Comparison of (2'-5') oligo-adenylate synthetase and interferon blood-levels in mice early after viral infection

Sindbis virus translation is inhibited by a PKR/RNase L-independent effector induced by alpha/beta interferon priming of dendritic cells

The tropism of Sindbis virus (SB) for cells of the dendritic cell (DC) lineage and the virulence of SB in vivo are largely determined by the efficacy of alpha/beta interferon (IFN-alpha/beta)-mediated antiviral responses. These responses are essentially intact in the absence of PKR and/or RNase L (K. D. Ryman, L. J. White, R. E. Johnston, and W. B. Klimstra, Viral Immunol. 15:53-76, 2002). In the present studies, we investigated the nature of antiviral effects and identity of antiviral effectors primed by IFN-alpha/beta treatment of bone marrow-derived DCs (BMDCs) generated from mice deficient in PKR and RNase L (TD). IFN-alpha/beta priming exerted significant antiviral activity at very early stages of SB replication and most likely inhibited the initial translation of infecting genomes. The early effect targeted cap-dependent translation as protein synthesis from an SB-like and a simple RNA were inhibited by interferon treatment, but an encephalomyocarditis virus internal ribosome entry site-driven element exhibited no inhibition. Phosphorylation of the alpha subunit of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 was defective after virus infection of TD cells, suggesting other mechanisms of translation inhibition. To identify components of these alternative antiviral pathway(s), we have compared global gene regulation in BMDCs derived from normal 129 Sv/Ev, IFNAR1-/-, and TD mice following infection with SB or treatment with IFN-alpha/beta. Candidate effectors of alternative antiviral pathways were those genes induced by virus infection or IFN-alpha/beta treatment in 129 Sv/Ev and TD-derived BMDC but not in virus-infected or IFN-alpha/beta-treated IFNAR1-/- cells. Statistical analyses of gene array data identified 44 genes that met these criteria which are discussed.

Effects of PKR/RNase L-dependent and alternative antiviral pathways on alphavirus replication and pathogenesis

Type I interferons (IFN-alpha/beta) rapidly confer resistance to alphavirus infection in macrophages and dendritic cells (DC) as evidenced by the dramatically increased susceptibility of these cells in mice with the IFNAR1 subunit of the IFN-alpha/beta receptor ablated (IFNAR1-/-). Normal adult mice develop only a subclinical Sindbis virus infection, whereas infected IFNAR1-/- mice rapidly succumb to a fatal disease. Here, we investigated the individual and combined contributions of the two best characterized INF-alpha/beta-mediated antiviral pathways to the control of Sindbis virus replication: (1) the coupled 2-5A synthetase/RNase L pathway and (2) the double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR) pathway. Surprisingly, mice deficient in PKR, RNase L, and Mx-1 (triply-deficient [TD]) developed only subclinical infection. Although the permissivity of cells in lymph nodes draining the inoculation site was increased in the absence of PKR/RNase L, systemic dissemination of the virus infection was restricted by an alternative IFN-alpha/beta receptor-dependent mechanism. In vitro, suppression of early virus protein synthesis and virion production in primary bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDC) was largely dependent on the PKR pathway. However, later in infection virion production was reduced even in the absence of PKR/RNase L by an IFN-alpha/beta receptor-dependent mechanism. Priming of BMDC with IFN-alpha/beta or IFN-gamma resulted in dose-dependent restriction of virus replication, largely independent of PKR and/or RNase L expression.

The 2-5A system: modulation of viral and cellular processes through acceleration of RNA degradation

