Transcriptional patterns of the pCD41 (U27) locus of human herpesvirus 6

Human herpesvirus 6A U27 plays an essential role for the virus propagation

Human herpesvirus 6A (HHV-6A) is a member of the genus Roseolovirus and the subfamily Betaherpesvirinae. It is similar to and human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). HHV-6A encodes a 41 kDa nuclear phosphoprotein, U27, which acts as a processivity factor in the replication of the viral DNA. HHV-6A U27 has 43% amino acid sequence homology with HCMV UL44, which is important for DNA replication. A previous study on HHV-6A U27 revealed that it greatly increases the in vitro DNA synthesis activity of HHV-6A DNA polymerase. However, the role of U27 during the HHV-6A virus replication process remains unclear. In this study, we constructed a U27-deficient HHV-6A mutant (HHV-6ABACU27mut) with a frameshift insertion at the U27 gene using an HHV-6A bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) system. Viral reconstitution from the mutant BAC DNA was not detected, in contrast to the wild type and the revertant from the U27 mutant. This suggests that U27 plays a critical role in the life cycle of HHV-6A.

The early UL31 gene of equine herpesvirus 1 encodes a single-stranded DNA-binding protein that has a nuclear localization signal sequence at the C-terminus

The amino acid sequence of the UL31 protein (UL31P) of equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) has homology to that of the ICP8 of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Here we show that the UL31 gene is synergistically trans-activated by the IEP and the UL5P (EICP27). Detection of the UL31 RNA transcript and the UL31P in EHV-1-infected cells at 6h post-infection (hpi) as well as metabolic inhibition assays indicated that UL31 is an early gene. The UL31P preferentially bound to single-stranded DNA over double-stranded DNA in gel shift assays. Subcellular localization of the green fluorescent protein (GFP)-UL31 fusion proteins revealed that the C-terminal 32 amino acid residues of the UL31P are responsible for the nuclear localization. These findings may contribute to defining the role of the UL31P single-stranded DNA-binding protein in EHV-1 DNA replication.

Characterization of the immediate-early 2 protein of human herpesvirus 6, a promiscuous transcriptional activator

In the present work we report the cloning of a full-length cDNA encoding the immediate-early (IE) 2 protein from human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) variant A (GS strain). The transcript is 4690 nucleotides long and composed of 5 exons. Translation initiation occurs within the third exon and proceeds to the end of U86. Kinetic studies indicate that the 5.5-kb IE2 mRNA is expressed under IE condition, within 2-4 h of infection. IE2 transcripts from both variants A and B are expressed under similar kinetics with IE2 transcripts accumulating up to 96 h postinfection. Although several large transcripts (>5.5 kb) hybridized with the IE2 probe, suggesting multiple transcription initiation sites, a single form of the IE2 protein, in excess of 200 kDa, was detected by Western blot. Within cells, the IE2 protein was detected (8-48 h) as intranuclear granules while at later time points (72-120 h), the IE2 protein coalesced into a few large immunoreactive patches. Transfection of cells with an IE2 expression vector (pBK-IE2A) failed to reproduce the patch-like distribution, suggesting that other viral proteins are necessary for this process to occur. Last, IE2 was found to behave as a promiscuous transcriptional activator. Cotransfection experiments in T cells indicate that IE2 can induce the transcription of a complex promoter, such as the HIV-LTR, as well as simpler promoters, whose expression is driven by a unique set of responsive elements (CRE, NFAT, NF-kB). Moreover, minimal promoters having a single TATA box or no defined eukaryotic regulatory elements were significantly activated by IE2, suggesting that IE2 is likely to play an important role in initiating the expression of several HHV-6 genes. In all, the work presented represents the first report on the successful cloning, expression, and functional characterization of the major regulatory IE2 gene/protein of HHV-6.

Human herpesvirus 6: molecular biology and clinical features

Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) exists as distinct variants HHV-6A and HHV-6B. The complete genomes of HHV-6A and HHV-6B have been sequenced. HHV-6B contains 97 unique genes. CD46 is the cell receptor for HHV-6, explaining its broad tissue tropism but its restricted host-species range. HHV-6 utilizes a number of strategies to down-regulate the host immune response, including molecular mimicry by production of a functional chemokine and chemokine receptors. Immunosuppression is enhanced by depletion of CD4 T lymphocytes via direct infection of intra-thymic progenitors and by apoptosis induction. Infection is widespread in infants between 6 months and 2 years of age. A minority of infants develop roseola infantum, but undifferentiated febrile illness is more common. Reactivation from latency occurs in immunocompromised hosts. Organ-specific clinical syndromes occasionally result, but indirect effects including interactions with other viruses such as human immunodeficiency virus type 1 and human cytomegalovirus or graft dysfunction in transplant recipients may be more significant complications in this population. Recent advances in quantitative PCR are providing additional insights into the natural history of infection in paediatric populations and immunocompromised hosts.

