts, mitochondria, the nucleus and cytosol, affecting photosynthesis, translation, transcription, and splicing. Virus infection is a process resulting in numerous molecular, cellular, and physiological changes, a wide range of which can be analyzed due to development of many high-throughput techniques. Plant RNA viruses are known to replicate in the cytoplasm; however, the roles of chloroplasts and other cellular structures in the viral replication cycle and in plant antiviral defense have been recently emphasized. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the small RNAs, transcripts, proteins, and phosphoproteins affected during peanut stunt virus strain P (PSV-P)-Nicotiana benthamiana interactions with or without satellite RNA (satRNA) in the context of their cellular localization or functional connections with particular cellular compartments to elucidate the compartments most affected during pathogenesis at the early stages of infection. Moreover, the processes associated with particular cell compartments were determined. The 'omic' results were subjected to comparative data analyses. Transcriptomic and small RNA (sRNA)-seq data were obtained to provide new insights into PSV-P-satRNA-plant interactions, whereas previously obtained proteomic and phosphoproteomic data were used to broaden the analysis to terms associated with cellular compartments affected by virus infection. Based on the collected results, infection with PSV-P contributed to changes in the abundance of transcripts and proteins associated with various cellular compartments, including ribosomes, chloroplasts, mitochondria, the nucleus and the cytosol, and the most affected processes were photosynthesis, translation, transcription, and mRNA splicing. Furthermore, sRNA-seq and phosphoproteomic analyses indicated that kinase regulation resulted in decreases in phosphorylation levels. The kinases were associated with the membrane, cytoplasm, and nucleus components.

Changes in Subcellular Localization of Host Proteins Induced by Plant Viruses

Viruses are dependent on host factors at all parts of the infection cycle, such as translation, genome replication, encapsidation, and cell-to-cell and systemic movement. RNA viruses replicate their genome in compartments associated with the endoplasmic reticulum, chloroplasts, and mitochondria or peroxisome membranes. In contrast, DNA viruses replicate in the nucleus. Viral infection causes changes in plant gene expression and in the subcellular localization of some host proteins. These changes may support or inhibit virus accumulation and spread. Here, we review host proteins that change their subcellular localization in the presence of a plant virus. The most frequent change is the movement of host cytoplasmic proteins into the sites of virus replication through interactions with viral proteins, and the protein contributes to essential viral processes. In contrast, only a small number of studies document changes in the subcellular localization of proteins with antiviral activity. Understanding the changes in the subcellular localization of host proteins during plant virus infection provides novel insights into the mechanisms of plant–virus interactions and may help the identification of targets for designing genetic resistance to plant viruses.

Variability, Functions and Interactions of Plant Virus Movement Proteins: What Do We Know So Far?

Of the various proteins encoded by plant viruses, one of the most interesting is the movement protein (MP). MPs are unique to plant viruses and show surprising structural and functional variability while maintaining their core function, which is to facilitate the intercellular transport of viruses or viral nucleoprotein complexes. MPs interact with components of the intercellular channels, the plasmodesmata (PD), modifying their size exclusion limits and thus allowing larger particles, including virions, to pass through. The interaction of MPs with the components of PD, the formation of transport complexes and the recruitment of host cellular components have all revealed different facets of their functions. Multitasking is an inherent property of most viral proteins, and MPs are no exception. Some MPs carry out multitasking, which includes gene silencing suppression, viral replication and modulation of host protein turnover machinery. This review brings together the current knowledge on MPs, focusing on their structural variability, various functions and interactions with host proteins.

Imaging Techniques to Study Plant Virus Replication and Vertical Transmission

Plant viruses are obligate parasites that need to usurp plant cell metabolism in order to infect their hosts. Imaging techniques have been used for quite a long time to study plant virus-host interactions, making it possible to have major advances in the knowledge of plant virus infection cycles. The imaging techniques used to study plant-virus interactions have included light microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and scanning and transmission electron microscopies. Here, we review the use of these techniques in plant virology, illustrating recent advances in the area with examples from plant virus replication and virus plant-to-plant vertical transmission processes.

Unravelling the involvement of cilevirus p32 protein in the viral transport

Citrus leprosis (CL) is a severe disease that affects citrus orchards mainly in Latin America. It is caused by Brevipalpus-transmitted viruses from genera Cilevirus and Dichorhavirus. Currently, no reports have explored the movement machinery for the cilevirus. Here, we have performed a detailed functional study of the p32 movement protein (MP) of two cileviruses. Citrus leprosis-associated viruses are not able to move systemically in neither their natural nor experimental host plants. However, here we show that cilevirus MPs are able to allow the cell-to-cell and long-distance transport of movement-defective alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV). Several features related with the viral transport were explored, including: (i) the ability of cilevirus MPs to facilitate virus movement on a nucleocapsid assembly independent-manner; (ii) the generation of tubular structures from transient expression in protoplast; (iii) the capability of the N- and C- terminus of MP to interact with the cognate capsid protein (p29) and; (iv) the role of the C-terminus of p32 in the cell-to-cell and long-distance transport, tubule formation and the MP-plasmodesmata co-localization. The MP was able to direct the p29 to the plasmodesmata, whereby the C-terminus of MP is independently responsible to recruit the p29 to the cell periphery. Furthermore, we report that MP possess the capacity to enter the nucleolus and to bind to a major nucleolar protein, the fibrillarin. Based on our findings, we provide a model for the role of the p32 in the intra- and intercellular viral spread.

