Glycopeptides of the type-common glycoprotein gD of herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2

Glycoengineered keratinocyte library reveals essential functions of specific glycans for all stages of HSV-1 infection

Viral and host glycans represent an understudied aspect of host-pathogen interactions, despite potential implications for treatment of viral infections. This is due to lack of easily accessible tools for analyzing glycan function in a meaningful context. Here we generate a glycoengineered keratinocyte library delineating human glycosylation pathways to uncover roles of specific glycans at different stages of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infectious cycle. We show the importance of cellular glycosaminoglycans and glycosphingolipids for HSV-1 attachment, N-glycans for entry and spread, and O-glycans for propagation. While altered virion surface structures have minimal effects on the early interactions with wild type cells, mutation of specific O-glycosylation sites affects glycoprotein surface expression and function. In conclusion, the data demonstrates the importance of specific glycans in a clinically relevant human model of HSV-1 infection and highlights the utility of genetic engineering to elucidate the roles of specific viral and cellular carbohydrate structures.

Global aspects of viral glycosylation

Enveloped viruses encompass some of the most common human pathogens causing infections of different severity, ranging from no or very few symptoms to lethal disease as seen with the viral hemorrhagic fevers. All enveloped viruses possess an envelope membrane derived from the host cell, modified with often heavily glycosylated virally encoded glycoproteins important for infectivity, viral particle formation and immune evasion. While N-linked glycosylation of viral envelope proteins is well characterized with respect to location, structure and site occupancy, information on mucin-type O-glycosylation of these proteins is less comprehensive. Studies on viral glycosylation are often limited to analysis of recombinant proteins that in most cases are produced in cell lines with a glycosylation capacity different from the capacity of the host cells. The glycosylation pattern of the produced recombinant glycoproteins might therefore be different from the pattern on native viral proteins. In this review, we provide a historical perspective on analysis of viral glycosylation, and summarize known roles of glycans in the biology of enveloped human viruses. In addition, we describe how to overcome the analytical limitations by using a global approach based on mass spectrometry to identify viral O-glycosylation in virus-infected cell lysates using the complex enveloped virus herpes simplex virus type 1 as a model. We underscore that glycans often pay important contributions to overall protein structure, function and immune recognition, and that glycans represent a crucial determinant for vaccine design. High throughput analysis of glycosylation on relevant glycoprotein formulations, as well as data compilation and sharing is therefore important to identify consensus glycosylation patterns for translational applications.

A sugar binding protein cyanovirin-N blocks herpes simplex virus type-1 entry and cell fusion

Herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) causes significant health problems from periodic skin and corneal lesions to encephalitis. It is also considered a cofactor in the development of age-related secondary glaucoma. Inhibition of HSV-1 at the stage of viral entry generates a unique opportunity for preventative and/or therapeutic intervention. Here we provide evidence that a sugar binding antiviral protein, cyanovirin-N (CV-N), can act as a potent inhibitor of HSV-1 entry into natural target cells. Inhibition of entry was independent of HSV-1 gD receptor usage and it was observed in transformed as well as primary cell cultures. Evidence presented herein suggests that CV-N can not only block virus entry to cells but also, it is capable of significantly inhibiting membrane fusion mediated by HSV glycoproteins. While CV-N treated virions were significantly deficient in entering into cells, HSV-1 glycoproteins-expressing cells pretreated with CV-N demonstrated reduced cell-to-cell fusion and polykaryocytes formation. The observation that CV-N can block both entry as well as membrane fusion suggests a stronger potential for this compound in antiviral therapy against HSV-1.

Sialic acid on herpes simplex virus type 1 envelope glycoproteins is required for efficient infection of cells

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) envelope proteins are posttranslationally modified by the addition of sialic acids to the termini of the glycan side chains. Although gC, gD, and gH are sialylated, it is not known whether sialic acids on these envelope proteins are functionally important. Digestion of sucrose gradient purified virions for 4 h with neuraminidases that remove both alpha2,3 and alpha2,6 linked sialic acids reduced titers by 1,000-fold. Digestion with a alpha2,3-specific neuraminidase had no effect, suggesting that alpha2,6-linked sialic acids are required for infection. Lectins specific for either alpha2,3 or alpha2,6 linkages blocked attachment and infection to the same extent. In addition, the mobility of gH, gB, and gD in sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis gels was altered by digestion with either alpha2,3 specific neuraminidase or nonspecific neuraminidases, indicating the presence of both linkages on these proteins. The infectivity of a gC-1-null virus, DeltagC2-3, was reduced to the same extent as wild-type virus after neuraminidase digestion, and attachment was not altered. Neuraminidase digestion of virions resulted in reduced VP16 translocation to the nucleus, suggesting that the block occurred between attachment and entry. These results show for the first time that sialic acids on HSV-1 virions play an important role in infection and suggest that targeting virion sialic acids may be a valid antiviral drug development strategy.

Molecular biology of pseudorabies virus: impact on neurovirology and veterinary medicine

Pseudorabies virus (PRV) is a herpesvirus of swine, a member of the Alphaherpesvirinae subfamily, and the etiological agent of Aujeszky's disease. This review describes the contributions of PRV research to herpesvirus biology, neurobiology, and viral pathogenesis by focusing on (i) the molecular biology of PRV, (ii) model systems to study PRV pathogenesis and neurovirulence, (iii) PRV transsynaptic tracing of neuronal circuits, and (iv) veterinary aspects of pseudorabies disease. The structure of the enveloped infectious particle, the content of the viral DNA genome, and a step-by-step overview of the viral replication cycle are presented. PRV infection is initiated by binding to cellular receptors to allow penetration into the cell. After reaching the nucleus, the viral genome directs a regulated gene expression cascade that culminates with viral DNA replication and production of new virion constituents. Finally, progeny virions self-assemble and exit the host cells. Animal models and neuronal culture systems developed for the study of PRV pathogenesis and neurovirulence are discussed. PRV serves asa self-perpetuating transsynaptic tracer of neuronal circuitry, and we detail the original studies of PRV circuitry mapping, the biology underlying this application, and the development of the next generation of tracer viruses. The basic veterinary aspects of pseudorabies management and disease in swine are discussed. PRV infection progresses from acute infection of the respiratory epithelium to latent infection in the peripheral nervous system. Sporadic reactivation from latency can transmit PRV to new hosts. The successful management of PRV disease has relied on vaccination, prevention, and testing.

