Characterization of a bovine herpesvirus 4 immediate-early RNA encoding a homolog of the Epstein-Barr virus R transactivator

Gene expression and in vitro replication of bovine gammaherpesvirus type 4

In vitro cell cultures are widely used models for dissecting cellular and molecular mechanisms that lead to certain physiological conditions and diseases. The pathogenesis of BoHV-4 in the bovine reproductive tract has been studied by conducting tests on primary cultures. However, many questions remain to be answered about the role of BoHV-4 in endometrial cells. The aim of this study was to compare the replication and gene expression of BoHV-4 in cell lines and bovine reproductive tract primary cells as an in vitro model for the study of this virus. We demonstrated that BoHV-4 strains differ in their in vitro growth kinetics and gene expression but have the same cell type preference. Our results demonstrate that BoHV-4 replicates preferentially in bovine endometrial cells (BEC). However, its replication capacity extends to various cell types, since all cells that were tested were permissive to BoHV-4 infection. The highest virus titers were obtained in BEC cells. Nevertheless, virus replication efficiency could not be fully predicted from the mRNA expression profiles. This implies that there are multiple cell-type-dependent factors and strain properties that determine the level of BoHV-4 replication. The results of this study provide relevant information about the in vitro behavior of two field isolates of BoHV-4 in different cell cultures. These findings may be useful for the design of future in vitro experiments to obtain reliable results not only about the pathogenic role of BoHV-4 in the bovine female reproductive tract but also in the development of efficient antiviral strategies.

Analysis of the transcripts encoding for antigenic proteins of bovine gammaherpesvirus 4

The major glycoproteins of bovine gammaherpesvirus 4 (BoHV-4) are gB, gH, gM, gL, and gp180 with gB, gH, and gp180 being the most glycosylated. These glycoproteins participate in cell binding while some act as neutralization targets. Glycosylation of these envelope proteins may be involved in virion protection against neutralization by antibodies. In infected cattle, BoHV-4 induces an immune response characterized by low neutralizing antibody levels or an absence of such antibodies. Therefore, virus seroneutralization in vitro cannot always be easily demonstrated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the neutralizing capacity of 2 Argentine BoHV-4 strains and to associate those findings with the gene expression profiles of the major envelope glycoproteins. Expression of genes coding for the envelope glycoproteins occurred earlier in cells infected with isolate 10/154 than in cells infected with strain 07/435, demonstrating a distinct difference between the strains. Differences in serological response can be attributed to differences in the expression of antigenic proteins or to post-translational modifications that mask neutralizing epitopes. Strain 07/435 induced significantly high titers of neutralizing antibodies in several animal species in addition to bovines. The most relevant serological differences were observed in adult animals. This is the first comprehensive analysis of the expression kinetics of genes coding for BoHV-4 glycoproteins in 2 Argentine strains (genotypes 1 and 2). The results further elucidate the BoHV-4 life cycle and may also help determine the genetic variability of the strains circulating in Argentina.

BoHV-4 immediate early 1 gene is a dispensable gene and its product is not a bone marrow stromal cell antigen 2 counteracting factor

BACKGROUND

Bovine herpesvirus 4 (BoHV-4) is a gammaherpesvirus whose genome was cloned as Bacterial Artificial Chromosome (BAC) and exploited as a gene delivery vector for vaccine purposes. Although BoHV-4 genome has been completely sequenced and its open reading frames (ORFs) structurally defined in silico, most of them are not functionally characterized. In BoHV-4 genome two major immediate early genes (IE) are present, IE1 and IE2. IE2 is an essential gene because its removal from the viral genome renders the virus unable to replicate, whereas for IE1 no many functional information are available.

RESULTS

In this work, IE1 contribution in initiating and maintaining BoHV-4 lytic replication was assessed generating a recombinant BoHV-4 genome lacking of IE1 gene, BoHV-4ΔIE1. In contrast to BoHV-4IE2 deleted mutant, BoHV-4ΔIE1 infectious replicating viral particles (IRVPs) could be reconstituted following viral DNA electroporation in permissive cells. However the titer of BoHV-4ΔIE1 IRVPs produced into the cell supernatant and BoHV-4ΔIE1 plaques size were reduced respect to BoHV-4 undeleted control. Further the impaired BoHV-4ΔIE1 IRVPs produced into the cell supernatant could be rescued by expressing IE1 gene product in trans, confirming the implication of IE1 in BoHV-4 lytic replication. Next, the possible role of BoHV-4IE1 as bone marrow stromal cell antigen 2 (BST-2) counteracting factor, as hypothesized by IE1 amino-terminal gene product homology with Kaposi Sarcoma Associated Herpesvirus (KSHV) K5, was excluded too.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the real function of BoHV-4IE1 is still elusive, a new BoHV-4 genome gene locus as a target site for the insertion of foreign DNA and resulting in the attenuation of the virus has been revealed. These data can be considered of relevance to improve BoHV-4 gene delivery properties.

Isolation and characterization of bovine herpesvirus 4 (BoHV-4) from a cow affected by post partum metritis and cloning of the genome as a bacterial artificial chromosome

BACKGROUND

Bovine herpesvirus 4 (BoHV-4) is a gammaherpesvirus with a Worldwide distribution in cattle and is often isolated from the uterus of animals with postpartum metritis or pelvic inflammatory disease. Virus strain adaptation to an organ, tissue or cell type is an important issue for the pathogenesis of disease. To explore the mechanistic role of viral strain variation for uterine disease, the present study aimed to develop a tool enabling precise genetic discrimination between strains of BoHV-4 and to easily manipulate the viral genome.

METHODS

A strain of BoHV-4 was isolated from the uterus of a persistently infected cow and designated BoHV-4-U. The authenticity of the isolate was confirmed by RFLP-PCR and sequencing using the TK and IE2 loci as genetic marker regions for the BoHV-4 genome. The isolated genome was cloned as a Bacterial Artificial Chromosome (BAC) and manipulated through recombineering technology

RESULTS

The BoHV-4-U genome was successfully cloned as a BAC, and the stability of the pBAC-BoHV-4-U clone was confirmed over twenty passages, with viral growth similar to the wild type virus. The feasibility of using BoHV-4-U for mutagenesis was demonstrated using the BAC recombineering system.

