Putative glycoprotein gene of varicella-zoster virus with variable copy numbers of a 42-base-pair repeat sequence has homology to herpes simplex virus glycoprotein C

The Structures and Functions of VZV Glycoproteins

The virions of all enveloped viruses, including those of the Herpesviridae, must bind to the cell surface then undergo a process of membrane fusion between the cell plasma membrane and the virus particle envelope. As for all herpesviruses, glycoproteins in the virion envelope are the modus operandi of these events.

Varicella-Zoster Virus-Genetics, Molecular Evolution and Recombination

This chapter first details the structure, organization and coding content of the VZV genome to provide a foundation on which the molecular evolution of the virus can be projected. We subsequently describe the evolution of molecular profiling approaches from restriction fragment length polymorphisms to single nucleotide polymorphism profiling to modern day high-throughput sequencing approaches. We describe how the application of these methodologies led to our current model of VZV phylogeograpy including the number and structure of geographic clades and the role of recombination in reshaping these.

Genetic and phenotypic intrastrain variation in herpes simplex virus type 1 Glasgow strain 17 syn+-derived viruses

The Glasgow s17 syn+ strain of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV1) is arguably the best characterized strain and has provided the reference sequence for HSV1 genetic studies. Here we show that our original s17 syn+ stock was a mixed population from which we have isolated a minor variant that, unlike other strains in the laboratory, fails to be efficiently released from infected cells and spreads predominantly by direct cell-to-cell transmission. Analysis of other s17-derived viruses that had been isolated elsewhere revealed a number with the same release phenotype. Second-generation sequencing of 8 plaque-purified s17-derived viruses revealed sequences that vary by 50 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), including approximately 10 coding SNPs. This compared to interstrain variations of around 800 SNPs in strain Sc16, of which a quarter were coding changes. Amongst the variations found within s17, we identified 13 variants of glycoprotein C within the original stock of virus that were predominantly a consequence of altered homopolymeric runs of C residues. Characterization of seven isolates coding for different forms of gC indicated that all were expressed, despite six of them lacking a transmembrane domain. While the release phenotype did not correlate directly with any of these identified gC variations, further demonstration that nine clinical isolates of HSV1 also fail to spread through extracellular release raises the possibility that propagation in tissue culture had altered the HSV1 s17 transmission phenotype. Hence, the s17 intrastrain variation identified here offers an excellent model for understanding both HSV1 transmission and tissue culture adaptation.

Analysis of the reiteration regions (R1 to R5) of varicella-zoster virus

The varicella-zoster virus (VZV) genome, comprises both unique and repeated regions. The genome also includes reiteration regions, designated R1 to R5, which are tandemly repeating sequences termed elements. These regions represent an understudied feature of the VZV genome. The R4 region is duplicated, with one copy in the internal repeat short (IRs) which we designated R4A and a second copy in the terminal repeat short (TRs) termed R4B. We developed primers to amplify and Sanger sequence these regions, including independent amplification of both R4 regions. Reiteration regions from >80 cases of PCR-confirmed shingles were sequenced and analyzed. Complete genome sequences for the remaining portions of these viruses were determined using Illumina MiSeq. We identified 28 elements not previously reported, including at least one element for each R region. Length heterogeneity was substantial in R3, R4A and R4B. Length heterogeneity between the two copies of R4 was common.

Varicella zoster virus glycoprotein C increases chemokine-mediated leukocyte migration

Varicella zoster virus (VZV) is a highly prevalent human pathogen that establishes latency in neurons of the peripheral nervous system. Primary infection causes varicella whereas reactivation results in zoster, which is often followed by chronic pain in adults. Following infection of epithelial cells in the respiratory tract, VZV spreads within the host by hijacking leukocytes, including T cells, in the tonsils and other regional lymph nodes, and modifying their activity. In spite of its importance in pathogenesis, the mechanism of dissemination remains poorly understood. Here we addressed the influence of VZV on leukocyte migration and found that the purified recombinant soluble ectodomain of VZV glycoprotein C (rSgC) binds chemokines with high affinity. Functional experiments show that VZV rSgC potentiates chemokine activity, enhancing the migration of monocyte and T cell lines and, most importantly, human tonsillar leukocytes at low chemokine concentrations. Binding and potentiation of chemokine activity occurs through the C-terminal part of gC ectodomain, containing predicted immunoglobulin-like domains. The mechanism of action of VZV rSgC requires interaction with the chemokine and signalling through the chemokine receptor. Finally, we show that VZV viral particles enhance chemokine-dependent T cell migration and that gC is partially required for this activity. We propose that VZV gC activity facilitates the recruitment and subsequent infection of leukocytes and thereby enhances VZV systemic dissemination in humans.

Varicella zoster virus (VZV) causes two main pathologies in humans, chickenpox during primary infection, and shingles following reactivation. The latter is a painful condition that is often followed by chronic pain in a large numbers of shingles patients. Despite the existence of a vaccine, shingles-related complications cause expenses of more than $1 billion per year in the USA alone. Following primary infection, the virus infects leukocytes including T cells, spreading to the skin causing chickenpox. Direct infection of neurons from leukocytes has also been postulated. Given the relevance of leukocytes in VZV biology and the importance of chemokines in directing their migration, we investigated whether VZV modulates the function of chemokines. Our results show that VZV glycoprotein C potentiates the activity of chemokines, inducing higher migration of human leukocytes at low chemokine concentration. This may attract additional susceptible leukocytes to the site of infection enhancing virus spread and pathogenesis.

Clinical and molecular aspects of the live attenuated Oka varicella vaccine

VZV is a ubiquitous member of the Herpesviridae family that causes varicella (chicken pox) and herpes zoster (shingles). Both manifestations can cause great morbidity and mortality and are therefore of significant economic burden. The introduction of varicella vaccination as part of childhood immunization programs has resulted in a remarkable decline in varicella incidence, and associated hospitalizations and deaths, particularly in the USA. The vaccine preparation, vOka, is a live attenuated virus produced by serial passage of a wild-type clinical isolate termed pOka in human and guinea pig cell lines. Although vOka is clinically attenuated, it can cause mild varicella, establish latency, and reactivate to cause herpes zoster. Sequence analysis has shown that vOka differs from pOka by at least 42 loci; however, not all genomes possess the novel vOka change at all positions, creating a heterogeneous population of genetically distinct haplotypes. This, together with the extreme cell-associated nature of VZV replication in cell culture and the lack of an animal model, in which the complete VZV life cycle can be replicated, has limited studies into the molecular basis for vOka attenuation. Comparative studies of vOka with pOka replication in T cells, dorsal root ganglia, and skin indicate that attenuation likely involves multiple mutations within ORF 62 and several other genes. This article presents an overview of the clinical aspects of the vaccine and current progress on understanding the molecular mechanisms that account for the clinical phenotype of reduced virulence.