Rapid generation of inoculum of a plant RNA virus using overlap PCR

We have developed an efficient method to rapidly generate infectious inoculum of a plant RNA virus and confirmed its infectivity by mechanical inoculation. The method takes advantage of overlap PCR to bypass the cloning steps, which makes it relatively simple, rapid, and inexpensive compared to the traditional methods. Using this approach, inoculum of a tobamovirus, Turnip vein clearing virus (TVCV), was generated. PCR products specific for the 35S promoter and TVCV genome were used as templates for overlap PCR to form a single product containing the full-length TVCV cDNA under the control of the double 35S promoter, and the entire process took only 8 h. This inoculum was infectious in Nicotiana benthamiana, and its infectivity was ca. 67% compared to 0% and 100% with negative and positive controls, respectively. Thus, this rapid method generates efficient infectious inoculum for a plant RNA virus.

Reticulon-like properties of a plant virus-encoded movement protein

Plant viruses encode movement proteins (MPs) that ensure the transport of viral genomes through plasmodesmata (PD) and use cell endomembranes, mostly the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), for delivery of viral genomes to PD and formation of PD-anchored virus replication compartments. Here, we demonstrate that the Hibiscus green spot virus BMB2 MP, an integral ER protein, induces constrictions of ER tubules, decreases the mobility of ER luminal content, and exhibits an affinity to highly curved membranes. These properties are similar to those described for reticulons, cellular proteins that induce membrane curvature to shape the ER tubules. Similar to reticulons, BMB2 adopts a W-like topology within the ER membrane. BMB2 targets PD and increases their size exclusion limit, and these BMB2 activities correlate with the ability to induce constrictions of ER tubules. We propose that the induction of ER constrictions contributes to the BMB2-dependent increase in PD permeability and formation of the PD-associated replication compartments, therefore facilitating the virus intercellular spread. Furthermore, we show that the ER tubule constrictions also occur in cells expressing TGB2, one of the three MPs of Potato virus X (PVX), and in PVX-infected cells, suggesting that reticulon-like MPs are employed by diverse RNA viruses.

Intercellular movement of plant RNA viruses: Targeting replication complexes to the plasmodesma for both accuracy and efficiency

Replication and movement are two critical steps in plant virus infection. Recent advances in the understanding of the architecture and subcellular localization of virus-induced inclusions and the interactions between viral replication complex (VRC) and movement proteins (MPs) allow for the dissection of the intrinsic relationship between replication and movement, which has revealed that recruitment of VRCs to the plasmodesma (PD) via direct or indirect MP-VRC interactions is a common strategy used for cell-to-cell movement by most plant RNA viruses. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in the understanding of virus-induced inclusions and their roles in virus replication and cell-to-cell movement, analyze the advantages of such coreplicational movement from a viral point of view and discuss the possible mechanical force by which MPs drive the movement of virions or viral RNAs through the PD. Finally, we highlight the missing pieces of the puzzle of viral movement that are especially worth investigating in the near future.

Diversity of Plant Virus Movement Proteins: What Do They Have in Common?

The modern view of the mechanism of intercellular movement of viruses is based largely on data from the study of the tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) 30-kDa movement protein (MP). The discovered properties and abilities of TMV MP, namely, (a) in vitro binding of single-stranded RNA in a non-sequence-specific manner, (b) participation in the intracellular trafficking of genomic RNA to the plasmodesmata (Pd), and (c) localization in Pd and enhancement of Pd permeability, have been used as a reference in the search and analysis of candidate proteins from other plant viruses. Nevertheless, although almost four decades have passed since the introduction of the term “movement protein” into scientific circulation, the mechanism underlying its function remains unclear. It is unclear why, despite the absence of homology, different MPs are able to functionally replace each other in trans-complementation tests. Here, we consider the complexity and contradictions of the approaches for assessment of the ability of plant viral proteins to perform their movement function. We discuss different aspects of the participation of MP and MP/vRNA complexes in intra- and intercellular transport. In addition, we summarize the essential MP properties for their functioning as “conditioners”, creating a favorable environment for viral reproduction.

Dichorhaviruses Movement Protein and Nucleoprotein Form a Protein Complex That May Be Required for Virus Spread and Interacts in vivo With Viral Movement-Related Cilevirus Proteins