CONCLUSION

The analysis of genome strain variation is a key method for investigating genes associated with disease. A resource for dissection of the interactions between BoHV-4 and host endometrial cells was generated by cloning the genome of BoHV-4 as a BAC.

Double immunization strategy with a BoHV-4-vectorialized secreted chimeric peptide BVDV-E2/BoHV-1-gD

A bovine herpesvirus 4 was isolated from the milk cell fraction of a healthy cow and his full genome cloned as a bacterial artificial chromosome. So cloned viral genome was used as a vector platform to deliver in vitro and in vivo an optimized secreted chimeric peptide obtained by the fusion of the bovine viral diarrhoea virus glycoprotein E2 ectodomain with the bovine herpesvirus 1 glycoprotein D ectodomain. Recombinant virus infected cells robustly expressed and secreted the chimeric peptide into the culture medium and inoculated animals with the recombinant virus successfully responded toward antigens, gE2 and gD. Thus, this work has implications for the development of safe and effective polyvalent vaccines.

Bacterial infection of endometrial stromal cells influences bovine herpesvirus 4 immediate early gene activation: a new insight into bacterial and viral interaction for uterine disease

Experimental infection with the gamma-herpesvirus bovine herpesvirus 4 (BoHV-4) rarely establishes disease, yet BoHV-4 is commonly associated with uterine disease in cattle. Uterine disease involves co-infection with bacteria such as Escherichia coli, which stimulate the production of prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) by endometrial cells. BoHV-4 replication depends on immediate early 2 (IE2) gene transactivation and, in the present study, PGE(2), E. coli or its lipopolysaccharide upregulated the IE2 gene promoter in uterine cells. Bacterial co-infection is important for BoHV-4 uterine disease.

Bovine herpesvirus 4 is tropic for bovine endometrial cells and modulates endocrine function

Bovine postpartum uterine disease, metritis, affects about 40% of animals and is widely considered to have a bacterial aetiology. Although the gamma-herpesvirus bovine herpesvirus 4 (BoHV-4) has been isolated from several outbreaks of metritis or abortion, the role of viruses in endometrial pathology and the mechanisms of viral infection of uterine cells are often ignored. The objectives of the present study were to explore the interaction, tropism and outcomes of BoHV-4 challenge of endometrial stromal and epithelial cells. Endometrial stromal and epithelial cells were purified and infected with a recombinant BoHV-4 carrying an enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) expression cassette to monitor the establishment of infection. BoHV-4 efficiently infected both stromal and epithelial cells, causing a strong non-apoptotic cytopathic effect, associated with robust viral replication. The crucial step for the BoHV-4 endometriotropism appeared to be after viral entry as there was enhanced transactivation of the BoHV-4 immediate early 2 gene promoter following transient transfection into the endometrial cells. Infection with BoHV-4 increased cyclooxygenase 2 protein expression and prostaglandin estradiol secretion in endometrial stromal cells, but not epithelial cells. Bovine macrophages are persistently infected with BoHV-4, and co-culture with endometrial stromal cells reactivated BoHV-4 replication in the persistently infected macrophages, suggesting a symbiotic relationship between the cells and virus. In conclusion, the present study provides evidence of cellular and molecular mechanisms, supporting the concept that BoHV-4 is a pathogen associated with uterine disease.

Murine gammaherpesvirus 68 Rta-dependent activation of the gene 57 promoter

The Rta homolog encoded by murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (gammaHV68) gene 50 is essential for virus replication and is capable of driving virus reactivation from the S11 latently infected B lymphoma cell line. Here we characterize Rta activation of gammaHV68 gene 57, which is abundantly transcribed during the early phase of virus replication. Infection of murine fibroblasts with an Rta null virus demonstrated that transcription of gene 57 is dependent on Rta expression. Analysis of the gene 57 promoter identified 2 distinct regions that are Rta responsive, either in the context of the gene 57 promoter or when cloned upstream of a heterologous promoter. Sequence analysis of these regions revealed homology to known Rta-responsive cis-elements in the closely related Kaposi's sarcoma-associated viral (KSHV) genome. In addition, two candidate binding sites for the cellular transcription factor RBP-Jkappa/CBF1 were also identified in one of the Rta-responsive regions, which may play a role in mediating Rta transactivation similar to that observed in some KSHV Rta-responsive genes. Overall, analysis of the gammaHV68 gene 57 promoter suggests that mechanisms of Rta activation are conserved among gamma2-herpesviruses.

Inhibition of bovine herpesvirus-4 replication by arsenite through downregulation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling pathway

Infection of bovine arterial endothelial (BAE) cells with bovine herpesvirus-4 (BHV-4) induced biphasic activation of one of the cellular mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) downstream targets, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). ERK activity reached a maximum within 0.5 h postinfection (h.p.i.), and had declined and returned to basal levels by 2 h.p.i. However, at 18- 24 h.p.i., a second phase of increased ERK activation occurred. Treatment of BHV-4-infected BAE cells with either U0126, a potent inhibitor of MAPK/ERK kinase, or arsenite dose-dependently blocked ERK activation and inhibited viral DNA synthesis and viral replication in the culture. Further detailed investigations revealed that transcription of viral immediate-early gene 2 (IE-2), which is required for viral DNA replication, was significantly suppressed by both U0126 and arsenite. These results imply that ERK activation may play a pivotal role in herpesvirus replication, and that inhibition of ERK activation can effectively inhibit viral IE protein synthesis and viral replication.