The transmembrane domain of the hepatitis C virus E2 glycoprotein is required for correct folding of the E1 glycoprotein and native complex formation

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) encodes two glycoproteins, E1 and E2, that interact to form both native and aggregated complexes in tissue culture cells. In native complexes, E1 and E2 are associated by noncovalent interactions and such complexes are considered to constitute the authentic interactions between the proteins. By contrast, the proteins are linked by covalent, disulfide bonds in aggregated complexes. From studies with a mutant in which cysteine residues in E1 have been substituted with other amino acids, we show that E1 continues to associate with E2, although the migratory patterns of the proteins on gels are consistent with the formation of aggregated complexes. Therefore, such complexes can be stabilized by noncovalent as well as covalent interactions. To further examine the requirements for native complex formation, segments of foreign glycoproteins were linked to regions of E2. Our data provide direct evidence for the requirement of C-terminal sequences in E2 that contain the transmembrane domain to permit oxidation of E1 and assembly of a native complex. By contrast, native complexes and oxidized E1 are not found in the presence of chimeric proteins containing the E2 ectodomain. These data suggest that interaction of E1 with the E2 transmembrane domain is critical for native complex formation.

Antigenic structure of soluble herpes simplex virus (HSV) glycoprotein D correlates with inhibition of HSV infection

Soluble forms of herpes simplex virus (HSV) glycoprotein D (gD) block viral penetration. Likewise, most HSV strains are sensitive to gD-mediated interference by cells expressing gD. The mechanism of both forms of gD-mediated inhibition is thought to be at the receptor level. We analyzed the ability of different forms of soluble, truncated gD (gDt) to inhibit infection by different strains of HSV-1 and HSV-2. Strains that were resistant to gD-mediated interference were also resistant to inhibition by gDt, thereby suggesting a link between these two phenomena. Virion gD was the major viral determinant for resistance to inhibition by gDt. An insertion-deletion mutant, gD-1(delta 290-299t), had an enhanced inhibitory activity against most strains tested. The structure and function of gDt proteins derived from the inhibition-resistant viruses rid1 and ANG were analyzed. gD-1(ridlt) and gD-1(ANGt) had a potent inhibitory effect on plaque formation by wild-type strains of HSV but, surprisingly, little or no effect on their parental strains. As measured by quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with a diverse panel of monoclonal antibodies, the antigenic structures of gD-1(rid1t) and gD-1(ANGt) were divergent from that of the wild type yet were similar to each other and to that of gD-1 (delta 290-299t). Thus, three different forms of gD have common antigenic changes that correlate with enhanced inhibitory activity against HSV. We conclude that inhibition of HSV infectivity by soluble gD is influenced by the antigenic conformation of the blocking gDt as well as the form of gD in the target virus.

Structure-function analysis of soluble forms of herpes simplex virus glycoprotein D

Glycoprotein D (gD) of herpes simplex virus (HSV) is essential for virus entry. Truncated forms of gD lacking the transmembrane and cytoplasmic tail regions have been shown to bind to cells and block plaque formation. Using complementation analysis and a panel of gD mutants, we previously identified four regions of gD (regions I to IV) which are important for virus entry. Here, we used baculovirus vectors to overexpress truncated forms of wild-type gD from HSV type 1 (HSV-1) [gD-1(306t)] and HSV-2 [gD-2(306t)] and four mutants, gD-1(inverted delta 34t), gD-1(inverted delta 126t), gD-1(inverted delta 243t), and gD-1(delta 290-299t), each having a mutation in one of the four functional regions. We used an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and circular dichroism to analyze the structure of these proteins, and we used functional assays to study the role of gD in binding, penetration, and cell-to-cell spread. gD-1 and gD-2 are similar in antigenic structure and thermal stability but vary in secondary structure. Mutant proteins with insertions in region I or II were most altered in structure and stability, while mutants with insertions in region III or IV were less altered. gD-1(306t) and gD-2(306t) inhibited both plaque formation and cell-to-cell transmission of HSV-1. In spite of obvious structural differences, all of the mutant proteins bound to cells, confirming that binding is not the only function of gD. The region I mutant did not inhibit HSV plaque formation or cell-to-cell spread, suggesting that this region is necessary for the function of gD in these processes. Surprisingly, the other three mutant proteins functioned in all of the in vitro assays, indicating that the ability of gD to bind to cells and inhibit infection does not correlate with its ability to initiate infection as measured by the complementation assay. The region IV mutant, gD-1(delta 290-299t), had an unexpected enhanced inhibitory effect on HSV infection. Taken together, the results argue against a single functional domain in gD. It is likely that different gD structural elements are involved in successive steps of infection.

Viral determinants of the variable sensitivity of herpes simplex virus strains to gD-mediated interference

Cells that express glycoprotein D (gD) of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) resist infection by HSV-1 and HSV-2 because of interference with viral penetration. The results presented here show that both HSV-1 and HSV-2 gD can mediate interference and that various HSV-1 and HSV-2 strains differ in sensitivity to this interference. The relative degree of sensitivity was not necessarily dependent on whether the cell expressed the heterologous or homologous form of gD but rather on the properties of the virus. Marker transfer experiments revealed that the allele of gD expressed by the virus was a major determinant of sensitivity to interference. Amino acid substitutions in the most distal part of the gD ectodomain had a major effect, but substitutions solely in the cytoplasmic domain also influenced sensitivity to interference. In addition, evidence was obtained that another viral gene(s) in addition to the one encoding gD can influence sensitivity to interference. The results indicate that HSV-1 and HSV-2 gD share determinants required to mediate interference with infection by HSV of either serotype and that the pathway of HSV entry that is blocked by expression of cell-associated gD can be cleared or bypassed through subtle alterations in virion-associated proteins, particularly gD.

Identification of functional regions of herpes simplex virus glycoprotein gD by using linker-insertion mutagenesis

Glycoprotein gD is a component of the herpes simplex virus (HSV) envelope essential for virus entry into susceptible cells. Previous studies using deletion and point mutations identified a functional domain of HSV-1 gD (gD-1) from residues 231 to 244. However, many of the deletion mutations had global effects on gD-1 structure, thus precluding assessment of the functional role of large portions of the protein. In this study, we constructed a large panel of linker-insertion mutants in the genes for gD-1 and HSV-2 gD (gD-2). The object was to create mutations which would have only localized effects on protein structure but might have profound effects on gD function. The mutant proteins were expressed in transiently transfected L cells. Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) were used as probes of gD structure. We also examined protein aggregation and appearance of the mutant glycoproteins on the transfected cell surface. A complementation assay measured the ability of the mutant proteins to rescue the infectivity of the gD-null virus, FgD beta, in trans. Most of the mutants were recognized by one or more MAbs to discontinuous epitopes, were transported to the transfected cell surface, and rescued FgD beta virus infectivity. However, some mutants which retained structure were unable to complement FgD beta. These mutants were clustered in four regions of gD. Region III (amino acids 222 to 246) overlaps the region previously defined by gD-1 deletion mutants. The others, from 27 through 43 (region I), from 125 through 161 (region II), and from 277 to 310 (region IV), are newly described. Region IV, immediately upstream of the transmembrane anchor sequence, was previously postulated to be part of a putative stalk structure. However, residues 277 to 300 are directly involved in gD function. The linker-insertion mutants were useful for mapping MAb AP7, a previously ungrouped neutralizing MAb, and provided further information concerning other discontinuous epitopes. The mapping data suggest that regions I through IV are physically near each other in the folded structure of gD and may form a single functional domain.