Brevipalpus-transmitted viruses (BTVs) belong to the genera Dichorhavirus and Cilevirus and are the main causal agents of the citrus leprosis (CL) disease. In this report, we explored aspects related to the movement mechanism mediated by dichorhaviruses movement proteins (MPs) and the homologous and heterologous interactions among viral proteins related to the movement of citrus leprosis-associated viruses. The membrane-spanning property and topology analysis of the nucleocapsid (N) and MP proteins from two dichorhaviruses revealed that the MPs are proteins tightly associated with the cell membrane, exposing their N- and C-termini to the cytoplasm and the inner part of the nucleus, whereas the N proteins are not membrane-associated. Subcellular localization analysis revealed the presence of dichorhavirus MPs at the cell surface and in the nucleus, while the phosphoproteins (P) were located exclusively in the nucleus and the N proteins in both the cytoplasm and the nucleus. Co-expression analysis with the MP, P, and N proteins showed an interaction network formed between them. We highlight the MP capability to partially redistribute the previously reported N-P core complex, redirecting a portion of the N from the nucleus to the plasmodesmata at the cell periphery, which indicates not only that the MP might guide the intracellular trafficking of the viral infective complex but also that the N protein may be associated with the cell-to-cell movement mechanism of dichorhaviruses. The movement functionality of these MPs was analyzed by using three movement-defective infectious systems. Also, the MP capacity to generate tubular structures on the protoplast surface by ectopic expression was analyzed. Finally, we evaluated the in vivo protein–protein interaction networks between the dichorhavirus MP and/or N proteins with the heterologous cilevirus movement components, which suggest a broad spectrum of interactions, highlighting those among capsid proteins (CP), MPs, and Ns from citrus leprosis-associated viruses. These data may aid in understanding the mixed infection process naturally observed in the field caused by distinct BTVs.

Apple latent spherical virus structure with stable capsid frame supports quasi-stable protrusions expediting genome release

Picorna-like plant viruses are non-enveloped RNA spherical viruses of ~30 nm. Part of the survival of these viruses depends on their capsid being stable enough to harbour the viral genome and yet malleable enough to allow its release. However, molecular mechanisms remain obscure. Here, we report a structure of a picorna-like plant virus, apple latent spherical virus, at 2.87 Å resolution by single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) with a cold-field emission beam. The cryo-EM map reveals a unique structure composed of three capsid proteins Vp25, Vp20, and Vp24. Strikingly Vp25 has a long N-terminal extension, which substantially stabilises the capsid frame of Vp25 and Vp20 subunits. Cryo-EM images also resolve RNA genome leaking from a pentameric protrusion of Vp24 subunits. The structures and observations suggest that genome release occurs through occasional opening of the Vp24 subunits, possibly suppressed to a low frequency by the rigid frame of the other subunits.

The cis-expression of the coat protein of turnip mosaic virus is essential for viral intercellular movement in plants

To establish infection, plant viruses are evolutionarily empowered with the ability to spread intercellularly. Potyviruses represent the largest group of known plant-infecting RNA viruses, including many agriculturally important viruses. To better understand intercellular movement of potyviruses, we used turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) as a model and constructed a double-fluorescent (green and mCherry) protein-tagged TuMV infectious clone, which allows distinct observation of primary and secondary infected cells. We conducted a series of deletion and mutation analyses to characterize the role of TuMV coat protein (CP) in viral intercellular movement. TuMV CP has 288 amino acids and is composed of three domains: the N-terminus (amino acids 1-97), the core (amino acids 98-245), and the C-terminus (amino acids 246-288). We found that deletion of CP or its segments amino acids 51-199, amino acids 200-283, or amino acids 265-274 abolished the ability of TuMV to spread intercellularly but did not affect virus replication. Interestingly, deletion of amino acids 6-50 in the N-terminus domain resulted in the formation of aberrant virions but did not significantly compromise TuMV cell-to-cell and systemic movement. We identified the charged residues R178 and D222 within the core domain that are essential for virion formation and TuMV local and systemic transport in plants. Moreover, we found that trans-expression of the wild-type CP either by TuMV or through genetic transformation-based stable expression could not rescue the movement defect of CP mutants. Taken together these results suggest that TuMV CP is not essential for viral genome replication but is indispensable for viral intercellular transport where only the cis-expressed CP is functional.

Plant SNAREs SYP22 and SYP23 interact with Tobacco mosaic virus 126 kDa protein and SYP2s are required for normal local virus accumulation and spread

Viral proteins often interact with multiple host proteins during virus accumulation and spread. Identities and functions of all interacting host proteins are not known. Through a yeast two-hybrid screen an Arabidopsis thaliana Qa-SNARE protein [syntaxin of plants 23 (AtSYP23)], associated with pre-vacuolar compartment and vacuolar membrane fusion activities, interacted with Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) 126 kDa protein, associated with virus accumulation and spread. In planta, AtSYP23 and AtSYP22 each fused with mCherry, co-localized with 126 kDa protein-GFP. Additionally, A. thaliana and Nicotiana benthamiana SYP2 proteins and 126 kDa protein interacted during bimolecular fluorescence complementation analysis. Decreased TMV accumulation in Arabidopsis plants lacking SYP23 and in N. benthamiana plants subjected to virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) of SYP2 orthologs was observed. Diminished TMV accumulation during VIGS correlated with less intercellular virus spread. The inability to eliminate virus accumulation suggests that SYP2 proteins function redundantly for TMV accumulation, as for plant development.