The 2-5A system is an RNA degradation pathway that can be induced by the interferons (IFNs). Treatment of cells with IFN activates genes encoding several double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-dependent synthetases. These enzymes generate 5'-triphosphorylated, 2',5'-phosphodiester-linked oligoadenylates (2-5A) from ATP. The effects of 2-5A in cells are transient since 2-5A is unstable in cells due to the activities of phosphodiesterase and phosphatase. 2-5A activates the endoribonuclease 2-5A-dependent RNase L, causing degradation of single-stranded RNA with moderate specificity. The human 2-5A-dependent RNase is an 83.5 kDa polypeptide that has little, if any, RNase activity, unless 2-5A is present. 2-5A binding to RNase L switches the enzyme from its off-state to its on-state. At least three 2',5'-linked oligoadenylates and a single 5'-phosphoryl group are required for maximal activation of the RNase. Even though the constitutive presence of 2-5A-dependent RNase is observed in nearly all mammalian cell types, cellular amounts of 2-5A-dependent mRNA and activity can increase after IFN treatment. One well-established role of the 2-5A system is as a host defense against some types of viruses. Since virus infection of cells results in the production and secretion of IFNs, and since dsRNA is both a frequent product of virus infection and an activator of 2-5A synthesis, the replication of encephalomyocarditis virus, which produces dsRNA during its life cycle, is greatly suppressed in IFN-treated cells as a direct result of RNA decay by the activated 2-5A-dependent RNase. This review covers the organic chemistry, enzymology, and molecular biology of 2-5A and its associated enzymes. Additional possible biological roles of the 2-5A system, such as in cell growth and differentiation, human immunodeficiency virus replication, heat shock, atherosclerotic plaque, pathogenesis of Type I diabetes, and apoptosis, are presented.

Evidence for a deficiency of interferon response in mononuclear cells from hepatitis C viremic patients

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The pathophysiology of chronic hepatitis C and the mechanisms of resistance to interferon alpha are poorly understood. The aim of this work was to assess the influence of HCV infection and the viral genotype on lymphocyte production of 2',5' oligo-adenylate synthetase activity and monocyte production of TNF alpha and IL1 beta.

METHODS

Mononuclear cells from 50 consecutive patients were studied after 6 months of interferon treatment. Patients with persistent viremia (PCR-positive, elevated ALT, n = 39) were compared with the PCR-negative patients with normal ALT activity (n = 11) of similar age and sex ratio.

RESULTS

Cells from the viremic patients showed lower basal and stimulated 2',5' oligo-adenylate synthetase activity, and a lower in vitro response capacity to human recombinant interferon. In contrast, no difference was observed in basal and stimulated TNF alpha or IL1 beta production between the two groups. In the PCR-positive patients the viral genotype had no significant influence on the response of mononuclear cells to interferon or endotoxin.

CONCLUSIONS

These results show that the presence of HCV in blood is associated with an elective defect in interferon system activation, independently of the viral genotype.

High concentrations of 2-5A, the interferon intracellular mediator, in the blood of children with acute viral infections

We measured the concentration of 2-5A (2',5'-oligoadenylate), an intracellular mediator of the antiviral action of interferon, in the blood of children with acute viral and bacterial infectious diseases. 2-5A concentration was found to be elevated in several children with viral diseases. This elevation seemed transient and was not specific for viral infections. We provide arguments for the use of 2-5A as a marker of the evolution of diagnosed viral diseases.

Inhibition of lymphocyte recirculation by murine interferon: effects of various interferon preparations and timing of administration

The effects of highly purified and/or recombinant interferon (IFN)-alpha/beta, IFN-alpha, IFN-beta, IFN-gamma, and the IFN-inducer, poly(I):poly(C), on the circulation of peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) and thoracic duct lymphocytes (TDL) of (BALB/cJ x C57Bl/6J)F1 mice were examined. Although all IFN classes could depress significantly the number of circulating PBL and TDL when given at sufficient doses, IFN-alpha appeared to be the most potent. Phenotypic analysis of lymphocytes in the blood and lymph during the decrease induced by IFN suggests that IFN-alpha/beta and IFN-alpha preferentially decrease the Lyt-2+, or suppressor/cytotoxic, subset. Timing of IFN administration was found to be an important factor. Repeated administration of IFN-alpha/beta once a day for 3 days produced continuous suppression of the number of circulating PBL. Administration of either IFN-alpha/beta or IFN-gamma in the evening resulted in a longer and more extensive inhibition of PBL circulation than when IFN was administered in the morning. Our results suggest that the leukopenia observed in many patients undergoing IFN therapy may, in part, be attributed to decreased lymphocyte recirculation, and that the timing of IFN administration may be important in maximizing its therapeutic index.