Overview of varicella-zoster virus glycoproteins gC, gH and gL

The VZV genome is smaller than the HSV genome and only encodes nine glycoproteins. This chapter provides an overview of three VZV glycoproteins: gH (ORF37), gL (ORF60), and gC (ORF14). All three glycoproteins are highly conserved among the alpha herpesviruses. However, VZV gC exhibits unexpected differences from its HSV counterpart gC. In particular, both VZV gC transcription and protein expression are markedly delayed in cultured cells. These delays occur regardless of the virus strain or the cell type, and may account in part for the aberrant assembly of VZV particles. In contrast to VZV gC, the general properties of gH and gL more closely resemble their HSV homologs. VZV gL behaves as a chaperone protein to facilitate the maturation of the gH protein. The mature gH protein in turn is a potent fusogen. Its fusogenic activity can be abrogated when infected cultures are treated with monoclonal anti-gH antibodies.

Analysis of repeat units in the R2 region among different Oka varicella-zoster virus vaccine strains and wild-type strains in Germany

OBJECTIVE

The present study compared the number of R2 repeat units in six different Oka strains and in 54 varicella-zoster virus (VZV) wild-type strains isolated from patients with varicella or zoster in Germany.

METHODS

The R2 genomic region was characterized by polymerase chain reaction and sequencing methods.

RESULTS

Five VZV Oka vaccine strains showed a number of seven 42-bp units and, in one, eight repeats were found. In 11 VZV wild-type strains isolated from patients with varicella, the copy number ranged between four and eight, and in 43 strains from zoster a similar range between four and nine copies was observed. About 80% of all strains showed between five and seven repeated units. More than one third of strains revealed seven repeats like Oka.

CONCLUSIONS

The size of the R2 repeat region can also be different in single Oka vaccine strains. In German VZV wild-type strains, the R2 fragment seems to be not as variable as in Japanese wild-type strains.

Genomic cartography of varicella-zoster virus: a complete genome-based analysis of strain variability with implications for attenuation and phenotypic differences

In order to gain a better perspective on the true variability of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) and to catalogue the location and number of differences, 11 new complete genome sequences were compared with those previously in the public domain (18 complete genomes in total). Three of the newly sequenced genomes were derived from a single strain in order to assess variations that can occur during serial passage in cell culture. The analysis revealed that while VZV is relatively stable genetically it does posses a certain degree of variability. The reiteration regions, origins of replication and intergenic homopolymer regions were all found to be variable between strains as well as within a given strain. In addition, the terminal viral sequences were found to vary within and between strains specifically at the 3' end of the genome. Analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) identified a total of 557 variable sites, 451 of which were found in coding regions and resulted in 187 different in amino acid substitutions. A comparison of the SNPs present in the two gE mutant strains, VZV-MSP and VZV-BC, suggested that the missense mutation in gE was primarily responsible for the accelerated cell spread phenotype. Some of the variations noted with high passage in cell culture are consistent with variations seen in the IE62 gene of the vaccine strains (S628G, R958G and I1260V) that may help in pinpointing variations essential for attenuation. Although VZV has been considered to be one of the most genetically stable human herpesviruses, this initial assessment of genomic VZV cartography provides insight into ORFs with previously unreported variations.

Delayed biosynthesis of varicella-zoster virus glycoprotein C: upregulation by hexamethylene bisacetamide and retinoic acid treatment of infected cells

In the course of examining the trafficking pathways of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) glycoproteins gE, gI, gH, and gB, we discovered that all four are synthesized within 4 to 6 h postinfection (hpi) in cultured cells. Thereafter, they travel via the trans-Golgi network to the outer cell membrane. When we carried out a similar analysis on VZV gC, we observed little gC biosynthesis in the first 72 hpi. Further examination disclosed that gC was present in the inocula of infected cells, but no new gC biosynthesis occurred during the first 24 to 48 h thereafter, during which time new synthesis of gE, gH, and major capsid protein was easily detectable. Similarly, delayed gC biosynthesis was confirmed with three different VZV strains and two different cell lines. Bioinformatics analyses disclosed the presence of PBX/HOX consensus binding domains in the promoter/enhancer regions of the genes for VZV gC and ORF4 protein (whose orthologs transactivate gC in other herpesviruses). Bioinformatics analysis also identified two HOXA9 activation regions on ORF4 protein. Treatment of infected cultures with chemicals known to induce the production of PBX/HOX transcription proteins, namely, hexamethylene bisacetamide (HMBA) and retinoic acid, led to more rapid gC biosynthesis. Immunoblotting demonstrated a fivefold increase in the HOXA9 protein after HMBA treatment. In summary, these results documented that gC was not produced during early VZV replication cycles, presumably related to a deficiency in the PBX/HOX transcription factors. Furthermore, these results explain the apparent spontaneous loss of VZV gC in some passaged viruses, as well as other anomalous gC results.

Molecular studies of Varicella zoster virus

VZV is a highly cell-associated member of the Herpesviridae family and one of the eight herpesviruses to infect humans. The virus is ubiquitous in most populations worldwide, primary infection with which causes varicella, more commonly known as chickenpox. Characteristic of members of the alphaherpesvirus sub-family, VZV is neurotropic and establishes latency in sensory neurones. Reactivation from latency, usually during periods of impaired cellular immunity, causes herpes zoster (shingles). Despite being one of the most genetically stable human herpesviruses, nucleotide alterations in the virus genome have been used to classify VZV strains from different geographical regions into distinct clades. Such studies have also provided evidence that, despite pre-existing immunity to VZV, subclinical reinfection and reactivation of reinfecting strains to cause zoster is also occurring. During both primary infection and reactivation, VZV infects several PBMC and skin cell lineages. Difficulties in studying the pathogenesis of VZV because of its high cell association and narrow host range have been overcome through the development of the VZV severe combined immunodeficient mouse model carrying human tissue implants. This model has provided a valuable tool for studying the importance of individual viral proteins during both the complex intracellular replication and assembly of new virions and for understanding the underlying mechanism of attenuation of the live varicella vaccine. In addition, a rat model has been developed and successfully used to uncover which viral proteins are important for both the establishment and maintenance of latent VZV infection.

Global identification of three major genotypes of varicella-zoster virus: longitudinal clustering and strategies for genotyping

By analysis of a single, variable, and short DNA sequence of 447 bp located within open reading frame 22 (ORF22), we discriminated three major varicella-zoster virus (VZV) genotypes. VZV isolates from all six inhabited continents that showed nearly complete homology to ORF22 of the European reference strain Dumas were assigned to the European (E) genotype. All Japanese isolates, defined as the Japanese (J) genotype, were identical in the respective genomic region and proved the most divergent from the E strains, carrying four distinct variations. The remaining isolates carried a combination of E- and J-specific variations in the target sequence and thus were collectively termed the mosaic (M) genotype. Three hundred twenty-six isolates collected in 27 countries were genotyped. A distinctive longitudinal distribution of VZV genotypes supports this approach. Among 111 isolates collected from European patients, 96.4% were genotype E. Consistent with this observation, approximately 80% of the VZV strains from the United States were also genotype E. Similarly, genotype E viruses were dominant in the Asian part of Russia and in eastern Australia. M genotype viruses were strongly dominant in tropical regions of Africa, Indochina, and Central America, and they were common in western Australia. However, genotype M viruses were also identified as a minority in several countries worldwide. Two major intertypic variations of genotype M strains were identified, suggesting that the M genotype can be further differentiated into subgenotypes. These data highlight the direction for future VZV genotyping efforts. This approach provides the first simple genotyping method for VZV strains in clinical samples.

