Viable human cytomegalovirus recombinant virus with an internal deletion of the IE2 86 gene affects late stages of viral replication

Chromatin control of human cytomegalovirus infection

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a betaherpesvirus that establishes lifelong infection in its host and can cause severe comorbidities in individuals with suppressed or compromised immune systems. The lifecycle of HCMV consists of lytic and latent phases, largely dependent upon the cell type infected and whether transcription from the major immediate early locus can ensue. Control of this locus, which acts as a critical "switch" region from where the lytic gene expression cascade originates, as well as regulation of the additional ~235 kilobases of virus genome, occurs through chromatinization with cellular histone proteins after infection. Upon infection of a host cell, an initial intrinsic antiviral response represses gene expression from the incoming genome, which is relieved in permissive cells by viral and host factors in concert. Latency is established in a subset of hematopoietic cells, during which viral transcription is largely repressed while the genome is maintained. As these latently infected cells differentiate, the cellular milieu and epigenetic modifications change, giving rise to the initial stages of virus reactivation from latency. Thus, throughout the cycle of infection, chromatinization, chromatin modifiers, and the recruitment of specific transcription factors influence the expression of genes from the HCMV genome. In this review, we discuss epigenetic regulation of the HCMV genome during the different phases of infection, with an emphasis on recent reports that add to our current perspective.

Human Cytomegalovirus Egress: Overcoming Barriers and Co-Opting Cellular Functions

The assembly of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and other herpesviruses includes both nuclear and cytoplasmic phases. During the prolonged replication cycle of HCMV, the cell undergoes remarkable changes in cellular architecture that include marked increases in nuclear size and structure as well as the reorganization of membranes in cytoplasm. Similarly, significant changes occur in cellular metabolism, protein trafficking, and cellular homeostatic functions. These cellular modifications are considered integral in the efficient assembly of infectious progeny in productively infected cells. Nuclear egress of HCMV nucleocapsids is thought to follow a pathway similar to that proposed for other members of the herpesvirus family. During this process, viral nucleocapsids must overcome structural barriers in the nucleus that limit transit and, ultimately, their delivery to the cytoplasm for final assembly of progeny virions. HCMV, similar to other herpesviruses, encodes viral functions that co-opt cellular functions to overcome these barriers and to bridge the bilaminar nuclear membrane. In this brief review, we will highlight some of the mechanisms that define our current understanding of HCMV egress, relying heavily on the current understanding of egress of the more well-studied α-herpesviruses, HSV-1 and PRV.

Human cytomegalovirus IE86 protein aa 136-289 mediates STING degradation and blocks the cGAS-STING pathway

We previously reported that human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) 86 kDa immediate-early 2 gene product (IE86) promotes proteasome-dependent degradation of STING. In the present study, we determined the specific residues of IE86 responsible for STING degradation using a STING-firefly luciferase fusion protein expression system for quantitative meas-urement of STING protein levels. IE86 amino acids (aa) 136-289 were sufficient to promote STING degradation and further induced down-regulation of 2'3'-cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP)-mediated IFN-β promoter activation. Interestingly, transactivation domains (TAD) of the IE86 protein located at the N- and C-termini were required for down-regulation of Toll/interleukin-1 receptor (TIR) domain-containing adaptor-inducing interferon β (IFN-β) (TRIF)-mediated IFN-β-and p65/RelA-induced NF-κB-dependent promoter activation while amino acids (aa) 136-289 had no significant effects. Our collective data suggest that the IE86 protein utilizes the aa 136-289 region to promote STING degradation and inhibit the cGAS-STING pathway.

The absence of p53 during Human Cytomegalovirus infection leads to decreased UL53 expression, disrupting UL50 localization to the inner nuclear membrane, and thereby inhibiting capsid nuclear egress

Our electron microscopy study (Kuan et al., 2016) found HCMV nuclear capsid egress was significantly reduced in p53 knockout cells (p53KOs), correlating with inhibited formation of infoldings of the inner nuclear membrane (IINMs). Molecular examination of these phenomena has found p53KOs expressed UL97 and phosphorylated lamins, however the lamina failed to remodel. The nuclear egress complex (NEC) protein UL50 was expressed in almost all cells. UL50 re-localized to the inner nuclear membrane (INM) in ~90% of wt cells, but only ~35% of p53KOs. UL53 expression was significantly reduced in p53KOs, and cells lacking UL50 nuclear staining, expressed no UL53. Re-introduction of p53 into p53KOs largely recovered UL53 positivity and UL50 nuclear re-localization. Nuclear rim located UL50/53 puncta, which co-localized with the major capsid protein, were largely absent in p53KOs. We believe these puncta were IINMs. In the absence of p53, UL53 expression was inhibited, disrupting formation of the NEC/IINMs, and reducing functional virion secretion.

Multiple Transcripts Encode Full-Length Human Cytomegalovirus IE1 and IE2 Proteins during Lytic Infection

Expression of the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) IE1 and IE2 proteins is critical for the establishment of lytic infection and reactivation from viral latency. Defining the mechanisms controlling IE1 and IE2 expression is therefore important for understanding how HCMV regulates its replicative cycle. Here we identify several novel transcripts encoding full-length IE1 and IE2 proteins during HCMV lytic replication. Two of the alternative major immediate early (MIE) transcripts initiate in the first intron, intron A, of the previously defined MIE transcript, while others extend the 5' untranslated region. Each of the MIE transcripts associates with polyribosomes in infected cells and therefore contributes to IE1 and IE2 protein levels. Surprisingly, deletion of the core promoter region of the major immediate early promoter (MIEP) from a plasmid containing the MIE genomic locus did not completely abrogate IE1 and IE2 expression. Instead, deletion of the MIEP core promoter resulted in increased expression of alternative MIE transcripts, suggesting that the MIEP suppresses the activity of the alternative MIE promoters. While the canonical MIE mRNA was the most abundant transcript at immediate early times, the novel MIE transcripts accumulated to levels equivalent to that of the known MIE transcript later in infection. Using two HCMV recombinants, we found that sequences in intron A of the previously defined MIE transcript are required for efficient IE1 and IE2 expression and viral replication. Together, our results identify new regulatory sequences controlling IE1 and IE2 expression and suggest that multiple transcription units act in concert to regulate IE1 and IE2 expression during lytic infection.

IMPORTANCE

The HCMV IE1 and IE2 proteins are critical regulators of HCMV replication, both during primary infection and reactivation from viral latency. This study expands our understanding of the sequences controlling IE1 and IE2 expression by defining novel transcriptional units controlling the expression of full-length IE1 and IE2 proteins. Our results suggest that alternative promoters may allow for IE1 and IE2 expression when MIEP activity is limiting, as occurs in latently infected cells.

HCMV Induces Macropinocytosis for Host Cell Entry in Fibroblasts

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is an important and widespread pathogen in the human population. While infection by this β-herpesvirus in endothelial, epithelial and dendritic cells depends on endocytosis, its entry into fibroblasts is thought to occur by direct fusion of the viral envelope with the plasma membrane. To characterize individual steps during entry in primary human fibroblasts, we employed quantitative assays as well as electron, fluorescence and live cell microscopy in combination with a variety of inhibitory compounds. Our results showed that while infectious entry was pH- and clathrin-independent, it required multiple, endocytosis-related factors and processes. The virions were found to undergo rapid internalization into large vacuoles containing internalized fluid and endosome markers. The characteristics of the internalization process fulfilled major criteria for macropinocytosis. Moreover, we found that soon after addition to fibroblasts the virus rapidly triggered the formation of circular dorsal ruffles in the host cell followed by the generation of large macropinocytic vacuoles. This distinctive form of macropinocytosis has been observed especially in primary cells but has not previously been reported in response to virus stimulation.

