Double-stranded ribonuclease coinduced with interferon

Amelioration of influenza virus pathogenesis in chickens attributed to the enhanced interferon-inducing capacity of a virus with a truncated NS1 gene

Avian influenza virus (AIV) A/turkey/Oregon/71-SEPRL (TK/OR/71-SEPRL) (H7N3) encodes a full-length NS1 protein and is a weak inducer of interferon (IFN). A variant, TK/OR/71-delNS1 (H7N3), produces a truncated NS1 protein and is a strong inducer of IFN. These otherwise genetically related variants differ 20-fold in their capacities to induce IFN in primary chicken embryo cells but are similar in their sensitivities to the action of IFN. Furthermore, the weak IFN-inducing strain actively suppresses IFN induction in cells that are otherwise programmed to produce it. These phenotypic differences are attributed to the enhanced IFN-inducing capacity that characterizes type A influenza virus strains that produce defective NS1 protein. The pathogenesis of these two variants was evaluated in 1-day-old and 4-week-old chickens. The cell tropisms of both viruses were similar. However, the lesions in chickens produced by the weak IFN inducer were more severe and differed somewhat in character from those observed for the strong IFN inducer. Differences in lesions included the nature of inflammation, the rate of resolution of the infection, and the extent of viral replication and/or virus dissemination. The amelioration of pathogenesis is attributed to the higher levels of IFN produced by the variant encoding the truncated NS1 protein and the antiviral state subsequently induced by that IFN. The high titer of virus observed in kidney tissue ( approximately 10(9) 50% embryo lethal doses/g) from 1-day-old chickens infected intravenously by the weak IFN-inducing strain is attributed to the capacity of chicken kidney cells to activate the hemagglutinin fusion peptide along with their unresponsiveness to inducers of IFN as measured in vitro. Thus, the IFN-inducing capacity of AIV appears to be a significant factor in regulating the pathogenesis, virulence, and viral transmission of AIV in chickens. This suggests that the IFN-inducing and IFN induction suppression phenotypes of AIV should be considered when characterizing strains of influenza virus.

Interferon induction and/or production and its suppression by influenza A viruses

Developmentally aged chicken embryo cells which hyperproduce interferon (IFN) when induced were used to quantify IFN production and its suppression by eight strains of type A influenza viruses (AIV). Over 90% of the IFN-inducing or IFN induction-suppressing activity of AIV populations resided in noninfectious particles. The IFN-inducer moiety of AIV appears to preexist in, or be generated by, virions termed IFN-inducing particles (IFP) and was detectable under conditions in which a single molecule of double-stranded RNA introduced into a cell via endocytosis induced IFN, whereas single-stranded RNA did not. Some AIV strains suppressed IFN production, an activity that resided in a noninfectious virion termed an IFN induction-suppressing particle (ISP). The ISP phenotype was dominant over the IFP phenotype. Strains of AIV varied 100-fold in their capacity to induce IFN. AIV genetically compromised in NS1 expression induced about 20 times more IFN than NS1-competent parental strains. UV irradiation further enhanced the IFN-inducing capacity of AIV up to 100-fold, converting ISP into IFP and IFP into more efficient IFP. AIV is known to prevent IFN induction and/or production by expressing NS1 from a small UV target (gene NS). Evidence is presented for an additional downregulator of IFN production, identified as a large UV target postulated to consist of AIV polymerase genes PB1 + PB2 + PA, through the ensuing action of their cap-snatching endonuclease on pre-IFN-mRNA. The products of both the small and large UV targets act in concert to regulate IFN induction and/or production. Knowledge of the IFP/ISP phenotype may be useful in the development of attenuated AIV strains that maximally induce cytokines favorable to the immune response.