Isolation and expression of three open reading frames from ovine herpesvirus-2

Ovine herpesvirus-2 (OvHV-2), a member of the gammaherpesviruses (genus Rhadinovirus), asymptomatically infects its natural host, the sheep, but causes malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) in susceptible hosts, such as cattle, deer and pigs. A permissive cell culture system for virus replication has not been identified but viral DNA is present within lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) established from cases of MCF. During this study, a cDNA expression library generated from LCLs was screened with sheep sera and two cDNAs were isolated. One cDNA contained two open reading frames (ORFs) that show similarity to ORFs 58 and 59 of alcelaphine herpesvirus-1 (AlHV-1), a closely related gammaherpesvirus that also causes MCF. Both ORFs 58 and 59 are conserved throughout the gammaherpesviruses. ORF 58 is predicted to be a membrane protein, while ORF 59 has been shown to be an early lytic gene that functions as a DNA polymerase processivity factor. The second cDNA clone contained a partial ORF showing limited similarity to AlHV-1 ORF 73, a homologue of the latency-associated nuclear antigen of human herpesvirus-8, which is associated with latent infections. The full-length OvHV-2 ORF 73 was cloned subsequently by PCR. The ORFs isolated from the library were cloned into a bacterial expression vector and the recombinant proteins tested for their reactivity to sera from OvHV-2-infected animals. An ORF 59 fusion protein was recognized specifically by sera from OvHV-2-infected cattle and will be used to develop a sero-diagnostic test.

Characterization of transcripts expressed from human herpesvirus 6A strain GS immediate-early region B U16-U17 open reading frames

Several gene fragments of human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) have been shown to activate the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 long terminal repeat (LTR). An open reading frame (ORF) designated B701 (Y. Geng, B. Chandran, S. F. Josephs, and C. Wood, J. Virol. 66:1564-1570, 1992), found within a 22-kb HHV-6A strain GS [HHV-6A(GS)] genomic fragment and a 3.8-kb SalI subfragment, was shown to activate the HIV LTR. B701, also known as HHV-6 U16, is located in the immediate-early B (IE-B) region of the genome. The sequence of the 3.8-kb genomic fragment of HHV-6A(GS) is nearly identical to the published sequence of HHV-6A strain U1102, with minor differences. The HHV-6A(GS) B701 ORF (U16) was used to screen an HHV-6A(GS) cDNA library, and two different but overlapping cDNAs were identified. These cDNAs represent differently spliced transcripts ending at different polyadenylation signals. The ORFs included in the cDNAs are positionally homologous to the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) UL36 ORF. The ORF in one cDNA was generated by splicing together in frame ORFs U17 and U16, and the second cDNA included ORFs U16 and U15. A third differentially spliced cDNA (U16+), was identified by 5' rapid amplification of cDNA ends. The predicted protein was identical to the U16 portion of the U17/U16 spliced gene product but did not include the U17 portion. 5'-extension analyses of the mRNAs demonstrated that at least two potential transcription initiation sites were used to express the transcripts encoding U17 and U16 gene products. Single-stranded U16 and U17 gene-specific RNA probes hybridized with at least five RNA species from infected cells and demonstrated that the expression of these transcripts was differentially regulated. The U17/U16 spliced gene products were expressed at IE times after infection, but a multiply spliced gene product encoded by U16 was expressed as a late gene. The U17/U16 and the U16+ gene products transactivated the HIV LTR. Thus, while there are similarities to the HCMV UL36-UL38 gene family, some of the IE-B U17/U16 transcripts are unique to HHV-6.

The HHV6 paradox: ubiquitous commensal or insidious pathogen? A two-step in situ PCR approach

BACKGROUND

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) and multiple sclerosis (MS) are demyelinative diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). PML occurs mostly in individuals with AIDS-impaired immunity and is thought to be caused by JC polyoma virus (JCV). In MS a neurotrophic virus trigger is suspected, but the precise etiology remains unknown. Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV6) is a ubiquitous, commensal and usually benign beta-herpesvirus. Some researchers have found evidence for HHV6 infection in MS plaques and sera. We recently demonstrated a high frequency of cells containing HHV6 genome in PML lesions, as well as co-infection of oligodendrocytes by JCV and HHV6. This suggests that HHV6 may be a co-factor in the etiology of PML, and raises questions about its role in other demyelinative diseases.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence and cellular localization of HHV6, JCV and HIV-1 infected cells in PML, MS, AIDS and control CNS tissues, and their potential relationship with disease.