Infection of a Single Cell Line with Distinct Strains of Human Cytomegalovirus Can Result in Large Variations in Virion Production and Facilitate Efficient Screening of Virus Protein Function

Previously, we reported that the absence of the ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) kinase, a critical DNA damage response (DDR) signaling component for double-strand breaks, caused no change in HCMV Towne virion production. Later, others reported decreased AD169 viral titers in the absence of ATM. To address this discrepancy, human foreskin fibroblasts (HFF) and three ATM(-) lines (GM02530, GM05823, and GM03395) were infected with both Towne and AD169. Two additional ATM(-) lines (GM02052 and GM03487) were infected with Towne. Remarkably, both previous studies' results were confirmed. However, the increased number of cell lines and infections with both lab-adapted strains confirmed that ATM was not necessary to produce wild-type-level titers in fibroblasts. Instead, interactions between individual virus strains and the cellular microenvironment of the individual ATM(-) line determined efficiency of virion production. Surprisingly, these two commonly used lab-adapted strains produced drastically different titers in one ATM(-) cell line, GM05823. The differences in titer suggested a rapid method for identifying genes involved in differential virion production. In silico comparison of the Towne and AD169 genomes determined a list of 28 probable candidates responsible for the difference. Using serial iterations of an experiment involving virion entry and input genome nuclear trafficking with a panel of related strains, we reduced this list to four (UL129, UL145, UL147, and UL148). As a proof of principle, reintroduction of UL148 largely rescued genome trafficking. Therefore, use of a battery of related strains offers an efficient method to narrow lists of candidate genes affecting various virus life cycle checkpoints.

IMPORTANCE

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection of multiple cell lines lacking ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) protein produced wild-type levels of infectious virus. Interactions between virus strains and the microenvironment of individual ATM(-) lines determined the efficiency of virion production. Infection of one ATM(-) cell line, GM05823, produced large titer differentials dependent on the strain used, Towne or AD169. This discrepancy resolved a disagreement in the literature of a requirement for ATM expression and HCMV reproduction. The titer differentials in GM08523 cells were due, in part, to a decreased capacity of AD169 virions to enter the cell and traffic genomes to the nucleus. In silico comparison of the Towne, AD169, and related variant strains' genomes was coupled with serial iterations of a virus entry experiment, narrowing 28 candidate proteins responsible for the phenotype down to 4. Reintroduction of UL148 significantly rescued genome trafficking. Differential behavior of virus strains can be exploited to elucidate gene function.

Deficiencies in Cellular Processes Modulated by the Retinoblastoma Protein Do Not Account for Reduced Human Cytomegalovirus Replication in Its Absence

Despite encoding multiple viral proteins that modulate the retinoblastoma (Rb) protein in a manner classically defined as inactivation, human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) requires the presence of the Rb protein to replicate efficiently. In uninfected cells, Rb controls numerous pathways that the virus also commandeers during infection. These include cell cycle progression, senescence, mitochondrial biogenesis, apoptosis, and glutaminolysis. We investigated whether a potential inability of HCMV to regulate these Rb-controlled pathways in the absence of the Rb protein was the reason for reduced viral productive replication in Rb knockdown cells. We found that HCMV was equally able to modulate these pathways in the parental Rb-expressing and Rb-depleted cells. Our results suggest that Rb may be required to enhance a specific viral process during HCMV productive replication.

IMPORTANCE

The retinoblastoma (Rb) tumor suppressor is well established as a repressor of E2F-dependent transcription. Rb hyperphosphorylation, degradation, and binding by viral oncoproteins are also codified. Recent reports indicate Rb can be monophosphorylated, repress the transcription of antiviral genes in association with adenovirus E1A, modulate cellular responses to polycomb-mediated epigenetic methylations in human papillomavirus type 16 E7 expressing cells, and increase the efficiency of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) productive replication. Since Rb function also now extends to regulation of mitochondrial function (apoptosis, metabolism), it is clear that our current understanding of this protein is insufficient to explain its roles in virus-infected cells and tumors. Work here reinforces this concept, showing the known roles of Rb are insufficient to explain its positive impact on HCMV replication. Therefore, HCMV, along with other viral systems, provide valuable tools to probe functions of Rb that might be modulated with therapeutics for cancers with viral or nonviral etiologies.

The retinoblastoma tumor suppressor promotes efficient human cytomegalovirus lytic replication

The retinoblastoma (Rb) tumor suppressor controls cell cycle, DNA damage, apoptotic, and metabolic pathways. DNA tumor virus oncoproteins reduce Rb function by either inducing Rb degradation or physically disrupting complexes between Rb and its myriad binding proteins. Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), a betaherpesvirus being investigated for potential roles in human cancers, encodes multiple lytic-phase proteins that inactivate Rb in distinct ways, leading to the hypothesis that reduced Rb levels and/or activity would benefit HCMV lytic infection. Paradoxically, we found that Rb knockdown prior to infection, whether transient or constitutive, impaired HCMV lytic infection at multiple stages, notably viral DNA replication, late protein expression, and infectious virion production. The existence of differentially modified forms of Rb, the temporally and functionally distinct means by which HCMV proteins interact with Rb, and the necessity of Rb for efficient HCMV lytic replication combine to highlight the complex relationship between the virus and this critical tumor suppressor.

IMPORTANCE

Initial work examining viral protein modulation of cell cycle progression and oncogenic transformation revealed that these proteins inactivated the function of cellular tumor suppressor proteins. However, subsequent work, including experiments described here using human cytomegalovirus, demonstrate a more nuanced interaction that includes the necessity of cellular tumor suppressors for efficient viral replication. Understanding the positive impacts that cellular tumor suppressors have on viral infections may reveal new activities of these well-studied yet incompletely understood proteins. The basis for oncolytic viral therapy is the selective replication of viruses in transformed cells in which tumor suppressor function may be compromised. Understanding how tumor suppressors support viral infections may allow for the generation of modified oncolytic viruses with greater selective tumor cell replication and killing.

Myeloblastic cell lines mimic some but not all aspects of human cytomegalovirus experimental latency defined in primary CD34+ cell populations

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a significant human pathogen that achieves lifelong persistence by establishing latent infections in undifferentiated cells of the myeloid lineage, such as CD34(+) hematopoietic progenitor cells. When latency is established, viral lytic gene expression is silenced in part by a cellular intrinsic defense consisting of Daxx and histone deacetylases (HDACs) because pp71, the tegument transactivator that travels to the nucleus and inactivates this defense at the start of a lytic infection in differentiated cells, remains in the cytoplasm. Because the current in vitro and ex vivo latency models have physiological and practical limitations, we evaluated two CD34(+) myeloblastic cell lines, KG-1 and Kasumi-3, for their ability to establish, maintain, and reactivate HCMV experimental latent infections. Tegument protein pp71 was cytoplasmic, and immediate-early (IE) genes were silenced as in primary CD34(+) cells. However, in contrast to what occurs in primary CD34(+) cells ex vivo or in NT2 and THP-1 in vitro model systems, viral IE gene expression from the laboratory-adapted AD169 genome was not induced in the presence of HDAC inhibitors in either KG-1 or Kasumi-3 cells. Furthermore, while the clinical strain FIX was able to reactivate from Kasumi-3 cells, AD169 was not, and neither strain reactivated from KG-1 cells. Thus, KG-1 and Kasumi-3 experimental latent infections differ in important parameters from those in primary CD34(+) cell populations. Aspects of latency illuminated through the use of these myeloblastoid cell lines should not be considered independently but integrated with results obtained in primary cell systems when paradigms for HCMV latency are proposed.

Human embryonic stem cell lines model experimental human cytomegalovirus latency

Herpesviruses are highly successful pathogens that persist for the lifetime of their hosts primarily because of their ability to establish and maintain latent infections from which the virus is capable of productively reactivating. Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), a betaherpesvirus, establishes latency in CD34⁺ hematopoietic progenitor cells during natural infections in the body. Experimental infection of CD34⁺ cells ex vivo has demonstrated that expression of the viral gene products that drive productive infection is silenced by an intrinsic immune defense mediated by Daxx and histone deacetylases through heterochromatinization of the viral genome during the establishment of latency. Additional mechanistic details about the establishment, let alone maintenance and reactivation, of HCMV latency remain scarce. This is partly due to the technical challenges of CD34⁺ cell culture, most notably, the difficulty in preventing spontaneous differentiation that drives reactivation and renders them permissive for productive infection. Here we demonstrate that HCMV can establish, maintain, and reactivate in vitro from experimental latency in cultures of human embryonic stem cells (ESCs), for which spurious differentiation can be prevented or controlled. Furthermore, we show that known molecular aspects of HCMV latency are faithfully recapitulated in these cells. In total, we present ESCs as a novel, tractable model for studies of HCMV latency.