The Tobamoviral Movement Protein: A "Conditioner" to Create a Favorable Environment for Intercellular Spread of Infection

During their evolution, viruses acquired genes encoding movement protein(s) (MPs) that mediate the intracellular transport of viral genetic material to plasmodesmata (Pd) and initiate the mechanisms leading to the increase in plasmodesmal permeability. Although the current view on the role of the viral MPs was primarily formed through studies on tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), the function of its MP has not been fully elucidated. Given the intercellular movement of MPs independent of genomic viral RNA (vRNA), this characteristic may induce favorable conditions ahead of the infection front for the accelerated movement of the vRNA (i.e. the MP plays a role as a "conditioner" of viral intercellular spread). This idea is supported by (a) the synthesis of MP from genomic vRNA early in infection, (b) the Pd opening and the MP transfer to neighboring cells without formation of the viral replication complex (VRC), and (c) the MP-mediated movement of VRCs beyond the primary infected cell. Here, we will consider findings that favor the TMV MP as a "conditioner" of enhanced intercellular virus movement. In addition, we will discuss the mechanism by which TMV MP opens Pd for extraordinary transport of macromolecules. Although there is no evidence showing direct effects of TMV MP on Pd leading to their dilatation, recent findings indicate that MPs exert their influence indirectly by modulating Pd external and structural macromolecules such as callose and Pd-associated proteins. In explaining this phenomenon, we will propose a mechanism for TMV MP functioning as a conditioner for virus movement.

P3N-PIPO Interacts with P3 via the Shared N-Terminal Domain To Recruit Viral Replication Vesicles for Cell-to-Cell Movement

P3N-PIPO, the only dedicated movement protein (MP) of potyviruses, directs cylindrical inclusion (CI) protein from the cytoplasm to the plasmodesma (PD), where CI forms conical structures for intercellular movement. To better understand potyviral cell-to-cell movement, we further characterized P3N-PIPO using Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) as a model virus. We found that P3N-PIPO interacts with P3 via the shared P3N domain and that TuMV mutants lacking the P3N domain of either P3N-PIPO or P3 are defective in cell-to-cell movement. Moreover, we found that the PIPO domain of P3N-PIPO is sufficient to direct CI to the PD, whereas the P3N domain is necessary for localization of P3N-PIPO to 6K2-labeled vesicles or aggregates. Finally, we discovered that the interaction between P3 and P3N-PIPO is essential for the recruitment of CI to cytoplasmic 6K2-containing structures and the association of 6K2-containing structures with PD-located CI inclusions. These data suggest that both P3N and PIPO domains are indispensable for potyviral cell-to-cell movement and that the 6K2 vesicles in proximity to PDs resulting from multipartite interactions among 6K2, P3, P3N-PIPO, and CI may also play an essential role in this process.IMPORTANCE Potyviruses include numerous economically important viruses that represent approximately 30% of known plant viruses. However, there is still limited information about the mechanism of potyviral cell-to-cell movement. Here, we show that P3N-PIPO interacts with and recruits CI to the PD via the PIPO domain and interacts with P3 via the shared P3N domain. We further report that the interaction of P3N-PIPO and P3 is associated with 6K2 vesicles and brings the 6K2 vesicles into proximity with PD-located CI structures. These results support the notion that the replication and cell-to-cell movement of potyviruses are processes coupled by anchoring viral replication complexes at the entrance of PDs, which greatly increase our knowledge of the intercellular movement of potyviruses.

Potyviral coat protein and genomic RNA: A striking partnership leading virion assembly and more

Potyvirus genus clusters a significant and expanding number of widely distributed plant viruses, responsible for large losses impacting most crops of economic interest. The potyviral genome is a single-stranded, linear, positive-sense RNA of around 10kb that is encapsidated in flexuous rod-shaped filaments, mostly made up of a helically arranged coat protein (CP). Beyond its structural role of protecting the viral genome, the potyviral CP is a multitasking protein intervening in practically all steps of the virus life cycle. In particular, interactions between the CP and the viral RNA must be tightly controlled to allow the correct assignment of the RNA to each of its functions through the infection process. This review attempts to bring together the most relevant available information regarding the architecture and modus operandi of potyviral CP and virus particles, highlighting significant discoveries, but also substantial gaps in the existing knowledge on mechanisms orchestrating virion assembly and disassembly. Biotechnological applications based on potyvirus nanoparticles is another important topic addressed here.

Creating Contacts Between Replication and Movement at Plasmodesmata - A Role for Membrane Contact Sites in Plant Virus Infections?

To infect their hosts and cause disease, plant viruses must replicate within cells and move throughout the plant both locally and systemically. RNA virus replication occurs on the surface of various cellular membranes, whose shape and composition become extensively modified in the process. Membrane contact sites (MCS) can mediate non-vesicular lipid-shuttling between different membranes and viruses co-opt components of these structures to make their membrane environment suitable for replication. Whereas animal viruses exit and enter cells when moving throughout their host, the rigid wall of plant cells obstructs this pathway and plant viruses therefore move between cells symplastically through plasmodesmata (PD). PD are membranous channels connecting nearly all plant cells and are now viewed to constitute a specialized type of endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-plasma membrane (PM) MCS themselves. Thus, both replication and movement of plant viruses rely on MCS. However, recent work also suggests that for some viruses, replication and movement are closely coupled at ER-PM MCS at the entrances of PD. Movement-coupled replication at PD may be distinct from the main bulk of replication and virus accumulation, which produces progeny virions for plant-to-plant transmission. Thus, MCS play a central role in plant virus infections, and may provide a link between two essential steps in the viral life cycle, replication and movement. Here, we provide an overview of plant virus-MCS interactions identified to date, and place these in the context of the connection between viral replication and cell-to-cell movement.