Inhibition of bovine herpesvirus-4 replication in endothelial cells by arsenite

The effect of arsenite pretreatment on bovine herpesvirus-4 (BHV-4) replication in bovine arterial endothelial (BAE) cells was studied. BHV-4 infectivity, including IE-2 expression, DNA replication and viral yield, were significantly reduced at nontoxic concentrations of arsenite in which cellular DNA synthesis or cell viability of BAE cells were not affected under resting and confluent conditions. This effect was accompanied by the induction of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and an interrupted cell cycle (causing cell cultures to accumulate at the S and G2/M phases). Actinomycin D inhibited the induction of HSP70 and reduced arsenite antiviral activity. In conclusion, cellular stress response induced by arsenite in BAE cells inhibited replication of BHV-4, and probably resulted from the induction of HSP70 and interference of cell cycle progression.

Activation of bovine herpesvirus 4 lytic replication in a non-permissive cell line by overexpression of BoHV-4 immediate early (IE) 2 gene

Bovine herpesvirus 4 (BoHV-4) is a gammaherpesvirus with no clear disease association, it establishes persistent infections in its natural host, the bovine, and in an experimental host, the rabbit. BoHV-4 immediate early 2 (IE2) RNA is the less abundant, spliced, 1.8 kb RNA. The predicted amino acid sequence, of the IE2 protein, reveals that it could encode a 61 kDa protein with amino acid sequence homology to the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) transactivator R protein and its homologues including, herpesvirus saimiri (HVS), equine herpesvirus 2 (EHV-2), murine herpesvirus 68 and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). We examined recently the interaction of BoHV-4 with a human rhabdomyosarcoma cell line, RD-4, and found that although some infectious viruses can be produced, no cytopathic effect (CPE) was observed [J. Gen. Virol. 81 (2000) 1807]. Because IE2 could play a critical role in BoHV-4 productive infection and its overexpression in RD-4 cells could switch the non-permissive RD-4 status to a permissive one. RD-4 cells expressing stably BoHV-4 IE2 gene were generated. BoHV-4 IE2 induced an increased production of infectious viral particles sufficient to obtain an apparent cytopathic effect. It is concluded that BoHV-4 IE2 is a key factor in determining the outcome of BoHV-4 infection.

Comparative study of regulation of RTA-responsive genes in Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus/human herpesvirus 8

Replication and transcription activator (RTA) (also referred to as ORF50), an immediate-early gene product of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV)/(human herpesvirus 8), plays a critical role in balancing the viral life cycle between latency and lytic replication. RTA has been shown to act as a strong transcription activator for several downstream genes of KSHV. Direct binding of RTA to DNA is thought to be one of the important mechanisms for transactivation of target genes, while indirect mechanisms are also implicated in RTA transactivation of certain selected genes. This study demonstrated direct binding of the DNA-binding domain of RTA (Rdbd) to a Kaposin (Kpsn) promoter sequence, which is highly homologous to the RTA-responsive element (RRE) of the PAN promoter. We undertook a comparative study of the RREs of PAN RNA, ORF57, vIL-6, and Kpsn to understand how RTA regulates gene expression during lytic replication. Comparing RNA abundance and transcription initiation rates of these RTA target genes in virus-infected cells suggested that the transcription initiation rate of the promoters is a major determinant of viral gene expression, rather than stability of the transcripts. RTA-mediated transactivation of reporters containing each RRE showed that their promoter strengths in a transient-transfection system were comparable to their transcription rates during reactivation. Moreover, our electrophoretic mobility shift assays of each RRE demonstrated that the highly purified Rdbd protein directly bound to the RREs. Based on these results, we conclude that direct binding of RTA to these target sequences contributes to their gene expression to various extents during the lytic life cycle of KSHV.

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus/human herpesvirus 8 transcriptional activator Rta is an oligomeric DNA-binding protein that interacts with tandem arrays of phased A/T-trinucleotide motifs

Kaposi's sarcoma associated herpesvirus (KSHV)/human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) encodes an immediate early transcriptional activator, Rta, which mediates viral reactivation from latency and lytic viral replication. Here we report the purification and characterizations of HHV-8 Rta and its interaction with Rta-responsive DNA elements. The Rta response element (RtaRE) in the promoter of the KSHV/HHV-8 K8 open reading frame was mapped to a 47-bp sequence (RtaRE1) and a 60-bp sequence (RtaRE2) upstream of the TATA motif. A comparison of the K8 RtaREs with other viral RtaREs revealed a pattern of multiple A/T triplets spaced with a periodicity of 10 or 20 bp. Substitutions of the in-phase A/T trinucleotides of the RtaRE1 with G/C bases greatly diminished Rta responsiveness and Rta binding. By contrast, base substitutions in an out-of-phase A/T-trinucleotide sequence had no effect. Importantly, multimers of (A/T)(3)N(7) and N(5)(A/T)(5)N(6)(A/T)(4) motifs supported a strong Rta response in a copy number-dependent manner. No specific sequence motifs in the spacer regions could be discerned. Potent Rta response, however, was obtained with phased A/T trinucleotides with 7-bp spacers of arbitrary sequences with high G/C content. Lengthening of the phased A/T motifs or lowering of the G/C content of the spacers resulted in a reduction in Rta response. Finally, Escherichia coli-derived Rta is an oligomer of 440 kDa in molecular size and binds RtaRE as an oligomer. These results support a model of Rta transactivation wherein the subunits of the Rta oligomer make multiple contacts with a tandem array of phased A/T triplets in the configuration of (A/T)(3)(G/C)(7) repeats.

Disruption of gammaherpesvirus 68 gene 50 demonstrates that Rta is essential for virus replication

Gammaherpesvirus pathogenesis is dependent on the ability of these viruses to establish a lifelong latent infection and the ability to reactivate from latency. Immediate-early genes of theses viruses are thought to be critical regulators of lytic replication and reactivation from latency. The gene 50-encoded Rta is the only immediate-early gene product that appears to be conserved among all characterized gammaherpesviruses. Previous studies have demonstrated that, in Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Kaposi's sarcoma-associated virus, and gammaherpesvirus 68 (gamma HV68, also referred to as murine gammaherpesvirus 68), ectopic expression of Rta in latently infected cell lines can lead to induction of the viral cycle. Recently, studies employing null mutants of EBV have provided a formal demonstration that both Rta and the BZLF1 gene product, Zta, the two EBV immediate-early gene products, are essential for EBV replication. Here we generate and characterize a gene 50-null mutant gamma HV68 and demonstrate that the gene 50 product Rta is essential for virus replication. Providing gamma HV68 Rta in trans was sufficient to restore replication of the gene 50-null virus. Notably, Rta expressed from the spliced form of the gene 50 transcript was sufficient to complement growth of the gene 50-null virus. In addition, we provide evidence that loss of Rta expression leads to a complete defect in viral DNA replication and a significant defect in late antigen expression. This work lays the foundation for characterizing the role of Rta in gamma HV68 chronic infection of mice.