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a significant human pathogen that is known for causing birth defects, blindness in AIDS patients, and organ transplant rejection. The ability of HCMV to cause disease is dependent upon its capacity to establish and maintain latent infections. Very few of the molecular mechanisms of latency have been elucidated, due in part to the lack of a tractable cell culture model. Here we present embryonic stem cells (ESCs) as a model for HCMV latency, one in which genome maintenance and reactivation could be closely monitored. HCMV establishes latency in ESCs in the same fashion as it does in CD34⁺ cells, the currently favored in vitro model. Hence, ESCs represent a novel model with unique properties, such as the ability to be genetically manipulated and cultured indefinitely in an undifferentiated state, that will facilitate the mechanistic examination of certain aspects of HCMV latency that have proven technically challenging in other model systems.

Human cytomegalovirus infection of THP-1 derived macrophages reveals strain-specific regulation of actin dynamics

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) remains latent in cells of the myeloid lineage after primary infection. The THP-1 monocytic cell line is conditionally permissive for infection and has been used primarily to study the process of HCMV reactivation when the cells are induced to differentiate. In the present report, we characterized lytic infection in THP-1 derived macrophages using two strains of HCMV, Towne and BAC-derived TR. Our findings indicate that these cells express viral genes of all three kinetic classes and produce extracellular virus, but that there is a delay in these processes relative to productively infected fibroblasts. Importantly, our studies in THP-1 derived macrophages revealed strain-specific differences in pp65 trafficking and actin dynamics. Based on these observations, our studies indicate that differentiated THP-1 cells can serve as a valuable model for lytic infection.

Mutation of glutamine to arginine at position 548 of IE2 86 in human cytomegalovirus leads to decreased expression of IE2 40, IE2 60, UL83, and UL84 and increased transcription of US8-9 and US29-32

The IE2 86 protein of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is essential for productive infection. The mutation of glutamine to arginine at position 548 of IE2 86 causes the virus to grow both slowly and to very low titers, making it difficult to study this mutant via infection. In this study, Q548R IE2 86 HCMV was produced on the complementing cell line 86F/40HA, which allowed faster and higher-titer production of mutant virus. The main defects observed in this mutant were greatly decreased expression of IE2 40, IE2 60, UL83, and UL84. Genome replication and the induction of cell cycle arrest were found to proceed at or near wild-type levels, and there was no defect in transitioning to early or late protein expression. Q548R IE2 86 was still able to interact with UL84. Furthermore, Q548R IE2 40 maintained the ability to enhance UL84 expression in a cotransfection assay. Microarray analysis of Q548R IE2 HCMV revealed that the US8, US9, and US29-32 transcripts were all significantly upregulated. These results further confirm the importance of IE2 in UL83 and UL84 expression as well as pointing to several previously unknown regions of the HCMV genome that may be regulated by IE2.

Alternative splicing of the human cytomegalovirus major immediate-early genes affects infectious-virus replication and control of cellular cyclin-dependent kinase

The major immediate-early (MIE) gene locus of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is the master switch that determines the outcomes of both lytic and latent infections. Here, we provide evidence that alteration in the splicing of HCMV (Towne strain) MIE genes affects infectious-virus replication, movement through the cell cycle, and cyclin-dependent kinase activity. Mutation of a conserved 24-nucleotide region in MIE exon 4 increased the abundance of IE1-p38 mRNA and decreased the abundance of IE1-p72 and IE2-p86 mRNAs. An increase in IE1-p38 protein was accompanied by a slight decrease in IE1-p72 protein and a significant decrease in IE2-p86 protein. The mutant virus had growth defects, which could not be complemented by wild-type IE1-p72 protein in trans. The phenotype of the mutant virus could not be explained by an increase in IE1-p38 protein, but prevention of the alternate splice returned the recombinant virus to the wild-type phenotype. The lower levels of IE1-p72 and IE2-p86 proteins correlated with a delay in early and late viral gene expression and movement into the S phase of the cell cycle. Mutant virus-infected cells had significantly higher levels of cdk-1 expression and enzymatic activity than cells infected with wild-type virus. The mutant virus induced a round-cell phenotype that accumulated in the G(2)/M compartment of the cell cycle with condensation and fragmentation of the chromatin. An inhibitor of viral DNA synthesis increased the round-cell phenotype. The round cells were characteristic of an abortive viral infection.

Reconstruction of the complete human cytomegalovirus genome in a BAC reveals RL13 to be a potent inhibitor of replication

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) in clinical material cannot replicate efficiently in vitro until it has adapted by mutation. Consequently, wild-type HCMV differ fundamentally from the passaged strains used for research. To generate a genetically intact source of HCMV, we cloned strain Merlin into a self-excising BAC. The Merlin BAC clone had mutations in the RL13 gene and UL128 locus that were acquired during limited replication in vitro prior to cloning. The complete wild-type HCMV gene complement was reconstructed by reference to the original clinical sample. Characterization of viruses generated from repaired BACs revealed that RL13 efficiently repressed HCMV replication in multiple cell types; moreover, RL13 mutants rapidly and reproducibly emerged in transfectants. Virus also acquired mutations in genes UL128, UL130, or UL131A, which inhibited virus growth specifically in fibroblast cells in wild-type form. We further report that RL13 encodes a highly glycosylated virion envelope protein and thus has the potential to modulate tropism. To overcome rapid emergence of mutations in genetically intact HCMV, we developed a system in which RL13 and UL131A were conditionally repressed during virus propagation. This technological advance now permits studies to be undertaken with a clonal, characterized HCMV strain containing the complete wild-type gene complement and promises to enhance the clinical relevance of fundamental research on HCMV.

The glycoprotein B disintegrin-like domain binds beta 1 integrin to mediate cytomegalovirus entry

Cellular integrins were identified as human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) entry receptors and signaling mediators in both fibroblasts and endothelial cells. The goal of these studies was to determine the mechanism by which HCMV binds to cellular integrins to mediate virus entry. HCMV envelope glycoprotein B (gB) has sequence similarity to the integrin-binding disintegrin-like domain found in the ADAM (a disintegrin and metalloprotease) family of proteins. To test the ability of this region to bind to cellular integrins, we generated a recombinant soluble version of the gB disintegrin-like domain (gB-DLD). The gB-DLD protein bound to human fibroblasts in a specific, dose-dependent and saturable manner that required the expression of an intact beta1 integrin ectodomain. Furthermore, a physical association between gB-DLD and beta1 integrin was demonstrated through in vitro pull-down assays. The function of this interaction was shown by the ability of cell-bound gB-DLD to efficiently block HCMV entry and the infectivity of multiple in vivo target cells. Additionally, rabbit polyclonal antibodies raised against gB-DLD neutralized HCMV infection. Mimicry of the ADAM family disintegrin-like domain by HCMV gB represents a novel mechanism for integrin engagement by a virus and reveals a unique therapeutic target for HCMV neutralization. The strong conservation of the DLD across beta- and gammaherpesviruses suggests that integrin recognition and utilization may be a more broadly conserved feature throughout the Herpesviridae.