A role for the endoplasmic reticulum in the cell-to-cell movement of SHORT-ROOT

Plasmodesmata enable the trafficking of various signaling molecules, as well as viruses that exploit these channels for their intercellular movement. Viral movement relies on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), which serves as a stable platform for the assembly of viral replication complexes and their subsequent shuttling toward plasmodesmata. The role of the ER in the intercellular movement of endogenous proteins is less clear. In the root meristem, the mobile transcription factor SHORT-ROOT (SHR) traffics between cell layers to regulate root radial patterning and differentiation. Movement of SHR is a regulated process that requires several cellular factors including the endomembrane system, intact microtubules and an endosome-associated protein named SHR-interacting-embryonic-lethal (SIEL). Recently, we found that KINESIN G (KinG) interacts with both SIEL and microtubules to support the cell-to-cell movement of SHR. Here, we provide evidence that both SHR-associated endosomes and KinG localize to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and that movement of SHR-associated endosomes occurs on the ER. Moreover, we show that compromised ER structure leads to a reduction in the cell-to-cell movement of SHR. Collectively, these results support the hypothesis that the ER plays a role in SHR movement.

A cytorhabdovirus phosphoprotein forms mobile inclusions trafficked on the actin/ER network for viral RNA synthesis

As obligate parasites, plant viruses usually hijack host cytoskeletons for replication and movement. Rhabdoviruses are enveloped, negative-stranded RNA viruses that infect vertebrates, invertebrates, and plants, but the mechanisms of intracellular trafficking of plant rhabdovirus proteins are largely unknown. Here, we used Barley yellow striate mosaic virus (BYSMV), a plant cytorhabdovirus, as a model to investigate the effects of the actin cytoskeleton on viral intracellular movement and viral RNA synthesis in a mini-replicon (MR) system. The BYSMV P protein forms mobile inclusion bodies that are trafficked along the actin/endoplasmic reticulum network, and recruit the N and L proteins into viroplasm-like structures. Deletion analysis showed that the N terminal region (aa 43-55) and the remaining region (aa 56-295) of BYSMV P are essential for the mobility and formation of inclusions, respectively. Overexpression of myosin XI-K tails completely abolishes the trafficking activity of P bodies, and is accompanied by a significant reduction of viral MR RNA synthesis. These results suggest that BYSMV P contributes to the formation and trafficking of viroplasm-like structures along the ER/actin network driven by myosin XI-K. Thus, rhabdovirus P appears to be a dynamic hub protein for efficient recruitment of viral proteins, thereby promoting viral RNA synthesis.

Specificity of Plant Rhabdovirus Cell-to-Cell Movement

Positive-stranded RNA virus movement proteins (MPs) generally lack sequence-specific nucleic acid-binding activities and display cross-family movement complementarity with related and unrelated viruses. Negative-stranded RNA plant rhabdoviruses encode MPs with limited structural and functional relatedness with other plant virus counterparts, but the precise mechanisms of intercellular transport are obscure. In this study, we first analyzed the abilities of MPs encoded by five distinct rhabdoviruses to support cell-to-cell movement of two positive-stranded RNA viruses by using trans-complementation assays. Each of the five rhabdovirus MPs complemented the movement of MP-defective mutants of tomato mosaic virus and potato X virus. In contrast, movement of recombinant MP deletion mutants of sonchus yellow net nucleorhabdovirus (SYNV) and tomato yellow mottle-associated cytorhabdovirus (TYMaV) was rescued only by their corresponding MPs, i.e., SYNV sc4 and TYMaV P3. Subcellular fractionation analyses revealed that SYNV sc4 and TYMaV P3 were peripherally associated with cell membranes. A split-ubiquitin membrane yeast two-hybrid assay demonstrated specific interactions of the membrane-associated rhabdovirus MPs only with their cognate nucleoproteins (N) and phosphoproteins (P). More importantly, SYNV sc4-N and sc4-P interactions directed a proportion of the N-P complexes from nuclear sites of replication to punctate loci at the cell periphery that partially colocalized with the plasmodesmata. Our data show that cell-to-cell movement of plant rhabdoviruses is highly specific and suggest that cognate MP-nucleocapsid core protein interactions are required for intra- and intercellular trafficking.IMPORTANCE Local transport of plant rhabdoviruses likely involves the passage of viral nucleocapsids through MP-gated plasmodesmata, but the molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. We have conducted complementation assays with MPs encoded by five distinct rhabdoviruses to assess their movement specificity. Each of the rhabdovirus MPs complemented the movement of MP-defective mutants of two positive-stranded RNA viruses that have different movement strategies. In marked contrast, cell-to-cell movement of two recombinant plant rhabdoviruses was highly specific in requiring their cognate MPs. We have shown that these rhabdovirus MPs are localized to the cell periphery and associate with cellular membranes, and that they interact only with their cognate nucleocapsid core proteins. These interactions are able to redirect viral nucleocapsid core proteins from their sites of replication to the cell periphery. Our study provides a model for the specific inter- and intracellular trafficking of plant rhabdoviruses that may be applicable to other negative-stranded RNA viruses.