Characterization of interactions between RTA and the promoter of polyadenylated nuclear RNA in Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus/human herpesvirus 8

RTA (replication and transcription activator; also referred to as ORF50, Lyta, and ART), an immediate-early gene product of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV)/human herpesvirus 8, disrupts latency and drives lytic replication. RTA activates the expression of polyadenylated nuclear (PAN) RNA (also known as T1.1 or nut-1) of KSHV. This novel noncoding PAN RNA is the most abundant lytic transcript of KSHV; therefore, studying PAN RNA expression serves as a model system for understanding how RTA transactivates target genes during lytic replication. The RTA-responsive element of the PAN promoter (pPAN RRE) was previously identified, and our data suggested direct binding of full-length RTA to the pPAN RRE. Here, we present a detailed analysis of specific interactions between RTA and the PAN promoter. We expressed and purified the DNA-binding domain of RTA (Rdbd) to near homogeneity and measured its affinity for the pPAN RRE. In electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs), the dissociation constant (K(d)) of Rdbd on the pPAN RRE was determined to be approximately 8 x 10(-9) M, suggesting a strong interaction between RTA and DNA. The specificity of RTA binding to the PAN promoter was confirmed with supershift assays. The Rdbd binding sequences on the PAN promoter were mapped within a 16-bp region of the pPAN RRE by methylation interference assays. However, the minimal DNA sequence for Rdbd binding requires an additional 7 bp on both sides of the area mapped by interference assays, suggesting that non-sequence-specific as well as sequence-specific interactions between RTA and DNA contribute to high-affinity binding. To better understand the molecular interactions between RTA and the PAN promoter, an extensive mutagenesis study on the pPAN RRE was carried out by using EMSAs and reporter assays. These analyses revealed base pairs critical for both Rdbd binding in vitro and RTA transactivation in vivo of the PAN promoter. The results from methylation interference, deletion analysis, and mutagenesis using EMSAs and reporter assays were closely correlated and support the hypothesis that RTA activates PAN RNA expression through direct binding to DNA.

Function of Rta is essential for lytic replication of murine gammaherpesvirus 68

Rta, encoded primarily by open reading frame 50, is well conserved among gammaherpesviruses. It has been shown that the Rta proteins of Epstein Barr virus (EBV), Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV, or HHV-8), and murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (MHV-68; also referred to as gamma HV68) play an important role in viral reactivation from latency. However, the role of Rta during productive de novo infection has not been characterized in gammaherpesviruses. Since there are cell lines that can support efficient productive de novo infection by MHV-68 but not EBV or KSHV, we examined whether MHV-68 Rta plays a role in initiating viral lytic replication in productively infected cells. Rta, functioning as a transcriptional activator, can activate the viral promoter of early lytic genes. The amino acid sequence alignments of the Rta homologues suggest that the organizations of their functional domains are similar, with the DNA binding and dimerization domains at the N terminus and the trans-activation domain at the C terminus. We constructed two mutants of MHV-68 Rta, Rd1 and Rd2, with deletions of 112 and 243 amino acids from the C terminus, respectively. Rd1 and Rd2 could no longer trans-activate the promoter of MHV-68 gene 57, consistent with the deletions of their trans-activation domains at the C terminus. Furthermore, Rd1 and Rd2 were able to function as dominant-negative mutants, inhibiting trans-activation of wild-type Rta. To study whether Rd1 and Rd2 blocked viral lytic replication, purified virion DNA was cotransfected with Rd1 or Rd2 into fibroblasts. Expression of viral lytic proteins was greatly suppressed, and the yield of infectious viruses was reduced up to 10(4)-fold. Stable cell lines constitutively expressing Rd2 were established and infected with MHV-68. Transcription of the immediate-early gene, rta, and the early gene, tk, of the virus was reduced in these cell lines. The presence of Rd2 also led to attenuation of viral lytic protein expression and virion production. The ability of Rta dominant-negative mutants to inhibit productive infection suggests that the trans-activation function of Rta is essential for MHV-68 lytic replication. We propose that a single viral protein, Rta, governs the initiation of MHV-68 lytic replication during both reactivation and productive de novo infection.

Transcription activation of polyadenylated nuclear rna by rta in human herpesvirus 8/Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus

Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) (also known as Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus) encodes a novel noncoding polyadenylated nuclear (PAN) RNA (also known as T1.1 or nut-1) during the early phase of lytic replication. PAN RNA is the most abundant transcript of HHV-8, comprising 80% of total poly(A)-selected transcripts in HHV-8-infected cells during lytic replication. We directly measured the abundance of PAN RNA by visualizing 1.1- to 1.2- kb PAN RNA in an ethidium bromide-stained gel from poly(A)-selected RNA. We further pursued the mechanisms by which PAN RNA expression is induced to such high levels. rta, an immediate-early gene of HHV-8, is a transactivator that is sufficient and necessary to activate lytic gene expression in latently infected cells. Ectopic expression of Rta was previously shown to induce PAN RNA expression from the endogenous viral genome and activate the PAN promoter in a reporter system. Here, we have identified the Rta-responsive element (RRE) in the PAN promoter. Deletion analysis revealed that the RRE is present in a region between nucleotides -69 and -38 of the PAN promoter. A promoter construct containing the 69 nucleotides upstream of the transcription start site of the PAN promoter was activated by Rta in the absence or presence of the HHV-8 genome. Rta activated the PAN promoter up to 7,000-fold in 293T cells and 2,000-fold in B cells. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays demonstrated that Rta formed a highly stable complex with the RRE of the PAN promoter. Our study suggests that Rta can induce PAN RNA expression by direct binding of Rta to the RRE of the PAN promoter. This study has highlighted an important mechanism controlling PAN RNA expression and also provides a model system for investigating how Rta transactivates gene expression during lytic replication.