An antiviral state induced in Chinook salmon embryo cells (CHSE-214) by transfection with the double-stranded RNA poly I:C

Type I interferons (IFN alpha and beta) convert vertebrate cells into an antiviral state by inducing expression of proteins that inhibit virus replication. In humans and mice, Mx proteins constitute one family of interferon-induced antiviral proteins. Mx genes have recently been cloned from Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout. Moreover, double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) and type I IFN-like activity have been shown to induce Mx protein in salmonid cells. Chinook salmon embryo cells (CHSE-214 cells) have been suggested to have a defect in the IFN-system because the dsRNA polyinosinic polycytidylic acid (poly I:C) failed to induce an antiviral state in the cells. We have studied this phenomenon more closely in the present work. CHSE-214 cells were either transfected with poly I:C or incubated with poly I:C without transfection reagent. The cells were then studied for Mx protein expression and protection against infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) infection. The results showed that cells transfected with poly I:C were protected from IPNV infection, whilst cells incubated with poly I:C were not protected. Cells transfected with the double-stranded DNA poly dI:dC were also not protected against IPNV. Mx protein was expressed in CHSE-214 cells upon transfection with poly I:C, but not after incubation with poly I:C alone. Stimulation of CHSE-214 cells with supernatants from cells transfected with poly I:C, induced protection against IPNV, indicating production of type I IFN-like activity. These results suggest that CHSE-214 cells in fact are able to produce type I IFN, but may have defects in the mechanisms mediating uptake of poly I:C or may degrade unprotected poly I:C.

Natural antisense (rTSalpha) RNA induces site-specific cleavage of thymidylate synthase mRNA

The 3' untranslated region (UTR) of rTSalpha RNA is complementary (i.e., antisense) to human thymidylate synthase (TS) RNA. When HEp2 cells (human epidermoid carcinoma) progressed from late-log to plateau phase growth, ribonuclease protection assay (RPA) revealed an inverse correlation between the levels of rTSalpha RNA and TS mRNA, suggesting a possible effect of rTSalpha RNA on TS mRNA levels. HEp2 cells expressing a Tet-On transactivator were transiently co-transfected with pHook-1 and a construct containing rTSalpha (protein and antisense RNA), rTSalphaDelta3' (rTSalpha protein only), rTSalpha-3' (antisense RNA-luciferase) or luciferase. Transfected cells were selected and evaluated for the effects of induced transgene expression on TS mRNA. Induced expression of transfected rTSalpha or rTSalpha-3', but not rTSalphaDelta3' or luciferase, resulted in decreased TS mRNA levels as measured by RPA. These results demonstrated that the antisense region of rTSalpha RNA is necessary and sufficient for this down-regulation of TS mRNA. RPA for TS mRNA also showed the enhanced appearance of two partial-length protected fragments in rTSalpha or rTSalpha-3' transfected cells. RPA stringency evaluations and primer extension assays indicated that TS mRNA is cleaved in vivo in a site-specific manner. These data demonstrate that rTS gene expression likely plays a role in down-regulating TS through a natural RNA-based antisense mechanism.

Combined sequential treatment with interferon and dsRNA abrogates virus resistance to interferon action

Many viruses have evolved mechanisms to resist the action of interferon (IFN). These include production of viral gene products that sequester double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) and of small helical RNA. These potentially prevent activation of dsRNA-dependent pathways of IFN action or block expression of cellular genes activated exclusively by dsRNA that may contribute to the antiviral state. Thus, dsRNA might be rate limiting in the development of an IFN-mediated antiviral state. In support of this hypothesis, dsRNA added exogenously to IFN-treated cells in the form of poly(rI):poly(rC) is shown to establish in a dose-dependent manner an antiviral state against two viruses otherwise highly refractory to IFN action, avian reovirus (ARV) and Newcaste disease virus (NDV). Cells exposed singly to high doses of IFN or dsRNA reduced the plaque-forming capacity of these viruses on chicken embryo cells 2-fold. When used in combination, there was up to a 100-fold reduction. In order to abrogate IFN resistance, dsRNA must be added after, not before, an IFN-mediated latent antiviral state is established. dsRNA added exogenously is thought to achieve the threshold required for activation of dsRNA-dependent pathways of IFN action or to induce some dsRNA-stimulated gene whose product acts synergistically with that of some IFN-stimulated gene. The combined sequential treatment with IFN and dsRNA may be useful in overcoming the anti-IFN activity of viruses of clinical interest or in other clinical conditions.