Alteration of lipid metabolism in cells infected with human cytomegalovirus

The human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) envelope contains 12 virus-encoded glycoproteins and glycoprotein complexes but the lipid composition of the envelope has not been clearly defined. Given the specificity of the interactions between integral membrane proteins and lipids, it is likely that the lipid content of the virion envelope is regulated during infection. In an effort to determine the effects of HCMV infection on lipid metabolism, we have used PCR array technology to investigate how infection affects the expression of genes involved in lipoprotein signaling and cholesterol homeostasis pathways. Our results indicate that HCMV infection leads to down-regulation of the ABCA1 transporter. Decreased levels of ABCA1 appear to be the result of enhanced calpain-mediated cleavage in virus-infected cells. In addition, our data also show that HCMV infection inhibits the development of the foam cell phenotype in conditionally permissive THP-1 derived macrophages

Human cytomegaloviruses expressing yellow fluorescent fusion proteins--characterization and use in antiviral screening

Recombinant viruses labelled with fluorescent proteins are useful tools in molecular virology with multiple applications (e.g., studies on intracellular trafficking, protein localization, or gene activity). We generated by homologous recombination three recombinant cytomegaloviruses carrying the enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (EYFP) fused with the viral proteins IE-2, ppUL32 (pp150), and ppUL83 (pp65). In growth kinetics, the three viruses behaved all like wild type, even at low multiplicity of infection (MOI). The expression of all three fusion proteins was detected, and their respective localizations were the same as for the unmodified proteins in wild-type virus-infected cells. We established the in vivo measurement of fluorescence intensity and used the recombinant viruses to measure inhibition of viral replication by neutralizing antibodies or antiviral substances. The use of these viruses in a pilot screen based on fluorescence intensity and high-content analysis identified cellular kinase inhibitors that block viral replication. In summary, these viruses with individually EYFP-tagged proteins will be useful to study antiviral substances and the dynamics of viral infection in cell culture.

Importance of covalent and noncovalent SUMO interactions with the major human cytomegalovirus transactivator IE2p86 for viral infection

The major transactivator protein IE2p86 of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) has previously been shown to undergo posttranslational modification by the covalent attachment of SUMO proteins, termed SUMOylation, which occurs at two lysine residues located at amino acid positions 175 and 180. Mutation of the acceptor lysines resulted in the abrogation of IE2p86 SUMOylation in mammalian cells and a strong reduction of IE2p86-mediated transactivation. In this paper, we identify an additional SUMO interaction motif (SIM) within IE2p86, which mediates noncovalent binding to SUMO, as shown by yeast two-hybrid analyses. Transient-expression experiments revealed that an IE2p86 SIM mutant exhibited significantly reduced SUMOylation, strongly suggesting that noncovalent SUMO interactions affect the efficacy of covalent SUMO coupling. In order to define the relevance of IE2p86 SUMO interactions for viral replication, recombinant viruses originating from two different HCMV strains (AD169 and VR1814) were generated. Analysis of viruses expressing SUMOylation-negative IE2p86 revealed strongly impaired replication due to reduced viral DNA and protein accumulation, as well as diminished initiation of immediate-early gene expression. The additional introduction of the SIM mutation into the viral genome did not further compromise viral replication but resulted in altered expression of viral proteins at late times postinfection. In summary, this paper clearly shows that IE2p86 SUMOylation is necessary for efficient replication of the HCMV laboratory strain AD169 and the clinical isolate VR1814 and thus for the in vivo function of this viral transcription factor.

Recruitment of cdk9 to the immediate-early viral transcriptosomes during human cytomegalovirus infection requires efficient binding to cyclin T1, a threshold level of IE2 86, and active transcription

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection results in the formation of nuclear viral transcriptosomes, which are sites dedicated to viral immediate-early (IE) transcription. At IE times of the infection, viral and cellular factors, including several components of transcription such as cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (cdk9), localize at these sites. To determine the mechanism and requirements of specific recruitment of cdk9 to the viral transcriptosomes, infection in the presence of inhibitor drugs and infection of cell lines expressing exogenous mutant cdk9 were performed. We found that cdk9 localization to the viral transcriptosomes requires de novo protein synthesis. In addition, active transcription is required for recruitment and maintenance of cdk9 at the viral transcriptosomes. In cells infected with a recombinant IE2 HCMV (IE2 86 DeltaSX virus) in which IE2 gene expression is greatly reduced, cdk9 localization at the transcriptosome is delayed and corresponds to the kinetics of accumulation of the IE2 protein at these sites. Infection in the presence of the cdk9 inhibitors Flavopiridol and DRB (5,6-dichloro-1-beta-D-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole) allowed cdk9 localization to the viral transcriptosomes. A kinase-inactive cdk9 (D167N) expressed during the infection also localizes to the viral transcriptosomes, indicating that kinase activity of cdk9 is not a requirement for its localization to the sites of IE transcription. Exogenous expression of additional cdk9 mutants indicates that binding of Brd4 to the cdk9 complex is not required but that efficient binding to cyclin T1 is essential.

Internal deletions of IE2 86 and loss of the late IE2 60 and IE2 40 proteins encoded by human cytomegalovirus affect the levels of UL84 protein but not the amount of UL84 mRNA or the loading and distribution of the mRNA on polysomes

The major immediate-early (IE) region of human cytomegalovirus encodes two IE proteins, IE1 72 and IE2 86, that are translated from alternatively spliced transcripts that differ in their 3' ends. Two other proteins that correspond to the C-terminal region of IE2 86, IE2 60 and IE2 40, are expressed at late times. In this study, we used IE2 mutant viruses to examine the mechanism by which IE2 86, IE2 60, and IE2 40 affect the expression of a viral DNA replication factor, UL84. Deletion of amino acids (aa) 136 to 290 of IE2 86 results in a significant decrease in UL84 protein during the infection. This loss of UL84 is both proteasome and calpain independent, and the stability of the protein in the context of infection with the mutant remains unaffected. The RNA for UL84 is expressed to normal levels in the mutant virus-infected cells, as are the RNAs for two other proteins encoded by this region, UL85 and UL86. Moreover, nuclear-to-cytoplasmic transport and the distribution of the UL84 mRNA on polysomes are unaffected. A region between aa 290 and 369 of IE2 86 contributes to the UL84-IE2 86 interaction in vivo and in vitro. IE2 86, IE2 60, and IE2 40 are each able to interact with UL84 in the mutant-infected cells, suggesting that these interactions may be important for the roles of UL84 and the IE2 proteins. Thus, these data have defined the contribution of IE2 86, IE2 60, and IE2 40 to the efficient expression of UL84 throughout the infection.

Mutagenesis of the cytomegalovirus genome

Bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs) are DNA molecules assembled in vitro from defined constituents and are stably maintained as one large DNA fragment in Escherichia coli. Artificial chromosomes are useful for genome sequencing programs, for transduction of DNA segments into eukaryotic cells, and for functional characterization of genomic regions and entire viral genomes such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) genomes. CMV genomes in BACs are ready for the advanced tools of E. coli genetics. Homologous and site-specific recombination, or transposon-based approaches allow for the engineering of virtually any kind of genetic change.

Differential initiation of innate immune responses induced by human cytomegalovirus entry into fibroblast cells

Infection of permissive fibroblasts with human CMV (HCMV, AD169) is accompanied by a robust activation of innate immune defense. In this study, we show that inflammatory cytokine (IC) secretion and activation of the type I IFN pathway (alphabeta IFN) are initiated through distinct mechanisms. HCMV is recognized by TLR2 leading to the NF-kappaB activation and IC secretion. However, the IFN response to HCMV is not a TLR2-dependent process, as a dominant negative TLR2 does not affect the antiviral response to infection. Additionally, bafilomycin, an endosomal acidification inhibitor, has no effect on HCMV-induced IFN responses suggesting that IFN signaling is independent of endosomal resident TLRs. By contrast, disruption of lipid rafts by depletion of cellular cholesterol inhibits both HCMV entry as well as IFN responses. Cholesterol depletion had no effect on the induction of ICs by HCMV, illustrating a biological distinction at the cellular level with the initiation of innate immune pathways. Furthermore, HCMV entry inhibitors block IFN responses but not IC signaling. In particular, blocking the interaction of HCMV with beta(1) integrin diminished IFN signaling, suggesting that this virus-cell interaction or subsequent downstream steps in the entry pathway are critical for downstream signal transduction events. These data show that HCMV entry and IFN signaling are coordinated processes that require cholesterol-rich microdomains, whereas IC signaling is activated through outright sensing via TLR2. These findings further highlight the complexity and sophistication of innate immune responses at the earliest points in HCMV infection.

