Nuclear factors that bind two regions important to transcriptional activity of the simian immunodeficiency virus long terminal repeat

Differential regulation of human immunodeficiency virus type 2 and simian immunodeficiency virus promoter activity

Promoter activity of the HIV-1 long terminal repeat (LTR) is largely dependent on intact NF-kB and SpI binding sites in the U3 region. In contrast, upstream LTR sequences allow efficient simian immunodeficiency virus (SIVmac) transcription in the absence of the core enhancer promoter region. In the present study, we investigated whether the regulation of HIV-2 Rod LTR activity is more reminiscent of HIV-1 having the same host or of SIVmac239 belonging to the same phylogenetic group. Viral promoter activity was studied in the context of the integrated provirus using both single cycle assays with pseudotyped luciferase reporter viruses and replication-competent HIV-2 LTR mutants. Our results demonstrate that intact SpI binding sites are important for both HIV-2 and SIVmac LTR activity in T cells and monocyte-derived macrophages. In contrast, deletion of the NF-kB binding site or of upstream regulatory sequences impaired HIV-2 Rod LTR activity but had little effect on SIVmac239 promoter function. Thus, similar to HIV-1, regulation of HIV-2 LTR promoter activity shows a low degree of functional redundancy possibly suggesting a specific adaptation to the human host.

Sequences between the enhancer and promoter in the long terminal repeat affect murine leukemia virus pathogenicity and replication in the thymus

We previously showed that the 93-bp region between the enhancer and promoter (named DEN for downstream of enhancer) of the long terminal repeat (LTR) of the MCF13 murine leukemia virus is an important determinant of the ability of this virus to induce thymic lymphoma. In this study we observed that DEN plays a role in the regulation of virus replication in the thymus during the preleukemic period. A NF-kappaB site in the DEN region partially contributes to the effect of DEN on both lymphomagenicity and virus replication. To further study the effects of DEN and the NF-kappaB site on viral pathogenicity during the preleukemic period, we examined replication of wild-type and mutant viruses with a deletion of the NF-kappaB site or the entire DEN region in the thymus. Thymic lymphocytes which were infected with wild-type and mutant viruses were predominantly the CD3(-) CD4(+) CD8(+) and CD3(+) CD4(+) CD8(+) cells. The increase in infection by wild-type virus and both mutant viruses of these two subpopulations during the preleukemic period ranged from 9- to 84-fold, depending upon the time point and virus. The major difference between the wild-type and both mutant viruses was the lower rate and lower level of mutant virus replication in these thymic subpopulations. Significant differences in replication between wild-type and both mutant viruses were seen in the CD3(-) CD4(+) CD8(+) and CD3(-) CD4(-) CD8(-) subpopulations, suggesting that these thymic cell types are important targets for viral transformation.

Sequences just upstream of the simian immunodeficiency virus core enhancer allow efficient replication in the absence of NF-kappaB and Sp1 binding elements

Large deletions of the upstream U3 sequences in the long terminal repeats (LTRs) of human immunodeficiency virus and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) accumulate in vivo in the absence of an intact nef gene. In the SIV U3 region, about 65 bp just upstream of the single NF-kappaB binding site always remained intact, and some evidence for a novel enhancer element in this region exists. We analyzed the transcriptional and replicative capacities of SIVmac239 mutants containing deletions or mutations in these upstream U3 sequences and/or the NF-kappaB and Sp1 binding sites. Even in the absence of 400 bp of upstream U3 sequences, the NF-kappaB site and all four Sp1 binding sites, the SIV promoter maintained about 15% of the wild-type LTR activity and was fully responsive to Tat activation in transient reporter assays. The effects of these deletions on virus production after transfection of COS-1 cells with full-length proviral constructs were much greater. Deletion of the upstream U3 sequences had no significant influence on viral replication when either the single NF-kappaB site or the Sp1 binding sites were intact. In contrast, the 26 bp of sequence located immediately upstream of the NF-kappaB site was essential for efficient replication when all core enhancer elements were deleted. A purine-rich site in this region binds specifically to the transcription factor Elf-1, a member of the ets proto-oncogene-encoded family. Our results indicate a high degree of functional redundancy in the SIVmac U3 region. Furthermore, we defined a novel regulatory element located immediately upstream of the NF-kappaB binding site that allows efficient viral replication in the absence of the entire core enhancer region.

Molecular and biological characterization of a neurovirulent molecular clone of simian immunodeficiency virus

To identify the molecular determinants of neurovirulence, we constructed an infectious simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) molecular clone, SIV/17E-Fr, that contained the 3' end of a neurovirulent strain of SIV, SIV/17E-Br, derived by in vivo virus passage. SIV/17E-Fr is macrophage tropic in vitro and neurovirulent in macaques. In contrast, a molecular clone, SIV/17E-Cl, that contains the SU and a portion of the TM sequences of SIV/17E-Br is macrophage tropic but not neurovirulent. To identify the amino acids that accounted for the replication differences between SIV/17E-Fr and SIV/17E-Cl in primary macaque cells in vitro, additional infectious molecular clones were constructed. Analysis of these recombinant viruses revealed that changes in the TM portion of the envelope protein were required for the highest level of replication in primary macaque macrophages and brain cells derived from the microvessel endothelium. In addition, a full-length Nef protein is necessary for optimum virus replication in both of these cell types. Finally, viruses expressing a full-length Nef protein in conjunction with the changes in the TM had the highest specific infectivity in a sMAGI assay. Thus, changes in the TM and nef genes between SIV/17E-Cl and SIV/17E-Fr account for replication differences in vitro and correlate with replication in the central nervous system in vivo.