Genome sequence of bovine herpesvirus 4, a bovine Rhadinovirus, and identification of an origin of DNA replication

Bovine herpesvirus 4 (BoHV-4) is a gammaherpesvirus of cattle. The complete long unique coding region (LUR) of BoHV-4 strain 66-p-347 was determined by a shotgun approach. Together with the previously published noncoding terminal repeats, the entire genome sequence of BoHV-4 is now available. The LUR consists of 108,873 bp with an overall G+C content of 41.4%. At least 79 open reading frames (ORFs) are present in this coding region, 17 of them unique to BoHV-4. In contrast to herpesvirus saimiri and human herpesvirus 8, BoHV-4 has a reduced set of ORFs homologous to cellular genes. Gene arrangement as well as phylogenetic analysis confirmed that BoHV-4 is a member of the genus Rhadinovirus. In addition, an origin of replication (ori) in the genome of BoHV-4 was identified by DpnI assays. A minimum of 1.69 kbp located between ORFs 69 and 71 was sufficient to act as a cis signal for replication.

Auto-activation of the rta gene of human herpesvirus-8/Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus

Rta, mainly encoded by open reading frame 50 (ORF50), is the product of an immediate-early gene of human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8)/Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus. Rta is a transcriptional activator that is both necessary and sufficient to disrupt viral latency and activate the expression of downstream viral lytic genes. We report that ectopically expressed Rta protein could also activate the rta promoter on a reporter plasmid up to 144-fold, both in latently infected B cells and in uninfected epithelial cells, and that this activation was dose-dependent. Furthermore, by analysing the 5' untranslated region using ribonuclease protection assays, we demonstrated that transfection of an Rta expression plasmid into latently infected cells activated the expression of rta transcripts from endogenous viral genomes. We propose that auto-activation of the immediate-early gene, rta, is an important strategy for HHV-8 to effectively respond to environmental stimuli and maximally activate the virus lytic cycle.

Transcriptional regulation of the Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus viral interferon regulatory factor gene

The Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), or human herpesvirus 8, open reading frame (ORF) K9 encodes a viral interferon regulatory factor (vIRF) that functions as a repressor for interferon-mediated signal transduction. Consequently, this gene is thought to play an important role in the tumorigenicity of KSHV. To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying vIRF expression, we studied the transcriptional regulation of this gene. Experiments using 5' rapid amplification of cDNA ends and primer extension revealed that vIRF had different transcriptional patterns during the latent and lytic phases. The promoter region of the minor transcript, which was mainly expressed in uninduced BCBL-1 cells, did not contain a canonical TATA box, but a cap-like element and an initiator element flanked the transcription start site. The promoter of the major transcript, which was mainly expressed in tetradecanoyl phorbol acetate-induced BCBL-1 cells, contained a canonical TATA box. A luciferase reporter assay using a deletion mutant of the vIRF promoter and a mutation in the TATA box showed that the TATA box was critical for the lytic activity of vIRF. The promoter activity in the latent phase was eight times stronger than that of the empty vector but was less than 10% of the activity in the lytic phase. Therefore, KSHV may use different functional promoter elements to regulate the expression of vIRF and to antagonize the cell's interferon-mediated antiviral activity. We have also identified a functional domain in the ORF 50 protein, an immediate-early gene product that is mainly encoded by ORF 50. The ORF 50 protein transactivated the vIRF and DNA polymerase promoters in BCBL-1, 293T, and CV-1 cells. Deleting one of its two putative nuclear localization signals (NLSs) resulted in failure of the ORF 50 protein to localize to the nucleus and consequently abrogated its transactivating activity. We further confirmed that the N-terminal region of the ORF 50 protein included an NLS domain. We found that this domain was sufficient to translocate beta-galactosidase to the nucleus. Analysis of deletions within the vIRF promoter suggested that two sequence domains were important for its transactivation by the ORF 50 protein, both of which included putative SP-1 and AP-1 binding sites. Competition gel shift assays demonstrated that SP-1 bound to these two domains, suggesting that the SP-1 binding sites in the vIRF promoter are involved in its transactivation by ORF 50.

Rta of murine gammaherpesvirus 68 reactivates the complete lytic cycle from latency

Herpesviruses are characterized as having two distinct life cycle phases: lytic replication and latency. The mechanisms of latency establishment and maintenance, as well as the switch from latency to lytic replication, are poorly understood. Human gammaherpesviruses, including Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8), also known as Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), are associated with lymphoproliferative diseases and several human tumors. Unfortunately, the lack of cell lines to support efficient de novo productive infection and restricted host ranges of EBV and HHV-8 make it difficult to explore certain important biological questions. Murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (MHV-68, or gammaHV68) can establish de novo lytic infection in a variety of cell lines and is also able to infect laboratory mice, offering an ideal model with which to study various aspects of gammaherpesvirus infection. Here we describe in vitro studies of the mechanisms of the switch from latency to lytic replication of MHV-68. An MHV-68 gene, rta (replication and transcription activator), encoded primarily by open reading frame 50 (ORF50), is homologous to the rta genes of other gammaherpesviruses, including HHV-8 and EBV. HHV-8 and EBV Rta have been shown to play central roles in viral reactivation from latency. We first studied the kinetics of MHV-68 rta gene transcription during de novo lytic infection. MHV-68 rta was predominantly expressed as a 2-kb immediate-early transcript. Sequence analysis of MHV-68 rta cDNA revealed that an 866-nucleotide intron 5' of ORF50 was removed to create the Rta ORF of 583 amino acids. To test the functions of MHV-68 Rta in reactivation, a plasmid expressing Rta was transfected into a latently infected cell line, S11E, which was established from a B-cell lymphoma in an MHV-68-infected mouse. Rta induced expression of viral early and late genes, lytic replication of viral DNA, and production of infectious viral particles. We conclude that Rta alone is able to disrupt latency, activate viral lytic replication, and drive the lytic cycle to completion. This study indicates that MHV-68 provides a valuable model for investigating regulation of the balance between latency and lytic replication in vitro and in vivo.