Development of cell lines that provide tightly controlled temporal translation of the human cytomegalovirus IE2 proteins for complementation and functional analyses of growth-impaired and nonviable IE2 mutant viruses

The human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) IE2 86 protein is essential for viral replication. Two other proteins, IE2 60 and IE2 40, which arise from the C-terminal half of IE2 86, are important for later stages of the infection. Functional analyses of IE2 86 in the context of the infection have utilized bacterial artificial chromosomes as vectors to generate mutant viruses. One limitation is that many mutations result in debilitated or nonviable viruses. Here, we describe a novel system that allows tightly controlled temporal expression of the IE2 proteins and provides complementation of both growth-impaired and nonviable IE2 mutant viruses. The strategy involves creation of cell lines with separate lentiviruses expressing a bicistronic RNA with a selectable marker as the first open reading frame (ORF) and IE2 86, IE2 60, or IE2 40 as the second ORF. Induction of expression of the IE2 proteins occurs only following DNA recombination events mediated by Cre and FLP recombinases that delete the first ORF. HCMV encodes Cre and FLP, which are expressed at immediate-early (for IE2 86) and early-late (for IE2 40 and IE2 60) times, respectively. We show that the presence of full-length IE2 86 alone provides some complementation for virus production, but the correct temporal expression of IE2 86 and IE2 40 together has the most beneficial effect for early-late gene expression and synthesis of infectious virus. This approach for inducible protein translation can be used for complementation of other mutations as well as controlled expression of toxic cellular and microbial proteins.

Novel bacterial artificial chromosome vector pUvBBAC for use in studies of the functional genomics of Listeria spp

Bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) vectors are important tools for microbial genome research. We constructed a novel BAC vector, pUvBBAC, for replication in both gram-negative and gram-positive bacterial hosts. The pUvBBAC vector was used to generate a BAC library for the facultative intracellular pathogen Listeria monocytogenes EGD-e. The library had insert sizes ranging from 68 to 178 kb. We identified two recombinant BACs from the L. monocytogenes pUvBBAC library that each contained the entire virulence gene cluster (vgc) of L. monocytogenes and transferred them to a nonpathogenic Listeria innocua strain. Recombinant L. innocua strains harboring pUvBBAC+vgc1 and pUvBBAC+vgc2 produced the vgc-specific listeriolysin (LLO) and actin assembly protein ActA and represent the first reported cloning of the vgc locus in its entirety. The use of the novel broad-host-range BAC vector pUvBBAC extends the versatility of this technology and provides a powerful platform for detailed functional genomics of gram-positive bacteria as well as its use in explorative functional metagenomics.

Functional roles of the human cytomegalovirus essential IE86 protein

The IE86 protein of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is unique among viral and cellular proteins because it negatively autoregulates its own expression, activates the viral early and late promoters, and both activates and inhibits cellular promoters. It promotes cell cycle progression from Go/G1 to G1/S and arrests cell cycle progression at the G1/S interface or at G2/M. The IE86 protein is essential because it creates a cellular environment favorable for viral replication. The multiple functions of the IE86 protein during the replication of HCMV are reviewed.

Subversion of cell cycle regulatory pathways

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) has evolved numerous strategies to commandeer the host cell for producing viral progeny. The virus manipulates host cell cycle pathways from the early stages of infection to stimulate viral DNA replication at the expense of cellular DNA synthesis. At the same time, cell cycle checkpoints are by-passed, preventing apoptosis and allowing sufficient time for the assembly of infectious virus.

Nuclear export of the human cytomegalovirus tegument protein pp65 requires cyclin-dependent kinase activity and the Crm1 exporter

We have previously shown that treatment of human cytomegalovirus-infected cells with the cyclin-dependent kinase (cdk) inhibitor roscovitine has significant effects on several stages of the virus life cycle depending on the time of addition (V. Sanchez, A. K. McElroy, J. Yen, S. Tamrakar, C. L. Clark, R. A. Schwartz, and D. H. Spector, J. Virol. 78:11219-11232, 2004; V. Sanchez and D. Spector, J. Virol. 80:5886-5896, 2006). In this report, we add to these findings by demonstrating alterations in the phosphorylation and localization of pp65 (UL83) in cells treated with roscovitine. We observed that inhibition of cdk activity causes the retention of pp65 within the nucleus at late times postinfection. At the same time, we observed a change in the phosphorylation pattern of the protein. Interestingly, mutation of potential cdk phosphorylation sites did not affect the ability of pp65 to localize to the nucleus or to relocalize to the cytoplasm late in infection. However, we found that the cytoplasmic accumulation of pp65 late in infection was sensitive to the Crm1 inhibitor leptomycin B.

Epidermal growth factor receptor is not required for human cytomegalovirus entry or signaling

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) can bind, fuse, and initiate gene expression in a diverse range of vertebrate cell types. This broad cellular tropism suggests that multiple receptors and/or universally distributed receptors mediate HCMV entry. Our laboratory has recently discovered that certain beta1 and beta3 integrin heterodimers are critical mediators of HCMV entry into permissive fibroblasts (A. L. Feire, H. Koss, and T. Compton, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 101:15470-15475, 2004). It has also been reported that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is necessary for HCMV-mediated signaling and entry (X. Wang, S. M. Huong, M. L. Chiu, N. Raab-Traub, and E. E. Huang, Nature 424:456-461, 2003). Integrins are known to signal synergistically with growth factor receptors, and this coordination was recently reported for EGFR and beta3 integrins in the context of HCMV entry (X. Wang, D. Y. Huang, S. M. Huong, and E. S. Huang, Nat. Med. 11:515-521, 2005). However, EGFR-negative cell lines, such as hematopoietic cells, are known to be infected by HCMV. Therefore, we wished to confirm a role for EGFR in HCMV entry and then examine any interaction between beta1 integrins and EGFR during the entry process. Surprisingly, we were unable to detect any role for EGFR in the process of HCMV entry into fibroblast, epithelial, or endothelial cell lines. Additionally, HCMV did not activate the EGFR kinase in fibroblast cell lines. We first examined HCMV entry into two EGFR-positive or -negative cell lines but observed no increase in entry when EGFR was expressed to high levels. Physically blocking EGFR with a neutralizing antibody in fibroblast, epithelial, or endothelial cell lines or blocking EGFR kinase signaling with a chemical inhibitor in fibroblast cells did not inhibit virus entry. Lastly, we were unable to detect phosphorylation of EGFR in fibroblasts cells in response to HCMV stimulation. Our findings demonstrate that EGFR does not play a significant role in HCMV entry or signaling. These results suggest that specific integrin heterodimers either act alone as the primary entry receptors or interact in conjunction with an additional receptor(s), other than EGFR, to facilitate virus entry.

The IE2 60-kilodalton and 40-kilodalton proteins are dispensable for human cytomegalovirus replication but are required for efficient delayed early and late gene expression and production of infectious virus

The human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) IE2 86-kDa protein is an essential transactivator of viral and cellular gene expression. Additional proteins of 60 and 40 kDa are expressed from the IE2 gene at late times postinfection and are identical to the C terminus of IE2 86. We have constructed HCMV recombinants that express wild-type full-length IE2 86 but do not express the IE2 40- and 60-kDa proteins. Each of these recombinants is viable, indicating that neither the 60-kDa nor the 40-kDa protein is required for virus replication, either alone or in combination. Cells infected with the IE2 60 and IE2 40 deletion mutants, however, exhibit decreased expression of selected viral genes at late times. In particular, expression of the viral DNA replication factor UL84 is affected by the deletion of IE2 40, and expression of the tegument protein pp65 (ppUL83) is affected by the deletion of both IE2 40 and IE2 60. IE2 60 and IE2 40 are also required for the production of normal levels of infectious virus. Finally, IE2 40 appears to function as a repressor of major immediate-early transcription in the infected cell. These results begin to define functions for the IE2 60- and IE2 40-kDa proteins and indicate that these products contribute both to the expression of selected viral genes and to the overall progression of the infection.

