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Abstract
The genomes of vertebrates contain sequences that are similar to present-day exogenous retroviruses. Such sequences, called endogenous retroviruses (ERVs), have resulted from ancestral germ line infections by exogenous retroviruses which have thereafter been transmitted in a Mendelian fashion. By analogy to exogenous tumorigenic retroviruses, ERVs have been implicated in the pathogenesis of cancer. Cumulative evidence from animal models indicates that ERVs may participate in the process of malignant transformation or promote tumor growth, e.g. through insertional mutagenesis or via counteracting tumor immunosurveillance. Here, we review the role of ERVs in tumorigenesis with focus on human ERVs (HERVs) in human cancer. Although available data suggest a potential role of HERVs in human cancers, in particular germ cell tumors, the contributions of HERVs to human tumorigenesis warrant further elucidation. (Part of a multi-author review).
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Affiliation(s)
- K Ruprecht
- Institut für Virologie, Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes, Homburg, Saar, Germany
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2
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Gärtner BC, Mueller-Lantzsch N. Editorial. Anasthesiol Intensivmed Notfallmed Schmerzther 2004. [DOI: 10.1055/s-1999-10832-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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3
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G�rtner BC, Wagner HJ, Mueller-Lantzsch N, Bucsky P. Epstein-Barr-Virus-Infektionen nach Stammzelltransplantation. Monatsschr Kinderheilkd 2003. [DOI: 10.1007/s00112-002-0660-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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4
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Voss MD, Hille A, Barth S, Spurk A, Hennrich F, Holzer D, Mueller-Lantzsch N, Kremmer E, Grässer FA. Functional cooperation of Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen 2 and the survival motor neuron protein in transactivation of the viral LMP1 promoter. J Virol 2001; 75:11781-90. [PMID: 11689659 PMCID: PMC114764 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.75.23.11781-11790.2001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen 2 (EBNA2) is essential for viral transformation of B cells and transactivates cellular and viral target genes by binding RBPJkappa tethered to cognate promoter elements. EBNA2 interacts with the DEAD-box protein DP103 (DDX20/Gemin3), which in turn is complexed to the survival motor neuron (SMN) protein. SMN is implicated in RNA processing, but a role in transcriptional regulation has also been suggested. Here, we show that DP103 and SMN are complexed in B cells and that SMN coactivates the viral LMP promoter in the presence of EBNA2 in reporter gene assays and in vivo. Subcellular localization studies revealed that nuclear gems and/or coiled bodies containing DP103 and SMN are targeted by EBNA2. Protein-protein interaction experiments demonstrated that DP103 binds to SMN exon 6 and that both EBNA2 and SMN interact with the C terminus of DP103. Furthermore, a DP103 binding-deficient SMN mutant was released from nuclear gems and/or coiled bodies and further enhanced coactivation. In addition, impaired transactivation of a DP103 binding-deficient EBNA2 mutant was rescued by overexpression of SMN. Testing different promoter constructs in luciferase assays showed that RBPJkappa is required but not sufficient for coactivation by EBNA2 and SMN. Overall, our data suggest that EBNA2 might target spliceosomal complexes by binding to DP103, thereby releasing SMN which subsequently exerts a coactivational function within the RNA-polymerase II transcription complex on the LMP1 promoter.
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Affiliation(s)
- M D Voss
- Abteilung Virologie, Institut für Medizinische Mikrobiologie und Hygiene, Universitätskliniken, 66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany
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5
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Woessner R, Gaertner BC, Grauer MT, Weber K, Mueller-Lantzsch N, Hunfeld KP, Treib J. Incidence and prevalence of infection with human granulocytic ehrlichiosis agent in Germany. A prospective study in young healthy subjects. Infection 2001; 29:271-3. [PMID: 11688905 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-001-2005-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Only limited data are available on incidence and prevalence of infection with the human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (HGE) agent in a healthy population. MATERIALS AND METHODS In a prospective study, we tested 361 male soldiers (age 18-29 years) from southwestern Germany for the HGE agent immunoglobulin G (IgG) using an indirect immunofluorescence antibody assay and for Borrelia burgdorferi IgG with an ELISA at the beginning and the end of their 10-month military service. Using a standardized questionnaire, the subjects were asked about clinical symptoms at the beginning and the end of the observation period. RESULTS Of these 361 subjects, 14.9% were HGE agent IgG positive at study entry. 19 participants (5.3%) seroconverted from IgG negative to positive during the observation period resulting in an incidence rate of 6.4% per year. 20 subjects converted from initially HGE agent IgG positive to negative resulting in a reconversion rate of 6.6% per year. Concurrence of Borrelia IgG and HGE agent IgG was observed in 21.1%, whereas 13.7% were HGE agent IgG positive but Borrelia IgG negative (not significant). Clinical symptoms associated with HGE were not present in seroconverting subjects. CONCLUSION Infection with the HGE agent occurs frequently in southwestern Germany but was asymptomatic in these young subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Woessner
- Dept. of Neurology, Westpfalz Medical Center, Kaiserslautern, Germany
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6
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Sester M, Sester U, Gärtner B, Heine G, Girndt M, Mueller-Lantzsch N, Meyerhans A, Köhler H. Levels of virus-specific CD4 T cells correlate with cytomegalovirus control and predict virus-induced disease after renal transplantation. Transplantation 2001; 71:1287-94. [PMID: 11397964 DOI: 10.1097/00007890-200105150-00018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 192] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunosuppressive treatment in transplant patients frequently causes infectious complications with cytomegalovirus (CMV). The extent of CMV replication can be followed by a number of diagnostic methods. There is, however, no simple diagnostic tool to assess the quality of the cellular antiviral immune response of an individual patient. This would be of particular importance for therapy decisions, as patients with detectable virus load do not necessarily develop CMV-related disease. Using a rapid whole blood assay, the frequencies of CMV-reactive CD4 and CD8 T cells were followed after renal transplantation to characterize their relative contribution in the containment of CMV infection. METHODS T cells from transplant patients ands healthy control persons were stimulated with CMV antigen in vitro. Based on specific cellular activation and induction of intracellular cytokines, the frequency of CMV-reactive CD4 and CD8 T cells was determined using flow cytometry. Viral load quantified using the "hybrid-capture" assay. RESULTS The absence of CMV complications in long-term transplant recipients is reflected by stable virus-specific T-cell frequencies, which do not differ from healthy CMV-positive controls. In contrast, during the first months after transplantation, clinical symptoms are preceded by a decrease in CMV-reactive CD4 T-cell frequencies and an increase in CMV load. CONCLUSIONS The individual immune response and CMV replication are critically balanced and can be characterized by assesing both viral load and antiviral T cells. Our experimental design allows the identification of patients with sufficient, insufficient, or absent T-cell activity and can serve as diagnostic tool to facilitate decisions on antiviral therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Sester
- Medical Department IV, University of the Saarland, Homburg, Germany
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7
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Gärtner BC, Fischinger JM, Roemer K, Mak M, Fleurent B, Mueller-Lantzsch N. Evaluation of a recombinant line blot for diagnosis of Epstein-Barr Virus compared with ELISA, using immunofluorescence as reference method. J Virol Methods 2001; 93:89-96. [PMID: 11311347 DOI: 10.1016/s0166-0934(00)00301-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
A commercial line blot using recombinant antigens was compared with a commercial ELISA and 'in-house' IFA (reference test). Two panels were evaluated: Panel A was selected to distinguish between primary infections (89), past infections (20) and seronegatives (8) in immunocompetent individuals. In panel B, patients with a high number of reactivations were included: immunosuppressed patients (37), lymphoma (19), nasopharyngeal carcinoma (10), chronic fatigue syndrome (14). Blood donors (43) and cross-reactive sera (29) were added as controls. Line blot and IFA were concordant in 94% of primary infections, 100% of seronegatives and 100% of past infections, similar to ELISA. Results differed significantly with regard to reactivations. When compared with IFA, the incidence of reactivations was overestimated by the blot, 24 and 58% in blood donors and cross-reactive sera, respectively. ELISA showed a similar problems with 21 and 34% indeterminate results, respectively. The line blot is easy to carry out, has a good concordance with the reference IFA for primary infections, and is, therefore, a sufficient choice for distinguishing primary infection from seronegative and past infection. EBV reactivation assessment will require other methods such as EBV viral load.