Key checkpoints in the movement of plant viruses through the host

Plant viruses cannot exploit any of the membrane fusion-based routes of entry described for animal viruses. In addition, one of the distinctive structures of plant cells, the cell wall, acts as the first barrier against the invasion of pathogens. To overcome the rigidity of the cell wall, plant viruses normally take advantage of the way of life of different biological vectors. Alternatively, the physical damage caused by environmental stresses can facilitate virus entry. Once inside the cell and taking advantage of the characteristic symplastic continuity of plant cells, viruses need to remodel and/or modify the restricted pore size of the plasmodesmata (channels that connect plant cells). In a successful interaction for the virus, it can reach the vascular tissue to systematically invade the plant. The connections between the different cell types in this path are not designed to allow the passage of molecules with the complexity of viruses. During this process, viruses face different cell barriers that must be overcome to reach the distal parts of the plant. In this review, we highlight the current knowledge about how plant RNA viruses enter plant cells, move between them to reach vascular cells and overcome the different physical and cellular barriers that the phloem imposes. Finally, we update the current research on cellular organelles as key regulator checkpoints in the long-distance movement of plant viruses.

Early Transcriptional Response to DNA Virus Infection in Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

We previously determined that virions of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum hypovirulence associated DNA virus 1 (SsHADV-1) could directly infect hyphae of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, resulting in hypovirulence of the fungal host. However, the molecular mechanisms of SsHADV-1 virions disruption of the fungal cell wall barrier and entrance into the host cell are still unclear. To investigate the early response of S. sclerotiorum to SsHADV-1 infection, S. sclerotiorum hyphae were inoculated with purified SsHADV-1 virions. The pre- and post-infection hyphae were collected at one–three hours post-inoculation for transcriptome analysis. Further, bioinformatic analysis showed that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) regulated by SsHADV-1 infection were identified in S. sclerotiorum. In total, 187 genes were differentially expressed, consisting of more up-regulated (114) than down-regulated (73) genes. The identified DEGs were involved in several important pathways. Metabolic processes, biosynthesis of antibiotics, and secondary metabolites were the most affected categories in S. sclerotiorum upon SsHADV-1 infection. Cell structure analysis suggested that 26% of the total DEGs were related to membrane tissues. Furthermore, 10 and 27 DEGs were predicted to be located in the cell membrane and mitochondria, respectively. Gene ontology enrichment analyses of the DEGs were performed, followed by functional annotation of the genes. Interestingly, one third of the annotated functional DEGs could be involved in the Ras-small G protein signal transduction pathway. These results revealed that SsHADV-1 virions may be able to bind host membrane proteins and influence signal transduction through Ras-small G protein-coupled receptors during early infection, providing new insight towards the molecular mechanisms of virions infection in S. sclerotiorum.

A Distinct, Non-Virion Plant Virus Movement Protein Encoded by a Crinivirus Essential for Systemic Infection

Plant-infecting viruses utilize various strategies involving multiple viral and host factors to achieve successful systemic infections of their compatible hosts. Lettuce infectious yellows virus (LIYV), genus Crinivirus, family Closteroviridae, has long, filamentous flexuous virions and causes phloem-limited infections in its plant hosts. The LIYV-encoded P26 is a distinct non-virion protein that shows no similarities to proteins in current databases: it induces plasmalemma deposits over plasmadesmata (PD) pit fields and is speculated to have roles in LIYV virion transport within infected plants. In this study, P26 was demonstrated to be a PD-localized protein, and its biological significance was tested in planta by mutagenesis analysis. An LIYV P26 knockout mutant (P26X) showed viral RNA replication and virion formation in inoculated leaves of Nicotiana benthamiana plants, but failed to give systemic infection. Confirmation by using a modified green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged LIYV P26X showed GFP accumulation only in infiltrated leaf tissues, while wild-type LIYV GFP readily spread systemically in the phloem. Attempts to rescue P26X by complementation in trans were negative. However a translocated LIYV P26 gene in the LIYV genome rescued systemic infection, but P26 orthologs from other criniviruses did not. Mutagenesis in planta assays showed that deletions in P26, as well as 2 of 11 specific alanine-scanning mutants, abolished the ability to systemically infect N. benthamianaIMPORTANCE Plant viruses encode specific proteins that facilitate their ability to establish multicellular/systemic infections in their host plants. Relatively little is known of the transport mechanisms for plant viruses whose infections are phloem limited, including those of the family Closteroviridae. These viruses have complex, long filamentous virions that spread through the phloem. Lettuce infectious yellows virus (LIYV) encodes a non-virion protein, P26, which forms plasmalemma deposits over plasmodesmata pit fields, and LIYV virions are consistently found attached to those deposits. Here we demonstrate that P26 is a unique movement protein required for LIYV systemic infection in plants. LIYV P26 shows no sequence similarities to other proteins, but other criniviruses encode P26 orthologs. However, these failed to complement movement of LIYV P26 mutants.