Viral double-stranded RNA, cytokines, and the flu

The symptoms of the flu, such as fever, drowsiness, and malaise, are the sole means by which this common clinical syndrome is defined. The syndrome is usually the first clinical manifestation of both acute bacterial and viral infections. In the case of acute bacterial infections, several proinflammatory cytokines induced by bacterial products have been implicated as the causative agents of the flu syndrome. Viruses induce similar cytokines to bacteria, plus substantial amounts of interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha), although the direct association of these cytokines with the viral flu syndrome is less clear. Furthermore, the viral inducer(s) of cytokines has not been defined. The best candidate cytokine inducer associated with a majority of viral infections is virus-associated double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). This review examines the essential physical properties of toxic dsRNA, the cytokines induced by it, its viral and cellular sources, evidence for its presence in infected cells, its quantities in normal and infected cells, its cytotoxic mechanisms, and its cell-penetration properties. Toxic effects of viruses and dsRNA are compared. Energetics and extraction artifact issues are also discussed. Whereas most research on dsRNA toxicity has employed synthetic dsRNA, studies with virus-associated dsRNA are featured when available. Finally, a model for how viral dsRNA might initiate systemic disease is presented.

Enzymatic and antisense effects of a specific anti-Ki-ras ribozyme in vitro and in cell culture

Due to their mode of action, ribozymes show antisense effects in addition to their specific cleavage activity. In the present study we investigated whether a hammerhead ribozyme is capable of cleaving mutated Ki-ras mRNA in a pancreatic carcinoma cell line and whether antisense effects contribute to the activity of the ribozyme. A 2[prime]-O-allyl modified hammerhead ribozyme was designed to cleave specifically the mutated form of the Ki- ras mRNA (GUU motif in codon 12). The activity was monitored by RT-PCR on Ki- ras RNA expression by determination of the relative amount of wild type to mutant Ki-ras mRNA, by 5-bromo-2[prime]-deoxy-uridine incorporation on cell proliferation and by colony formation in soft agar on malignancy in the human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell line CFPAC-1, which is heterozygous for the Ki-ras mutation. A catalytically inactive ribozyme was used as control to differentiate between antisense and cleavage activity and a ribozyme with random guide sequences as negative control. The catalytically active anti-Ki-ras ribozyme was at least 2-fold more potent in decreasing cellular Ki-ras mRNA levels, inhibiting cell proliferation and colony formation in soft agar than the catalytically inactive ribozyme. The catalytically active anti-Ki-ras ribozyme, but not the catalytically inactive or random ribozyme, increased the ratio of wild type to mutated Ki-ras mRNA in CFPAC-1 cells. In conclusion, both cleavage activity and antisense effects contribute to the activity of the catalytically active anti-Ki-ras hammerhead ribozyme. Specific ribozymes might be useful in the treatment of pancreatic carcinomas containing an oncogenic GTT mutation in codon 12 of the Ki-ras gene.

Ebola virus inhibits induction of genes by double-stranded RNA in endothelial cells