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Affiliation(s)
- B C Gärtner
- Department of Virology, University of Homburg/Saar, Kirrbergerstr. Haus 47, D-66421 Hombury Saar, Germany
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8
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Abstract
Expression of human endogenous retrovirus K (HERV-K) is associated with germ-cell neoplasia. HERV-K encodes a protein of the Rev/Rex family, cORF, that supports cellular transformation and binds the promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger (PLZF) protein implicated in spermatogenesis. Rev/Rex function invariably depends on multimerization. Here we show that cORF likewise self-associates to form higher-order oligomers. Amino acids (aa) 47-87 in cORF are sufficient, aa 75-87 essential for self-association. Consistently, this domain is predicted to form a hydrophobic alpha-helix that may represent an oligomerization interface. The existence of a dimerization-competent cORF mutant lacking PLZF-binding activity (cORF47-87) suggests a way of dominant negative inhibition of the proposed tumor susceptibility factor cORF.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Boese
- Institut für Medizinische Mikrobiologie und Hygiene, Abteilung, Virologie, Haus 47, 66421 Hamburg, Germany
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9
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Sester M, Sester U, Köhler H, Schneider T, Deml L, Wagner R, Mueller-Lantzsch N, Pees HW, Meyerhans A. Rapid whole blood analysis of virus-specific CD4 and CD8 T cell responses in persistent HIV infection. AIDS 2000; 14:2653-60. [PMID: 11125883 DOI: 10.1097/00002030-200012010-00004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Upon HIV infection, strong antiviral cytotoxic and helper T cell responses are generated. They are considered to be an important component in the control of HIV viral load. A simple and rapid whole blood assay was established to quantify and simultaneously characterize HIV-reactive CD4 and CD8 cells. The assay was applied to evaluate the effect of antiretroviral therapy on HIV-specific T cell responses. METHODS Whole blood of 33 HIV-infected individuals was specifically stimulated by HIV-1 Pr55gag, and activation-induced intracellular cytokine expression in CD4 and CD8 T cells was analysed by flow cytometry. RESULTS HIV-1-specific CD8 and CD4 T cells can be quantified simultaneously. As specific antigen, HIV-1 Pr55gag virus-like particles were superior to soluble protein, especially for the activation of CD8 T cells. In untreated individuals, a high frequency of HIV-specific T cells was observed. The frequency of CD8 T cells was consistently higher than the respective CD4 T cell response, thus demonstrating a dominance in CD8 T cell expansion in persistent HIV infection. Patients on antiretroviral therapy showed a significant reduction in HIV-specific CD4 and, even more strikingly, CD8 T cells. CONCLUSION The whole blood assay provides a rapid estimate of the total antiviral T cell resources, and is highly suited for a clinical setting. It may thus have widespread applications for the evaluation of vaccination strategies and immunotherapy. Because antiretroviral therapy significantly reduces both HIV-specific cytotoxic and helper T cell responses, future therapeutic strategies should aim at improving cellular antiviral immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Sester
- Medical Department IV, Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University of the Saarland, Homburg, Germany
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10
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Boese A, Sauter M, Galli U, Best B, Herbst H, Mayer J, Kremmer E, Roemer K, Mueller-Lantzsch N. Human endogenous retrovirus protein cORF supports cell transformation and associates with the promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger protein. Oncogene 2000; 19:4328-36. [PMID: 10980608 DOI: 10.1038/sj.onc.1203794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Human endogenous retrovirus sequences (HERVs) reside in the genomes of primates and humans for several million years. The majority of HERVs is non-coding but a limited set is intact and can express proteins. We have recently identified an almost intact HERV-K(HML-2) provirus on chromosome 7 and have documented that most patients with germ cell tumors (GCTs) display antibodies directed against proteins of HERV-K(HML-2). To address whether these proteins merely represent tumor markers or contribute to neoplastic transformation, we examined the transforming potential of various HERV sequences and studied physical interactions between HERV and cellular proteins by yeast two-hybrid and biochemical assays. cORF, a protein encoded by the C-terminal open reading frame within the env gene, supports tumor growth in nude mice and associates with the promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger protein (PLZF). The interaction domains map between amino acid residues 21 and 87 of cORF, and between residues 245 and 543 of PLZF. PLZF is critical for spermatogenesis in mice. Abnormal spermatogenesis or maturation of gonocytes is thought to predispose humans to the development of germ cell tumors. Thus, cORF of human endogenous retroviruses may contribute to tumor development by interfering with processes during spermatogenesis that involve PLZF.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Boese
- Department of Virology, Building 47, University of the Saarland Medical School, D-66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany
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11
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Gärtner BC, Kortmann K, Schäfer M, Mueller-Lantzsch N, Sester U, Kaul H, Pees H. No correlation in Epstein-Barr virus reactivation between serological parameters and viral load. J Clin Microbiol 2000; 38:2458. [PMID: 10917775 PMCID: PMC86846 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.38.6.2458-2458.2000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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12
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Woessner R, Grauer MT, Falk U, Gaertner B, Mueller-Lantzsch N, Haass A, Treib J. [Early summer meningoencephalitis in low risk areas]. Dtsch Med Wochenschr 2000; 125:599-602. [PMID: 11320720 DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1024369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R Woessner
- Neurologische Klinik, Universitätskliniken des Saarlandes, Homburg/Saar
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13
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Abstract
The human endogenous retrovirus K (HERV-K)-encoded protein cORF has recently been shown to be a functional homolog of the HIV Rev protein. Rev-mediated RNA export requires interaction between a leucine-rich nuclear export signal (NES) in Rev and the nuclear export receptor Crm1/exportin1. Like Rev, cORF binds to Crm1 and cORF-mediated RNA export depends on Crm1 activity. Here we document that mutation of the putative NES in cORF results in trapping of the protein in the nucleus, suggesting that the cORF NES functions in analogy to the Rev NES.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Boese
- Institut für Mikrobiologie und Hygiene, Abteilung Virologie, Haus 47, Universitätskliniken, D-66421, Homburg/Saar, Germany
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14
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Woessner R, Grauer MT, Haass A, Gaertner B, Holzer G, Mueller-Reiland D, Mueller-Lantzsch N, Treib J. Effects of multiple sclerosis and other inflammatory CNS disorders on tick-borne encephalitis serology. Acta Virol 1999; 43:331-3. [PMID: 10757235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
The goal of the present study was to investigate whether a direct association exists between false-positive recognition of IgG antibodies and inflammatory changes in the central nervous system (CNS) and whether inflammatory diseases of the CNS affect the specificity of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus. A group of patients (1,815), treated in the Department of Neurology, University Hospital of the Saarland, Homburg/Saar, Germany, were tested forTBE IgG antibodies by ELISA. Several subgroups of patients with and without inflammatory changes in the CSF as well as patients with and without confirmed multiple sclerosis (MS) were investigated. Overall, 4.5% of all the 1,815 patients and 4.8% of the patients with inflammatory changes in the CSF but without MS had TBE IgG antibodies. In the subgroup with inflammatory changes in the CSF and MS, 4.4% of the patients were TBE IgG-positive. In the subgroup without inflammatory changes in the CSF, 3.8% of the patients without MS were TBE IgG-positive and 4.9% of the patients with MS were TBE IgG-positive. The rate of TBE IgG positivity was not significantly different in the subgroups with and without inflammatory changes in the CSF (P = 0.45). The comparison of the subgroups with and without MS showed no significant difference in the TBE IgG titer (P = 0.83) as well. This indicates that the specificity of the ELISA was affected neither by inflammatory changes in the CSF nor by MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Woessner
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of the Saarland, Homburg/Saar, Germany
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15
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Gärtner BC, Mueller-Lantzsch N. [Virologic aspects of blood and plasma product safety]. Anasthesiol Intensivmed Notfallmed Schmerzther 1999; 34:486-8. [PMID: 10494367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
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16