Human cytomegalovirus IE86 attenuates virus- and tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced NFkappaB-dependent gene expression

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection regulates a number of genes involved in the host antiviral response. We have previously reported that HCMV attenuates the expression of beta interferon (IFN-beta) and a number of proinflammatory chemokines, and this attenuation is mediated by the HCMV immediate-early protein IE86. The present study seeks to identify the mechanism by which IE86 blocks IFN-beta expression. We demonstrate that the induction of IFN-beta during HCMV infection requires the activation of both the IRF-3 and the NFkappaB pathways. Therefore, IE86 may target either pathway to block IFN-beta expression. Our results show that IE86 does not block IRF-3 phosphorylation, dimerization, nuclear translocation, or target gene expression. However, using gel shift analysis, we demonstrate that IE86 efficiently inhibits virus-induced binding of NFkappaB to the IFN-beta promoter, resulting in attenuation of IFN-beta and NFkappaB-dependent gene expression. Furthermore, IE86 expression inhibits tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced NFkappaB DNA binding and target gene expression. Together, these results identify IE86 as a NFkappaB antagonist, which results in the suppression of NFkappaB-dependent cytokine and chemokine gene expression.

Repression of HMGA2 gene expression by human cytomegalovirus involves the IE2 86-kilodalton protein and is necessary for efficient viral replication and inhibition of cyclin A transcription

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection results in dysregulation of several cell cycle genes, including inhibition of cyclin A transcription. In this work, we examine the effect of the HCMV infection on expression of the high-mobility group A2 (HMGA2) gene, which encodes an architectural transcription factor that is involved in cyclin A promoter activation. We find that expression of HMGA2 RNA is repressed in infected cells. To determine whether repression of HMGA2 is directly related to the inhibition of cyclin A expression and impacts on the progression of the infection, we constructed an HCMV recombinant that expressed HMGA2. In cells infected with the recombinant virus, cyclin A mRNA and protein are induced, and there is a significant delay in viral early gene expression and DNA replication. To determine the mechanism of HMGA2 repression, we used recombinant viruses that expressed either no IE1 72-kDa protein (CR208) or greatly reduced levels of IE2 86-kDa (IE2 86) protein (IE2 86DeltaSX-EGFP). At a high multiplicity of infection, the IE1 deletion mutant is comparable to the wild type with respect to inhibition of HMGA2. In contrast, the IE2 86DeltaSX-EGFP mutant does not significantly repress HMGA2 expression, suggesting that IE2 86 is involved in the regulation of this gene. Cyclin A expression is also induced in cells infected with this mutant virus. Since HMGA2 is important for cell proliferation and differentiation, particularly during embryogenesis, it is possible that the repression of HMGA2 expression during fetal development could contribute to the specific birth defects in HCMV-infected neonates.

Potential role for p53 in the permissive life cycle of human cytomegalovirus

Infection of primary fibroblasts with human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) causes a rapid stabilization of the cellular protein p53. p53 is a major effector of the cellular damage response, and activation of this transcription factor can lead either to cell cycle arrest or to apoptosis. Viruses employ many tactics to avoid p53-mediated effects. One method HCMV uses to counteract p53 is sequestration into its viral replication centers. In order to determine whether or not HCMV benefits from this sequestration, we infected a p53(-/-) fibroblast line. We find that although these cells are permissive for viral infection, several parameters are substantially altered compared to wild-type (wt) fibroblasts. p53(-/-) cells show delayed and decreased accumulation of infectious viral particles compared to control fibroblasts, with the largest difference of 100-fold at 72 h post infection (p.i.) and peak titers decreased by approximately 10- to 20-fold at 144 h p.i. Viral DNA accumulation is also delayed and somewhat decreased in p53(-/-) cells; however, on average, levels of DNA are not more than fivefold lower than wt at any time p.i. and thus cannot account entirely for the observed differences in titers. In addition, there are delays in the expression of several key viral proteins, including the early replication protein UL44 and some of the late structural proteins, pp28 (UL99) and MCP (UL86). UL44 localization also indicates delayed formation and maturation of the replication centers throughout the course of infection. Localization of the major tegument protein pp65 (UL83) is also altered in these p53(-/-) cells. Partial reconstitution of the p53(-/-) cells with a wt copy of p53 returns all parameters toward wt, while reconstitution with mutant p53 does not. Taken together, our data suggest that wt p53 enhances the ability of HCMV to replicate and produce high concentrations of infectious virions in permissive cells.

Cyclin-dependent kinase activity is required for efficient expression and posttranslational modification of human cytomegalovirus proteins and for production of extracellular particles

We have previously shown that the addition of the cyclin-dependent kinase (cdk) inhibitor Roscovitine at the beginning of infection of cells with human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) significantly disrupts immediate-early gene expression and the progression of the infection. In the present study, we have examined the effects of cdk inhibition on late viral events by delaying addition of Roscovitine until 24 h postinfection. Although viral DNA replication was inhibited two- to threefold by treatment of infected cells with Roscovitine, the drop did not correspond to the 1- to 2-log-unit decrease in virus titer. Quantification of viral DNA in the supernatant from cells revealed that there was a significant reduction in the production or release of extracellular particles. We observed a lag in the expression of several viral proteins but there was a significant decrease in the steady-state levels of IE2-86. Likewise, the steady-state level of the essential tegument protein UL32 (pp150) was reduced. The levels of pp150 and IE2-86 mRNA were not greatly affected by treatment with Roscovitine and thus did not correlate with the reduced levels of protein. In contrast, the expression of the tegument protein ppUL69 was higher in drug-treated samples, and the protein accumulated in a hyperphosphorylated form. ppUL69 localized to intranuclear aggregates that did not overlap with viral replication centers in cells treated with Roscovitine. Taken together, these data indicate that cdk activity is required at multiple steps during HCMV infection, including the expression, modification, and localization of virus-encoded proteins.

Spatial patterns of protein expression in focal infections of human cytomegalovirus

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a medically significant human pathogen that infects a wide range of cell and tissue types. During infection, HCMV activates a variety of signal transduction pathways that induce profound changes in cellular processes and dramatically affect cellular gene expression patterns. To better define how these virus-host interactions affect the local microenvironment and influence the spatial and temporal spread of HCMV, we initiated HCMV focal infections on normal human dermal fibroblast monolayers and monitored viral gene expression patterns and infection spread over 45 days. To establish baseline temporal measurements of HCMV infection and spread in cell monolayers, we characterized the influence of three experimental variables on viral gene expression: cell plating density, the presence of serum, and neutralization of cellular antiviral responses with an antibody against interferon-beta. We found that high cell plating density or the inclusion of serum correlated with enhanced HCMV infection spread. Dramatic differences in the expression pattern of the viral immediate early 2 (IE2) gene were observed under these conditions as compared to low plating density or the absence of serum. In the latter case round, uniform foci were observed with a clear wave of IE2 expression visible in advance of a late stage viral protein, envelope glycoprotein B. By contrast, larger irregular foci with arms of IE2 expression were observed in the presence of serum. Addition of the antibody had little effect on the rate of spread, which is consistent with the knowledge that HCMV represses antiviral responses during infection. This experimental system provides a useful means to visualize and quantify complex virus-host interactions.

Inhibition of cellular DNA synthesis by the human cytomegalovirus IE86 protein is necessary for efficient virus replication

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) expresses several proteins that manipulate normal cellular functions, including cellular transcription, apoptosis, immune response, and cell cycle control. The IE2 gene, which is expressed from the HCMV major immediate-early (MIE) promoter, encodes the IE86 protein. IE86 is a multifunctional protein that is essential for viral replication. The functions of IE86 include transactivation of cellular and viral early genes, negative autoregulation of the MIE promoter, induction of cell cycle progression from G0/G1 to G1/S, and arresting cell cycle progression at the G1/S transition in p53-positive human foreskin fibroblast (HFF) cells. Mutations were introduced into the IE2 gene in the context of the viral genome using bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs). From these HCMV BACs, a recombinant virus (RV) with a single amino acid substitution in the IE86 protein was isolated that replicates slower and to lower titers than wild-type HCMV. HFF cells infected with the Q548R RV undergo cellular DNA synthesis and do not arrest at any point in the cell cycle. The Q548R RV is able to negatively autoregulate the MIE promoter, transactivate viral early genes, activate cellular E2F-responsive genes, and produce infectious virus. This is the first report of a viable recombinant HCMV that is unable to inhibit cellular DNA synthesis in infected HFF cells.