Identification and analysis of the K5 gene of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), or human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), belongs to the gammaherpesvirus subfamily and encodes approximately 80 open reading frames (ORFs). Among them are a few candidates for immediate-early genes (e.g., K5). We developed a monoclonal antibody (MAb), 328C7, against the K5 antigen. This MAb reacted with the K5 gene product by immunoscreening of a cDNA library from BCBL-1 cells, and this result was confirmed by transfection of the K5 ORF into Cos-7 cells. After induction of lytic infection by treatment with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate, MAb 328C7 reacted with an antigen in the cytoplasm of BCBL-1 and BC-3 cells as early as after 4 h of induction. Immunoelectron microscopy showed that the K5 antigen was situated mainly in the endoplasmic reticulum but was not present on the virion or in the nucleus. Northern blotting with a K5-specific probe revealed a single transcript of 1.2 kb, while Western blotting showed the antigen to be a 36-kDa polypeptide. The 5' and 3' ends were then determined by rapid amplification of cDNA, followed by sequencing of RACE products, and a splice was revealed upstream of the K5 ORF. K5 expression was unaffected by the respective DNA and protein synthesis inhibitors phosphonoformic acid and cycloheximide plus actinomycin D, confirming its immediate-early nature. Transient-transfection assays showed that the K5 promoter was transactivated by ORF 50 (KSHV Rta), a homolog of Epstein-Barr virus Rta, but the K5 gene product exhibited no transregulation of its own promoter or those of DNA polymerase and the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 long terminal repeat. This is the first such analysis of an immediate-early gene product; determination of its specific biological function requires further investigation.

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus encodes a bZIP protein with homology to BZLF1 of Epstein-Barr virus

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is a recently discovered human gamma herpesvirus strongly implicated in AIDS-related neoplasms. We report here the identification in the KSHV genome of a gene for a protein designated K-bZIP and belonging to the basic-leucine zipper (bZIP) family of transcription factors. K-bZIP shows significant homology to BZLF1, which plays a key role in the replication and reactivation of Epstein-Barr virus. K-bZIP is a homodimerizing protein of 237 amino acids with a prototypic bZIP domain at the C terminus. The N-terminal portion of K-bZIP is derived from the K8 open reading frame which, through in-frame splicing, adjoins the ZIP domain. This structure was revealed by rapid analysis of cDNA ends, followed by cloning of the entire cDNA. A 1.35-kb transcript encoding K-bZIP was detected in BCBL-1 cells treated with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate. The synthesis of this transcript was blocked by the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide but not by the viral DNA synthesis inhibitor phosphonoacetate, a result which classifies it as an early lytic gene. RNase protection analysis further mapped the major transcription start site for the 1.35-kb K-bZIP mRNA and identified two other splice variants which encode proteins with the N-terminal portion of K-bZIP but lacking the C-terminal ZIP domain. Full-length K-bZIP forms dimers with itself, and the C terminus encompassing the ZIP domain is required for this process. Our studies set the stage for understanding the role of K-bZIP in the replication and reactivation of the KSHV genome.

The Epstein-Barr virus Rta protein activates lytic cycle genes and can disrupt latency in B lymphocytes

The transition of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) from latency into the lytic cycle is associated with the expression of two immediate-early viral genes, BZLF1 and BRLF1. Overexpression of ZEBRA, the product of BZLF1, is sufficient to disrupt latency in B lymphocytes and epithelial cells by stimulating expression of lytic cycle genes, including BRLF1. The BRLF1 product Rta functions as a transcriptional activator in both B lymphocytes and epithelial cells. However, Rta has recently been reported to disrupt latency in an epithelial specific manner (S. Zalani, E. Holley-Guthrie, and S. Kenney, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 93:9194-9199, 1996). Here we demonstrate that expression of Rta is also sufficient for disruption of latency in a permissive B-cell line. In HH514-16 cells, transfection of Rta leads to synthesis of ZEBRA, viral DNA replication, and late gene expression. However, Rta by itself is less potent than ZEBRA in the ability to activate most early and late lytic cycle genes. In light of previous work implicating ZEBRA in the activation of Rta, we suggest a cooperative model for EBV entry into the lytic cycle. Expression of either BZLF1 or BRLF1 triggers expression of the other immediate-early factor, and together these activators act individually or in synergy on downstream targets to activate the viral lytic cycle.

A viral gene that activates lytic cycle expression of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus

Herpesviruses exist in two states, latency and a lytic productive cycle. Here we identify an immediate-early gene encoded by Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV)/human herpesvirus eight (HHV8) that activates lytic cycle gene expression from the latent viral genome. The gene is a homologue of Rta, a transcriptional activator encoded by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). KSHV/Rta activated KSHV early lytic genes, including virus-encoded interleukin 6 and polyadenylated nuclear RNA, and a late gene, small viral capsid antigen. In cells dually infected with Epstein-Barr virus and KSHV, each Rta activated only autologous lytic cycle genes. Expression of viral cytokines under control of the KSHV/Rta gene is likely to contribute to the pathogenesis of KSHV-associated diseases.