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Grundhoff AT, Kremmer E, Türeci O, Glieden A, Gindorf C, Atz J, Mueller-Lantzsch N, Schubach WH, Grässer FA. Characterization of DP103, a novel DEAD box protein that binds to the Epstein-Barr virus nuclear proteins EBNA2 and EBNA3C. J Biol Chem 1999; 274:19136-44. [PMID: 10383418 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.274.27.19136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The Epstein-Barr virus-encoded nuclear antigens EBNA2 and EBNA3C both interact with the cellular transcription factor RBP-Jkappa and modulate the expression of several shared target genes, suggesting a tight cooperation in latently infected cells. In a survey for additional cellular factors that bind to EBNA2 as well as EBNA3C, we have isolated and characterized DP103, a novel human member of the DEAD box family of putative ATP-dependent RNA helicases. The interaction with DP103 is mediated by amino acids (aa) 121-213 of EBNA2 and aa 534-778 of EBNA3C, regions that are not involved in binding of the viral proteins to RBP-Jkappa. The DP103-cDNA encodes a protein of 824 aa that harbors all of the common DEAD box motifs. Monoclonal antibodies raised against DP103 detect a protein of 103 kDa in mammalian cells that resides in high molecular weight complexes in vivo. We have detected an ATPase activity intrinsic to or closely associated with DP103. By subcellular fractionation, we find DP103 in both a soluble nuclear fraction as well as in the insoluble skeletal fraction. Whereas the protein and its mRNA are uniformly expressed in all tested cell lines, we observed differential expression of the mRNA in normal human tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- A T Grundhoff
- Institut für Medizinische Mikrobiologie und Hygiene, Abteilung Virologie, Universitätskliniken des Saarlandes, Germany
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17
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Abstract
The Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA1) is a multifunctional protein involved in the replication and maintenance of the viral episome. We identified a potential Rev-like nuclear export signal (NES) which, however, does not confer the export of EBNA1. In the yeast two-hybrid system EBNA1 does not bind to the nuclear exporter Crm1p. In spite of the RNA-binding ability of EBNA1 and its structural homologies to RNA binding proteins like hnRNP U and/or A1, EBNA1 does not shuttle to the cytoplasm in heterokaryon analysis. We propose the function of the RNA binding of EBNA1 in retaining RNAs to the nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Fischer
- Institut für Mikrobiologie und Hygiene, Abteilung Virologie, Universitätskliniken, Homburg/Saar, Germany
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Mayer J, Sauter M, Rácz A, Scherer D, Mueller-Lantzsch N, Meese E. An almost-intact human endogenous retrovirus K on human chromosome 7. Nat Genet 1999; 21:257-8. [PMID: 10080172 DOI: 10.1038/6766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Fischer N, Kopper B, Graf N, Schlehofer JR, Grässer FA, Mueller-Lantzsch N. Functional analysis of different LMP1 proteins isolated from Epstein-Barr virus-positive carriers. Virus Res 1999; 60:41-54. [PMID: 10225273 DOI: 10.1016/s0168-1702(98)00147-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the causative agent of infectious mononucleosis and is implicated in the development of several human malignancies. Latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1), an EBV protein with known oncogenic properties, may be important in the pathogenesis of EBV-associated tumors, particularly nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and Hodgkin's disease (HD). Several reports suggested that sequence variations in the LMP1 gene may define a more aggressive, geographically restricted EBV-genotype. Most mutations in the LMP1 gene described are located within the C-terminus of the protein. However, the effect of these mutations on the biological function of the protein remains widely unknown. Therefore, this study aimed in investigating whether mutations detected in LMP1 genes isolated from different EBV-positive carriers have an effect on the biological function of the protein. For this purpose the LMP1 genes were amplified by nested PCR from DNA out of bone marrow and peripheral blood lymphocytes and sequenced. Three functional assays were performed in order to evaluate the biological activity of the different isolates: activation of the transcription factors NF-kappaB and AP-1 as well as the anchorage independent growth of LMP1 transfected ratl cells in soft agar. The results suggested that whereas differences in the activation of NF-kappaB through the various LMP1 isolates correlated tightly with their different expression levels, the outgrowth of transfected cells in soft agar did not and the transcription factor NF-kappaB therefore appeared not to be the major effector for the transformation of the rodent cell line ratl by LMP1. The various LMP1-isolates also differed in their capacity in activating the transcription factor AP-1. We found no correlation between the transforming ability of the LMPI isolates and activation of AP-1 suggesting that other so far uncharacterized domains also influence the transforming ability of the protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Fischer
- Institut für Medizinische Mikrobiologie und Hygiene, Abteilung Virologie, Universitätskliniken, Homburg/Saar, Germany
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20
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Gärtner BC, Kaul H, Neutzling AG, Sauter M, Mueller-Lantzsch N, Köhler H. High prevalence of hepatitis G virus (HGV) infections in dialysis staff. Nephrol Dial Transplant 1999; 14:406-8. [PMID: 10069197 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/14.2.406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients on renal replacement therapy, haemodialysis (HD), or after kidney transplantation (TX), are known to be at risk of acquiring blood-borne infections (HBV, HCV). GBV-C/Hepatitis G virus (HGV) has been described recently and is considered to cause blood-borne infections. The aim of this study was to analyse the risk for the medical staff of HD and TX patients to acquire HGV infection. METHODS Eighty-five HD patients and 86 TX recipients were compared with 49 health-care workers and 64 blood donors as controls. The HGV prevalence was determined by RT-PCR and antibodies to E2 protein. RESULTS A high prevalence of HGV was found in the medical staff (24%) which nearly corresponded to the prevalence of the patients (TX 36%, HD 25%) but not to the controls (9%). In contrast, the prevalence of HCV was low in the medical staff (2%) and controls (0%) but high in HD (13%) and TX (13%). Age and duration of employment in the department did not significantly influence the HGV prevalence in staff. The number of viraemic subjects in staff was high, possibly indicating a more recent infection. CONCLUSION An occupational risk for HGV exists in medical staff of dialysis and transplant patients. Further routes of transmission than only parenteral may play a role in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- B C Gärtner
- Department of Virology, University of Homburg/Saar, Homburg, Germany
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21
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Herbst H, Kühler-Obbarius C, Lauke H, Sauter M, Mueller-Lantzsch N, Harms D, Löning T. Human endogenous retrovirus (HERV)-K transcripts in gonadoblastomas and gonadoblastoma-derived germ cell tumours. Virchows Arch 1999; 434:11-5. [PMID: 10071229 DOI: 10.1007/s004280050298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Gonadoblastomas are rare tumours of abnormal or dysgenetic gonads, often transforming to invasive seminomatous and nonseminomatous germ cell tumours (GCT). Because of the intimate association of noninvasive and invasive lesions, gonadoblastoma may provide clues as to the molecular pathogenesis of GCT. We studied the expression of the human endogenous retrovirus (HERV)-K gag gene in eight gonadoblastomas arising in phenotypically female patients, including two newborn girls. We also studied testicular biopsies with immature Sertoli cell nodules harbouring neoplastic germ cells, a lesion with morphological resemblance to gonadoblastoma. In five gonadoblastomas, invasive seminoma/dysgerminoma was noted, in two cases with formation of additional GCT components. HERV-K gag transcripts were found with moderate levels in gonocytes of all gonadoblastomas and in neoplastic germ cells in testicular Sertoli cell nodules. All invasive GCT except for teratomas displayed HERV-K transcripts. Thus, expression of HERV-K is induced during fetal or embryonal development and precedes invasive GCT formation. Although the specific role of HERV-K expression remains unknown, the findings place HERV-K expression in an appropriate time frame for it to have a role in the molecular pathogenesis of GCT and suggest a precursor-invasive tumour relationship for ovarian GCT equivalent to the more common carcinoma in situ of the testis and testicular GCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Herbst
- Institut für Pathologie, Universitätskrankenhaus Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
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Towler EM, Gulnik SV, Bhat TN, Xie D, Gustschina E, Sumpter TR, Robertson N, Jones C, Sauter M, Mueller-Lantzsch N, Debouck C, Erickson JW. Functional characterization of the protease of human endogenous retrovirus, K10: can it complement HIV-1 protease? Biochemistry 1998; 37:17137-44. [PMID: 9860826 DOI: 10.1021/bi9818927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
To investigate the biochemical properties of the protease encoded by the human endogenous retrovirus, K10 (HERV-K), 213 amino acids of the 3'-end of the HERV-K protease (PR) open reading frame were expressed in Escherichia coli. Autocatalytic cleavage of the expressed polypeptide resulted in an 18.2 kDa protein which was shown to be proteolytically active against a fluorogenic peptide used as a substrate for HIV-1 protease. On the basis of sequence homology and molecular modeling, the 106 N-terminal amino acids of HERV-K PR were predicted to comprise a retroviral protease core domain. An 11.6 kDa protein corresponding to this region was expressed and shown to be a fully functional enzyme. The 11.6 kDa domain of HERV-K PR is unusually stable over a wide pH range, exhibits optimal catalytic activity between pH 4.0 and 5.0, and exists as a dimer at pH 7.0 with a Kd of 50 microM. Like HIV-1 PR, the HERV-K PR core domain is activated by high salt concentrations and processes HIV-1 matrix-capsid polyprotein at the authentic HIV-1 PR recognition site. However, both the 18.2 and 11.6 kDa forms of HERV-K PR were highly resistant to a number of clinically useful HIV-1 PR inhibitors, including ritonavir, indinavir, and saquinavir. This raises the possibility that HERV-K PR may complement HIV-1 PR during infection, and could have implications for protease inhibitor therapy and drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- E M Towler
- Protein Chemistry Laboratory, Structural Biochemistry Program, SAIC Frederick, Maryland 21702, USA.