High-level expression and purification of secreted forms of herpes simplex virus type 1 glycoprotein gD synthesized by baculovirus-infected insect cells

Two forms of herpes simplex virus glycoprotein gD were recombined into Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus (baculovirus) and expressed in infected Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) cells. Each protein was truncated at residue 306 of mature gD. One form, gD-1(306t), contains the coding sequence of Patton strain herpes simplex virus type 1 gD; the other, gD-1(QAAt), contains three mutations which eliminate all signals for addition of N-linked oligosaccharides. Prior to recombination, each gene was cloned into the baculovirus transfer vector pVT-Bac, which permits insertion of the gene minus its natural signal peptide in frame with the signal peptide of honeybee melittin. As in the case with many other baculovirus transfer vectors, pVT-Bac also contains the promoter for the baculovirus polyhedrin gene and flanking sequences to permit recombination into the polyhedrin site of baculovirus. Each gD gene was engineered to contain codons for five additional histidine residues following histidine at residue 306, to facilitate purification of the secreted protein on nickel-containing resins. Both forms of gD-1 were abundantly expressed and secreted from infected Sf9 cells, reaching a maximum at 96 h postinfection for gD-1(306t) and 72 h postinfection for gD-1(QAAt). Secretion of the latter protein was less efficient than gD-1(306t), possibly because of the absence of N-linked oligosaccharides from gD-1(QAAt). Purification of the two proteins by a combination of immunoaffinity chromatography, nickel-agarose chromatography, and gel filtration yielded products that were > 99% pure, with excellent recovery. We are able to obtain 20 mg of purified gD-1(306t) and 1 to 5 mg of purified gD-1(QAAt) per liter of infected insect cells grown in suspension. Both proteins reacted with monoclonal antibodies to discontinuous epitopes, indicating that they retain native structure. Use of this system for gD expression makes crystallization trials feasible.

Disulfide bond structure of glycoprotein D of herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2

Glycoprotein D (gD) is a structural component of the herpes simplex virus envelope which is essential for virus penetration. The function of this protein is highly dependent on its structure, and its structure is dependent on maintenance of three intact disulfide bonds. gD contains six cysteines in its ectodomain whose spacing is conserved among all its homologs in other alphaherpesviruses as well as Marek's disease virus. For other proteins, conservation of cysteine spacing correlates with conservation of disulfide bond structure. We have now solved the disulfide bond structure of gD-1 and gD-2 of herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, respectively. Two approaches were used. First, we constructed 15 double-Cys mutants of gD-1, representing all possible disulfide pairs. In each case, codons for cysteines were changed to serine. We reasoned that if two cysteines normally form a disulfide bond, double mutations which eliminate one proper bond should be less harmful to gD structure than double mutations which eliminate two disulfide bonds. The mutated genes were cloned into a eucaryotic expression vector, and the proteins were expressed in transiently transfected cells. Three double mutations, Cys-1,5, Cys-2,6, and Cys-3,4 permitted gD-1 folding, processing, transport to the cell surface, and function in virus infection, whereas 12 other double mutations each produced a malfolded and nonfunctional protein. Thus, the three functional double-Cys mutants may represent the actual partners in disulfide bond linkages. The second approach was to define the actual disulfide bond structure of gD by biochemical means. Purified native gD-2 was cleaved by CNBr and proteases, and the peptides were separated by high-performance liquid chromatography. Disulfide-linked peptides were subjected to N-terminal amino acid sequencing. The results show that cysteine 1 (amino acid [aa] 66) is bonded to cysteine 5 (aa 189), cysteine 2 (aa 106) is bonded to cysteine 6 (aa 202), and cysteine 3 (aa 118) is bonded to cysteine 4 (aa 127). Thus, the biochemical analysis of gD-2 agrees with the genetic analysis of gD-1. A similar disulfide bond arrangement is postulated to exist in other gD homologs.

Pseudorabies virus envelope glycoproteins gp50 and gII are essential for virus penetration, but only gII is involved in membrane fusion

To investigate the function of the envelope glycoproteins gp50 and gII of pseudorabies virus in the entry of the virus into cells, we used linker insertion mutagenesis to construct mutant viruses that are unable to express these proteins. In contrast to gD mutants of herpes simplex virus, gp50 mutants, isolated from complementing cells, were able to form plaques on noncomplementing cells. However, progeny virus released from these cells was noninfectious, although the virus was able to adsorb to cells. Thus, the virus requires gp50 to penetrate cells but does not require it in order to spread by cell fusion. This finding indicates that fusion of the virus envelope with the cell membrane is not identical to fusion of the cell membranes of infected and uninfected cells. In contrast to the gp50 mutants, the gII mutant was unable to produce plaques on noncomplementing cells. Examination by electron microscopy of cells infected by the gII mutant revealed that enveloped virus particles accumulated between the inner and outer nuclear membranes. Few noninfectious virus particles were released from the cell, and infected cells did not fuse with uninfected cells. These observations indicate that gII is involved in several membrane fusion events, such as (i) fusion of the viral envelope with the cell membrane during penetration, (ii) fusion of enveloped virus particles with the outer nuclear membrane during the release of nucleocapsids into the cytoplasm, and (iii) fusion of the cell membranes of infected and uninfected cells.

Identification and comparative sequence analysis of a gene in equine herpesvirus 1 with homology to the herpes simplex virus glycoprotein D gene

A homologue of the herpes simplex virus (HSV) glycoprotein D gene has been identified in the genome of equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1, equine abortion virus). An open reading frame in the middle of the short unique (US) region is capable of encoding a polypeptide of 402 amino acids that has 26% and 20% of its residues matching pseudorabies virus (PRV) gp50 and HSV-1 gD, respectively. Despite this low level of similarity, the positional identity of six cysteine residues and certain motifs, and the location of the EHV-1 gene, clearly define the EHV-1 polypeptide as one of a family of "gD-like" proteins. Two transcripts of 3.3-3.6 kb and 5.4-5.9 kb were identified, consistent with coterminal mRNAs for the EHV-1 gD gene and the adjacent upstream gene, respectively. Partial sequencing of other regions in US also revealed EHV-1 homologues of HSV-1 gE and gI genes, and a possible equivalent gene to PRV gX. By analogy with the ability of HSV-1 gD and PRV gp50 to induce strong anti-viral immune responses, the EHV-1 gD gene product is expected to be an excellent candidate for development as a vaccine antigen.