Fatal cases of filoviral infection are accompanied by a marked immunosuppression. Endothelial cells play a vital role in the host immune response through the expression of several immunomodulatory genes in addition to the expression of the antiviral genes, 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase [2'-5'(A)N], and the double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-activated protein kinase (PKR). dsRNA, an intermediate generated during viral replication and gene transcription of many viruses, leads to the induction of immunomodulatory genes in endothelial cells. In this report, we show that induction of the major histocompatibility complex class I family of genes, 2'-5'(A)N, interleukin-6 (IL-6), PKR, interferon (IFN)-regulatory factor-1, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) by dsRNA in human umbilical vein endothelial cells is suppressed by infection with the filovirus Ebola-Zaire (EZ). In contrast, induction of IL-6 and ICAM-1 by IL-1 is intact in EZ-infected cells. Gel shift analysis demonstrates that dsRNA-induced protein binding to IFN-responsive elements is strongly suppressed by EZ-IFN, whereas NF-kappa B activation by dsRNA remains intact. We previously reported that IFN signaling is suppressed by EZ infection, and these data strongly suggest that elements shared between IFN and dsRNA signaling are being inhibited by EZ. Inhibition of IFN and dsRNA responsiveness could play a role in the immunosuppression seen in EZ infections and would play a role in the pathogenesis of disease caused by EZ.

Antisense RNA: function and fate of duplex RNA in cells of higher eukaryotes

There is ample evidence that cells of higher eukaryotes express double-stranded RNA molecules (dsRNAs) either naturally or as the result of viral infection or aberrant, bidirectional transcriptional readthrough. These duplex molecules can exist in either the cytoplasmic or nuclear compartments. Cells have evolved distinct ways of responding to dsRNAs, depending on the nature and location of the duplexes. Since dsRNA molecules are not thought to exist naturally within the cytoplasm, dsRNA in this compartment is most often associated with viral infections. Cells have evolved defensive strategies against such molecules, primarily involving the interferon response pathway. Nuclear dsRNA, however, does not induce interferons and may play an important posttranscriptional regulatory role. Nuclear dsRNA appears to be the substrate for enzymes which deaminate adenosine residues to inosine residues within the polynucleotide structure, resulting in partial or full unwinding. Extensively modified RNAs are either rapidly degraded or retained within the nucleus, whereas transcripts with few modifications may be transported to the cytoplasm, where they serve to produce altered proteins. This review summarizes our current knowledge about the function and fate of dsRNA in cells of higher eukaryotes and its potential manipulation as a research and therapeutic tool.

Identification and partial purification of human double strand RNase activity. A novel terminating mechanism for oligoribonucleotide antisense drugs

We have identified a double strand RNase (dsRNase) activity that can serve as a novel mechanism for chimeric antisense oligonucleotides comprised of 2'-methoxy 5' and 3' "wings" on either side of an oligoribonucleotide gap. Antisense molecules targeted to the point mutation in codon 12 of Harvey Ras (Ha-Ras) mRNA resulted in a dose-dependent reduction in Ha-Ras RNA. Reduction in Ha-Ras RNA was dependent on the oligoribonucleotide gap size with the minimum gap size being four nucleotides. An antisense oligonucleotide of the same composition, but containing four mismatches, was inactive. When chimeric antisense oligonucleotides were prehybridized with 17-mer oligoribonucleotides, extracts prepared from T24 cells, cytosol, and nuclei resulted in cleavage in the oligoribonucleotide gap. Both strands were cleaved. Neither mammalian nor Escherichia coli RNase HI cleaved the duplex, nor did single strand nucleases. The dsRNase activity resulted in cleavage products with 5'-phosphate and 3'-hydroxyl termini. Partial purification of dsRNase from rat liver cytosolic and nuclear fractions was effected. The cytosolic enzyme was purified approximately 165-fold. It has an approximate molecular weight of 50,000-65,000, a pH optimum of approximately 7.0, requires divalent cations, and is inactivated by approximately 300 mM NaCl. It is inactivated by heat, proteinase K, and also by a number of detergents and several organic solvents.