Analysis of numbers of repeated units in R2 region among varicella-zoster virus strains

BACKGROUND

A variable region, R2, on the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) genome contains a repeated 42-bp unit.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is the derivation of significance from tandem reiteration structure in the R2 region.

METHODS

Fifty-two specimens were collected from 52 patients with herpes zoster in Osaka and Tokyo, Japan. After treatment of the specimens to release viral DNA, the samples were amplified directly by polymerase chain reaction. In addition, 14 samples were collected from 7 of these zoster patients after valaciclovir or aciclovir therapy.

RESULTS

Analyses of the 52 specimens revealed that the number of repeats ranged from 4 to 13. Interestingly, the numbers of repeats among various VZV strains showed a normal distribution pattern, so that 6-9 repeats were found to be predominant in both Osaka (85%) and Tokyo (72%). The pre- and post-treatment strains taken from the same individuals showed the same numbers of repeats (7-9 in 6 cases and 11 in one).

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that the 6-9 repetitions of the 42-bp unit, with presumed stability, may offer these virus strains an advantage in virulence to human skin.

Phylogenetic analysis of varicella-zoster virus: evidence of intercontinental spread of genotypes and recombination

A heteroduplex mobility assay was used to identify variants of varicella-zoster virus circulating in the United Kingdom and elsewhere. Within the United Kingdom, 58 segregating sites were found out of the 23,266 examined (0.25%), and nucleotide diversity was estimated to be 0.00063. These are an order of magnitude smaller than comparable estimates from herpes simplex virus type 1. Sixteen substitutions were nonsynonymous, the majority of which were clustered within surface-expressed proteins. Extensive genetic correlation between widely spaced sites indicated that recombination has been rare. Phylogenetic analysis of varicella-zoster viruses from four continents distinguished at least three major genetic clades. Most geographical regions contained only one of these three strains, apart from the United Kingdom and Brazil, where two or more strains were found. There was minimal genetic differentiation (one or fewer substitutions in 1,895 bases surveyed) between the samples collected from Africa (Guinea Bissau, Zambia) and the Indian subcontinent (Bangladesh, South India), suggesting recent rapid spread and/or low mutation rates. The geographic pattern of strain distribution would favor a major influence of the former. The genetic uniformity of most virus populations makes recombination difficult to detect. However, at least one probable recombinant between two of the major strains was found among the samples originating from Brazil, where mixtures of genotypes co-occur.

The DNA Sequence of the Simian Varicella Virus Genome

In nonhuman primates, simian varicella virus (SVV) causes a natural disease which is clinically similar to human varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infections. The SVV and VZV genomes are similar in size and structure and share extensive DNA homology. This report presents the complete DNA sequence of the SVV genome. SVV DNA is 124,138 bp in size, 746 bp shorter than VZV DNA, and 40.4% G + C. The viral genome includes a 104,104-bp unique long component bracketed by 8-bp inverted repeat sequences and a short component composed of a 4904-bp unique short region bracketed by 7557-bp inverted repeat sequences. A total of 69 distinct SVV open reading frames (ORFs) were identified, including three that are duplicated within the inverted repeats of the short component. Each of the SVV ORFs shares extensive homology to a corresponding VZV gene. The only major difference between SVV and VZV DNA occurs at the leftward terminus. SVV lacks a VZV ORF 2 homolog. In addition, SVV encodes an 882-bp ORF A that is absent in VZV, but has homology to the SVV and VZV ORF 4. The results of this study confirm the relatedness of SVV and VZV and provide further support for simian varicella as a model to investigate VZV pathogenesis and latency.

Attenuation of the vaccine Oka strain of varicella-zoster virus and role of glycoprotein C in alphaherpesvirus virulence demonstrated in the SCID-hu mouse

The SCID-hu mouse implanted with human fetal tissue is a novel model for investigating human viral pathogenesis. Infection of human skin implants was used to investigate the basis for the clinical attenuation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) strain, V-Oka, from which the newly licensed vaccine is made. The pathogenicity of V-Oka was compared with that of its parent, P-Oka, another low-passage clinical isolate, strain Schenke (VZV-S), and VZV-Ellen, a standard laboratory strain. The role of glycoprotein C (gC) in infectivity for human skin was assessed by using gC-negative mutants of V-Oka and VZV-Ellen. Whereas all of these VZV strains replicated well in tissue culture, only low-passage clinical isolates were fully virulent in skin, as shown by infectious virus yields and analysis of implant tissues for VZV DNA and viral protein synthesis. The infectivity of V-Oka in skin was impaired compared to that of P-Oka, providing the first evidence of a virologic basis for the clinical attenuation of V-Oka. The infectivity of V-Oka was further diminished in the absence of gC expression. All strains except gC-Ellen retained some capacity to replicate in human skin, but cell-free virus was recovered only from implants infected with P-Oka or VZV-S. Although VZV is closely related to herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) genetically, experiments in the SCID-hu model revealed differences in tropism for human cells that correlated with differences in VZV and HSV-1 disease. VZV caused extensive infection of epidermal and dermal skin cells, while HSV-1 produced small, superficial lesions restricted to the epidermis. As in VZV, gC expression was a determinant for viral replication in skin. VZV infects human CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in thymus/liver implants, but HSV-1 was detected only in epithelial cells, with no evidence of lymphotropism. These SCID-hu mouse experiments show that the clinical attenuation of the varicella vaccine can be attributed to decreased replication of V-Oka in skin and that tissue culture passage alone reduces the ability of VZV to infect human skin in vivo. Furthermore, gC, which is dispensable for replication in tissue culture, plays a critical role in the virulence of the human alphaherpesviruses VZV and HSV-1 for human skin.

Fine mapping of bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1) glycoprotein C neutralizing epitopes by type-specific monoclonal antibodies and synthetic peptides

Bovine herpesvirus glycoprotein C (gC) functions as a major virus attachment protein. Here, two BHV-1 gC-specific epitopes that are specified by complement-dependent neutralizing MAbs are mapped. The BHV-1 gC-specific peptides and MAbs were used to specifically localize continuous epitopes by direct binding to the MAbs and by blocking the Mab reactivity (competitive ELISA) to authentic viral antigen. The results of competitive ELISA indicated that the complement-dependent neutralizing epitopes recognized by MAbs F2 and 24 were located between BHV-1 gC amino acids (aa) 47-69 and (aa) 109-119, respectively.