STUDY DESIGN

An unconventional, sensitive two-step in situ polymerase chain reaction (ISPCR) procedure was used to amplify and detect HHV6, JCV and HIV-1 genomic DNAs in formalin fixed, paraffin-embedded archival CNS tissues. HHV6, JCV and HIV-1 gene expression was detected by ICC for HHV6 p41 and gp101, JCV large T, and HIV-1 p24 gag and NEF proteins.

RESULTS

A high frequency of HHV6 genome was consistently detected in both PML and MS white matter lesional cells; a peri-lesional concentration was notable. HHV6 was found mainly in oligodendrocytes, but neurons were also infected. HHV6 was present in larger amounts than JCV in PML lesions, while more HIV-1 than HHV6 was present in AIDS. Variable amounts of HHV6 genome were detected in normal, AIDS and other control brains; the frequency of infected cells tended to increase with patient age.

CONCLUSIONS

High concentrations of HHV6 genome in association with PML and MS lesions, open the possibility that HHV6 activation may play a role in the pathogenesis of these demyelinative diseases.

Human herpesvirus 6

Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6), a member of the beta-herpesvirinae subfamily, is highly seroprevalent, has a worldwide distribution, and infection usually occurs within the first two years of life. In this age group, HHV-6 causes febrile illness including exanthem subitum with seizures a recognised complication. The virus is predominantly T lymphotropic although it can infect a variety of cell types in vitro and CD46 has recently been identified as a cellular receptor. The virus persists in the host, with a latent state proposed in monocytes and bone marrow progenitor cells, and chronic infection in salivary glands. The virus is pathogenic in the post transplantation period and may be a cofactor in the progression of HIV disease. The virus has also been associated with multiple sclerosis (MS), with the virus detected in oligodendrocytes particularly in plaque regions. The role of HHV-6 in MS remains controversial and a more extensive understanding of its neurotropism and association with disease is required. Two variants of HHV-6 exist (A and B) and comparison of their complete nucleotide sequences shows the genomes to be colinear, with a high degree of homology. Variation in specific regions of the genome is more extensive and probably accounts for biological and pathological differences. Almost exclusively, variant B is associated with febrile illness in childhood and is the predominant variant detected in healthy individuals. The epidemiology of HHV-6A infection needs to be better defined, although it is significantly less prevalent. Biological, genetic, epidemiological and pathological findings suggest that the two variants are divergent.

Identification and rapid quantification of early- and late-lytic human herpesvirus 8 infection in single cells by flow cytometric analysis: characterization of antiherpesvirus agents

Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) infection is associated with Kaposi's sarcoma, primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), and multicentric Castleman's disease. In this study, we used monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) directed against HHV-8 lytic cycle-associated proteins encoded by open reading frame (ORF) 59 (nuclear PF-8 protein) and ORF K8.1 (viral envelope glycoprotein K8.1 [gpK8.1]) to investigate HHV-8 lytic infection in single cells. Lytically infected cells were labeled with MAbs, stained with fluorescently conjugated secondary Abs, and analyzed by flow cytometry. A 3-day stimulation of HHV-8-positive PEL cell lines (BCBL-1 and BC-3) with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (30 nM) or n-butyric acid (0.3 mM) maximized the expression of lytic-phase viral proteins and minimized cell toxicity. The absolute number of expressing cells was inducer and cell line dependent. Expression of PF-8 occurred earlier and more frequently (in up to 20% of cells) than did expression of gpK8.1. A subset of PF-8 positive cells (25%) co-expressed gpK8.1, representing the majority of gpK8.1 expressing cells. Acyclovir, foscarnet, cidofovir, and PMEA reduced the number of cells expressing gpK8.1, but not the number expressing the nonstructural early lytic gene product PF-8. By contrast, alpha interferon (IFN-alpha) and IFN-beta reduced expression of both PF-8 and gpK8.1, implying an overall inhibitory effect on viral gene transcription or translation. In summary, we have characterized and quantified HHV-8 lytic infection in single cells by dual measurement of early- and late-lytic-cycle HHV-8 protein expression. This technique should prove useful for screening of possible antiherpesvirus agents and for detailed phenotypic characterization of HHV-8-infected cells in vitro and in patients with HHV-8-associated diseases.

Human herpesvirus 6

Human herpesvirus (HHV) 6 is a beta-herpes, DNA virus. This virus shows closest homology with cytomegalovirus and HHV-7. Infection usually occurs in infants 6 to 24 months of age, and primary infection may result in roseola. HHV-6 infection in infants is the commonest cause of fever-induced seizures. Infection in adults is seen primarily in immunocompromised hosts with solid organ transplants or in those with human immunodeficiency virus infection. The virus is capable of pronounced interaction in vitro with cytomegalovirus and human immunodeficiency virus and induces immunosuppression and apoptosis. The importance of these interactions in vivo necessitates further investigation. HHV-6 infection may contribute to the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis. HHV-6 may be diagnosed by viral culture, serology, or polymerase chain reaction.