Regulation of ribonuclease III processing by double-helical sequence antideterminants

The double helix is a ubiquitous feature of RNA molecules and provides a target for nucleases involved in RNA maturation and decay. Escherichia coli ribonuclease III participates in maturation and decay pathways by site-specifically cleaving double-helical structures in cellular and viral RNAs. The site of cleavage can determine RNA functional activity and half-life and is specified in part by local tertiary structure elements such as internal loops. The involvement of base pair sequence in determining cleavage sites is unclear, because RNase III can efficiently degrade polymeric double-stranded RNAs of low sequence complexity. An alignment of RNase III substrates revealed an exclusion of specific Watson-Crick bp sequences at defined positions relative to the cleavage site. Inclusion of these "disfavored" sequences in a model substrate strongly inhibited cleavage in vitro by interfering with RNase III binding. Substrate cleavage also was inhibited by a 3-bp sequence from the selenocysteine-accepting tRNASec, which acts as an antideterminant of EF-Tu binding to tRNASec. The inhibitory bp sequences, together with local tertiary structure, can confer site specificity to cleavage of cellular and viral substrates without constraining the degradative action of RNase III on polymeric double-stranded RNA. Base pair antideterminants also may protect double-helical elements in other RNA molecules with essential functions.

In vitro and in vivo action of antisense RNA

The transient or permanent expression of antisense RNA represents one option to apply antisense techniques in biotechnology and medical research. Despite the increasing importance and use of antisense nucleic acids as well as their significant antisense-specific phenotypic effects in vivo, there is an obvious lack of explanation for the mechanism of their action. By studying naturally occurring antisense RNA and analyzing their mechanism of action we attempt to learn more about the design, the use, and the critical parameters of artificial antisense RNA. Attempts to derive models from biochemical and structural studies for the interactions between antisense RNAs and their targets will be discussed.

cIRF-3, a new member of the interferon regulatory factor (IRF) family that is rapidly and transiently induced by dsRNA

In mammals, some of the effects of interferon (IFN) on gene transcription are known to be mediated by a family of IFN-inducible DNA-binding proteins, the IFN regulatory factor (IRF) family, which includes both activators and repressors of transcription. Although IFN activities have been described in many vertebrates, little is known about regulation of IFN- or IFN-stimulated genes in species other than human and mouse. Here, we report the cloning of a chicken cDNA, cIRF-3, encoding a protein with a DNA-binding domain similar to that found in the mammalian IRF family of proteins. Similarity between cIRF-3 and the mammalian IRFs is comparable with that between known members of the family. It is most similar to the IRF proteins ICSBP and ISGF3 gamma but is equally divergent from both. Gel mobility shift assays indicate that cIRF-3 is capable of binding a known IFN-stimulated response element that is conserved between the mammalian and chicken Mx genes. Expression of the cIRF-3 gene can be induced to high levels by poly(I).poly(C). Induction is rapid and transient with no requirement for protein synthesis. Co-treatment of cells with cycloheximide results in superinduction of cIRF-3 mRNA. The structural and regulatory characteristics of cIRF-3 indicate that it is the first example of a non-mammalian IRF protein.

Deletions at the C-terminus of interferon gamma reduce RNA binding and activation of double-stranded-RNA cleavage by bovine seminal ribonuclease

Recombinant interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) from three species activates the cleavage of double stranded (ds-) RNA by the dimeric RNAase isolated from bovine semen (BS-RNAase). Human and bovine IFN-gamma bind RNA tightly enough to inhibit cleavage by RNAase A [Schein, Haugg and Benner (1990) FEBS Lett. 270, 229-232]. Murine IFN-gamma and a proteolytic fragment of human IFN-gamma, both of which lack part of the positively charged C-terminus, bind RNA weakly and do not inhibit RNAase A. Their ability to activate BS-RNAase is proportional to their activity in the anti-viral assay. Two monoclonal antibodies that neutralize the anti-viral activity of human IFN-gamma inhibit the activation of BS-RNAase by both full-length and proteolysed human IFN-gamma. Our results demonstrate that the C-terminus of IFN-gamma contributes to RNA binding and activation of BS-RNAase, as well as to anti-viral activity.