Identification and characterization of the feline herpesvirus type 1 glycoprotein C gene

The feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1) gene encoding glycoprotein C (gC) has been sequenced and identified based on its genomic location and comparative analysis to other alphaherpesvirus gCs, and the expressed gC protein was also identified by using specific monoclonal antibodies. The FHV-1 gC gene was located within a 7.0 kbp EcoRI fragment, and was 1602 bp in length. The amino acid sequence deduced from the nucleotide sequence was predicted to encode a membrane glycoprotein containing a characteristic N-terminal hydrophobic signal sequence, nine potential N-linked glycosylation sites, and C-terminal transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains. The FHV-1 gC was expressed in COS-7 cells. When flowcytometric analysis was carried out, the gC expressed in COS-7 cells reacted with a panel of monoclonal antibodies against gp113: By immunoprecipitation analysis, the gC expressed in COS-7 cells possessed molecular masses of 125-150 kilodalton, and was similar in size to that in FHV-1-infected CRFK cells.

Application of long PCR method of identification of variations in nucleotide sequences among varicella-zoster virus isolates

Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of whole viral DNA of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) requires the time-consuming and laborious preparation of a large amount of purified viral DNA. RFLP analysis of small DNA fragments amplified by PCR was developed as an alternative method. However, its use has been limited because of the small number of variations in VZV. To overcome these drawbacks and to identify variations in VZV, we developed an RFLP analysis method combined with the long PCR method which has recently been developed for the amplification of DNA fragments between 5 and 35 kb in length. We amplified three DNA regions ranging from 6.8 to 11.4 kb and demonstrated that RFLP analyses of these regions allowed for the classification of 40 VZV isolates in Japan into 17 groups. One-fourth of the isolates contained a nucleotide difference of C versus T, which abolished the StyI site at position 76530; this alteration was linked to the reported PstI site polymorphism at position 69349 (nucleotide positions are based on those of strain Dumas). Nucleotide sequence variation in the examined regions among VZV isolates in Japan was estimated at roughly less than 0.05%, confirming the previously proposed idea that VZV is genetically stable and not highly diversified. Our method will be useful for studies of the molecular epidemiology of VZV.

Varicella-zoster virus. The virus

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) causes chickenpox and herpes zoster. After acute infection the virus becomes latent in dorsal root and trigeminal ganglia for the lifetime of the individual. The viral genome encodes about 70 proteins, at least three of which are thought to be expressed during latency in humans. VZV grows in cell culture, but is very cell-associated; it is relatively difficult to obtain high titers of cell-free virus.

Disulfide bond structure determination and biochemical analysis of glycoprotein C from herpes simplex virus

A biochemical analysis of glycoprotein C (gC of herpes simplex virus was undertaken to further characterize the structure of the glycoprotein and to determine its disulfide bond arrangement. We used three recombinant forms of gC, gC1(457t), gC1(delta33-123t), and gC2(426t), each truncated prior to the transmembrane region. The proteins were expressed and secreted by using a baculovirus expression system and have been shown to bind to monoclonal antibodies which recognize discontinuous epitopes and to complement component C3b in a dose-dependent manner. We confirmed the N-terminal residues of each mature protein by Edman degradation and confirmed the internal deletion in gC1(delta33-123t). The molecular weight and extent of glycosylation of gC1 (457t), gC1(delta33-123t), and gC2(426t) were determined by treating each protein with endoglycosidases and then subjecting it to sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and mass spectrometric analysis. The data indicate that eight to nine of the predicted N-linked oligosaccharide sites on gC1(457t) are occupied by glycans of approximately 1,000 Da. In addition, O-linked oligosaccharides are present on gC1(457t), primarily localized to the N-terminal region (amino acids [aa] 33 to 123) of the protein. gC2(426t) contains N-linked oligosaccharides, but no O-linked oligosaccharides were detected. To determine the disulfide bond arrangement of the eight cysteines of gC1(457t),the protein was cleaved with cyanogen bromide. SDS-PAGE analysis followed by Edman degradation identified three cysteine-containing fragments which are not connected by disulfide linkages. Chemical modification of cysteines combined with matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry identified disulfide bonds between cysteine 1 (aa 127) and cysteine 2 (aa 144) and between cysteine 3 (aa 286) and cysteine 4 (aa 347). Further proteolysis of the cyanogen bromide-generated fragment containing cysteine 5 through cysteine 8, combined with mass spectrometry and Edman degradation, showed that disulfide bonds link cysteine 5 (aa 386) to cysteine 8 (aa 442) and cysteine 6 (aa 390) to cysteine 7 (aa 419). A similar disulfide bond arrangement is postulated to exist in gC homologs from other herpesviruses.

Interaction of herpes simplex virus glycoprotein gC with mammalian cell surface molecules

The entry of herpes simplex virus (HSV) into mammalian cells is a multistep process beginning with an attachment step involving glycoproteins gC and gB. A second step requires the interaction of glycoprotein gD with a cell surface molecule. We explored the interaction between gC and the cell surface by using purified proteins in the absence of detergent. Truncated forms of gC and gD, gC1(457t), gC2(426t), and gD1(306t), lacking the transmembrane and carboxyl regions were expressed in the baculovirus system. We studied the ability of these proteins to bind to mammalian cells, to bind to immobilized heparin, to block HSV type 1 (HSV-1) attachment to cells, and to inhibit plaque formation by HSV-1. Each of these gC proteins bound to conformation-dependent monoclonal antibodies and to human complement component C3b, indicating that they maintained the same conformation of gC proteins expressed in mammalian cells. Biotinylated gC1(457t) and gC2(426t) each bind to several cell lines. Binding was inhibited by an excess of unlabeled gC but not by gD, indicating specificity. The attachment of gC to cells involves primarily heparan sulfate proteoglycans, since heparitinase treatment of cells reduced gC binding by 50% but had no effect on gD binding. Moreover, binding of gC to two heparan sulfate-deficient L-cell lines, gro2C and sog9, both of which are mostly resistant to HSV infection, was markedly reduced. Purified gD1 (306t), however, bound equally well to the two mutant cell lines. In contrast, saturating amounts of gC1(457t) interfered with HSV-1 attachment to cells but failed to block plaque formation, suggesting a role for gC in attachment but not penetration. A mutant form of gC lacking residues 33 to 123, gC1(delta 33-123t), expressed in the baculovirus system, bound significantly less well to cells than did gC1(457t) and competed poorly with biotinylated gC1(457t) for binding. These results suggest that residues 33 to 123 are important for gC attachment to cells. In contrast, both the mutant and wild-type forms of gC bound to immobilized heparin, indicating that binding of these proteins to the cell surface involves more than a simple interaction with heparin. To determine that the contribution of the N-terminal region of gC is important for HSV attachment, we compared several properties of a mutant HSV-1 which contains gC lacking amino acids 33 to 123 to those of its parental virus, which contains full-length gC. The mutant bound less well to cells than the parental virus but exhibited normal growth properties.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

The transcriptional regulatory proteins encoded by varicella-zoster virus open reading frames (ORFs) 4 and 63, but not ORF 61, are associated with purified virus particles