Human cytomegalovirus infection induces specific hyperphosphorylation of the carboxyl-terminal domain of the large subunit of RNA polymerase II that is associated with changes in the abundance, activity, and localization of cdk9 and cdk7

Human cytomegalovirus infection in the presence of the cyclin-dependent kinase (cdk) inhibitor roscovitine leads to changes in differential splicing and the polyadenylation of immediate early IE1/IE2 and UL37 transcripts (V. Sanchez, A. K. McElroy, J. Yen, S. Tamrakar, C. L. Clark, R. A. Schwartz, and D. H. Spector, J. Virol. 78:11219-11232, 2004). To determine if this was associated with specific phosphorylation of the C-terminal domain (CTD) of the RNA polymerase II (RNAP II) large subunit by cdk7/cyclin H and cdk9/cyclin T1, we examined the expression and localization of these kinases and the various phosphorylated forms of RNAP II. Infection resulted in increased RNAP II CTD phosphorylated on serines 2 and 5 and increased levels of activity of cdk7 and cdk9. At early times, cdk9 localizes with input viral DNA, and aggregates of cdk9 and cdk7 and a subset of Ser2-phosphorylated RNAP II colocalize with IE1/IE2 proteins adjacent to promyelocytic leukemia protein oncogenic domains. Later, cdk9 and Ser2-phosphorylated RNAP II form a nuclear punctate pattern; cdk7 resides in replication centers, and Ser5-phosphorylated RNAP II clusters at the peripheries of replication centers. Roscovitine treatment leads to decreased levels of hyperphosphorylated RNAP II (RNAP IIo) in infected cells and of hypophosphorylated RNAP II in mock-infected and infected cells. The RNAP IIo decrease does not occur if roscovitine is added 8 h postinfection, as was previously observed for processing of IE transcripts. These results suggest that accurate IE gene expression requires specific phosphorylation of the RNAP II CTD early in infection.

Human cytomegalovirus immediate-early 2 protein IE86 blocks virus-induced chemokine expression

The effect of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) gene expression on cytokine (beta interferon) and chemokine (RANTES, MIG, MCP-2, MIP-1alpha, and interleukin-8) expression was examined. We demonstrate that HCMV gene expression is required to suppress the transcriptional induction of these cytokines and that the HCMV immediate-early 2 gene product IE86 can effectively block the expression of cytokines and proinflammatory chemokines during HCMV and Sendai virus infection. Additionally, we present data on viral mutants and ectopic protein expression which demonstrate that pp65, another identified HCMV cytokine antagonist, is not involved in regulating these proinflammatory cytokines. This is the first report to demonstrate that IE86 can act to suppress virus-induced proinflammatory cytokine transcript expression, extending the antiviral properties of this multifunctional viral protein.

Prolonged activation of NF-kappaB by human cytomegalovirus promotes efficient viral replication and late gene expression

Infection of fibroblasts by human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) rapidly activates the NF-kappaB signaling pathway, which we documented promotes efficient transactivation of the major immediate-early promoter (DeMeritt, I.B., Milford, L.E., Yurochko, A.D. (2004). Activation of the NF-kappaB pathway in human cytomegalovirus-infected cells is necessary for efficient transactivation of the major immediate-early promoter. J. Virol. 78, 4498-4507). Because a second, sustained increase in NF-kappaB activity following the initial phase of NF-kappaB activation was also observed, we investigated the role that this prolonged NF-kappaB activation played in viral replication and late gene expression. We first investigated HCMV replication in cells in which NF-kappaB activation was blocked by pretreatment with NF-kappaB inhibitors: HCMV replication was significantly decreased in these cultures. A decrease in replication was also observed when NF-kappaB was inhibited up to 48 h post-infection, suggesting a previously unidentified role for NF-kappaB in the regulation of the later class of viral genes.

Rational development of beta-peptide inhibitors of human cytomegalovirus entry

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a pervasive and significant pathogen. At present, there is no HCMV vaccine, and the available drugs target only replication events. Thus, new therapeutic strategies are needed. HCMV fusion appears to require interactions of alpha-helical regions in viral surface glycoproteins gB and gH. Oligomers of beta-amino acids ("beta-peptides") are attractive unnatural scaffolds for mimicry of specific protein surfaces, because beta-peptides adopt predictable helical conformations and resist proteolysis. Here, we report the development of beta-peptides designed to mimic the gB heptad repeat and block HCMV entry. The most potent beta-peptide inhibits HCMV infection in a cell based-assay with an IC50 of approximately 30 microm. Consistent with our structure-based design strategy, inhibition is highly specific for HCMV relative to other related viruses. Mechanistic studies indicate that inhibitory beta-peptides act by disrupting membrane fusion. Our findings raise the possibility that beta-peptides may provide a general platform for development of a new class of antiviral agents and that inhibitory beta-peptides will constitute new tools for elucidating viral entry mechanisms.

Human cytomegalovirus TRS1 and IRS1 gene products block the double-stranded-RNA-activated host protein shutoff response induced by herpes simplex virus type 1 infection

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) attachment and entry stimulates the expression of cellular interferon-inducible genes, many of which target important cellular functions necessary for viral replication. Double-stranded RNA-dependent host protein kinase (PKR) is an interferon-inducible gene product that limits viral replication by inhibiting protein translation in the infected cell. It was anticipated that HCMV encodes gene products that facilitate the evasion of this PKR-mediated antiviral response. Using a deltagamma1 34.5 herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) recombinant that triggers PKR-mediated protein synthesis shutoff, experiments identified an HCMV gene product expressed in the initial hours of infection that allows continued protein synthesis in the infected cell. Recombinant HSV-1 viruses expressing either the HCMV TRS1 or IRS1 protein demonstrate that either of these HCMV gene products allows the deltagamma1 34.5 recombinant viruses to evade PKR-mediated protein shutoff and maintain late viral protein synthesis.

Exon 3 of the human cytomegalovirus major immediate-early region is required for efficient viral gene expression and for cellular cyclin modulation

The human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) major immediate-early (IE) proteins share an 85-amino-acid N-terminal domain specified by exons 2 and 3 of the major IE region, UL122-123. We have constructed IE Delta30-77, a recombinant virus that lacks the majority of IE exon 3 and consequently expresses smaller forms of both IE1 72- and IE2 86-kDa proteins. The mutant virus is viable but growth impaired at both high and low multiplicities of infection and exhibits a kinetic defect that is not rescued by growth in fibroblasts expressing IE1 72-kDa protein. The kinetics of mutant IE2 protein accumulation in IE Delta30-77 virus-infected cells are approximately normal compared to wild-type virus-infected cells, but the IE Delta30-77 virus is delayed in expression of early viral genes, including UL112-113 and UL44, and does not sustain expression of mutant IE1 protein as the infection progresses. Additionally, cells infected with IE Delta30-77 exhibit altered expression of cellular proteins compared to wild-type HCMV-infected cells. PML is not dispersed but is retained at ND10 sites following infection with IE Delta30-77 mutant virus. While the deletion mutant retains the ability to mediate the stabilization of cyclin B1, cdc6, and geminin in infected cells, its capacity to upregulate the expression of cyclin E has been reduced. These data indicate that the activity of one or both of the HCMV major IE proteins is required in vivo for the modulation of cell cycle proteins observed in cells infected with wild-type HCMV.