Computer predictions of antigenic domains in herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 glycoprotein D as compared with experimentally proven domains

The primary amino-acid sequence of the glycoprotein D (gD) of herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 (HSV-1, HSV-2) was analyzed by computer programs that provided values for hydrophilicity, surface probability, flexibility, and antigenicity, as well as the secondary structure conformation. Putative antigenic domains with a high hydrophilicity, surface probability, and antigenicity index were determined and compared with the reported antigenic domains in HSV-1 and HSV-2 gD protein based on experimental data. The major experimentally proven antigenic domains were detected by the computer analyses. Additional putative antigenic domains with potential for the synthesis of antigenic viral peptides were determined.

Absence of asparagine-linked oligosaccharides from glycoprotein D of herpes simplex virus type 1 results in a structurally altered but biologically active protein

Glycoprotein D (gD) of herpes simplex virus contains three utilized sites (Asn-X-Ser/Thr) for addition of asparagine-linked carbohydrates (N-CHO). Previously, we used oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis to alter serine or threonine residues to alanine at each N-CHO addition site. Studies with monoclonal antibodies showed that a mutant protein lacking all three sites (now designated AAA) was structurally altered because of the amino acid change at residue 96 as well as the absence of the N-CHO. In this study, we constructed additional single mutations at site 1 (residues 94 and 96) and found that in most cases, the amino acid change itself adversely affected the conformation of gD. However, changing asparagine 94 to glutamine (Q) at site 1 had the least effect on gD. We constructed a second triple mutant, QAA, which lacked all three N-CHO signals. The antigenic conformation of QAA was similar to that of gD produced in the presence of tunicamycin (TM-gD). However, binding of MAbs to the AAA protein or to single mutants altered at site 1 was reduced compared with TM-gD. Wild-type gD and QAA proteins were equally susceptible to digestion by trypsin or Staphylococcus aureus V8 protease. In contrast, the AAA protein was more sensitive to trypsin but less sensitive to V8, again suggesting conformational alterations of the AAA protein. Despite what appeared to be large changes in structure, each mutant complemented the infectivity of a virus lacking gD (F-gD beta). We conclude that the N-CHO and amino acids at N-CHO site 1 play an important role in forming and/or maintaining gD structure, but none of the N-CHO are required for gD to function in the complementation assay.

Brefeldin A arrests the maturation and egress of herpes simplex virus particles during infection

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) requires the host cell secretory apparatus for transport and processing of membrane glycoproteins during the course of virus assembly. Brefeldin A (BFA) has been reported to induce retrograde movement of molecules from the Golgi to the endoplasmic reticulum and to cause disassembly of the Golgi complex. We examined the effects of BFA on propagation of HSV type 1. Release of virions into the extracellular medium was blocked by as little as 0.3 microgram of BFA per ml when present from 2 h postinfection. Characterization of infected cells revealed that BFA inhibited infectious viral particle formation without affecting nucleocapsid formation. Electron microscopic analyses of BFA-treated and untreated cells (as in control cells) demonstrated that viral particles were enveloped at the inner nuclear membrane in BFA-treated cells and accumulated aberrantly in this region. Most of the progeny virus particles observed in the cytoplasm of control cells, but not that of BFA-treated cells, were enveloped and contained within membrane vesicles, whereas many unenveloped nucleocapsids were detected in the cytoplasm of BFA-treated cells. This suggests that BFA prevents the transport of enveloped particles from the perinuclear space to the cytoplasmic vesicles. These findings indicate that BFA-induced retrograde movement of molecules from the Golgi complex to the endoplasmic reticulum early in infection arrests the ability of host cells to support maturation and egress of enveloped viral particles. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the effects of BFA on HSV propagation are not fully reversible, indicating that maturation and egress of HSV type 1 particles relies on a series of events which cannot be easily reconstituted after the block to secretion is relieved.

Herpes simplex virus particles are unable to traverse the secretory pathway in the mouse L-cell mutant gro29

The mouse L-cell mutant gro29 was selected for its ability to survive infection by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and is defective in the propagation of HSV-1 and vesicular stomatitis virus (F. Tufaro, M. D. Snider, and S. L. McKnight, J. Cell Biol. 105:647-657, 1987). In this report, we show that gro29 cells harbor a lesion that inhibits the egress of HSV-1 virions during infection. We also found that HSV-1 glycoprotein D was slow to traverse the secretory pathway en route to the plasma membrane of infected gro29 cells. The movement of glycoproteins was not blocked entirely, however, and immunofluorescence experiments revealed that infected gro29 cells contained roughly 10% of the expected amount of glycoprotein D on their cell surface at 12 h postinfection. Furthermore, nucleocapsids and virions assembled inside the cells during infection, suggesting that the lesion in gro29 cells impinged on a late step in virion maturation. Electron micrographs of infected cells revealed that many of the intracellular virions were contained in irregular cytoplasmic vacuoles, similar to those that accumulate in HSV-1-infected cells treated with the ionophore monensin. We conclude from these results that gro29 harbors a defect that blocks the egress of HSV-1 virions from the infected cell without seriously impeding the flux of individual glycoproteins to the cell surface. We infer that HSV-1 maturation and egress require a host cell component that is either reduced or absent in gro29 cells and that this lesion, although not lethal to the host cell, cannot be tolerated by HSV-1 during its life cycle.

Cysteine mutants of herpes simplex virus type 1 glycoprotein D exhibit temperature-sensitive properties in structure and function

We previously constructed seven mutations in the gene for glycoprotein D (gD) of herpes simplex virus type 1 in which the codon for one of the cysteine residues was replaced by a serine codon. Each of the mutant genes was cloned into a eucaryotic expression vector, and the proteins were transiently expressed in mammalian cells. We found that alteration of any of the first six cysteine residues had profound effects on protein conformation and oligosaccharide processing. In this report, we show that five of the mutant proteins exhibit temperature-sensitive differences in such properties as aggregation, antigenic conformation, oligosaccharide processing, and transport to the cell surface. Using a complementation assay, we have now assessed the ability of the mutant proteins to function in virus infection. This assay tests the ability of the mutant proteins expressed from transfected plasmids to rescue production of infectious virions of a gD-minus virus, F-gD beta, in Vero cells. Two mutant proteins, Cys-2 (Cys-106 to Ser) and Cys-4 (Cys-127 to Ser), were able to complement F-gD beta at 31.5 degrees C but not at 37 degrees C. The rescued viruses, designated F-gD beta(Cys-2) and F-gD beta(Cys-4), were neutralized as efficiently as wild-type virus by anti-gD monoclonal antibodies, indicating that gD was present in the virion envelope in a functional form. Both F-gD beta(Cys-2) and F-gD beta(Cys-4) functioned normally in a penetration assay. However, the infectivity of these viruses was markedly reduced compared with that of the wild type when they were preincubated at temperatures above 37 degrees C. The results suggest that mutations involving Cys-106 or Cys-127 in gD-1 confer a temperature-sensitive phenotype on herpes simplex virus. These and other properties of the cysteine-to-serine mutants allowed us to predict a disulfide bonding pattern for gD.