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23
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Schmidt W, Fackler OT, Schäfer M, Zippel T, Heise W, Mueller-Lantzsch N, Riecken EO, Ullrich R. Similar proviral load but increased HIV-1 p24 in the intestinal mucosa compared to the peripheral blood in HIV-infected patients. Ann N Y Acad Sci 1998; 859:276-9. [PMID: 9928404 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.1998.tb11145.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- W Schmidt
- Department of Gastroenterology and Infectious Disease, Universitätsklinikum Benjamin Franklin, Free University of Berlin, Germany.
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Mayer J, Meese E, Mueller-Lantzsch N. Chromosomal assignment of human endogenous retrovirus K (HERV-K) env open reading frames. Cytogenet Cell Genet 1998; 79:157-61. [PMID: 9533039 DOI: 10.1159/000134709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The haploid human genome contains at least one human endogenous retrovirus K (HERV-K) env gene displaying an open reading frame, as evidenced by the high antibody titers against HERV-K Env in germ cell tumor patients at the time of tumor detection. However, the chromosomal assignment of an intact HERV-K env sequence is complicated by the existence of 25-30 HERV-K copies per haploid human genome. Recently, we reported the application of the protein truncation test (PTT) to chromosomally assign HERV-K gag open reading frames. Here, we set out to determine the chromosomal distribution of full-length HERV-K env genes. As demonstrated by somatic hybrid mapping and the PTT, HERV-K env open reading frames were found on human chromosomes 7, 19, and Y. By sequencing chromosome-specific HERV-K env subregions, we assigned two recently reported intact HERV-K sequences on human chromosomes 7 and 19, respectively. Chromosomes 7 and 19 and the Y are furthermore candidates for harboring a putative completely intact HERV-K locus.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Mayer
- Abt. Virologie, Institut für Medizinische Mikrobiologie und Hygiene, Universitätskliniken des Saarlandes, Homburg/Saar, Germany
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Mayer J, Meese E, Mueller-Lantzsch N. Human endogenous retrovirus K homologous sequences and their coding capacity in Old World primates. J Virol 1998; 72:1870-5. [PMID: 9499038 PMCID: PMC109477 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.72.3.1870-1875.1998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/1997] [Accepted: 12/03/1997] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The coding capacity for retroviral Gag and Env proteins has been maintained in human endogenous retroviruses of the HERV-K family. HERV-K homologous sequences have been found in all Old World primates. Here, we examined Old World primate species for the presence of full-length HERV-K gag and env genes and the presence of gag and env open reading frames as determined by the protein truncation test. Full-length HERV-K env genes were found in DNAs of all Old World primate species, whereas open reading frames for Env protein were found solely in human, chimpanzee, and gorilla DNAs. The mutational event leading to two HERV-K types was found to have occurred after the separation of hominids from lower Old World primates and before the expansion of hominids. Full-length HERV-K gag genes in hominids displayed a 96-bp deletion compared to those in lower Old World primates. The ancient gag variant has not been maintained during hominid evolution. Open reading frames for HERV-K Gag have been found in all Old World primates except chimpanzees. Our study of the HERV-K family during Old World primate evolution contributes to the understanding of their possible biological functions in the host genomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Mayer
- Abteilung Virologie, Institut für Medizinische Mikrobiologie und Hygiene, Universitätskliniken des Saarlandes, Homburg/Saar, Germany
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Herbst H, Sauter M, Fuchs H, Kühler-Obbarius C, Löning T, Mueller-Lantzsch N. [Gene products of human endogenous retrovirus (HERV)-K in germ cell and trophoblastic tumors]. Verh Dtsch Ges Pathol 1998; 81:464-70. [PMID: 9474889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Antibodies against Gag and Env proteins encoded by human endogenous retrovirus (HERV)-K genomes are found in the sera of patients with classical seminoma. This prompted us to study ovarian and testicular germ cell tumors, their precursor lesions, dysgenetic gonads, and trophoblast lesions for expression of HERV-K sequences by in situ hybridization using radioactive and non-radioactive probes. Expression of HERV-K sequences was found in all testicular and ovarian germ cell tumors with the exception of teratomas and spermatocytic seminomas. HERV-K expression was also found in testicular intraepithelial neoplasia (so-called carcinoma in situ) as well as in gonocytes of dysgenetic gonads. Among gestational trophoblastic lesions, HERV-K expression was regularly found in choriocarcinomas, but not in non-invasive molar lesions. There was no evidence for HERV-K expression in differentiated embryonal and adult tissues. The findings point to a common molecular pathogenesis of most germ cell tumor entities and malignant gestational trophoblastic disease. They furthermore support the concept of carcinoma in situ as a precursor lesion common to most testicular germ cell tumors. Conceivably, the detection of HERV-K gene products in body fluids and tissues will aid diagnosis and monitoring of germ cell tumors and related lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Herbst
- Institut für Pathologie, Universitätskrankenhaus Eppendorf, Hamburg
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27
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Fackler OT, Schäfer M, Schmidt W, Zippel T, Heise W, Schneider T, Zeitz M, Riecken EO, Mueller-Lantzsch N, Ullrich R. HIV-1 p24 but not proviral load is increased in the intestinal mucosa compared with the peripheral blood in HIV-infected patients. AIDS 1998; 12:139-46. [PMID: 9468362 DOI: 10.1097/00002030-199802000-00003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate differences in viral and proviral load between the peripheral blood and the intestinal mucosal immune system in HIV-infected patients. DESIGN HIV-1 p24 and HIV DNA content were compared in blood samples and intestinal biopsies from HIV-infected patients. METHODS Intestinal biopsies and peripheral blood were simultaneously obtained from 27 HIV-infected patients undergoing diagnostic endoscopy. The p24 concentrations were measured in serum and homogenized intestinal biopsies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay after acid-dissociation of immune complexes. Proviral load was determined in blood and intestinal biopsies by a quantitative competitive polymerase chain reaction amplifying the HIV-1 nef gene from genomic DNA. RESULTS No significant differences were found in proviral load comparing HIV copies per 1.5 x 10(5) cell equivalents in blood [2650 (600-44000)] and intestinal biopsies [4200 (1325-19 625)]. Paired analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between serum and mucosal proviral load. In contrast, HIV core protein p24 was detected in intestinal biopsies from 18 patients in much higher concentrations than in serum [858 (262-4111) pg/g versus 34 (9-242) pg/g; P < 0.005]. The p24 concentrations in serum and intestinal biopsies did not correlate and no significant correlation was observed in serum or intestinal biopsies between proviral load and p24 concentrations. No clear correlations were observed between clinical parameters and HIV DNA or HIV p24 levels in blood or biopsies. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate a homogenous distribution of HIV proviral load in the peripheral blood and the intestinal mucosal immune system. The high viral antigen load in the intestine therefore indicates that mucosal HIV production is upregulated at the transcriptional and/or translational level. The intestinal mucosa is a major reservoir for HIV in HIV-infected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- O T Fackler
- Department of Virology, University of the Saarland, Homburg/Saar, Germany
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28
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Abstract