Interferon-associated lymphocyte 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase in acute and chronic viral hepatitis

Basal levels of the interferon-associated enzyme 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase were studied in lymphocytes of 46 patients with acute viral hepatitis and in 46 patients with chronic hepatitis B. Measurement of in vitro production of 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase following overnight incubation of lymphocytes with exogenous interferon was used to assess functional capacity of the lymphocyte interferon system. In acute hepatitis patients, an early but transient elevation of 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase was observed; the mean level at 1 week was significantly greater than the mean level at 4 weeks after the onset of their illness (p less than 0.01). Serial 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase levels did not identify those patients who were to progress to chronic hepatitis. Patients with chronic hepatitis B infection, regardless of background liver histology, generally had normal basal lymphocyte 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase levels. In both acute viral hepatitis and chronic hepatitis B, there was an inverse correlation between basal 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase level and 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase response to overnight incubation with interferon, a finding that suggested a transient down-regulation of interferon responsiveness. These findings provided no support for the hypothesis that there is an inherent or persistently induced deficiency in the interferon system in acute or chronic hepatitis B.

Induction and measurement of 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase in Madin-Darby bovine kidney cells and in cattle

2',5'-Oligoadenylate [2',5'-oligo(A)] was separated from 14C-labeled nucleosides produced in the 2',5'-oligo(A) synthetase assay by using 100-microliters columns of Dowex 1. No detectable nucleoside remained on the column after elution with 20 column volumes of water, whereas less than 1% of oligonucleotides were eluted from the column. At least 99% of oligonucleotides were eluted from the column with 1 M NaCl, pH 2. The major product had properties consistent with 2',5'-oligo(A). Exposure to alpha-1 bovine interferon (IFN) caused an increase in cellular 2',5'-oligo(A) synthetase activity which was proportional to the concentration of IFN in the medium up to 10(4) U of IFN per ml and then leveled off at about 15 X control activity. Under the assay conditions used, 2',5'-oligo(A) synthetase activity was directly proportional to the amount of cell extract over a 10-fold range. Cattle inoculated with IBR/BVD/PI-3 modified live virus vaccine showed an increase in 2',5'-oligo(A) synthetase activity in peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes which persisted for at least 3 days postvaccination. Intramuscular injection of cattle with IFN caused a similar increase in 2',5'-oligo(A) synthetase activity. Changes in 2',5'-oligo(A) synthetase activity should be of value in (i) assessing the response of cattle to experimental viral infections or inoculations with viral vaccines or IFN or (ii) indicating a possible viral etiology in disease.

The relationship of serum alpha-interferon and ultrastructural markers in HIV-seropositive individuals

Two inclusions of the endoplasmic reticulum, tubuloreticular inclusion (TRI) and cylindrical confronting cisternae (CCC), are common to lymphocytes from individuals with AIDS and AIDS-related conditions. Both inclusions can be induced in vitro with alpha-interferon (IFN). IFN may also be elevated in both populations. Circulating lymphocytes containing TRI are seen prior to the appearance of serum IFN. CCC appear in circulating lymphocytes after TRI, and both regularly antedate the diagnosis of AIDS. As in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), it can be hypothesized that lymphocytes exposed locally to IFN acquire TRI and then appear in the peripheral blood to be followed subsequently by IFN. The data strongly suggest that the appearance of these markers may predict the progression to AIDS.

Injection of mice with antibody to mouse interferon alpha/beta decreases the level of 2'-5' oligoadenylate synthetase in peritoneal macrophages

Injection of conventional or axenic weanling mice with potent sheep or goat antibody to mouse interferon alpha/beta resulted in a decrease in the basal level of 2-5A synthetase in resting peritoneal macrophages and rendered these cells permissive for vesicular stomatitis virus. There was a good inverse correlation between the level of 2-5A synthetase in peritoneal macrophages and the permissivity of these cells for vesicular stomatitis virus. The peritoneal macrophages of 1- and 2-week-old mice had low levels of 2-5A synthetase and were permissive for vesicular stomatitis virus, whereas at 3 weeks (and after) there was a marked increase in the level of 2-5A synthetase in peritoneal macrophages, and these cells were no longer permissive for vesicular stomatitis virus. We suggest that low levels of interferon alpha or beta or both are produced in normal mice, and that this interferon contributes to host defense by inducing and maintaining an antiviral state in some cells.