Characterization of the enhancer-like okadaic acid response element region of the cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (p34cdc2) promoter

Expression of the cdk1 (p34cdc2) gene is enhanced 5-10 fold as cells re-enter the cell cycle from quiescence in response to serum-refeeding or following exposure to the protein phosphatase 1/2A inhibitor okadaic acid. Transient transfection analysis of nested deletions of the human cdk1 promoter identified regions that confer sensitivity to okadaic acid on a CAT-reporter gene. Putative okadaic acid response elements (OARE) were located between nt -942 to -763 (Site I) and nt -416 to -186 (Site II) before transcription start. The Site I element has enhancer-like characteristics as activity is independent of sequence orientation. Mobility shift analysis of Site I revealed the presence of 2 high molecular weight complexes, one of which was enhanced in the presence of okadaic acid-treated cell extracts. Site I contained several sequence motifs with conserved homology to heat shock response element core sequences and homeobox protein binding sites. Site II contained a myb-binding site, a G1/S phase enhancer, and 2 retinoblastoma response elements flanking an E2F binding site. Enhancement of cdk1 expression appears dependent on 2 nonhomologous okadaic acid-sensitive promoter regions.

Expression kinetics and mapping of the thymidine kinase transcript and an immediate-early transcript from channel catfish virus

Three transcripts from the terminal repeat of the channel catfish virus (CCV; also known as ictalurid herpesvirus 1) genome were mapped by S1 nuclease and primer extension analyses as well as by cDNA sequencing. These transcripts, TR3, TR5/6, and TR6, are encoded by open reading frame (ORF) 3, ORFs 5 and 6, and ORF 6, respectively, and correspond to those previously identified by sequence analysis (A. J. Davison, Virology 186:9-14, 1992). ORF 5 has previously been determined to encode thymidine kinase, but ORF 3 and ORF 6 encode proteins of unknown function. Although all three transcripts accumulate to high levels in cells infected in the presence of cycloheximide, kinetic analysis demonstrates that TR5/6 and TR6 are either early or late transcripts that leak through the cycloheximide block. In addition, two transcripts from the terminal repeat of the CCV genome that were mapped previously and were thought to be immediate-early in character, TR8a/9 and TR9, exhibit kinetics characteristic of early or late transcripts. TR3 is an immediate-early transcript that appears to have a very short half-life. In the 3' untranslated region of TR3, there are three copies of an AU-rich element which has previously been shown to be involved in destabilization of the oncogene c-fos and granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor mRNAs. mRNA destabilization may represent another mechanism by which herpesviruses regulate the rapid switch in expression from immediate-early genes to early genes during the transition to the early phase of infection.

Primary structure of the alcelaphine herpesvirus 1 genome

Alcelaphine herpesvirus 1 (AHV-1) causes wildebeest-associated malignant catarrhal fever, a lymphoproliferative syndrome in ungulate species other than the natural host. Based on biological properties and limited structural data, it has been classified as a member of the genus Rhadinovirus of the subfamily Gammaherpes-virinae. Here, we report on cloning and structural analysis of the complete genome of AHV-1 C500. The low GC content DNA (L-DNA) region of the genome consists of 130,608 bp with low (46.17%) GC content and marked suppression of CpG dinucleotide frequency. Like in herpesvirus saimiri, the prototype of the rhadinoviruses, the L-DNA is flanked by approximately 20 to 25 GC-rich (71.83%) high GC content DNA (H-DNA) repeats of 1,113 to 1,118 nucleotides. The analysis of the L-DNA sequence revealed 70 open reading frames (ORFs), 61 of which showed homology to other herpesviruses. The conserved ORFs are arranged in four blocks collinear to other Rhadinovirus genomes. These gene blocks are flanked by nonconserved regions containing ORFs without similarities to known herpesvirus genes. Notably, a spliced reading frame with a coding capacity for a 199-amino-acid protein is located in a position homologous to the transforming genes of herpesvirus saimiri at the left end of the L-DNA. A gene with homology to the semaphorin family is located adjacent to this. Despite common biological and epidemiological properties, AHV-1 differs significantly from herpesvirus saimiri with regard to cell homologous genes, probably using a different set of effector proteins to achieve a similar T-lymphocyte-transforming phenotype.

Characterization of an abundant, unique 1.7-kilobase bovine herpesvirus 4 (BHV-4) late RNA and mapping of a BHV-4 IE2 transactivator-binding site in its promoter-regulatory region

We characterized an abundant late 1.7-kb cytoplasmic polyadenylated RNA (L1.7 RNA) transcribed from the bovine herpesvirus 4 (BHV-4) HindIII W fragment, in a region of the genome not conserved with Epstein-Barr virus and herpesvirus saimiri. L1.7 RNA contains only extremely short (<100 nucleotides) open reading frames followed by two repeat arrays. The first repeat array contains 11 copies of a 23-bp unit, TGGCACTA GTAGCATTTAACCCC. The second and third copies are each interrupted by 15- to 17-bp sequences that are identical to each other for the first 15 bp. In addition, the second and third copies of the repeat unit each contain two copies of nucleotides 5 to 9 (ACTAG) of the repeat unit, one at each end of the interruption. The second repeat array contains 12 copies of a 25-bp sequence, GCTGTGTATTATTGAGTATTTTTTA. The promoter-regulatory region of L1.7 was activated by the BHV-4 immediate-early gene 2 product (IE2), a homolog of the Epstein-Barr virus R transactivator, in cotransfection assays. We mapped an IE2 recognition site within a 167-bp fragment approximately 10 bp 5' to the start of L1.7 RNA transcription, using cotransfection assays and gel retardation assays. Using gel retardation assays, we mapped an IE2-binding site within this fragment to a 31-bp region from 56 to 86 bp 5' to the start of L1.7 RNA transcription. This IE2-binding site was able to transfer IE2 responsiveness to a heterologous promoter. However, IE2 responsiveness was affected by both position and orientation. Alignment of the L1.7 IE2-binding site sequence with sequences of two other BHV-4 IE2-binding sites resulted in a provisional IE2-binding site consensus sequence different from the Epstein-Barr virus R transactivator-binding site.