Prompted by the observation of retroviral particle formation in teratocarcinoma cell lines and the consistent finding of antibodies against Gag and Env proteins encoded by human endogenous retrovirus (HERV)-K genomes in the sera of patients with classical seminoma, we studied ovarian and testicular germ cell tumours, their precursor lesions, dysgenetic gonads, and trophoblast lesions for expression of HERV-K sequences by in situ hybridization using radioactive and non-radioactive probes. HERV-K transcripts were detected in all testicular and ovarian germ cell tumours with the exception of teratomas and spermatocytic seminomas. HERV-K expression was also common to testicular carcinoma in situ as well as gonocytes of dysgenetic gonads. Among gestational trophoblastic lesions, HERV-K expression was regularly found in choriocarcinomas, but not in molar lesions. The patterns of HERV-K expression suggest a common molecular pathogenesis of most germ cell tumour entities and malignant gestational trophoblastic disease. They furthermore support the concept of carcinoma in situ as a precursor lesion common to most testicular germ cell neoplasms. The detection of HERV-K gene products in body fluids and tissues may aid diagnosis and monitoring of germ cell tumours and related lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Herbst
- Institut für Pathologie, Universitätskrankenhaus Eppendorf, Hamburg
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29
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Mayer J, Meese E, Mueller-Lantzsch N. Multiple human endogenous retrovirus (HERV-K) loci with gag open reading frames in the human genome. Cytogenet Cell Genet 1997; 78:1-5. [PMID: 9345895 DOI: 10.1159/000134614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Human endogenous retrovirus HERV-K is present in 25-30 copies per haploid human genome. At least one of these loci is capable of producing full-length Gag protein, high amounts of which have been detected in germ cell tumors and derived cell lines. The latter display HERV-K Gag-encoded retroviral particles. Here, we employed the protein truncation test (PTT) in combination with a monochromosomal hybrid mapping panel to identify the human chromosomes harboring HERV-K gag genes with an open reading frame for Gag protein. Eight human chromosomes were found to contain intact HERV-K gag genes. PTT results were corroborated by partial sequencing of subregions from different HERV-K gag genes. The high number of HERV-K Gag open reading frames supports the idea of retroviral sequences retaining a biological benefit in the human genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Mayer
- Abt. Virologie, Institut für Medizinische Mikrobiologie und Hygiene, Universitätskliniken des Saarlandes, Homburg/Saar, Germany
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30
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Winkelspecht B, Mueller-Lantzsch N, Köhler H. Serological evidence for reactivation of EBV infection due to uraemic immunodeficiency. Nephrol Dial Transplant 1997; 12:2099-104. [PMID: 9351072 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/12.10.2099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reactivation of EBV infection is a common finding in immunocompromised individuals. The influence of 'uraemic immunodeficiency' on EBV infection is so far not well defined. METHODS We determined specific antibodies to EBV nuclear antigens (EBNA) 1 and 2 in sera of 286 patients with immunodeficiency due to progressive chronic renal failure and of 51 healthy controls. We used the baculovirus vector expression system for recombinant production of EBNA1 and EBNA2. RESULTS Serological evidence of reactivated or chronic persistent EBV infection, i.e. an anti-EBNA1/anti-EBNA2 ratio (E1/E2) < 1, was found in 18% of patients with chronic renal failure not yet receiving renal replacement therapy (CRF), 11% of peritoneal dialysis patients (CAPD), 25% of haemodialysis patients (HD), 24% of renal transplant recipients (TX), and in 6% of healthy controls. Rate of EBV reactivation was significantly increased in HD (P = 0.004) and TX (P = 0.006) patients compared to healthy controls. Moreover, the difference between HD and CAPD patients was statistically significant (P < 0.05). This finding may reflect additional effects modulating the function of the immunosystem, probably through activation of immunologically competent cells by contact with the artificial surfaces of dialysis membranes. Although the rate of EBV reactivations is expected to increase further under conditions of therapeutic immunosuppression, our serological approach did not detect an additional effect of immunosuppressive therapy following renal transplantation. However, this finding may reflect an impaired endogenous synthesis of antibodies caused by immunosuppressive agents. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that determination of E1/E2 is useful for assessment of EBV infection in patients with chronic renal failure and 'uraemic immunodeficiency'. In patients with immunosuppressive therapy following renal transplantation additional testing including direct estimation of viral load, is necessary to correctly assess the state of EBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Winkelspecht
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Nephrology, University of Homburg/Saar, Germany
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31
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Fackler OT, Kienzle N, Kremmer E, Boese A, Schramm B, Klimkait T, Kücherer C, Mueller-Lantzsch N. Association of human immunodeficiency virus Nef protein with actin is myristoylation dependent and influences its subcellular localization. Eur J Biochem 1997; 247:843-51. [PMID: 9288906 DOI: 10.1111/j.1432-1033.1997.00843.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) Nef functions are thought to be mediated via interactions with cellular proteins. Utilizing zone velocity sedimentation in glycerol gradients we found that recombinant HIV-1 Nef non-covalently associates with actin forming a high-molecular-mass complex of 150-300 kDa. This Nef/actin complex was present in human B and T lymphocytes but not in insect cells and was dependent on the N-terminal myristoylation of Nef, whereas the SH3-binding proline motif of Nef was not involved. Despite being myristoylated, HIV-2 Nef did not associate with actin. This might reflect differences in the subcellular localization of Nef since cell-fractionation experiments revealed that HIV-1 Nef was virtually exclusively localized in the cytoskeletal (detergent-insoluble) fraction whereas HIV-2 Nef had significantly reduced affinity for the cytoskeleton. Colocalization experiments in HIV-1-infected CD4+ fibroblasts revealed that Nef/actin complexes may also exist in HIV-infected cells. This novel interaction of HIV-1 Nef with actin provides insight into the association of Nef with cellular structures and reveals general differences in the interactions of the Nef proteins from HIV-1 and HIV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- O T Fackler
- Universitätskliniken des Saarlandes, Institut für Med. Mikrobiologie und Hygiene, Abt. Virologie, Homburg/Saar, Germany
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Abstract
p53-mediated programmed cell death (PMCD) often requires an intact transactivation domain of the p53 tumor suppressor and is therefore usually interpreted to rely upon the transactivation of genes. As a notable exception, murine GHFT1 cells have been documented to perish in a p53-dependent manner even in the presence of transcription inhibitor actinomycin D (Act D) and have since served as one model system for transactivation-independent apoptosis. We report here that p53 transactivation domain mutant Q22,S23 nonetheless fails to mediate apoptosis in these cells as efficiently as wild-type p53. This suggests that some function of the NH2-terminal domain other than the transactivation of genes supports PMCD of GHFT1 cells. To substantiate this suggestion, we employed a p53 whose transactivation domain had been replaced with the one of VP16, which acts through the same elements of the basal transcription machinery. Although the hybrid was fully competent for transactivation, it was impaired for the mediation of apoptosis to the same extent as mutant Q22,S23. Thus, a function of the transactivation domain other than the binding to the transcription co-activators hTAF(II)31 and 70 is required for the efficient induction of apoptosis in GHFT1 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Theis
- Department of Virology, University of the Saarland, Homburg/Saar, Germany
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33
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Götzinger N, Sauter M, Roemer K, Mueller-Lantzsch N. Regulation of human endogenous retrovirus-K Gag expression in teratocarcinoma cell lines and human tumours. J Gen Virol 1997. [PMID: 9000088 DOI: 10.1099/0022-1317-77-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Human endogenous retrovirus-K (HERV-K) Gag protein is produced by both Tera 1 and PA-1 (ovarian teratocarcinoma) cells, but only Tera 1 cells release the protein in the form of particles. It was unclear how Gag production was regulated in these cell types. Although both Tera 1 and PA-1 cells express Gag, demethylation upon treatment with 5-azacytidine (5-AZC) or exposure to the chromatin-modifying agent n-butyrate resulted in an increase in Gag protein levels only in Tera 1 cells. Consistent with this cell type-specific overexpression of Gag in response to demethylation, exposure to 5-AZC caused undermethylation of the gag gene and adjacent 5'LTR only in Tera 1 but not PA-1 or Raji cells. Similarly and importantly, undermethylation of gag sequences and expression of Gag were also correlated in primary human testicular tumours. These results therefore suggest that endogenous retroviral elements are subject to regulation through the methylation of CpG dinucleotides.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Götzinger