Influence of asparagine-linked oligosaccharides on antigenicity, processing, and cell surface expression of herpes simplex virus type 1 glycoprotein D

Glycoprotein D (gD) is an envelope component of herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2. gD-1 contains three sites for the addition of N-linked carbohydrate (N-CHO), all of which are used. Three mutants were constructed by site-directed mutagenesis, each of which altered one N-CHO addition site from Asn-X-Thr/Ser to Asn-X-Ala. A fourth mutant was altered at all three sites. The mutant genes were inserted into an expression vector, and the expressed protein was analyzed in transiently transfected COS-1 cells. The mutant protein lacking N-CHO at site 1 (Asn-94) had a reduced affinity for monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to discontinuous epitopes, suggesting that the conformation of the protein had been altered. However, the protein was processed and transported to the cell surface. The absence of N-CHO at site 2 (Asn-121) had no apparent effect on processing or transport of gD-1 but resulted in reduced binding of two MAbs previously shown to be in group VI. Binding of other MAbs to discontinuous epitopes (including other group VI MAbs) was not affected. The absence of N-CHO at site 3 (Asn-262) had no effect on processing, transport, or conformation of the gD-1 protein. The absence of N-CHO from site 1 or from all three sites resulted in the formation of high-molecular-weight aggregates or complexes and a reduction in MAb binding. However, these proteins were modified by the addition of O-glycans and transported to the cell surface. We conclude that the absence of the first or all N-linked carbohydrates alters the native conformation of gD-1 but does not prevent its transport to the cell surface.

Expression of a viral gene in insulin-producing cell lines renders them susceptible to immunological destruction

The gene coding for the glycoprotein D of herpes simplex virus type 1 was cloned into plasmids under the transcriptional control of the SV40 promoter-enhancer or the rat insulin 1 promoter-enhancer sequences. These plasmids were transfected into rat insulinoma cells (RINm5F) and mouse NIH/3T3 cells and the expression of glycoprotein D was examined using cell surface immunofluoresence. The rat insulin 1 promoter-enhancer sequences directed efficient expression in RINm5F cells, but not in NIH/3T3 cells. In contrast, the SV40 promoter-enhancer sequences worked well in NIH/3T3 cells, but not in RINm5F cells. Expression of glycoprotein D did not interfere with insulin production by RINm5F cells. When stable cel lines expressing glycoprotein D were exposed to anti-herpes simplex virus type 1 antibodies and complement, they were destroyed. These studies provide additional evidence that specific promoter-enhancer elements are required for efficient gene expression in certain cell types and demonstrate that the expression of foreign antigens on the surface of insulin-producing cells can lead to their immunological destruction.

Existence of similar antigenic-sites on varicella-zoster virus gpI and gpIV

We previously identified the antibody-binding site of a monoclonal antibody (mAb 79.0) on varicella-zoster virus (VZV) glycoprotein I (gpI) and showed that this monoclonal antibody binds to both VZV gpI and gpIV (Vafai et al., J. Virol. 62, 2544, 1988). In this study, a synthetic peptide comprising the mAb 79.0 binding site (designated el) was prepared and anti-peptide antibodies (RAnti-el) were raised in rabbit. RAnti-el recognized the primary translation products encoded by VZV genes 67 (gpIV) and 68 (gpI). To further localize the binding site of RAnti-el on VZV gpIV, the gpIV gene cloned in pGEM transcription vector was cleaved at different locations to generate four truncated DNA fragments. RNA was transcribed from each truncated gpIV fragment, translated in vitro and immunoprecipitated with RAnti-el. The results indicated that RAnti-el binds an antigenic determinant within the first 153 amino acid residues on the primary translation product of VZV gpIV. In addition, RAnti-el recognized the high-mannose intermediate but not the mature from of gpI in the infected cells or the translation products of gpIV glycosylated in vitro in the presence of canine microsomal membrane. These results: (a) confirmed the existence of a shared antigenic determinant on both VZV gpI and gpIV; and (b) indicated that the addition of terminal sugar modification may influence the conformation of gpI and gpIV with respect to the antigenic determinant recognized by RAnti-el.

Expression of herpes simplex virus type 1 glycoprotein D deletion mutants in mammalian cells

Glycoprotein D (gD) is a viron envelope component of herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2. We have previously defined seven monoclonal antibody (MAb) groups which recognize distinct epitopes on the mature gD-1 protein of 369 amino acids. MAb groups VII, II, and V recognize continuous epitopes at residues 11-19, 272-279, and 340-356, respectively. MAb groups I, III, IV, and VI recognize discontinuous epitopes. Recent studies have focused on epitopes I, III, and VI. Using truncated forms of gD generated by recombinant DNA methods and proteolysis, epitopes III, IV, and VI were located within amino acids 1-233. A portion of discontinuous epitope I was located in a region within residues 233-275. For this study, we used recombinant DNA methods to create mutations in the gD-1 gene and studied the effects of those mutations on gD as expressed in mammalian cells. Plasmid pRE4, containing the coding sequence of gD-1 and the Rous sarcoma virus long terminal repeat promoter, was transfected into mammalian cells. The expressed protein, gD-1-(pRE4), was identical in size and antigenic properties to gD-1 from infected cells. Six in-frame deletion mutations were subsequently constructed by using restriction enzymes to excise portions of the gD-1 gene. Plasmids carrying these mutated forms were transfected into cells, and the corresponding proteins were examined at 48 h posttransfection for antigenicity and glycosylation patterns. Three deletions of varying size were located downstream of residue 233. Analysis of these mutants showed that amino acids within the region 234-244 were critical for binding of DL11 (group I), but not for other MAb groups. Three other deletion mutants lost all ability to bind MAbs which recognize discontinuous epitopes. In addition, much of the gD expressed by these mutants was observed to migrate as high-molecular-weight aggregated forms in nondenaturing gels. Each of these mutations involved the loss of a cysteine residue, suggesting that disulfide linkages play an essential role in the formation of discontinuous epitopes. The extent of glycosylation of the mutant gD molecules accumulated at 48 h posttransfection suggested altered carbohydrate processing. In one case, there was evidence for increased O-linked glycosylation. Those proteins which had lost a cysteine residue as part of the deletion did not accumulate molecules processed beyond the high-mannose stage. The results suggest that carbohydrate processing during synthesis of gD is very sensitive to alterations in structure, particularly changes involving cysteine residues.