Subclonal heterogeneity of the multidrug resistance phenotype in a cell line expressing antisense MDR1 RNA

A multidrug resistant (MDR) cell line was transfected with an antisense MDR1 expression vector and transfectant clones were analyzed for reversion of the MDR phenotype. Only one of 10 antisense-expressing transfectants showed a reduction in drug resistance, MDR1 mRNA and P-glycoprotein. Observations made using rhodamine-123, a fluorescent substrate for P-glycoprotein, revealed that dye retention in individual cells was highly variable within this antisense-expressing clone. Subpopulations were established from the original clone based on differences in rhodamine-123 retention. Rhodamine-123 retention varied inversely with levels of P-glycoprotein and MDR1 mRNA. All subpopulations expressed similar levels of antisense MDR1 RNA yet had dramatic differences in MDR1 mRNA levels. Analysis of vector integration site restriction fragment length polymorphisms confirmed that all populations originated from the same transfectant clone. Nuclear run-on analysis indicated that the mdr1 gene is transcribed at the same rate in all populations, suggesting that the reduction in MDR1 mRNA is mediated posttranscriptionally. Cells with the greatest reduction in MDR1 mRNA accumulate distinct antisense RNA transcripts in the nuclear RNA fraction, suggesting that antisense effectiveness in this system is associated with a nuclear event or process. These results reveal that antisense RNA activity is not necessarily distributed equally within a clonal population.

Chicken interferon gene: cloning, expression, and analysis

A gene encoding chicken interferon (ChIFN) was cloned from a cDNA library made from primary chick embryo cells that had been "aged" in vitro so as to produce copious amounts of IFN upon induction. The coding region is predicted to produce a signal peptide of 31 amino acids and a mature protein of 162 amino acids with a molecular weight of 18,957. There are four potential N-glycosylation sites and six cysteine residues. Three disulfide bonds are possible, with two being common to most mammalian type I IFNs. A motif of 10 amino acids surrounding Cys-137 is highly conserved: It shows 80% homology with mammalian type I IFNs, but only 30% with a reported fish IFN. The T-rich 3' UTR displays the canonical element AATAAA required for polyadenylation, and contains six repeats of the octamer CTATTTAT that may be involved in down-regulating translation. Northern blots demonstrate that the accumulation of ChIFN mRNA correlates with induction of ChIFN determined by bioassay. Biologically active protein was synthesized in transfected mouse L cells using mRNA prepared in vitro from the cloned sequence. This activity was neutralized by a monoclonal antibody prepared against purified ChIFN. The ChIFN gene shows sequence identity at the amino acid/nucleotide level with consensus mammalian IFNs as follows: alpha (24/23%), beta (20/24%), omega (23/43%), tau (20/43%), gamma (3/31%), and with flatfish IFN (16/35%). The conserved features of the predicted ChIFN protein and the general similarity of predicted secondary structure suggest a molecule that fits the five alpha-helix three-dimensional topology reported for type I mammalian IFNs.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

What makes an mRNA anti-sense-itive?

Antisense RNA has been used for some time as a versatile tool for silencing gene expression. There is ample evidence for gene regulation by endogenous antisense transcripts in prokaryotes and increasing insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying such regulation. The introduction of antisense gene constructs into eukaryotes has now become routine but the mechanisms by which gene expression is inhibited are barely understood. In recent years, several examples of endogenous eukaryotic antisense transcripts have been discovered, some of which probably serve regulatory functions. Here we will discuss a model to explain mechanisms of antisense-mediated gene silencing.

Revisiting the action of bovine ribonuclease A and pancreatic-type ribonucleases on double-stranded RNA

Single-strand-preferring ribonucleases of the pancreatic type, structurally and/or catalytically similar to bovine RNase A but endowed with a higher protein basicity, are able to degrade double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) or DNA:RNA hybrids under standard assay conditions (0.15 M NaCl, 0.015 M sodium citrate, pH 7), where RNase A is inactive. This enzyme too, however, becomes quite active if assay conditions are slightly modified or its basicity is increased (polyspermine-RNase). In the attempt to review these facts, we have analyzed and discussed the role that in the process have the secondary structure of dsRNA as well as other variables whose influence has come to light in addition to that of the basicity of the enzyme protein, i.e., the ionic strength, the presence of carbohydrates on the RNase molecule, and the structure (monomeric or dimeric) of the enzyme. A possible mechanism by which dsRNAs are attacked by pancreatic-type RNases has been proposed.