Molecular virology of ruminant herpesviruses

Molecular virology has served to establish bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1) as the prototype member of ruminant herpesviruses. Based on the genomic sequence of the virus, we aim to identify and characterize virus-specified components, to explain their concerted action, and to predict how the chain of events during the lytic and latent phases of the viral life cycle may be interrupted. The nucleotide sequence of the BHV-1 genome (136 kb) has just been completed by international cooperation (July 1995; except for a small gap in UL36). It comprises 67 unique genes and 2 genes, both duplicated, in the inverted repeats. In general, these genes exhibit strong homology at the amino acid sequence level to those of other alphaherpesviruses (HSV-1, VZV, EHV-1) and are arranged in similar order. A few genes are peculiar to only one or two herpesviruses, e.g. in BHV-1 the circ, UL0.5, UL3.5 and US1.5 genes. Not long ago, the repertoire of BHV-1 proteins under study was restricted to the three major glycoproteins (gB, gC, and gD) and thymidine kinase. The repertoire is now growing rapidly and includes 7 additional glycoproteins (gE, gI, gH, gL, gG, gK and gM), a number of enzymes (e.g. ribonucleotide reductase, DNA Polymerase, dUTPase), and a group of regulatory proteins (BICPO, 4, 22, and 27, alpha TIF). Investigations into the functions of these proteins and comparison with their counterparts in other herpesviruses should reveal which are useful targets for diagnosis, prevention or antiviral treatment. Recombinant viruses containing deletions or replacements of individual genes are being created, aiming at vaccine development and insights into pathogenesis, notably latency, neurotropism, and interference with host functions. Molecular analysis of other ruminant herpesviruses is much less advanced. Over a dozen virus species have been described; most share basic properties with BHV-1 and may be classified as alphaherpesviruses. The gammaherpesviruses are represented by the proposed agent of malignant catarrhal fever, alcelaphine herpesvirus 1, and by bovine herpesvirus 4, whose partial sequences exhibit similarity to herpesvirus saimiri.

Identification of an immediate-early gene in the Marek's disease virus long internal repeat region which encodes a unique 14-kilodalton polypeptide

Marek's disease virus (MDV) is an oncogenic avian herpesvirus whose genomic structure is similar to those of herpes simplex virus and varicella-zoster virus. Repeat regions of the MDV genome have been intensively investigated because of a potential relationship to MDV oncogenicity and abundant expression of immediate-early transcripts. In this study, a 1.6-kb immediate-early transcript was localized to the BamHI-I2 region by Northern (RNA) hybridization analysis. With cDNA cloning and sequencing, two cDNAs of 1.4 kb (C1) and 1.35 kb (C2) were identified. Both cDNAs are derived from spliced mRNAs spanning the BamHI-H and -I2 fragments. C1 and C2 use the same splice acceptors and 3' ends, but they differ at their 5' ends and utilize different splice donors. The upstream promoter-enhancer region of C1 cDNA has been defined as a bidirectional regulatory region shared by the MDV pp38 gene. Sequencing analysis shows two small open reading frames (ORFs) within each cDNA (ORF1a and ORF2 in C1, ORF1b and ORF2 in C2). Potential ORFs of the sequence have no significant homology with any known protein in the Swiss-Protein data base. DNA fragments encoding ORF1a and ORF1b were cloned into pGEX-3X vectors to produce glutathione S-transferase fusion proteins and induce antisera. In Western blot (immunoblot) analysis of MDV-infected-cell lysates, a 14-kDa polypeptide was identified by antisera against both ORF1a and ORF1b. This 14-kDa protein is expressed in cells which are lytically infected with MDV strains GA, Md11 passage 14 (oncogenic), and Md11 passage 83 (attenuated), as well as in the latently MDV-infected and transformed MSB-1 cell line.

Characterization of the DNA-binding site repertoire for the Epstein-Barr virus transcription factor R

The Epstein-Barr virus gene BRLF1 encodes the transcription factor R, which is a sequence-specific DNA-binding protein important for the switch from latency to a productive cycle. We have defined a repertoire of specific R-binding sites using a GST-R fusion protein and a pool of 23 bp random DNA sequences. The R-bound sequences were selected by several rounds of Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay (EMSA) and amplification by PCR. Among the 45 sites selected, some positions in the sequences were highly conserved, i.e., 5'-GTGCC N7GTGGTG-3'. The guanine methylation assay revealed that R simultaneously contacts guanines in the two conserved cores, defining the consensus binding site 5'-GNCC N9 GGNG-3', and 30 sites among the 45 selected have this sequence. This last result also suggests that R binds two adjacent major grooves of the DNA. As shown by EMSA assay, R binds to all the sites tested with a comparable affinity, and they all mediate R-induced transcriptional activation in a transient expression assay.

Nucleotide sequence analysis of a 38.5-kilobase-pair region of the genome of human herpesvirus 6 encoding human cytomegalovirus immediate-early gene homologs and transactivating functions

Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) is prevalent in the human population, with primary infection occurring early in life. Its predominant CD4+ T-lymphocyte tropism, its ability to activate human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) gene expression in vitro, and its upregulation of CD4 expression has led to speculation that HHV-6 may act as a positive cofactor in the progression of HIV infection to AIDS in individuals infected with both viruses. Previous sequencing studies of restricted regions of the 161.5-kbp genome of HHV-6 have demonstrated unequivocally that it is a member of the betaherpesvirus subgroup and have indicated that the HHV-6 genome is generally collinear with the unique long (UL) component of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). In the work described in this report we have extended these sequencing studies by determining the primary structure of 38.5-kbp of the HHV-6 genome (genomic position 21.0 to 59.5 kbp). Within the sequenced region lie 31 open reading frames, 20 of which are homologous to positional counterparts in HCMV. Of particular significance is the identification of homologs of the HCMV UL36-38 and US22-type genes, which have been shown to encode transactivating proteins. We show that DNA sequences encoding these HHV-6 homologs were able to transactivate HIV-1 long terminal repeat-directed chloramphenicol acetyltransferase expression in cotransfection assays, thus demonstrating functional as well as structural conservation of these betaherpesvirus-specific gene products. Our data therefore confirm the close relationship between HHV-6 and HCMV and identify putative immediate-early regulatory genes of HHV-6 likely to play key roles in lytic replication and possibly also in the interactions between HHV-6 and HIV in dually infected cells.