The contribution of cysteine residues to antigenicity and extent of processing of herpes simplex virus type 1 glycoprotein D

Glycoprotein D (gD) is an envelope component of herpes simplex virus types 1 (gD-1) and 2 (gD-2). The gD-1 polypeptide contains seven cysteine residues among its 369 amino acids; six are located on the N-terminal or luminal portion of the glycoprotein, and a seventh is located in the transmembrane region. Previous studies used a panel of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to define gD epitopes as continuous or discontinuous. Purified gD, denatured by reduction and alkylation, loses discontinuous epitopes, whereas continuous epitopes are retained. The contribution of disulfide bonds to maintenance of discontinuous epitopes is, therefore, significant. In the present study, our objective was to determine the contribution of individual cysteine residues to folding of gD-1 into its native conformation. Site-directed oligonucleotide mutagenesis was used to create seven mutants, each with a serine residue replacing a cysteine. The mutated genes were cloned into a eucaryotic expression vector and transfected into COS-1 cells, and the proteins were separated by nondenaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, followed by immunoblotting. Replacement of cysteine 7 (residue 333) had only a minimal effect on the antigenic properties of gD-1. In contrast, replacement of any one of the other six cysteine residues resulted in either a major reduction or a complete loss of binding of those MAbs that recognize discontinuous epitopes, with no effect on the binding of MAbs which recognize continuous epitopes. These mutations also had profound effects on the extent of oligosaccharide processing of gD-1. This was determined by digestion of the expressed proteins with various endoglycosidases, followed by electrophoresis and Western blotting (immunoblotting) to observe any mobility changes. Three mutant gD proteins which did not express discontinuous epitopes contained only high-mannose-type oligosaccharides, suggesting that processing had not proceeded beyond the precursor stage. Two mutant forms of gD exhibited reduced binding of MAbs to discontinuous epitopes. A small proportion of the molecules which accumulated at 48 h posttransfection contained complex oligosaccharides. One mutant exhibited reduced binding of MAbs to discontinuous epitopes, but was present at 48 h posttransfection only in the precursor form. The cysteine 7 mutant was processed to the same extent as wild-type gD. We conclude that the first six cysteine residues are critical to the correct folding, antigenic structure, and processing of gD-1, and we speculate that they form three disulfide-bonded pairs.

The use of lectin affinity columns for selection of precursor or fully glycosylated forms of glycoprotein gD1 of herpes simplex virus type 1

Several lectins were examined for their ability to bind to the glycoprotein gD1 polypeptide from Vero cells infected by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HVS-1), strain KOS. At least four distinct forms of gD1 (1, 2, 3 and 4), ranging in size from 59K to 52K, were resolved by SDS-10% polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) did not bind to any of these forms, suggesting that if any sialic residues are present in the carbohydrate moieties of gD1, they are not available for binding to WGA. The entire population of forms 1 and 2 (approximately 59K) bound to castor bean-120 (CB-120) lectin affinity columns, suggesting the presence of terminal galactose residues on the mature and more fully glycosylated carbohydrate moieties of gD1. The forms 3 and 4, representing precursor gD1 molecules, did not bind. The majority of forms 2 and 4, and a portion of form 3 bound to lentil lectin, suggesting the presence of fucose and alpha-linked mannosyl residues on these molecules. A gD1-specific, high molecular weight species (120-125K) was detected in the lentil lectin-binding fraction but not in the fraction bound to CB-120 lectin or in the original infected-cell extract. The results indicated that lectin affinity chromatography, using lentil and CB-120 lectins, is useful as an initial step for the selection and purification of the individual glycosylated forms of gD1.

Individual herpes simplex virus 1 glycoproteins display characteristic rates of maturation from precursor to mature form both in infected cells and in cells that constitutively express the glycoproteins

Pulse-chase experiments in conjunction with quantitative immunoprecipitation have been used to study the time-course of conversion from precursor to mature form of herpes simplex virus 1 glycoproteins C, D and B (gC, gD, and gB). The experimental systems employed were two infected cell lines and cells that constitutively express gD or gB. The relative rates of conversion among the glycoproteins did not vary in the systems used; the rate of maturation of gC was about two-fold higher than that of gD which, in turn, was about one and a half-fold higher than that of gB. Treatment with phosphonoacetate which inhibits viral DNA synthesis and hence virion morphogenesis induced a striking increase in the time course of conversion of immature gC, gD, and gB to fully glycosylated forms when measured late in the infection. The model of HSV glycoproteins maturation as integral components of the virion envelope is discussed.

Antibodies against synthetic peptides of herpes simplex virus type 1 glycoprotein D and their capability to neutralize viral infectivity in vitro

Peptides corresponding to residues 1-13, 9-21, 18-30, 82-93, 137-150, 181-197, 232-243, 235-243, 267-281, 271-281 and 302-315 of glycoprotein D of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) were chemically synthesized. These peptides were coupled to carrier proteins, and the resulting conjugates were used to immunize rabbits. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine antipeptide antibody titers in serum collected after immunization. All peptides appeared to be immunogenic in rabbits. Western immunoblot analysis with detergent extracts of HSV-1-infected Vero cells showed that antibodies against each of the peptides were able to react with the parent glycoprotein under denaturing conditions. Antisera against peptides 1-13, 9-21, and 18-30 neutralized HSV-1 infectivity in vitro, peptide 9-21 being the most successful in this respect. Immunization with a mixture of peptides 9-21 and 267-281 yielded antisera which reacted strongly with glycoprotein gD in Western blot analysis and showed a more solid virus-neutralizing activity in vitro.

Neutralizing monoclonal antibodies specific for herpes simplex virus glycoprotein D inhibit virus penetration

Nine monoclonal antibodies specific for glycoprotein D (gD) of herpes simplex virus type 1 were selected for their ability to neutralize virus in the presence of complement. Four of these antibodies exhibited significant neutralization titers in the absence of complement, suggesting that their epitope specificities are localized to site(s) which contribute to the role of gD in virus infectivity. Each of these antibodies was shown to effectively neutralize virus after virion adsorption to cell surfaces, indicating that neutralization did not involve inhibition of virus attachment. Although some of the monoclonal antibodies partially inhibited adsorption of radiolabeled virions, this effect was only observed at concentrations much higher than that required to neutralize virus and did not correlate with complement-independent virus-neutralizing activity. All of the monoclonal antibodies slowed the rate at which virus entered cells, further suggesting that antibody binding of gD inhibits virus penetration. Experiments were carried out to determine the number of different epitopes recognized by the panel of monoclonal antibodies and to identify epitopes involved in complement-independent virus neutralization. Monoclonal antibody-resistant (mar) mutants were selected by escape from neutralization with individual gD-specific monoclonal antibodies. The reactivity patterns of the mutants and antibodies were then used to construct an operational antigenic map for gD. This analysis identified a minimum of six epitopes on gD that could be grouped into four antigenic sites. Antibodies recognizing four distinct epitopes contained in three antigenic sites were found to neutralize virus in a complement-independent fashion. Moreover, mar mutations in these sites did not affect the processing of gD, rate of virus penetration, or the ability of the virus to replicate at high temperature (39 degrees C). Taken together, these results (i) confirm that gD is a major target antigen for neutralizing antibody, (ii) indicate that the mechanism of neutralization can involve inhibition of virus penetration of the cell surface membrane, and (iii) strongly suggest that gD plays a direct role in the virus entry process.