Simian immunodeficiency viruses containing mutations in the long terminal repeat NF-kappa B or Sp1 binding sites replicate efficiently in T cells and PHA-stimulated PBMCs

The long terminal repeats (LTRs) of primate lentiviruses contain conserved binding sites for the NF-kappa B and Sp1 cellular transcription factors. In order to study the role that these sites play in simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) replication, we have introduced mutations that disrupt either the NF-kappa B or Sp1 binding sites in the LTR of an infectious molecular clone of SIVmac239. An additional mutation also disrupted the SF3 transcription factor binding site that overlaps the NF-kappa B site. Viruses containing point mutations or deletions of the NF-kappa B, SF3, or Sp1 binding sites retained the ability to replicate efficiently in the CEMx174 and MT4 cell lines, as well as in PHA-stimulated primary rhesus macaque peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Efficient replication of SIVs mutated in either NF-kappa B or Sp1 binding sites suggests that the SIV LTR promoter contains multiple functionally redundant elements capable of supporting sufficient transcription to allow productive viral replication.

Induction of AIDS by simian immunodeficiency virus lacking NF-kappaB and SP1 binding elements

Rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) were infected with five strains of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) derived from SIVmac239 containing deletions (delta) or substitutions (subst) in NF-kappaB and Sp1 binding sites. We have shown previously that mutations in these regions still allow efficient SIVmac replication in primary lymphoid cell cultures (P. O. Ilyinskii and R. C. Desrosiers, J. Virol. 70:3118-3126, 1996). Two animals were inoculated intravenously with each mutant strain of SIVmac239: delta NFkappaB, delta Sp1234, delta NFkappaB delta Sp1234, substSp12, and substSp1234. All but one of the infected animals showed an early spike in plasma antigenemia, maintained high virus burdens, and had significant changes in lymphoid tissues, and six died with AIDS within the first 60 weeks of infection. One of the animals infected with the SIV strain delta NFkappaB delta Sp1234 showed lower levels of plasma antigenemia and lower virus burdens; the other animal infected with this same mutant strain died with AIDS 17 weeks after inoculation. No consistent novel mutations or reversions were detected in proviral sequences derived from the animals infected with the deletion mutants and the substSp12 mutant by 20 weeks postinfection. Point-mutated sequences were partially deleted in both animals infected with the substSp1234 strain. These results indicate that the NF-kappaB and Sp1 binding sites are not essential for the induction of AIDS by SIVmac239. They also provide indirect evidence for the importance of a novel enhancer element in the U3 region of the SIVmac long terminal repeat that is located immediately upstream of the NF-kappaB binding site within the C-terminal region of the nef coding sequence.

Efficient transcription and replication of simian immunodeficiency virus in the absence of NF-kappaB and Sp1 binding elements

Ten mutants of the simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) SIVmac239 bearing deletions (delta) or substitutions (subst) in the NF-kappaB and/or Sp1 binding elements were created, and the replicative capacities of the mutants were analyzed. All mutants, including one extensively mutagenized strain entirely missing the NF-kappaB and four Spl binding elements, replicated with wild-type kinetics and to a wild-type level in peripheral blood mononuclear cell cultures in 50 to 100% of the experiments. One group of mutants replicated very similarly to SIVmac239 in kinetics and yield in CEMxl74 cells (2xNFKappaB > or = SlVmac239 approximately deltaNFkappaB approximately deltaSpl234 approximately substNFkappaB approximately substSpl2 approximately substSp23), while a second group replicated with delayed or slightly delayed kinetics in CEMxl74 cells (SIVmac239 > substSp34 > deltaNFkappaBdeltaSpl234 approximately deltaNFkappaBdeltaSp1 > substSpl234). Reversions or additional mutations were not detected in the U3 and R regions of proviral DNA from CEMxl74 cells infected with the SIVmac239 mutants. Similar results were obtained when mutants of SIVmacMER (a macrophage-competent derivative of SIVmac239) were tested in peripheral blood mononuclear cell and CEMx174 cultures. However, the growth of most mutated viruses was suppressed in primary rhesus monkey alveolar macrophages (SIVmacMER approximately 2xNFkappaB approximately substNFkappaB > deltaNFkappaB > deltaNFkappaBdeltaSpl234 approximately deltaNFkappaBdeltaSpl > deltaSpl234 approximately substSpl2 > substSp23 approximately substSp34 approximately substSpl234 > or = SIVmac239). Thus, changes in the Sp1 binding sites had the most dramatic effects on SIVmac replication in primary macrophage cultures. Analysis of long terminal repeat-driven secreted alkaline phosphatase activity in transient assays showed that, unlike human immunodeficiency virus type 1, the SIV long terminal repeat possesses an enhancer region just upstream of the NF-kappaB element which maintains significant levels of basal transcription in the absence of NF-kappaB and Sp1 sites. This region is responsive to transactivation by Tat. In addition, the SIV TATA box was shown to be stronger than that of human immunodeficiency virus type 1. Therefore, the surprisingly high replicative capacity of NF-kappaB and Sp1 binding site mutants of SIVmac is due to unique features or the enhancer/promoter region.