Interferon-induced 2-5A synthetase activity in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells after immunization with influenza virus and rubella virus vaccines

The interferon-induced enzyme 2-5A synthetase can be a sensitive indicator of activation of the human interferon system during viral infection or interferon therapy. To determine the response of the human interferon system to viral antigens, the level of 2-5A synthetase activity was monitored in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of healthy adults before and after immunization with influenza or rubella virus vaccine. The influenza virus-vaccinated individuals demonstrated increases in enzyme activity on days 1 and 11 in vivo, whereas those vaccinated with rubella virus vaccine showed an increase only on day 11. The difference in the day 1 in vivo 2-5A synthetase response in the two vaccinated groups could be demonstrated by in vitro incubations of peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated approximately 90 days postvaccination with the two vaccines. The day 11 increase of enzyme activity in the rubella virus group showed a positive correlation with an increase in serum antibody titer, suggesting activation of the interferon system during antibody production in vivo after human exposure to virus antigens. The demonstration of increased 2-5A synthetase activity at specific times postimmunization in this investigation indicates that the interferon system is involved in the human in vivo response to virus vaccination.

A sensitive immunoenzymometric assay for 2',5'-oligoadenylate. Detection of elevated 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase in human peripheral mononuclear cells

A competition immunoenzymometric assay for 2',5'-oligoadenylate was developed and employed to measure the interferon-inducible enzyme 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase in cell extracts. Microtiter plates coated with a novel conjugate of p5'A2'p5'A2'p5'A and N-(2-aminoethyl)-carbamylmethylated-Ficoll (AECM-Ficoll) bound rabbit polyclonal or mouse monoclonal antibody directed against 2',5'-oligoadenylate. Binding was inhibited by soluble 2',5'-oligoadenylate. Estimates of 2',5'-oligoadenylate concentrations based on inhibition of antibody binding compared favorably with those obtained using a protein synthesis inhibition assay. Low concentrations of 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthesized in vitro by extracts of human peripheral mononuclear cells were conveniently estimated using less than or equal to 10(6) cells. Virtually identical results were obtained when either total extract or synthetase bound to poly(I) . poly(C)-agarose was used for the in vitro incubation. When peripheral mononuclear cells were incubated in vitro with interferon, the normally low levels of 2',5'-oligo(A) synthetase rose dramatically. The assay was employed to measure synthetase levels in peripheral mononuclear cells isolated from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Some of these patients were found to have elevated levels of 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase.

Involvement of interferon in virus-induced lymphopenia

Intraperitoneal injection of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) into mice causes marked and rapid changes in leukocyte distribution. The virus induces an increase in peripheral blood (PB) granulocytes and an extensive decrease in the lymphocyte count which reaches a nadir of less than 10% of preinfection values, 12 hr after virus inoculation. In the lymph nodes and spleen extensive lymphocyte translocation and granulocyte infiltration are observed. Most changes abate 48 hr following virus inoculation. Injection of poly(rI):(rC) causes similar changes to those observed with VSV. The lymphocyte changes observed after injection of VSV or poly(rI):(rC) coincide with high levels of interferon (IFN) in the serum. We have examined the effects of anti-IFN antibody on those changes and investigated whether they can be mimicked by injecting IFN. Our findings suggest that the IFN induced by VSV or poly(rI):(rC), rather than those agents themselves, causes the observed lymphopenia as well as some of the changes observed in the spleen. On the other hand, the effects of VSV on granulocyte localization do not appear to be mediated by IFN.

Interferon-induced 2'-5' adenylate synthetase in vivo and interferon production in vitro by lymphocytes from systemic lupus erythematosus patients with and without circulating interferon

The interferon (IFN)-induced enzyme 2-5A synthetase was elevated in mononuclear cells from both serum IFN-positive and -negative systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. This suggests that a much higher percentage of patients than previously thought produce endogenous IFN. These results may partly explain findings that mononuclear cells from SLE patients are deficient in IFN production in vitro in response to certain IFN inducers. Although normal lymphocytes can produce an acid-labile alpha IFN after stimulation with C. parvum in vitro, the reason for endogenous production of this unusual alpha IFN by SLE patients remains unknown.