Localization of discontinuous epitopes of herpes simplex virus glycoprotein D: use of a nondenaturing ("native" gel) system of polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis coupled with Western blotting

Previously, a panel of monoclonal antibodies (MCAb) was used to define specific epitopes of herpes simplex virus glycoprotein D (gD) (R. J. Eisenberg et al., J. Virol. 53:634-644, 1985). Three groups of antibodies recognized continuous epitopes; group VII reacted with residues 11 to 19 of the mature protein (residues 36 to 44 of the predicted sequence), group II reacted with residues 272 to 279, and group V reacted with residues 340 to 356. Four additional antibody groups recognized discontinuous epitopes of gD, since their reactivity was lost when the glycoprotein was denatured by reduction and alkylation. Our goal in this study was to localize more precisely the discontinuous epitopes of gD. Using a nondenaturing system of polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis ("native" gel electrophoresis) coupled to Western blotting, we analyzed the antigenic activity of truncated forms of gD. These fragments were generated either by recombinant DNA methods or by cleavage of purified native gD-1 (gD obtained from herpes simplex virus type 1) and gD-2 (gD obtained from herpes simplex virus type 2) with Staphylococcus aureus protease V8. Antibodies in groups III, IV, and VI recognized three truncated forms of gD-1 produced by recombinant DNA methods, residues 1 to 287, 1 to 275, and 1 to 233. Antibodies in group I recognized the two larger forms but did not react with the gD-1 fragment of residues 1 to 233. On the basis of these and previous results, we concluded that a protion of epitope I was located within residues 233 to 259 and that epitopes III, IV, and VI were upstream of residue 233. Antibodies to continuous epitopes identified protease V8 fragments of gD-1 and gD-2 that contained portions of either the amino or carboxy regions of the proteins. None of the V8 fragments, including a 34K polypeptide containing residues 227 to 369, reacted with group I antibodies. This result indicated that a second portion of epitope I was located upstream of residue 227. Two amino-terminal fragments of gD-1, 33K and 30K, reacted with group III, IV, and VI antibodies. A 33K fragment of gD-2 reacted with group III antibodies. Based on their size and reactivity with endo-beta-N-acetylglycosaminidase F, we hypothesized that the 33K and 30K molecules represented residues 1 to 226 and 1 to 182 of gD-1, respectively. These results suggest that epitopes III, IV, and VI are located within the first 182 residues of gD.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

DNA sequence of the gene for pseudorabies virus gp50, a glycoprotein without N-linked glycosylation

The DNA sequence was determined for a region of the pseudorabies virus (PRV) genome to which a mutation defining resistance to a monoclonal antibody has been mapped (M. W. Wathen and L. M. K. Wathen, J. Virol., 51:57-62, 1984). This sequence was found to contain an open reading frame that did not include an amino acid sequence directing N-linked glycosylation. This open reading frame was expressed in uninfected Chinese hamster ovary cells to produce the PRV glycoprotein gp50. When PRV-infected Vero cells were incubated in the presence of tunicamycin, the gp50 that was produced had an identical molecular weight to that produced in the absence of drug. When infected cells were incubated in the presence of monensin, the molecular weight of gp50 was reduced from 60,000 to 45,000, but was not sensitive to endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase H. These observations led to the conclusion that gp50 does not contain N-linked carbohydrate, as predicted from the DNA sequence. A region of the amino acid sequence and the positions of the cysteine residues of PRV gp50 are homologous to glycoprotein D of herpes simplex virus.

Oligosaccharide chains of herpes simplex virus type 2 glycoprotein gG.2

gG.2 glycoprotein was purified by H966 monoclonal antibodies linked to Sepharose from herpes simplex virus type 2-infected HEp-2 cells labeled with [3H] glucosamine. The glycoprotein was subjected to Pronase digestion and the glycopeptides were fractionated by Con A-Sepharose in a major fraction (88.5% of total radioactivity) unbound to the lectin gel and in a minor species which bound to the lectin as a N-linked diantennary oligosaccharide. Mild and strong acid hydrolysis of Con A-unbound and Con A-bound fractions revealed that (i) both species were highly sialylated; (ii) the Con A-unbound fraction contained mainly labeled N-acetylgalactosamine, as is the case for O-linked oligosaccharides; and (iii) the Con A-bound fraction carried the vast majority of the labeled N-acetylglucosamine present in gG.2. Three size classes of oligosaccharides were separated from mild alkaline borohydride-treated Con A-unbound glycopeptides, which accounted for about 80% of the radioactivity present in the fraction. Galactosaminitol was recovered as the major labeled product in the strong acid hydrolyzates of the oligosaccharides generated by reductive beta-elimination, indicating that they were O-glycosidically linked to the peptide backbone. Thin-layer and DEAE-Sephacel chromatography of the three O-linked oligosaccharide species indicated that disialylated tetrasaccharides and monosialylated trisaccharides were the major components, whereas neutral disaccharide was a minor component. Digestion with neuraminidase and beta-galactosidase of the O-linked oligosaccharides supported the idea that the common disaccharide core was mainly of the structure beta-galactosyl-N-acetylgalactosamine. The large occurrence of O-linked oligosaccharides differentiates this type 2-specific herpes simplex virus glycoprotein from the type-common herpesvirus glycoproteins gB, gC, and gD.