Elimination of ie1 significantly attenuates murine cytomegalovirus virulence but does not alter replicative capacity in cell culture

The major immediate-early (MIE) genes of cytomegaloviruses (CMV) are broadly thought to be decisive regulators of lytic replication and reactivation from latency. To directly assess the role of the MIE protein IE1 during the infection of murine CMV (MCMV), we constructed an MCMV with exon 4 of the ie1 gene deleted. We found that, independent of the multiplicity of infection, the resulting recombinant virus, MCMVdie1, which fails to express the IE1 protein, was fully competent for early gene expression and replicated in different cultured cell types with identical kinetics to those of parental or revertant virus. Immunofluorescence microscopy studies revealed that MCMVdie1 was greatly impaired in its capacity to disrupt promyelocytic leukemia bodies in NIH 3T3 cells early after infection, a process that has been proposed to increase viral transcription efficiency. We examined MCMVdie1 in the murine model using both immunocompetent BALB/c and severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice. When MCMVdie1 was inoculated into these two types of mice, significantly lower viral titers were detected in infected organs than in those of the wild-type virus-infected animals. Moreover, the ie1-deficient MCMV exhibited a markedly reduced virulence. While all animals infected with 5 x 10(4) PFU of parental virus died by 30 days postinfection, SCID mice infected with a similar dose of MCMVdie1 did not succumb before 60 days postinfection. The in vivo defective growth phenotype of MCMVdie1 was abrogated upon rescue of ie1. These results demonstrate the significance of the ie1 gene for promoting an acute MCMV infection and virulence yet indicate that MCMV is able to grow in vivo, although impaired, in the absence of the ie1 gene.

Human cytomegalovirus labeled with green fluorescent protein for live analysis of intracellular particle movements

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) replicates in the nuclei of infected cells. Successful replication therefore depends on particle movements between the cell cortex and nucleus during entry and egress. To visualize HCMV particles in living cells, we have generated a recombinant HCMV expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) fused to the C terminus of the capsid-associated tegument protein pUL32 (pp150). The resulting UL32-EGFP-HCMV was analyzed by immunofluorescence, electron microscopy, immunoblotting, confocal microscopy, and time-lapse microscopy to evaluate the growth properties of this virus and the dynamics of particle movements. UL32-EGFP-HCMV replicated similarly to wild-type virus in fibroblast cultures. Green fluorescent virus particles were released from infected cells. The fluorescence stayed associated with particles during viral entry, and fluorescent progeny particles appeared in the nucleus at 44 h after infection. Surprisingly, strict colocalization of pUL32 and the major capsid protein pUL86 within nuclear inclusions indicated that incorporation of pUL32 into nascent HCMV particles occurred simultaneously with or immediately after assembly of the capsid. A slow transport of nuclear particles towards the nuclear margin was demonstrated. Within the cytoplasm, most particles performed irregular short-distance movements, while a smaller fraction of particles performed centripetal and centrifugal long-distance movements. Although numerous particles accumulated in the cytoplasm, release of particles from infected cells was a rare event, consistent with a release rate of about 1 infectious unit per h per cell in HCMV-infected fibroblasts as calculated from single-step growth curves. UL32-EGFP-HCMV will be useful for further investigations into the entry, maturation, and release of this virus.

Major human cytomegalovirus structural protein pp65 (ppUL83) prevents interferon response factor 3 activation in the interferon response

We have identified a cytomegalovirus virion protein capable of modulating the rapid induction of an interferon-like response in cells that follows virus binding and penetration. Functional genomics revealed a role for the major cytomegalovirus structural protein, pp65 (ppUL83), in counteracting this response. The underlying mechanism involves a differential impact of this structural protein on the regulation of interferon response factor 3 (IRF-3). In contrast, NF-kappaB is activated independent of pp65, and neither STAT1 nor STAT3 becomes activated by either virus. pp65 is sufficient to prevent the activation of IRF-3 when introduced alone into cells. pp65 acts by inhibiting nuclear accumulation of IRF-3 and is associated with a reduced IRF-3 phosphorylation state. Thus, this investigation shows that the major structural protein of cytomegalovirus is committed to the modulation of the IRF-3 response, a primary mediator of the type I interferon response. By subverting IRF-3, the virus escapes throwing a central alarm devoted to both immediate antiviral control and regulation of the immune response.

Sumoylation of the major immediate-early IE2 protein of human cytomegalovirus Towne strain is not required for virus growth in cultured human fibroblasts

Sumoylation of the major immediate-early IE2 protein of human cytomegalovirus has been shown to increase transactivation activity in target reporter gene assays. This study examined the role of IE2 sumoylation in viral infection. A Towne strain-based bacterial artificial chromosome clone was generated encoding a mutated form of the IE2 protein with Lys-->Arg substitutions at positions 175 and 180, the two major sumoylation sites. When human fibroblast (HF) cells were infected with the reconstituted mutant virus, (i) viral growth kinetics, (ii) the accumulation of IE1 (UL123), IE2 (UL122), p52 (UL44) and pp65 (UL83) proteins and (iii) the relocalization of the cellular small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO)-1, p53 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen proteins into viral DNA replication compartments were comparable with those of the wild-type and the revertant virus. The data demonstrate that sumoylation of IE2 is not essential for virus growth in cultured HF cells.

Small internal deletions in the human cytomegalovirus IE2 gene result in nonviable recombinant viruses with differential defects in viral gene expression

The human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) IE2 86-kDa protein is a key viral transactivator and an important regulator of HCMV infections. We used the HCMV genome cloned as a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) to construct four HCMV mutants with disruptions in regions of IE2 86 that are predicted to be important for its transactivation and autoregulatory functions. Three of these mutants have mutations that remove amino acids 356 to 359, 427 to 435, and 505 to 511, which disrupts a region of IE2 86 implicated in the activation of HCMV early promoters, a predicted zinc finger domain, and a putative helix-loop-helix motif, respectively, while the fourth carries three arginine-to-alanine substitution mutations in the region of amino acids 356 to 359. The resulting recombinant viruses are not viable, and by using quantitative real-time reverse transcription-PCR and immunofluorescence we have determined the location of the block in their replicative cycles. The IE2 86 Delta 356-359 mutant is able to support early gene expression, as indicated by the presence of UL112-113 transcripts and UL112-113 and UL44 proteins in cells transfected with the mutant BAC. This mutant does not express late genes and behaves nearly indistinguishably from the IE2 86R356/7/9A substitution mutant. Both exhibit detectable upregulation of major immediate-early transcripts at early times. The IE2 86 Delta 427-435 and IE2 86 Delta 505-511 recombinant viruses do not activate the early genes examined and are defective in repression of the major immediate-early promoter. These two mutants also induce the expression of selected delayed early (UL89) and late genes at early times in the infection. We conclude that these three regions of IE2 86 are necessary for productive infections and for differential control of downstream viral gene expression.

Cloning of the full-length rhesus cytomegalovirus genome as an infectious and self-excisable bacterial artificial chromosome for analysis of viral pathogenesis

Rigorous investigation of many functions encoded by cytomegaloviruses (CMVs) requires analysis in the context of virus-host interactions. To facilitate the construction of rhesus CMV (RhCMV) mutants for in vivo studies, a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) containing an enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) cassette was engineered into the intergenic region between unique short 1 (US1) and US2 of the full-length viral genome by Cre/lox-mediated recombination. Infectious virions were recovered from rhesus fibroblasts transfected with pRhCMV/BAC-EGFP. However, peak virus yields of cells infected with reconstituted progeny were 10-fold lower than wild-type RhCMV, suggesting that inclusion of the 9-kb BAC sequence impeded viral replication. Accordingly, pRhCMV/BAC-EGFP was further modified to enable efficient excision of the BAC vector from the viral genome after transfection into mammalian cells. Allelic exchange was performed in bacteria to substitute the cre recombinase gene for egfp. Transfection of rhesus fibroblasts with pRhCMV/BAC-Cre resulted in a pure progeny population lacking the vector backbone without the need of further manipulation. The genomic structure of the BAC-reconstituted virus, RhCMV-loxP(r), was identical to that of wild-type RhCMV except for the residual loxP site. The presence of the loxP sequence did not alter the expression profiles of neighboring open reading frames. In addition, RhCMV-loxP(r) replicated with wild-type kinetics both in tissue culture and seronegative immunocompetent macaques. Restriction analysis of the viral genome present within individual BAC clones and virions revealed that (i) RhCMV exhibits a simple genome structure and that (ii) there is a variable number of a 750-bp iterative sequence present at the S terminus.