Of the five varicella-zoster virus (VZV) open reading frames (ORFs) known to encode proteins which influence viral transcriptional events, two (ORFs 10 and 62) encode proteins associated with the tegument of virus particles, where they may function during the immediate-early events of infection. In this study, antibodies which recognize the products of the three additional VZV ORFs, ORFs 4, 61, and 63, were made and used to characterize their association with virus particles. ORF 4 encoded a 52-kDa polypeptide, and antibodies to ORF 63 reacted with polypeptides of 47 and 28 kDa. Antibodies to ORF 61 recognized heterogeneous polypeptides of 62 to 66 kDa in cells infected with a vaccinia virus recombinant expressing ORF 61 and in VZV-infected melanoma cells but reacted very weakly with polypeptides of VZV-infected human foreskin fibroblasts, suggesting that cell-specific factors were involved in ORF 61 protein accumulation. Analysis of virus particles purified from melanoma cells indicated that a 52-kDa polypeptide from ORF 4 and the 47-kDa polypeptide from ORF 63, but not any from ORF 61, were associated with virus particles. The virion proteins were likely components of the tegument, as they were not solubilized by treatment of virus with mild detergents and were completely resistant to trypsin digestion unless prior envelope solubilization was performed. The products of ORFs 4 and 63 were not found in purified VZV nucleocapsids. These results suggest that forms of the ORF 4- and ORF 63-encoded transcriptional regulatory proteins are also structural and may also have roles in the immediate-early events of infection.

Identification of varicella-zoster virus strains by PCR analysis of three repeat elements and a PstI-site-less region

We established a method of identifying varicella-zoster virus (VZV) strains, especially those of the Oka vaccine, in patients with clinical VZV infections. The DNAs of 30 clinically isolated strains and 4 laboratory strains including the Oka vaccine strain and its parent VZV strain, were analyzed by PCR with four sets of primers for the four variable regions, R2, R4, R5, and a region without a PstI site (PS). R4 was unstable in four laboratory VZV strains and was excluded from the study. The other regions were stable in several passages in cell culture. The number of copies in R2 and R5 were distributed from 2 to 13 and from 1 to 3, respectively, in the strains analyzed. The vaccine strain had seven copies in R2 and two copies in R5, and it was PS negative. Among 30 clinical isolates, 3, 23, and 11 strains had the same characteristics as the vaccine strain in R2, R5, and PS, respectively. Therefore, by this method, 97.2% of the isolates were distinguished from the Oka vaccine strain. This strategy will be useful in diagnosing VZV infections induced by the vaccine strain.

Heparin-binding domain of bovid herpesvirus 1 glycoprotein gIII

Bovid herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1) glycoprotein gIII functions as a major virus attachment protein through binding to a heparin-like moiety on the host cells. To identify the functional domain, a panel of gIII deletion mutants was constructed, expressed in COS-7 cells, and examined for heparin-binding activity. Mutants with deletion of amino acid residues 103-173 and 324-443 bound to heparin as well as full-length gIII, whereas a mutant with residues 172-337 deleted showed no binding to heparin. In another mutant, with residues 172-211 deleted, the activity was reduced by one-third. These data suggest that the amino acid sequence between residues 172 and 323 contains the functional domain of BHV-1 gIII for heparin-binding and that especially the sequence between residues 212-323 includes a critical site for the activity.

Transcriptional mapping of the varicella-zoster virus regulatory genes encoding open reading frames 4 and 63

Four of the 68 varicella-zoster virus (VZV) unique open reading frames (ORFs), i.e., ORFs 4, 61, 62, and 63, encode proteins that influence viral transcription and are considered to be positional homologs of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) immediate-early (IE) proteins. In order to identify the elements that regulate transcription of VZV ORFs 4 and 63, the encoded mRNAs were mapped in detail. For ORF 4, a major 1.8-kb and a minor 3.0-kb polyadenylated [poly(A)+] RNA were identified, whereas ORF 63-specific probes recognized 1.3- and 1.9-kb poly(A)+ RNAs. Probes specific for sequences adjacent to the ORFs and mapping of the RNA 3' ends indicated that the ORF 4 RNAs were 3' coterminal, whereas the RNAs for ORF 63 represented two different termination sites. S1 nuclease mapping and primer extension analyses indicated a single transcription initiation site for ORF 4 at 38 bp upstream of the ORF start codon. For ORF 63, multiple transcriptional start sites at 87 to 95, 151 to 153, and (tentatively) 238 to 243 bp upstream of the ORF start codon were identified. TATA box motifs at good positional locations were found upstream of all mapped transcription initiation sites. However, no sequences resembling the TAATGARAT motif, which confers IE regulation upon HSV-1 IE genes, were found. The finding of the absence of this motif was supported through analyses of the regulatory sequences of ORFs 4 and 63 in transient transfection assays alongside those of ORFs 61 and 62. Sequences representing the promoters for ORFs 4, 61, and 63 were all stimulated by VZV infection but failed to be stimulated by coexpression with the HSV-1 transactivator Vmw65. In contrast, the promoter for ORF 62, which contains TAATGARAT motifs, was activated by VZV infection and coexpression with Vmw65. These results extend the transcriptional knowledge for VZV and suggest that ORFs 4 and 63 contain regulatory signals different from those of the ORF 62 and HSV-1 IE genes.

Transcription from varicella-zoster virus gene 67 (glycoprotein IV)

Three transcripts map to the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) open reading frame (ORF) 67, which encodes glycoprotein IV (gpIV). All of these transcripts are polyadenylated and are transcribed from left to right towards the genomic terminal short repeats. Previous Northern (RNA) blot analyses suggested that the most abundant of these transcripts (1.65 kb) might code for gpIV. We performed S1 nuclease protection and primer extension assays and determined that the 5' terminus of the 1.65-kb transcript maps 91 bp upstream from the gpIV initiation codon. An AT-rich region (ATAAA), -28 bp from the cap site, is a potential TATA box, and at -71 bp there is a consensus CCAAT box motif. The 3' end of the 1.65-kb transcript is 20 bp downstream of two overlapping polyadenylation signals, AATAAA and ATTAAA, and just downstream of the 3' terminus is a GU-rich sequence. These results are reminiscent of data from our analysis of the VZV gpV gene, confirming that VZV appears able to use unusual TATA box motifs. Many canonical TATA sequences are present upstream from these VZV transcriptional start sites but, apparently, are not used. We tested sequences upstream from the gpIV cap site for promoter activity in transient expression experiments by cloning a DNA fragment (+63 to -343 bp) into pCAT3M, which contains a chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter gene. This clone showed little constitutive promoter activity but was activated more than 200-fold by infection with VZV and 5-fold with herpes simplex virus. The two known VZV transactivating genes (those for ORF 4 and ORF 62) were tested for their abilities to activate expression from the gpIV promoter by using their cognate promoters. The ORF 4 gene was minimally active, whereas the ORF 62 gene gave twofold induction; both genes, acting together, gave fivefold induction. However, replacement of the IE62 promoter with the immediate-early cytomegalovirus promoter in the ORF 62 construct gave over 40-fold induction of chloramphenicol acetyltransferase activity under the gpIV promoter in the same assay.