Turnip Mosaic Virus Uses the SNARE Protein VTI11 in an Unconventional Route for Replication Vesicle Trafficking

Infection of plant cells by RNA viruses leads to the generation of organelle-like subcellular structures that contain the viral replication complex. During Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) infection of Nicotiana benthamiana, the viral membrane protein 6K2 plays a key role in the release of motile replication vesicles from the host endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Here, we demonstrate that 6K2 contains a GxxxG motif within its predicted transmembrane domain that is vital for TuMV infection. Replacement of the Gly with Val within this motif inhibited virus production, and this was due to a relocation of the viral protein to the Golgi apparatus and the plasma membrane. This indicated that passage of 6K2 through the Golgi apparatus is a dead-end avenue for virus infection. Impairing the fusion of transport vesicles between the ER and the Golgi apparatus by overexpression of the SNARE Sec22 protein resulted in enhanced intercellular virus movement. Likewise, expression of nonfunctional, Golgi-located synaptotagmin during infection enhanced TuMV intercellular movement. 6K2 copurified with VTI11, a prevacuolar compartment SNARE protein. An Arabidopsis thaliana vti11 mutant was completely resistant to TuMV infection. We conclude that TuMV replication vesicles bypass the Golgi apparatus and take an unconventional pathway that may involve prevacuolar compartments/multivesicular bodies for virus infection.

Dissecting the Subcellular Localization, Intracellular Trafficking, Interactions, Membrane Association, and Topology of Citrus Leprosis Virus C Proteins

Citrus leprosis (CL) is a re-emergent viral disease affecting citrus crops in the Americas, and citrus leprosis virus C (CiLV-C), belonging to the genus Cilevirus, is the main pathogen responsible for the disease. Despite the economic importance of CL to the citrus industry, very little is known about the performance of viral proteins. Here, we present a robust in vivo study around functionality of p29, p15, p61, MP, and p24 CiLV-C proteins in the host cells. The intracellular sub-localization of all those viral proteins in plant cells are shown, and their co-localization with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), Golgi complex (GC) (p15, MP, p61 and p24), actin filaments (p29, p15 and p24), nucleus (p15), and plasmodesmata (MP) are described. Several features are disclosed, including i) ER remodeling and redistribution of GC apparatus, ii) trafficking of the p29 and MP along the ER network system, iii) self-interaction of the p29, p15, and p24 and hetero-association between p29-p15, p29-MP, p29-p24, and p15-MP proteins in vivo. We also showed that all proteins are associated with biological membranes; whilst p15 is peripherally associated, p29, p24, and MP are integrally bound to cell membranes. Furthermore, while p24 exposes an N-cytoplasm-C-lumen topology, p29, and p15 are oriented toward the cytoplasmic face of the biological membrane. Based on our findings, we discuss the possible performance of each protein in the context of infection and a hypothetical model encompassing the virus spread and sites for replication and particle assembly is suggested.

Joining the Crowd: Integrating Plant Virus Proteins into the Larger World of Pathogen Effectors

The first bacterial and viral avirulence ( avr) genes were cloned in 1984. Although virus and bacterial avr genes were physically isolated in the same year, the questions associated with their characterization after discovery were very different, and these differences had a profound influence on the narrative of host-pathogen interactions for the past 30 years. Bacterial avr proteins were subsequently shown to suppress host defenses, leading to their reclassification as effectors, whereas research on viral avr proteins centered on their role in the viral infection cycle rather than their effect on host defenses. Recent studies that focus on the multifunctional nature of plant virus proteins have shown that some virus proteins are capable of suppression of the same host defenses as bacterial effectors. This is exemplified by the P6 protein of Cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV), a multifunctional plant virus protein that facilitates several steps in the infection, including modulation of host defenses. This review highlights the modular structure and multifunctional nature of CaMV P6 and illustrates its similarities to other, well-established pathogen effectors.

Targeting of rice grassy stunt virus pc6 protein to plasmodesmata requires the ER-to-Golgi secretory pathway and an actin-myosin VIII motility system

The nonstructural protein pc6 encoded by rice grassy stunt virus (RGSV) plays a significant role in viral cell-to-cell movement, presumably by transport through plasmodesmata (PD). We confirmed the association of pc6 with PD, and also elucidated the mechanisms of protein targeting to PD. Several inhibitor treatments showed conclusively that pc6 is targeted to PD via the ER-to-Golgi secretory system and actin filaments. In addition, VIII-1 myosin was also found to be involved in pc6 PD targeting. Deletion mutants demonstrated that C-terminal amino acid residues 209-229 (transmembrane domain 2; TM2) are essential for pc6 to move through PD.

A Salutary Role of Reactive Oxygen Species in Intercellular Tunnel-Mediated Communication

The reactive oxygen species, generally labeled toxic due to high reactivity without target specificity, are gradually uncovered as signaling molecules involved in a myriad of biological processes. But one important feature of ROS roles in macromolecule movement has not caught attention until recent studies with technique advance and design elegance have shed lights on ROS signaling for intercellular and interorganelle communication. This review begins with the discussions of genetic and chemical studies on the regulation of symplastic dye movement through intercellular tunnels in plants (plasmodesmata), and focuses on the ROS regulatory mechanisms concerning macromolecule movement including small RNA-mediated gene silencing movement and protein shuttling between cells. Given the premise that intercellular tunnels (bridges) in mammalian cells are the key physical structures to sustain intercellular communication, movement of macromolecules and signals is efficiently facilitated by ROS-induced membrane protrusions formation, which is analogously applied to the interorganelle communication in plant cells. Although ROS regulatory differences between plant and mammalian cells exist, the basis for ROS-triggered conduit formation underlies a unifying conservative theme in multicellular organisms. These mechanisms may represent the evolutionary advances that have enabled multicellularity to gain the ability to generate and utilize ROS to govern material exchanges between individual cells in oxygenated environment.