Characterization of the Jembrana disease virus tat gene and the cis- and trans-regulatory elements in its long terminal repeats

Jembrana disease virus (JDV) is a newly identified bovine lentivirus that is closely related to the bovine immunodeficiency virus (BIV). JDV contains a tat gene, encoded by two exons, which has potent transactivation activity. Cotransfection of the JDV tat expression plasmid with the JDV promoter chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) construct pJDV-U3R resulted in a substantial increase in the level of CAT mRNA transcribed from the JDV long terminal repeat (LTR) and a dramatic increase in the CAT protein level. Deletion analysis of the LTR sequences showed that sequences spanning nucleotides -68 to +53, including the TATA box and the predicted first stem-loop structure of the predicted Tat response element (TAR), were required for efficient transactivation. The results, derived from site-directed mutagenesis experiments, suggested that the base pairing in the stem of the first stem-loop structure in the TAR region was important for JDV Tat-mediated transactivation; in contrast, nucleotide substitutions in the loop region of JDV TAR had less effect. For the JDV LTR, upstream sequences, from nucleotide -196 and beyond, as well as the predicted secondary structures in the R region, may have a negative effect on basal JDV promoter activity. Deletion of these regions resulted in a four- to fivefold increase in basal expression. The JDV Tat is also a potent transactivator of other animal and primate lentivirus promoters. It transactivated BIV and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) LTRs to levels similar to those with their homologous Tat proteins. In contrast, HIV-1 Tat has minimal effects on JDV LTR expression, whereas BIV Tat moderately transactivated the JDV LTR. Our study suggests that JDV may use a mechanism of transactivation similar but not identical to those of other animal and primate lentiviruses.

Analysis of human herpesvirus 6 U3 gene, which is a positional homolog of human cytomegalovirus UL 24 gene

The US22 gene family was first discovered in human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and contains several conserved amino acid motifs. Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) also encodes several genes belonging to the US22 family, including the U3 gene (a positional homolog of HCMV UL24). Because the gene products of the US22 gene family function as gene regulators in general, we analyzed the HHV-6A U3 gene. Six transcripts with different molecular weights of 7.5-1.8 kb were detected by Northern blot analysis using a U3-specific probe. Sequence analyses of the respective cDNA clones and primer extension experiments revealed that the U3 gene encoded the 2.0- and 3.5-kb transcripts and had no splicing within the U3 gene region. By immunofluorescence testing using antibodies raised to a fusion protein of MBP (maltose-binding protein) and U3, the U3 viral antigen was detected as early as 24 h p.i. in HHV-6A-infected U373 cells. The antigens were found in cytoplasmic granules, preferentially in the endoplasmic reticulum. Moreover, cotransfection assay using a luciferase gene expression system revealed that the U3 gene product was capable of activating the human immunodeficiency virus long terminal repeat promoter in CV1 cells.

Identification and characterization of human herpesvirus-8 lytic cycle-associated ORF 59 protein and the encoding cDNA by monoclonal antibody

Monoclonal antibody (Mab) 11D1 specific for HHV-8 showed a predominantly nuclear membrane fluorescence with about 30% of phorbol ester (TPA)-induced HHV-8-carrying BCBL-1 cells and with 2-8% of uninduced cells, but not with other herpes viruses infected cells. This Mab immunoprecipitated a 50-kDa polypeptide from BCBL-1 cells. The synthesis of this polypeptide was reduced but not inhibited by phosphonoacetic acid (PAA). A 2.3-kb cDNA insert from a cDNA library of TPA-induced BCBL-1 cells was identified by Mab 11D1. Sequence analysis shows that this cDNA is open at the 5' end and encodes two ORFs of 396AA (5' end) and 357AA (3' end). These ORFs are identical to the published HHV-8 ORFs 59 and 58, respectively in vitro transcription and translation of the cDNA resulted in the synthesis of a 50-kDa polypeptide and its partial peptide map was identical to that of the 50-kDa polypeptide detected in the TPA induced BCBL-1 cells. Riboprobe made from the cDNA insert hybridized with several viral specific RNAs from BCBL-1 cells. Levels of these RNA species were reduced, but not inhibited by PAA. These characteristics are similar to other herpes viruses genes encoding the lytic cycle associated early-late class accessory proteins that are essential for viral DNA replication. This Mab 11D1 recognizing the HHV-8 lytic cycle associated ORF 59 protein will be highly useful in monitoring the lytic replicative cycle.