The varicella-zoster virus immediate-early protein IE62 is a major component of virus particles

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) open reading frame (ORF) 62 potentially encodes a protein with considerable amino acid homology to the herpes simplex virus (HSV) immediate-early regulatory polypeptide ICP4 (or IE3). To identify and characterize its protein product(s) (IE62), we used a rabbit antiserum prepared against a synthetic peptide corresponding to the C-terminal 13 amino acids of the predicted protein. This antiserum reacted with phosphorylated polypeptides of 175 to 180 kDa that were made in VZV-infected cells and in cells infected with a vaccinia virus recombinant expressing IE62, but not in control-infected cells, confirming its specificity and reactivity to the IE62 protein. The antiserum recognized a 175-kDa polypeptide in purified virions that comigrated with a major structural protein. Comparison of this reactivity with that of an antipeptide antiserum directed against the VZV ORF 10 product (homologous to the HSV major structural protein VP16) indicates similar levels of ORF 62 and ORF 10 polypeptides in VZV virions. In contrast, antipeptide antiserum directed against the VZV ORF 29 product, the homolog of the HSV major DNA-binding protein, failed to recognize any protein in our virion preparations. Treatment of virions with detergents that disrupt the virion envelope did not dissociate IE62 from the nucleocapsid-tegument structure of the virion. Differential sensitivity of VZV virion IE62 to trypsin digestion in the presence or absence of Triton X-100 indicates that IE62 is protected from trypsin degradation by the virus envelope; since it is not a nucleocapsid protein, we conclude that it is part of the tegument. Finally, we show that the virion 175-kDa protein either can autophosphorylate or is a major substrate in vitro for virion-associated protein kinase activity.

A detailed analysis of transcripts mapping to varicella zoster virus gene 14 (glycoprotein V)

We have characterized in detail those transcripts mapping to the varicella zoster virus (VZV) glycoprotein V (gpV) open reading frame (ORF). The analyses revealed that a major 1.95-kb and a minor 2.5-kb transcript map to these sequences for VZV strain Scott, with 1.8- and 2.3-kb transcripts in a vaccine Oka strain, consistent with intragenic repeat (R2) copy number differences. The transcripts for each strain are 5' coterminal, are polyadenylated, and do not seem to be spliced. Upstream of the cap site there are few obvious regulatory consensus sequences, but there is a potential CCAAT box at -59 bp and an unusual sequence at -25 to -33, ATTTAAATT, which may serve as the TATA box for this gene. The 3' termini map 10 to 20 bases downstream from potential polyadenylation signals: ATAAA for the 1.95-kb transcript and ACGTAAA for the 2.5-kb transcript. This transcript pattern is quite different from that observed for the gpV homologue in herpes simplex virus (HSV-1), glycoprotein C (gC). Strain Scott synthesizes about 20-fold more gpV-specific transcripts than a strain of the Oka vaccine virus, reflecting the amounts of gpV polypeptide accumulating in both strains; this implies that the defect in Oka gpV polypeptide production is at the level of transcription.

BHV-1 adsorption is mediated by the interaction of glycoprotein gIII with heparinlike moiety on the cell surface

The gIII glycoprotein of bovid herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1) has been shown to mediate the adsorption of the virions to cells (K. Okazaki, E. Honda, T. Minetoma, and T. Kumagai, 1987, Arch. Virol. 97, 297-307). In this study, the cellular receptor for BHV-1 was investigated. Addition of heparin to the virus inoculum and treatment of the cells with heparinase prevented the virus from adsorbing to and infecting the cells. Of the major glycoproteins of BHV-1 only gIII was found to bind specifically to heparin. The binding of gIII was inhibited by a monoclonal antibody against antigenic site Ia, which interferes with the adsorption of the virus. These findings indicate that the virus adsorption to cells is mediated by interaction of the gIII antigenic site Ia with a heparinlike moiety on the cell surface, which serves as a receptor for BHV-1.

The nucleotide sequence of the equine herpesvirus 4 gC gene homologue

The genomic position of an equine herpesvirus 4 (EHV-4) gene homologue of the herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) gC gene was determined by Southern analysis and DNA sequencing. The gene lies within a 2-kbp Bg/II-EcoRI fragment mapping between 0.15 and 0.17 within the long unique component of the EHV-4 genome and is transcribed from right to left. Putative promoter elements were identified upstream of the 1455-bp open reading frame which encodes a 485-amino-acid protein of unglycosylated molecular weight 52,513. Computer-assisted analysis of the primary sequence predicts the protein possesses a domain structure characteristic of a type 1 integral membrane glycoprotein. Four domains were distinguished--(i) an N-terminal signal sequence, (ii) a large extracellular domain containing 11 putative N-linked glycosylation sites, (iii) a hydrophobic transmembrane domain, and (iv) a C-terminal charged domain. Comparison of the predicted amino acid sequence to that of other herpesvirus glycoproteins indicated identities of between 22 and 29% with HSV-1 gC, HSV-2 gC, VZV gpV, PRV gIII, BHV-1 gIII, and MDV A antigen and of 79% with EHV-1 gp13. A gene with no apparent homologue in HSV-1 or VZV maps immediately downstream of the EHV-4 gC gene homologue.

The glycoprotein products of varicella-zoster virus gene 14 and their defective accumulation in a vaccine strain (Oka)

Many characteristics of the putative protein encoded by varicella-zoster virus (VZV) open reading fram (ORF) 14 indicate that it is a glycoprotein, which has been designated gpV. To identify the protein products of the gene, the coding sequences were placed under the control of the vaccinia virus p7.5 promoter and recombinant vaccinia viruses were constructed. Heterogeneous polypeptides with molecular weights of 95,000 to 105,000 (95K to 105K polypeptides) were expressed in cells infected by a vaccinia virus recombinant (vKIP5) containing ORF 14 from VZV Scott but were not expressed by control vaccinia viruses. These polypeptides were recognized by antibodies present in human sera that contained high levels of anti-VZV antibodies. Conversely, antisera raised in rabbits inoculated with vKIP5 reacted specifically with heterogeneous 95K to 105K polypeptides present in VZV Scott-infected but not uninfected cells; these polypeptides show a patchy plasma membrane fluorescence pattern in VZV Scott-infected cells. These same antisera neutralized VZV strain Scott infectivity in the absence of complement. Endoglycosidase F treatment of isolated gpV polypeptides and tunicamycin treatment of cells infected with the vKIP5 recombinant indicated that the polypeptides were glycosylated. Three sets of data imply that the VZV strain Oka, which has been used to produce a live attenuated virus vaccine, accumulates low levels of gpV polypeptides relative to wild-type strains: (i) blocking of antibodies in human sera with excess VZV Oka-infected cell antigen yielded residual antibodies which were reactive with the 95K to 105K gpV polypeptides expressed in cells infected by VZV strain Scott and by the vKIP5 vaccinia virus recombinant, but not with Oka-infected cell polypeptides; (ii) antisera raised to vKIP5 detected very low levels of reactive polypeptides made in VZV Oka-infected cells and neutralized VZV Oka virus much less efficiently than VZV Scott; and (iii) comparisons of the reactivity of sera from live attenuated virus vaccine vaccinees with sera derived from patients recovering from wild-type infections indicated greatly reduced levels of gpV-specific antibodies in some vaccinees.