Double-stranded RNA regulation of DNA synthesis in fibroblasts

The double-stranded RNA molecule polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly IC) has been found in some studies to have a mitogenic effect on fibroblast proliferation while other studies found poly IC to have an inhibitory effect on proliferation. In this study, we investigated whether a stabilized form of poly IC complexed with poly-L-lysine and carboxymethylcellulose (poly ICLC) had a bidirectional effect on DNA synthesis in fibroblasts from four different cell lines and determined factors that potentially influence this bidirectional effect. In medium containing fetal bovine serum, poly ICLC slightly increased the levels of [3H]thymidine incorporation in growing fibroblasts in three of the four fibroblast cell lines tested, while poly ICLC increased [3H]thymidine incorporation in confluent, quiescent fibroblasts in two of four cell lines. Poly ICLC did not induce DNA synthesis in subconfluent, quiescent or in confluent, quiescent fibroblasts under serum-free conditions. Poly ICLC significantly suppressed serum-induced [3H]thymidine incorporation by quiescent fibroblasts in all cell lines. We conclude that the stimulatory and inhibitory effects of poly ICLC on DNA synthesis are influenced by both the cell line and the presence of serum components in the culture medium but not by population density.

Cellular response to double-stranded RNA

The study of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) encompasses a variety of fields. Basic research in this area has contributed to a greater mechanistic understanding of gene induction, tumor cell growth arrest, the establishment of antiviral states, and immunomodulation. Because of the possible clinical value of these molecules, physicians are now exploring the use of synthetic dsRNA to treat patients with cancer, HIV-1 disease, and immune dysfunction. Continued studies of the mechanisms of action of dsRNA are likely to suggest an even wider scope of clinical applications.

Inhibition of gene expression by a short sense fragment

In order to further investigate the mechanism of antisense inhibition of gene expression, a series of plasmids which generate short antisense RNAs deriving from the 5' end of the CAT gene were constructed. When transfected into COS1 cells, these constructions were capable of specifically reducing CAT gene expression. Unexpectedly, transfection with constructions expressing defective RNA in the sense orientation also resulted in reduced levels of both CAT enzyme and mRNA. This was mediated by both short and full-length CAT-gene fragments, and was dependent on the presence of the tested transcriptional promoters, either the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (TK) or simian virus 40 late (SVL) promoters. These results, in conjunction with computer aided secondary structure prediction, indicate a possible similarity of regulatory mechanism for both senses of RNA acting within the cell.

Development of the interferon system. I. In chicken cells development in ovo continues on time in vitro

When confluent monolayers of cells derived from chicken embryos of different gestational age were cultured for several days without a medium change, a condition termed in vitro aging, the cells' developed an increased capacity to express the interferon (IFN) system. The capacity to both produce IFN and to respond to its antiviral action were enhanced up to 1000- and 100-fold, respectively. Remarkably, the programmed development of the IFN system in these cells seemed to continue virtually uninterrupted after monodispersion of the cells and seeding at high cell density. Cells prepared from young embryos required more time to develop the IFN system than cells from older embryos with the yield of IFN, and sensitivity to its action, related directly to the total in ovo and in vitro age of the cells in culture. For example, essentially the same yields of IFN were obtained from cell cultures made from 5-d-old embryos "aged" for 10 d in vitro, as were obtained from 10-d-old embryos whose cells were aged in vitro for 5 d. In contrast, inducibility of 2'-5' oligoadenylate synthetase by IFN and the induction of heat shock genes by elevated temperature are not enhanced with in vitro aging. The programmed development of the IFN system that starts in ovo seems to continue on schedule in vitro, making the development of the IFN system in chick embryo cells appear as a time-dependent process.