- Institut für Medizinische Mikrobiologie und Hygiene, Abteilung Virologie, Universitätskliniken, Homburg/Saar, Germany
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Fischer N, Kremmer E, Lautscham G, Mueller-Lantzsch N, Grässer FA. Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen 1 forms a complex with the nuclear transporter karyopherin alpha2. J Biol Chem 1997; 272:3999-4005. [PMID: 9020106 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.272.7.3999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is implicated in the induction of several malignancies. The nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA1) is the only viral protein that is expressed consistently in all EBV-associated tumors. EBNA1 is involved in the replication and maintenance of the viral episome in the infected cell and exhibits oncogenic activity in transgenic mice. Here we report the identification of the nuclear transporter karyopherin alpha2 as a cellular partner of EBNA1 using the yeast "two-hybrid system." Karyopherin alpha2 is also called importin alpha or Rch1. The binding to karyopherin alpha2 was mediated through a C-terminal region of EBNA1 encompassing the nuclear localization signal, whereas clones of EBNA1 devoid of the nuclear localization signal failed to bind to karyopherin alpha2. The interaction was biochemically confirmed by far-Western analysis using bacterially expressed karyopherin alpha2 and karyopherin alpha2-specific monoclonal antibodies. The nuclear transport of EBNA1 was impaired by expression of N-terminally truncated karyopherin alpha2. Zone velocity sedimentation in a sucrose gradient indicated that: (i) EBNA1 and Rch1 colocalize; and (ii) the association of karyopherin alpha2 with high molecular weight protein complexes might be impeded by the presence of EBNA1.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Fischer
- Institut für Mikrobiologie und Hygiene, Abteilung Virologie, Haus 47, Universitätskliniken, D-66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany
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35
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Götzinger N, Sauter M, Roemer K, Mueller-Lantzsch N. Regulation of human endogenous retrovirus-K Gag expression in teratocarcinoma cell lines and human tumours. J Gen Virol 1996; 77 ( Pt 12):2983-90. [PMID: 9000088 DOI: 10.1099/0022-1317-77-12-2983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retrovirus-K (HERV-K) Gag protein is produced by both Tera 1 and PA-1 (ovarian teratocarcinoma) cells, but only Tera 1 cells release the protein in the form of particles. It was unclear how Gag production was regulated in these cell types. Although both Tera 1 and PA-1 cells express Gag, demethylation upon treatment with 5-azacytidine (5-AZC) or exposure to the chromatin-modifying agent n-butyrate resulted in an increase in Gag protein levels only in Tera 1 cells. Consistent with this cell type-specific overexpression of Gag in response to demethylation, exposure to 5-AZC caused undermethylation of the gag gene and adjacent 5'LTR only in Tera 1 but not PA-1 or Raji cells. Similarly and importantly, undermethylation of gag sequences and expression of Gag were also correlated in primary human testicular tumours. These results therefore suggest that endogenous retroviral elements are subject to regulation through the methylation of CpG dinucleotides.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Götzinger
- Institut für Medizinische Mikrobiologie und Hygiene, Abteilung Virologie, Universitätskliniken, Homburg/Saar, Germany
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36
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Schorr J, Kellner R, Fackler O, Freund J, Konvalinka J, Kienzle N, Kräusslich HG, Mueller-Lantzsch N, Kalbitzer HR. Specific cleavage sites of Nef proteins from human immunodeficiency virus types 1 and 2 for the viral proteases. J Virol 1996; 70:9051-4. [PMID: 8971042 PMCID: PMC191010 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.70.12.9051-9054.1996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2) Nef is proteolytically cleaved by the HIV-2-encoded protease. The proteolysis is not influenced by the absence or presence of the N-terminal myristoylation. The main cleavage site is located between residues 39 and 40, suggesting a protease recognition sequence, GGEY-SQFQ. As observed previously for Nef protein from HIV-1, a large, stable core domain with an apparent molecular mass of 30 kDa is produced by the proteolytic activity. Cleavage of Nef from HIV-1 in two domains by its own protease or the protease from HIV-2 is also independent of Nef myristoylation. However, processing of HIV-1 Nef by the HIV-2 protease is less selective than that by the HIV-1 protease: the obtained core fragment is heterogeneous at its N terminus and has an additional cleavage site between amino acids 99 and 100. Preliminary experiments suggest that the full-length Nef of HIV-2 and the core domain are part of the HIV-2 particles, analogous to the situation reported recently for HIV-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Schorr
- Max-Planck-Institute for Medical Research, Heidelberg, Germany
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37
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Abstract
HIV-Nef protein supports viral infectivity prior to proviral integration. This requires Nef to be present before the expression of viral genes and suggests its delivery as part of the virion. We report here that the Nef proteins of HIV-2-HOM and HIV-2-ROD are associated with the virion. After the separation of pelleted virus in a 20-60% sucrose density gradient, both proteins cosedimented with the virion-associated reverse transcriptase (RT) activity at a density characteristic of retroviral particles. Whereas Nef-2-ROD was present in the virion only as the full-length protein, HIV-2-HOM appeared as 32 and 35 kDa isoforms. The smaller isoform is identical in molecular weight to the protein expected from proteolytic cleavage of full-length Nef-2-HOM by the virion-based protease. Virion-association of Nef helps to explain the recently redefined biological function of this regulatory protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- O T Fackler
- Universitätskliniken des Saarlandes, Abt. Virologie, Homburg/Saar, Germany
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38
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Sauder C, Müller A, Cubitt B, Mayer J, Steinmetz J, Trabert W, Ziegler B, Wanke K, Mueller-Lantzsch N, de la Torre JC, Grässer FA. Detection of Borna disease virus (BDV) antibodies and BDV RNA in psychiatric patients: evidence for high sequence conservation of human blood-derived BDV RNA. J Virol 1996; 70:7713-24. [PMID: 8892892 PMCID: PMC190841 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.70.11.7713-7724.1996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
In several vertebrate species, Borna disease virus (BDV), the prototype of a new group of animal viruses, causes central nervous system disease accompanied by diverse behavioral abnormalities. Seroepidemiological data indicate that BDV may contribute to the pathophysiology of certain human mental disorders. This hypothesis is further supported by the detection of both BDV antigens and BDV RNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with psychiatric disorders and the isolation of BDV from such PBMCs. Here we describe serological and molecular epidemiological studies on psychiatric patients and healthy individuals from the area of Homburg, Germany. Using a novel Western blot (immunoblot) assay, we found a BDV seroprevalence of 9.6% among 416 neuropsychiatric patients, which is significantly higher than the 1.4% found among 203 healthy control individuals. Human sera displayed a prominent immunoreactivity against the virus nucleoprotein, the p40 antigen. Reverse transcriptase-mediated PCR analysis of RNA extracted from PBMCs of a subset of 26 of the neuropsychiatric patients revealed that 50% were BDV RNA positive. Three of the 13 BDV RNA-positive patients also had BDV-positive serology, whereas one patient with serum antibodies to BDV p40 antigen did not harbor detectable BDV RNA in PBMCs. BDV p40 and p24 sequences derived from human PBMCs exhibited both a high degree of inter- and intrapatient conservation and a close genetic relationship to animal-derived BDV sequences.