Structural analysis of the varicella-zoster virus gp98-gp62 complex: posttranslational addition of N-linked and O-linked oligosaccharide moieties

Varicella-zoster virus specifies the formation of several glycoproteins, including the preponderant gp98-gp62 glycoprotein complex in the outer membranes of virus-infected cells. These viral glycoproteins are recognized and precipitated by a previously described monoclonal antibody designated monoclone 3B3. When an immunoblot analysis was performed, only gp98 was reactive with monoclone 3B3 antibody; likewise, titration in the presence of increased concentrations of sodium dodecyl sulfate during antigen-antibody incubations caused selective precipitation of gp98 but not gp62. Further structural analyses of gp98 were performed by using the glycosidases endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase H (endoglycosidase H) and neuraminidase and two inhibitors of glycosylation (tunicamycin and monensin). In addition to gp98, antibody 3B3 reacted with several intermediate products, including gp90, gp88, gp81, and a nonglycosylated polypeptide, p73. Since gp98 was completely resistant to digestion with endoglycosidase H, it contained only complex carbohydrate moieties; conversely, gp81 contained mainly high-mannose residues. Polypeptide p73 was immunodetected in the presence of tunicamycin and designated as a nascent recipient of N-linked sugars, whereas gp88 was considered to contain O-linked oligosaccharides because its synthesis was not affected by tunicamycin. The ionophore monensin inhibited production of mature gp98, but other intermediate forms, including gp90, were detected. Since the latter product was similar in molecular weight to the desialated form of gp98, one effect of monensin treatment of varicella-zoster virus-infected cells was to block the addition of N-acetylneuraminic acid. Monensin also blocked insertion of gp98 into the plasma membrane and, as determined by electron microscopy, inhibited envelopment of the nucleocapsid and its transport within the cytoplasm. On the basis of this study, we reached the following conclusions: the primary antibody 3B3-binding epitope is located on gp98, gp98 is a mature product of viral glycoprotein processing, gp98 contains both N-linked and O-linked oligosaccharide side chains, gp90 is the desialated penultimate form of gp98, gp88 is an O-linked intermediate of gp98, gp81 is the high-mannose intermediate of gp98, and p73 is the unglycosylated precursor of gp98.

Localization of epitopes of herpes simplex virus type 1 glycoprotein D

We previously defined eight groups of monoclonal antibodies which react with distinct epitopes of herpes simplex virus glycoprotein D (gD). One of these, group VII antibody, was shown to react with a type-common continuous epitope within residues 11 to 19 of the mature glycoprotein (residues 36 to 44 of the predicted sequence of gD). In the current investigation, we have localized the sites of binding of two additional antibody groups which recognize continuous epitopes of gD. The use of truncated forms of gD as well as computer predictions of secondary structure and hydrophilicity were instrumental in locating these epitopes and choosing synthetic peptides to mimic their reactivity. Group II antibodies, which are type common, react with an epitope within residues 268 to 287 of the mature glycoprotein (residues 293 to 312 of the predicted sequence). Group V antibodies, which are gD-1 specific, react with an epitope within residues 340 to 356 of the mature protein (residues 365 to 381 of the predicted sequence). Four additional groups of monoclonal antibodies appear to react with discontinuous epitopes of gD-1, since the reactivity of these antibodies was lost when the glycoprotein was denatured by reduction and alkylation. Truncated forms of gD were used to localize these four epitopes to the first 260 amino acids of the mature protein. Competition experiments were used to assess the relative positions of binding of various pairs of monoclonal antibodies. In several cases, when one antibody was bound, there was no interference with the binding of an antibody from another group, indicating that the epitopes were distinct. However, in other cases, there was competition, indicating that these epitopes might share some common amino acids.

DNA sequence analysis of the type-common glycoprotein-D genes of herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2

The DNA sequences for the coding and flanking regions of the type-common glycoprotein-D (gD) genes of herpes simplex virus (HSV) types 1 and 2 have been determined. The resultant protein sequences are approximately 80% homologous. Both gD proteins are 393 amino acids long and both have maintained three identical potential glycosylation sites. Amino acid changes are found throughout the proteins, with the majority of changes located in the amino and carboxyl/termini. Most of the amino acid differences were found to be conservative. Hydropathy analysis, which determines hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions, reveals a remarkable structural similarity between the proteins. Examination of 5' flanking sequences demonstrates extensive DNA sequence homology adjacent to the start of gD gene transcription. In addition, another homologous noncoding region was found 3' to the gD gene. This second homologous sequence is 5' to a 1.6-kb transcription unit.

Amino-terminal sequence of glycoprotein D of herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2

Glycoprotein D (gD) of herpes simplex virus is a structural component of the virion envelope which stimulates production of high titers of herpes simplex virus type-common neutralizing antibody. We carried out automated N-terminal amino acid sequencing studies on radiolabeled preparations of gD-1 (gD of herpes simplex virus type 1) and gD-2 (gD of herpes simplex virus type 2). Although some differences were noted, particularly in the methionine and alanine profiles for gD-1 and gD-2, the amino acid sequence of a number of the first 30 residues of the amino terminus of gD-1 and gD-2 appears to be quite similar. For both proteins, the first residue is a lysine. When we compared our sequence data for gD-1 with those predicted by nucleic acid sequencing, the two sequences could be aligned (with one exception) starting at residue 26 (lysine) of the predicted sequence. Thus, the first 25 amino acids of the predicted sequence are absent from the polypeptides isolated from infected cells.

Detection of antibodies to herpes simplex virus with a continuous cell line expressing cloned glycoprotein D

The gene for glycoprotein D of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) was expressed in stable mammalian cell lines. Glycoprotein D produced in these cells has a number of antigenic determinants in common with the native glycoprotein. Cell lines expressing glycoprotein D were used in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to detect human antibodies to glycoprotein D. This strategy should prove useful in determining the extent to which the immune response to HSV-1 is directed toward glycoprotein D.

Synthesis and processing of glycoprotein D of herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 in an in vitro system

We carried out studies of in vitro translation and processing of glycoprotein D (gD) of herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 by using mRNA from cells infected for 6 h and a reticulocyte lysate translation system. Polypeptides of 49,000 daltons were immunoprecipitated with anti-gD-1 sera. Each in vitro-synthesized molecule had the same methionine tryptic peptide profile as the respective in vivo precursors, pgD-1 and pgD-2. In addition, the polypeptides synthesized in vitro were larger than the corresponding molecules synthesized in the presence of tunicamycin. This suggested that each of the gD polypeptides synthesized in vitro contained a transient N-terminal signal sequence. When the translation mixture was supplemented with pancreatic microsomes, each of the gD polypeptides was converted cotranslationally to a larger-molecular-weight form. Processing involved addition of three N-asparagine-linked oligosaccharides and removal of the signal peptide. When trypsin was added after in vitro processing, a polypeptide which was 3,000 daltons smaller than the in vitro-modified form of gD was immunoprecipitated. Experiments with endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase H showed that this polypeptide still contained the three N-asparagine-linked oligosaccharides. Two monoclonal antibodies, 57S (group V) and 17O (group VII), were used to further orient gD in microsomes. The group V determinant was located in the trypsin-sensitive 3,000-dalton fragment, and the group VII determinant was located in the portion of gD which was protected from trypsin. We concluded that gD is oriented with the three glycosylation sites inside the vesicles and that 3,000 daltons containing the group V determinant are located outside. Immunofluorescence studies indicated that the group V determinant of gD is inside the plasma membrane of herpes simplex virus-infected cells and that the group VII determinant is outside. This cellular orientation is consistent with predictions based on the in vitro experiments.