Interferon induction by viruses. XX. Acid-labile interferon accounts for the antiviral effect induced by poly(rI).poly(rC) in primary chick embryo cells

Primary chick embryo cells which were "aged" in vitro and exposed to poly(rI).poly(rC) developed a disproportionately high degree of resistance to virus challenge in relation to the amount of conventional acid-stable interferon (IFN) produced. Cells were often highly resistant after exposure to a few nanograms of poly(rI).poly(rC) which gave rise to little or no acid-stable IFN. Study of the mechanism(s) responsible showed that this antiviral state was not due to the double-stranded ribonuclease induced in parallel, nor to residual poly(rI).poly(rC) (which this ribonuclease destroyed), but to the production of a hitherto undescribed acid-labile chicken IFN.

Interferon-gamma activates the cleavage of double-stranded RNA by bovine seminal ribonuclease

Bovine seminal ribonuclease (BS-RNase), a dimeric homologue of RNase A, cleaves both single- and double-stranded RNA and inhibits the growth of tumor cells. Its catalytic activity against double-stranded RNA, either homopolymeric ([3H]polyA/polyU) or mixed sequence, is enhanced by bovine or human recombinant interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma). Activation is seen with as little as 4-10 interferon units per assay. Enhancing the degradation of double-stranded RNA, an intermediate in the growth cycle of many viruses, could contribute to IFN-gamma's ability to control cell growth and induce an antiviral state.

The alpha subunit of eucaryotic initiation factor 2 is phosphorylated in mengovirus-infected mouse L cells

Infection of mouse L cells with mengovirus resulted in the activation of a protein kinase (PK) that selectively phosphorylated the small, 38,000-molecular-weight alpha subunit of eucaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF-2) in vitro. The mengovirus-activated kinase was detected in vitro approximately 3 h after virus adsorption. The ratio of phosphorylated to unphosphorylated eIF-2 also increased in vivo between 3 and 7 h after adsorption. The virus-activated kinase fractionated with the ribosomal pellet and had a high affinity for DEAE-cellulose and Mono Q ion-exchange columns. Gel electrophoresis of the kinase activity eluting from the Mono Q column and silver staining of the gel revealed only one protein band with a molecular mass of 70 kilodaltons. The optimal assay conditions for the mengovirus-activated kinase paralleled those of the double-stranded RNA-activated PK (dsRNA-PK). Lysates from infected cells contained elements capable of activating partially purified dsRNA-PK. These elements were identified as double-stranded RNA by their sensitivity to double-stranded RNase. The phosphorylation of the alpha subunit of eIF-2 coincided with the synthesis of dsRNA in infected cells, suggesting that the mengovirus-activated kinase is the dsRNA-PK. The phosphorylation of the alpha subunit of eIF-2 correlated with the global inhibition of protein synthesis that occurs at late times after infection.

Mycoplasmas produce double-stranded ribonuclease

Mycoplasmas (Mollicutes) constitute a constant threat as insidious contaminants of animal cell cultures. They are responsible for myriad biochemical reactions associated with the cells they infect, and undoubtedly have been the source of metabolic and physiological activities attributed to their hosts. In an attempt to demonstrate a dsRNA-inducible double-stranded ribonuclease (dsRNase) in mammalian cells, comparable to that reported in avian cells, we discovered high levels of dsRNase "induced" by a particular stock of vesicular stomatitis virus. We now report that the double-stranded ribonuclease resulted from the activity of a contaminant in that stock--a "noncultivable" Mycoplasma hyorhinis. This report demonstrates the ubiquitous distribution of dsRNase among mycoplasmas, presents some characteristics of the enzyme and its production, and implicates once again mycoplasmas as contaminants of cell culture and potential perturbers of cellular physiology.