Viral vaccines of the future

Varicella vaccine seems close to licensure in the United States. It is likely to be recommended for routine use in healthy children, either administered singly or as a combination of MMR. Healthy children who have been immunized develop excellent antibody and cell-mediated responses to VZV in the absence of significant adverse effects, and they are well protected against subsequent infection with VZV. Although it will not be known for certain for many years, it seems most unlikely that immunization will result in an increased incidence of zoster, a secondary type of infection with VZV that is caused by reactivation of latent VZV. Varicella vaccine may also be given to healthy adults who have never had chickenpox with a great degree of success, although its protection is somewhat less effective than in children. Leukemic children who are at high risk for developing severe or fatal varicella also derive a great deal of protection from varicella vaccine, but the vaccine must be administered to them with great caution. Other viral vaccines that may be licensed in the future but that are not as fully developed as varicella vaccine include vaccines against CMV, hepatitis A, HSV, and AIDS. These are in various degrees of study, and, should any of them be licensed, it is uncertain whether they would be live attenuated, recombinant, or subunit vaccines. It is hoped, however, that they will eventually be licensed for future use because if effective, they could significantly decrease morbidity and mortality of infants, children, and adults.

Identification of C3b-binding regions on herpes simplex virus type 2 glycoprotein C

Glycoprotein C from herpes simplex viruses types 1 and 2 (gC-1 and gC-2) acts as a receptor for the C3b fragment of the third component of complement. Our goal is to identify domains on gC involved in C3b receptor activity. Here, we used in-frame linker-insertion mutagenesis of the cloned gene for gC-2 to identify regions of the protein involved in C3b binding. We constructed 41 mutants of gC-2, each having a single, double, or triple insertion of four amino acids at sites spread across the protein. A transient transfection assay was used to characterize the expressed mutant proteins. All of the proteins were expressed on the transfected cell surface, exhibited processing of N-linked oligosaccharides, and bound one or more monoclonal antibodies recognizing distinct antigenic sites on native gC-2. This suggested that each of the mutant proteins was folded into a native structure and that a loss of C3b binding by any of the mutants could be attributed to the disruption of a specific functional domain. When the panel of insertion mutants was assayed for C3b receptor activity, we identified three distinct regions that are important for C3b binding, since an insertion within those regions abolished C3b receptor activity. Region I was located between amino acids 102 and 107, region II was located between residues 222 and 279, and region III was located between residues 307 and 379. In addition, region III has some structural features similar to a conserved motif found in complement receptor 1, the human C3b receptor. Finally, blocking experiments indicated that gC-1 and gC-2 bind to similar locations on the C3b molecule.

Characterization of the gene encoding herpesvirus of turkeys gp57-65: comparison to Marek's disease virus gp57-65 and herpes simplex virus glycoprotein C

A gene encoding herpesvirus of turkeys (HVT) strain FC 126 gp57-65 has been mapped to the viral genome and sequenced. The HVT (FC 126) gp57-65 gene maps to BamHI fragments K1 and M, colinear with the gene from Marek's disease virus (MDV) strain GA. HVT gp57-65 gene sequences were compared to the MDV strain GA gp57-65 gene that we sequenced previously. Overall, the two sequences are 66% identical, with greater similarity in the 3' proximal two thirds of the genes. HVT gp57-65 gene sequences have a slightly higher overall guanosine plus cytosine (G + C) content than MDV gp57-65 gene sequences (46% vs. 41%, respectively). A single, long open reading frame capable of encoding 523 amino acids was identified within the HVT gp57-65 gene region. The predicted precursor polypeptide derived from this open reading frame would have a calculated molecular weight of 58,587. The predicted HVT gp57-65 amino acid sequences contain six potential N-linked glycosylation sites (asn-x-ser/thr). Five of these six potential N-linked glycosylation sites are conserved between the HVT and MDV predicted amino acid sequences. Hydropathic analysis of the predicted HVT gp57-65 amino acid sequences indicate the presence of an amino-terminal hydrophobic sequence, which may function as a signal peptide, and a hydrophobic carboxyl terminal sequence, which may function as a membrane anchor sequence. Overall, MDV gp57-65 and HVT gp57-65 precursor polypeptide sequences are 73% homologous and share many potential antigenic epitopes. Predicted MDV and HVT gp57-65 protein sequences are similar to those of herpes simplex virus glycoprotein C (gC) and gC-like proteins from other herpes-viruses. Similarities are scattered throughout the molecule, with a primary concentration near the carboxyl half of the molecule. One stretch of 60 amino acids (HVT amino acids 378-437 and MDV amino acids 350-410) are relatively well conserved among gC-like proteins from six herpesviruses. The possible implications of these homologies and the potential roles of gC-like proteins in virus infection, growth, and replication are discussed.

Nucleotide sequence of bovine herpesvirus type 1 glycoprotein gIII, a structural model for gIII as a new member of the immunoglobulin superfamily, and implications for the homologous glycoproteins of other herpesviruses

The gene encoding bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BHV-1) glycoprotein gIII was mapped, cloned, and sequenced. The gene is situated between map units 0.122 and 0.135 and encodes a predicted protein of 521 amino acids. The identity of the sequenced gene has been verified previously by expression of immunologically authentic recombinant BHV-1 gIII (Fitzpatrick et al. (1988) J. Virol. 62, 4239-4248). Comparison of the BHV-1 gIII amino acid sequence with the homologous glycoproteins of other alphaherpesviruses revealed significant homology in the carboxy-terminal half of the molecules, including six invariant cysteine residues. A 96 amino acid domain with significant homology to class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigen constant domains was identified in the conserved carboxy-terminal half of BHV-1 gIII. This domain is flanked by two other similarly sized domains which may be related to other immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily domains. These homologies support a model for the structure of BHV-1 gIII as a new member of the Ig superfamily. Elements of the model may be applicable to the homologous glycoproteins of other herpesviruses and relevant to the immunobiology of herpesvirus infections.

Nucleotide sequence of the Marek's disease virus (MDV) RB-1B A antigen gene and the identification of the MDV A antigen as the herpes simplex virus-1 glycoprotein C homologue

The A antigen gene from a very virulent strain of Marek's disease virus, RB-1B, has been cloned and the nucleotide sequence determined. The predicted amino acid sequence showed 99% identity to that determined for the MDV GA A antigen (Coussens and Velicer, J. Virol. 62, 2373-2379, 1988) over all but the carboxy-terminal region where the sequence diverged extensively. The divergence results from three nucleotide frameshifts in the reported sequence of the MDV GA gene which are not present in a cloned copy of the MDV GA A antigen gene sequenced by us. The MDV A antigen shows significant homology to a number of herpes virus gC homologues, the homology being most extensive in the carboxy-halves of the proteins.