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MESH Headings
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Animals
- Antibodies, Viral/blood
- Antibodies, Viral/immunology
- Antigens, Viral/genetics
- Antigens, Viral/immunology
- Base Sequence
- Blotting, Western
- Borna Disease/blood
- Borna Disease/immunology
- Borna Disease/virology
- Borna disease virus/genetics
- Borna disease virus/immunology
- Borna disease virus/isolation & purification
- Cell Line
- Conserved Sequence
- DNA, Viral/analysis
- Female
- Humans
- Leukocytes, Mononuclear/virology
- Male
- Mental Disorders/virology
- Middle Aged
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Polymerase Chain Reaction
- RNA, Viral/analysis
- Rabbits
- Sequence Analysis, DNA
- Spodoptera/cytology
- Viral Proteins/genetics
- Viral Proteins/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- C Sauder
- Abteilung Virologie, Institut für medizinische Mikrobiologie und Hygiene, Homburg, Germany
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39
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Sommer P, Kremmer E, Bier S, König S, Zalud P, Zeppezauer M, Jones JF, Mueller-Lantzsch N, Grässer FA. Cloning and expression of the Epstein-Barr virus-encoded dUTPase: patients with acute, reactivated or chronic virus infection develop antibodies against the enzyme. J Gen Virol 1996; 77 ( Pt 11):2795-805. [PMID: 8922474 DOI: 10.1099/0022-1317-77-11-2795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The gene encoding the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-specific dUTPase was amplified from virus DNA by PCR. The active enzyme was expressed in Escherichia coli and in insect cells as a non-fusion protein. The protein from E. coli specifically converted dUTP to dUMP and did not react with other dNTPs or NTPs. Preliminary experiments yielded a Km value of about 0.8 microM for dUTP. MAbs against the dUTPase reacted with a protein of approximately 31 kDa in 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-stimulated B cells harbouring either type 1 or type 2 EBV. The protein was found in untreated cells at low levels, whereas induction of the lytic replication cycle by TPA treatment or by providing the immediate early transactivator BZLF1 in trans resulted in increased expression. We demonstrated that the virus dUTPase isolated from EBV-infected cells is a phosphoprotein. The protein expressed in insect cells was used to test for the presence of specific antibodies in sera from normal, healthy carriers and from patients with various diseases. While the sera of EBV-negative individuals (0/3) or healthy carriers (0/33) did not contain detectable levels of antibodies, patients with mononucleosis (5/18), chronic EBV infection (2/7), EBV reactivation (7/20) and human immunodeficiency virus infection (5/24) showed elevated antibody titres against the enzyme. This indicated that the dUTPase is expressed during EBV replication and reactivation. The enzyme might therefore be a potential target for drug therapy under conditions of active DNA replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Sommer
- Institut für Mikrobiologie und Hygiene, Abteilung Virologie, Universitätskliniken, Homburg, Germany
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40
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Herbst H, Sauter M, Mueller-Lantzsch N. Expression of human endogenous retrovirus K elements in germ cell and trophoblastic tumors. Am J Pathol 1996; 149:1727-35. [PMID: 8909261 PMCID: PMC1865275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Antibodies against proteins encoded by human endogenous retrovirus (HERV)-K family genes are consistently found in the sera of patients with classical seminoma. Furthermore, HERV-K Gag-encoded protein could be detected in corresponding tumor biopsies. Addressing questions as to the extent of HERV gene expression in biologically related lesions, we studied various testicular and ovarian germ cell tumors (GCTs), GCT precursor lesions, and gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) for the presence of HERV-K gene transcripts in tissue sections. By in situ hybridization using four non-overlapping, isotopically labeled RNA probes specific for HERV-K gag and env sequences on archival tissue samples, consistent HERV-K expression of gag and env genes was found to be common to all GCTs and their testicular precursor lesions with the exception of teratomas, mature and immature, and spermatocytic seminomas. HERV-K expression was also found in malignant GTD (choriocarcinoma) but not in benign GTD (noninvasive molar pregnancy). There was no evidence for HERV-K expression in differentiated embryonal and adult tissues as well as a total of 53 tumors other than GCT or GTD. The findings point to a common molecular pathoetiology of GCT and malignant GTD, have implications for the classification of GCTs, and support the concept of carcinoma in situ as a precursor lesion common to all forms of testicular GCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Herbst
- Institut für Pathologie, Klinikum Benjamin Franklin, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany
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41
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Sauter M, Roemer K, Best B, Afting M, Schommer S, Seitz G, Hartmann M, Mueller-Lantzsch N. Specificity of antibodies directed against Env protein of human endogenous retroviruses in patients with germ cell tumors. Cancer Res 1996; 56:4362-5. [PMID: 8813125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
We report here that 85% of the patients with germ cell tumors (GCTs) produce antibodies directed against Env protein of human endogenous retroviruses. Individuals that received antitumor treatment showed a decrease with time in their antibody titers. Importantly, of the rare cases of non-GCT individuals with Env-antibodies (n= 15, 0.8%), none produced antibodies directed against the transmembrane domain (TM), whereas all tested Env-positive GCT patients (n= 49) generated such antibodies at high titers. TM is required for Env to be expressed at the cell surface. Thus, anti-TM antibodies constitute highly specific markers for GCT and may hint at a function of Env during tumorigenesis.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies, Neoplasm/blood
- Antibodies, Neoplasm/immunology
- Antibodies, Viral/blood
- Antibodies, Viral/immunology
- Antibody Specificity
- Antigens, Neoplasm/genetics
- Antigens, Neoplasm/immunology
- Biomarkers, Tumor/blood
- Cell Line
- Female
- Gene Products, env/genetics
- Gene Products, env/immunology
- Gene Products, gag/immunology
- Germinoma/blood
- Germinoma/immunology
- Germinoma/virology
- Humans
- Male
- Neoplasms/blood
- Neoplasms/immunology
- Nucleopolyhedroviruses/genetics
- Peptide Fragments/genetics
- Peptide Fragments/immunology
- Recombinant Proteins/genetics
- Recombinant Proteins/immunology
- Retroviridae/genetics
- Retroviridae/immunology
- Retroviridae/isolation & purification
- Spodoptera
- Testicular Diseases/blood
- Testicular Diseases/immunology
- Testicular Neoplasms/blood
- Testicular Neoplasms/immunology
- Testicular Neoplasms/virology
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Affiliation(s)
- M Sauter
- Abteilung Virologie, Institut für Medizinische Mikrobiologie und Hygiene, Universitätskliniken des Saarlandes, Homburg/Saar, Germany
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42
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De La Torre JC, Gonzalez-Dunia D, Cubitt B, Mallory M, Mueller-Lantzsch N, Grässer FA, Hansen LA, Masliah E. Detection of borna disease virus antigen and RNA in human autopsy brain samples from neuropsychiatric patients. Virology 1996; 223:272-82. [PMID: 8806563 DOI: 10.1006/viro.1996.0479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Borna disease virus (BDV) causes a central nervous system disease in several vertebrate species which is characterized by behavioral disturbances. Seroepidemiological data indicate an association of BDV infection with certain human mental disorders. Sclerosis of the hippocampus and astrocytosis constitute histopathological hallmarks of BDV infection in animals. Therefore, we searched for human brain autopsy cases with such histopathological features. Five of 600 cases examined were identified as having hippocampus sclerosis and astrocytosis. Using immunocytochemistry, RT-PCR, and in situ hybridization, we detected both BDV antigen and RNA in autopsy brain samples from 4 of these 5 patients, who presented with a clinical history of mental disorders involving memory loss and depression. This is the first demonstration that BDV can infect human brain tissue, possibly contributing to the pathophysiology of specific human neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C De La Torre
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, USA.