AP1-Related Factors Interact with Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Long Terminal Repeats

The SF1 element (nucleotide -135 to -131) in the U3 region of the simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) 5' to the NF-kappaB binding site plays a role in basal expression of SIV [Winandy et al., J Virol 66:5216-5223, 1992]. Using the electrophoretic mobility shift assay, we have characterized a specific SF1 binding factor (sf1) in the nuclear fractions of transformed T cells as well as monocytic and macrophage leukemic cells. A strong SF1 binding activity was demonstrated in all cell types. The SF1 binding activity was unaffected by treatment with PMA, PHA, or Ca(2+) ionophore. The HIV-1 long terminal repeat (LTR) 5' to the NF-kappaB site contained a homologous element which showed a specific binding complex of different mobility. The sf1 interacting with SIV LTR was composed of multiple proteins judged from UV crosslinking, some of which might be related to Jun/Fos proteins. Copyright 1996 S. Karger AG, Basel

Enhanced responsiveness to nuclear factor kappa B contributes to the unique phenotype of simian immunodeficiency virus variant SIVsmmPBj14

Infection with a variant of simian immunodeficiency virus, SIVsmmPBj14, leads to severe acute disease in macaques. This study was designed to investigate the functional significance of previously described mutations in the viral long terminal repeat (LTR) and to elucidate their contribution to the unique phenotype of SIVsmmPBj14. LTR-directed transcription was measured by using luciferase reporter constructs that were transiently transfected into cultured cells. In a wide range of cell types, the basal transcriptional activity of the LTR from SIVsmmPBj14 was found to be 2- to 4.5-fold higher than that of an LTR from a non-acutely pathogenic strain. These LTRs differ by five point mutations and a 22-bp duplication in SIVsmmPBj14, which includes a nuclear factor kappa B (NF kappa B) site. Transcriptional differences between these LTRs were further enhanced by two- to threefold upon treatment of cells with phorbol ester or tumor necrosis factor alpha or by cotransfection with plasmids expressing NF kappa B subunits. Mutagenesis studies, and the use of a reporter construct containing an enhancerless promoter, indicate that these transcriptional effects are due principally to the 22-bp sequence duplication and the NF kappa B site contained within it. Finally, infectious virus stocks that were isogenic except for the LTR were generated. The LTR from SIVsmmPBj14 was found to confer an increase in the kinetics of virus replication in cultured cells. Inclusion of this LTR in recombinant SIVs also resulted in a two- to threefold rise in the extent of cellular proliferation that was induced in quiescent simian peripheral blood mononuclear cells. These studies are consistent with the hypothesis that LTR mutations assist SIVsmmPBj14 in responding efficiently to cellular stimulation and allow it to replicate to high titers during the acute phase of viral infection.

Synergistic activation of simian immunodeficiency virus and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 transcription by retinoic acid and phorbol ester through an NF-kappa B-independent mechanism

The activation of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) expression in latently infected cells by exogenous agents is believed to be important in the progression of AIDS. Most factors that are known to activate HIV-1 gene expression increase the binding of NF-kappa B or NF-kappa B-like transcription factors to the HIV-1 core enhancer region. In this report, we demonstrate that retinoic acid (RA) treatment of promonocytic U937 cells stimulates expression from the simian immunodeficiency virus (SIVmac) long terminal repeat (LTR). Furthermore, RA and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) synergistically stimulated both SIVmac and HIV-1 LTRs to levels of expression comparable to that achieved by the viral transactivator Tat. The cis-acting elements required for a response to RA and PMA cotreatment are located between nucleotides -50 and +1 of SIVmac and between nucleotides -83 and +80 of HIV-1. Thus, the synergistic stimulation induced by RA and PMA is NF-kappa B independent. Analysis of deletion mutants of the SIVmac LTR demonstrates that RA and PMA stimulation cooperates with NF-kappa B and Sp1. An SIVmac LTR-reporter gene construct [pLTR(-50/+466)CAT] lacking NF-kappa B and Sp1 binding sites was not activated by Tat in untreated cells but was activated in cells that were cotreated with RA and PMA. Furthermore, gel retardation assays demonstrated that RA treatment causes a change in the pattern of a cellular factor(s) which binds to the -50 through +1 region of the SIVmac LTR. These data suggest that RA induces a PMA-activatable cellular factor that cooperates with NF-kappa B, Sp1, or Tat to stimulate LTR-directed transcription.