Strain variation of R5 direct repeats in the right-hand portion of the long unique segment of varicella-zoster virus DNA

We located a region of interstrain size variability in a short segment in an area at the right-hand end of the long unique sequence of the varicella-zoster viral genome. Varicella-zoster virus strains isolated in a district of Japan were classified into three groups on the basis of the size of this segment. Sequence comparison of the variable segment among strains from different groups revealed that the tandem direct repeat, R5, in the segment was variable among strains. R5, which was first discovered in a European strain (Dumas), contained a direct duplication of 88-base-pair (bp) elements separated by a 24-bp element (A.J. Davison and J.E. Scott, J. Gen. Virol. 67:1759-1816, 1986). We found that one 88-bp element and one 24-bp element constitute a repeating unit whose copy number varied from one to three among strains. The simplest R5 we detected was similar to that of Dumas, but there were a few base mismatches between these two R5 structures.

Characterization of an equine herpesvirus type 1 gene encoding a glycoprotein (gp13) with homology to herpes simplex virus glycoprotein C

The molecular structure of the equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) gene encoding glycoprotein 13 (gp13) was analyzed. The gene is contained within a 1.8-kilobase AccI-EcoRI restriction fragment mapping at map coordinates 0.136 to 0.148 in the UL region of the EHV-1 genome and is transcribed from right to left. Determination of the nucleotide sequence of the DNA fragment revealed a complete transcriptional unit composed of typical regulatory promoter elements upstream to a long open reading frame (1,404 base pairs) that encoded a 468-amino-acid primary translation product of 51 kilodaltons. The predicted protein has the characteristic features of a membrane-spanning protein: an N-terminal signal sequence, a hydrophobic membrane anchor region, a charged C-terminal cytoplasmic tail, and an exterior domain with nine potential N-glycosylation sites. The EHV-1 DNA sequences expressed in lambda gt11 as gp13 epitopes were present in the open reading frame. Amino acid sequences composing a major antigenic site, recognized by 35% of a panel of 42 anti-gp13 monoclonal antibodies, were identified in the N-terminal surface domain of the deduced gp13 molecule. Comparison of the EHV-1 gp13 DNA sequence with that encoding glycoproteins of other alphaherpesviruses revealed no detectable homology. However, a search for homology at the amino acid level showed regions of significant sequence similarity between the amino acids of the carboxy half of EHV-1 gp13 and those of the same region of gC-like glycoproteins of herpes simplex virus (gC-1 and gC-2), pseudorabies herpesvirus (gIII), and varicella-zoster virus (gp66). The sequences of the N-terminal portion of gp13, by contrast, were much less conserved. The results of these studies indicate that EHV-1 gp13 is the structural homolog of herpes simplex virus glycoprotein C and further suggest that the epitope-containing N-terminal amino acid sequences of the herpesvirus gC-like glycoproteins have undergone more extensive evolutionary divergence than the C-terminal sequences.

Detection of protein similarities using nucleotide sequence databases

A simple procedure is described for finding similarities between proteins using nucleotide sequence databases. The approach is illustrated by several examples of previously unknown correspondences with important biological implications: Drosophila elongation factor Tu is shown to be encoded by two genes that are differently expressed during development; a cluster of three Drosophila genes likely encode maltases; a flesh-fly fat body protein resembles the hypothesized Drosophila alcohol dehydrogenase ancestral protein; an unknown protein encoded at the multifunctional E. coli hisT locus resembles aspartate beta-semialdehyde dehydrogenase; and the E. coli tyrR protein is related to nitrogen regulatory proteins. These and other matches were discovered using a personal computer of the type available in most laboratories collecting DNA sequence data. As relatively few sequences were sampled to find these matches, it is likely that much of the existing data has not been adequately examined.

Identification and characterization of a varicella-zoster virus DNA-binding protein by using antisera directed against a predicted synthetic oligopeptide

We have identified, in varicella-zoster virus (VZV)-infected cells, the product of the gene predicted to code for the VZV analog of the herpes simplex virus major DNA-binding protein. The open reading frame of the VZV gene has the potential to code for a protein with a predicted molecular weight of 132,000 (a 132K protein). To detect the protein, a 12-amino-acid oligopeptide corresponding to the carboxyl terminus of the putative open reading frame was synthesized and used to prepare antisera in rabbits. The resulting antibodies reacted specifically in Western immunoblot analysis and immunoprecipitation with a single 130K polypeptide found in VZV-infected cells. The specific reactivity of the antisera with the 130K polypeptide was inhibited by the addition of synthetic peptide. Immunofluorescence studies with the antisera as probe for the 130K polypeptide suggested that this peptide is located predominantly within the nuclei of infected cells. Analysis of proteins that bind to single-stranded DNA immobilized on cellulose matrices indicated that 30 to 50% of the 130K polypeptide is capable of interacting with single-stranded DNA and that this interaction is overcome with 0.5 M NaCl. Thus, we have prepared a specific polyclonal antiserum that identifies a VZV DNA-binding protein whose properties are similar to those of the herpes simplex virus ICP8 (Vmw130) DNA-binding protein.

Use of lambda gt11 and monoclonal antibodies to map the genes for the six major glycoproteins of equine herpesvirus 1

To localize the genes for the major glycoproteins of equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1), a library of the EHV-1 genome was constructed in the lambda gt11 expression vector. Recombinant bacteriophage expressing EHV-1 glycoprotein epitopes as fusion products with beta-galactosidase were detected by immunoscreening with monoclonal antibodies specific for each of six EHV-1 glycoproteins. Seventy-four recombinant lambda gt11 clones reactive with EHV-1 monoclonal antibodies were detected among 4 X 10(5) phage screened. Phage expressing determinants on each of the six EHV-1 glycoproteins were represented in the library. Herpesviral DNA sequences contained in lambda gt11 recombinants expressing epitopes of EHV-1 glycoproteins were used as hybridization probes for mapping insert sequences on the viral genome. Genes for five EHV-1 glycoproteins (gp2, gp10, gp13, gp14, and gp21/22a) mapped to the genome L component; only one EHV-1 glycoprotein (gp17/18) was expressed from the unique S region of the genome where genes of several major glycoproteins of other herpesviruses have been located. Two glycoproteins of EHV-1, gp13 and gp14, mapped to positions colinear with genes of major glycoproteins identified in several other alphaherpesviruses (gC- and gB-like glycoproteins, respectively). The genomic locations of other EHV-1 glycoproteins indicated the existence of major glycoproteins of EHV-1 (gp2, gp10, and gp21/22a) for which no genetic homologs have yet been detected in other herpesviruses. The results confirm the general utility of the lambda gt11 expression system for localizing herpesvirus genes and suggest that the genomic positioning of several high-abundance glycoproteins of EHV-1 may be different from that of the prototype alphaherpesvirus, herpes simplex virus.