Efficient Detection of Long dsRNA in Vitro and in Vivo Using the dsRNA Binding Domain from FHV B2 Protein

Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) plays essential functions in many biological processes, including the activation of innate immune responses and RNA interference. dsRNA also represents the genetic entity of some viruses and is a hallmark of infections by positive-sense single-stranded RNA viruses. Methods for detecting dsRNA rely essentially on immunological approaches and their use is often limited to in vitro applications, although recent developments have allowed the visualization of dsRNA in vivo. Here, we report the sensitive and rapid detection of long dsRNA both in vitro and in vivo using the dsRNA binding domain of the B2 protein from Flock house virus. In vitro, we adapted the system for the detection of dsRNA either enzymatically by northwestern blotting or by direct fluorescence labeling on fixed samples. In vivo, we produced stable transgenic Nicotiana benthamiana lines allowing the visualization of dsRNA by fluorescence microscopy. Using these techniques, we were able to discriminate healthy and positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus-infected material in plants and insect cells. In N. benthamiana, our system proved to be very potent for the spatio-temporal visualization of replicative RNA intermediates of a broad range of positive-sense RNA viruses, including high- vs. low-copy number viruses.

Altered Subcellular Localization of a Tobacco Membrane Raft-Associated Remorin Protein by Tobamovirus Infection and Transient Expression of Viral Replication and Movement Proteins

Remorins are plant specific proteins found in plasma membrane microdomains (termed lipid or membrane rafts) and plasmodesmata. A potato remorin is reported to be involved in negatively regulating potexvirus movement and plasmodesmal permeability. In this study, we isolated cDNAs of tobacco remorins (NtREMs) and examined roles of an NtREM in infection by tomato mosaic virus (ToMV). Subcellular localization analysis using fluorescently tagged NtREM, ToMV, and viral replication and movement proteins (MPs) indicated that virus infection and transient expression of the viral proteins promoted the formation of NtREM aggregates by altering the subcellular distribution of NtREM, which was localized uniformly on the plasma membrane under normal conditions. NtREM aggregates were often observed associated closely with endoplasmic reticulum networks and bodies of the 126K replication and MPs. The bimolecular fluorescence complementation assay indicated that NtREM might interact directly with the MP on the plasma membrane and around plasmodesmata. In addition, transient overexpression of NtREM facilitated ToMV cell-to-cell movement. Based on these results, we discuss possible roles of the tobacco remorin in tobamovirus movement.

Three-Dimensional Architecture and Biogenesis of Membrane Structures Associated with Plant Virus Replication

Positive-sense (+) RNA viruses represent the most abundant group of viruses and are dependent on the host cell machinery to replicate. One remarkable feature that occurs after (+) RNA virus entry into cells is the remodeling of host endomembranes, leading to the formation of viral replication factories. Recently, rapid progress in three-dimensional (3D) imaging technologies, such as electron tomography (ET) and focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM), has enabled researchers to visualize the novel membrane structures induced by viruses at high resolution. These 3D imaging technologies provide new mechanistic insights into the viral infection cycle. In this review, we summarize the latest reports on the cellular remodeling that occurs during plant virus infection; in particular, we focus on studies that provide 3D architectural information on viral replication factories. We also outline the mechanisms underlying the formation of these membranous structures and discuss possible future research directions.

The roles of membranes and associated cytoskeleton in plant virus replication and cell-to-cell movement

The infection of plants by viruses depends on cellular mechanisms that support the replication of the viral genomes, and the cell-to-cell and systemic movement of the virus via plasmodesmata (PD) and the connected phloem. While the propagation of some viruses requires the conventional endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-Golgi pathway, others replicate and spread between cells in association with the ER and are independent of this pathway. Using selected viruses as examples, this review re-examines the involvement of membranes and the cytoskeleton during virus infection and proposes potential roles of class VIII myosins and membrane-tethering proteins in controlling viral functions at specific ER subdomains, such as cortical microtubule-associated ER sites, ER-plasma membrane contact sites, and PD.

Molecular Biology of Prune Dwarf Virus-A Lesser Known Member of the Bromoviridae but a Vital Component in the Dynamic Virus-Host Cell Interaction Network

Prune dwarf virus (PDV) is one of the members of Bromoviridae family, genus Ilarvirus. Host components that participate in the regulation of viral replication or cell-to-cell movement via plasmodesmata are still unknown. In contrast, viral infections caused by some other Bromoviridae members are well characterized. Bromoviridae can be distinguished based on localization of their replication process in infected cells, cell-to-cell movement mechanisms, and plant-specific response reactions. Depending upon the genus, "genome activation" and viral replication are linked to various membranous structures ranging from endoplasmic reticulum, to tonoplast. In the case of PDV, there is still no evidence of natural resistance sources in the host plants susceptible to virus infection. Apparently, PDV has a great ability to overcome the natural defense responses in a wide spectrum of plant hosts. The first manifestations of PDV infection are specific cell membrane alterations, and the formation of replicase complexes that support PDV RNA replication inside the spherules. During each stage of its life cycle, the virus uses cell components to replicate and to spread in whole plants, within the largely suppressed cellular immunity environment. This work presents the above stages of the PDV life cycle in the context of current knowledge about other Bromoviridae members.