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43
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Roemer K, Mueller-Lantzsch N. p53 transactivation domain mutant Q22, S23 is impaired for repression of promoters and mediation of apoptosis. Oncogene 1996; 12:2069-79. [PMID: 8668332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
p53 is multifunctional. To assess exactly what function is critical for the prevention of neoplastic transformation has proven difficult. Mutants with substitutions at positions 22 and 23 promised to address the relevance of transcription transactivation since they seemed to be defective specifically for this function. We report here that p53 mutant Q22, S23 [p53 (22,23)] is not only impaired for transactivation but for the repression of the fos promoter and SV40 early promoter. Furthermore, whereas p53 (22,23) fails to efficiently transactivate reporter genes in two p53-negative cell lines, it stimulates reporters and suppresses proliferation in two wild-type (wt) p53-positive cell lines strongly above the levels induced by the transfection procedure alone. This transactivation is refractory to inhibition by MDM-2. Finally, p53 (22,23) expressed from large plasmid quantity (1 microg) is crippled for the mediation of apoptosis in p53-negative Hep3B hepatocarcinoma cells. Nevertheless, at a quantity of only 10 ng, both mutant and wt p53 plasmids but not control plasmid, are able to induce some cell death which is not inhibitable by MDM-2. Thus, a correlation exists between p53's functions to regulate promoters and to efficiently mediate apoptosis in Hep3B cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Roemer
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Department of Virology, University of the Saarland, Homburg/Saar, Germany
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44
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Winkelspecht B, Grässer F, Pees HW, Mueller-Lantzsch N. Anti-EBNA1/anti-EBNA2 ratio decreases significantly in patients with progression of HIV infection. Arch Virol 1996; 141:857-64. [PMID: 8678831 DOI: 10.1007/bf01718160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Reactivation of EBV infection is common in immunocompromised individuals. We determined specific antibodies to EBV-encoded nuclear antigens (EBNA)1 and 2 in 102 sera of HIV-infected individuals. Anti-EBNA1/anti-EBNA2 ratio (E1/E2) is less than 1 in chronic infection and exceeds 1 in healthy EBV-positive carriers. 52% of cases had E1/E2 < 1. E1/E2 decreased remarkably during the progression of HIV infection. Detectable HIV-Antigen, decline of CD4+ cell count and CD4+/CD8+ ratio were correlated with an increasing prevalence of E1/E2 below 1. We conclude that determination of E1/E2 is useful in immunocompromised patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Winkelspecht
- Abteilung Innere Medizin IV, Universitätskliniken des Saarlandes, Homburg/Saar, Federal Republic of Germany
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45
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Treib J, Haass A, Mueller-Lantzsch N, Ehrfeld H, Mueller-Rheiland D, Woessner R, Holzer G, Schimrigk K. Tick-borne encephalitis in the Saarland and the Rhineland-Palatinate. Infection 1996; 24:242-4. [PMID: 8811363 DOI: 10.1007/bf01781102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The Saarland and the Rhineland-Palatinate are not considered endemic regions for tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), and patients in this region have not been routinely advised to undergo vaccination or serologic testing for TBE. In 1994, a significantly increased incidence of TBE cases was noted in the neighbouring state of Baden-Württemberg. In the same year, the first TBE acquired in the Saarland was diagnosed. To investigate the infection risk for TBE in the Saarland and Rhineland-Palatinate, the records of 2,123 serologic tests for TBE collected since 1989 were systematically examined. In addition, 904 frozen sera of patients displaying inflammatory changes in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were analyzed. IgG and IgM antibodies against TBE virus were found in 15 patients, four of which were verified clinically and serologically as TBE. One of these four cases was certainly and another was probably acquired in the Saarland. Three other patients displayed serologic signs of a TBE virus contact. The results of this study suggest that the occurrence of single cases in the Saarland has to be considered, but the risk is very small.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Treib
- Dept. of Neurology, University of the Saarland, Homburg, Germany
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46
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Schlehofer B, Blettner M, Geletneky K, Haaf HG, Kaatsch P, Michaelis J, Mueller-Lantzsch N, Niehoff D, Winkelspecht B, Wahrendorf J, Schlehofer JR. Sero-epidemiological analysis of the risk of virus infections for childhood leukaemia. Int J Cancer 1996; 65:584-90. [PMID: 8598307 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1097-0215(19960301)65:5<584::aid-ijc5>3.0.co;2-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Virus infections have been thought to be involved in the development of childhood leukaemia. In order to address this issue we determined, in a case-control study, the prevalence of antibodies to viruses infecting blood or bone-marrow cells [Epstein-Barr virsus (EBV), human herpes virus type 6 (HHV-6), parvovirus B19] as well as to the human virus known for its tumour-suppressive properties, the adeno-associated virus type 2 (AAV-2), in the sera of 121 children with leukaemia in Germany, and in 197 control individuals, hospitalized for other reasons, and matched for age and gender to the cases. In addition, we developed a questionnaire to be answered by the children's parents, in order to gain information on previous infections of the children as well as to calculate for factors which may influence serological findings. Comparative determination of the prevalence of antibodies against AAV-2, B-19 or HHV-6 revealed no significant differences in cases and controls. However, antibodies to EBV were more frequently found in children with leukaemia younger than 6 years of age (age at the time of diagnosis of leukaemia) than in controls. Apparently, infection with AAV-2 has no protective effect in childhood leukaemia, in contrast to results observed for other malignancies. Similarly, and in accordance with results on leukaemia in adults, we found no indication of a protective effect of infection with the parvovirus B-19. The data suggest that EBV, which is known to be involved in various lymphomas, may play a role in the development of childhood leukaemia in young children.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Schlehofer
- Division of Epidemiology, German Cancer Research Centre, Heidelberg, Germany
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47
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Abstract
The proteinase of the human endogenous retrovirus K (HERV-K) shows similarity to retrovirus aspartic proteinases. It is translated from a transcript composed of gag and prt. The proteinase was expressed either as full-length native protein or as truncated protein in Escherichia coli. Functional protein was demonstrated by its autocatalytic cleavage into an 18 kDa fragment recognized by a polyclonal antiserum. This autocatalytic cleavage was specifically inhibited by a human immunodeficiency virus type 1 proteinase inhibitor. The HERV-K proteinase expressed in E. coli was capable of cleaving HERV-K Gag translated in vitro. Major protein fragments of 39 and 30 kDa, and minor protein fragments of 26, 22 and 21 kDa were obtained. Similar fragments are also observed in the human teratocarcinoma cell line Tera1. Our data suggest that the HERV-K proteinase is functionally equivalent to other retrovirus proteinases and thus probably functions in the processing of Gag precursor protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Schommer
- Institut für Medizinische Mikrobiologie und Hygiene, Abteilung Virologie, Universitätskliniken, Homburg/Saar, Germany
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48
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Meese E, Göttert E, Zang KD, Sauter M, Schommer S, Mueller-Lantzsch N. Human endogenous retroviral element k10 (HERV-K10): chromosomal localization by somatic hybrid mapping and fluorescence in situ hybridization. Cytogenet Cell Genet 1996; 72:40-2. [PMID: 8565630 DOI: 10.1159/000134157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The human endogenous retrovirus K10 (HERV-K10) was mapped to human chromosomes using HERV-K10 specific PCR primers on a somatic hybrid mapping panel. A non-random chromosomal location was demonstrated with PCR signals on chromosomes 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 19, 20, 21, 22 and Y. There was a lack of PCR products on the other chromosomes, even after hybridization with a HERV-K10 specific probe. To further localize the HERV-K10 sequence we used fluorescence in situ hybridization. Chromosomes 1, 3, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12 and 22 were found to contain several HERV-K10 sequences in different regions. The presence of several integration sites on some chromosomes is consistent with previous studies demonstrating 30-50 copies of the HERV-K10 sequence per haploid genome. The mapping information reported in this study will assist the analysis of the biological significance of the HERV-K10 sequence.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Meese
- Institut für Humangenetik, Universitätskliniken des Saarlandes, Homburg/Saar, Germany
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49
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Kremmer E, Kranz BR, Hille A, Klein K, Eulitz M, Hoffmann-Fezer G, Feiden W, Herrmann K, Delecluse HJ, Delsol G, Bornkamm GW, Mueller-Lantzsch N, Grässert FA. Rat monoclonal antibodies differentiating between the Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigens 2A (EBNA2A) and 2B (EBNA2B). Virology 1995; 208:336-42. [PMID: 11831716 DOI: 10.1006/viro.1995.1157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Rat monoclonal antibodies were produced against the C-terminus of Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigens 2A (EBNA2A) and 2B (EBNA2B) expressed as bacterial trpE fusion proteins. The initial screening was performed using a soluble bacterial extract containing the fusion proteins. Positive hybridomas were confirmed by immunofluorescence on SF158 (Spodoptera frugiperda) insect cells infected with recombinant baculovirus (Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus) and expressing the complete EBNA2A or EBNA2B genes. We selected a panel of antibodies which reacted either with both antigens or specifically with EBNA2A or with EBNA2B. The antibodies were extensively characterized using immunoprecipitation, Western blotting, epitope mapping on synthesized peptide segments of EBNA2A, immunocytology, and immunohistology on both cryostat sections and paraffin sections of AIDS-associated primary central nervous system lymphomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Kremmer
- Institut für Immunologie, Hämatologikum, GSF, München, Germany
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50
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Sauter M, Schommer S, Kremmer E, Remberger K, Dölken G, Lemm I, Buck M, Best B, Neumann-Haefelin D, Mueller-Lantzsch N. Human endogenous retrovirus K10: expression of Gag protein and detection of antibodies in patients with seminomas. J Virol 1995; 69:414-21. [PMID: 7983737 PMCID: PMC188589 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.69.1.414-421.1995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The human endogenous retrovirus K10 (HERV-K10) has been identified in the human genome by its homology to retroviruses of other vertebrates (M. Ono, T. Yasunaga, T. Miyata, and H. Ushikubo, J. Virol. 60:589-598, 1986). Using PCR amplification, DNA cloning, sequencing, and procaryotic expression, we were able to demonstrate that HERV-K10 encodes a 73-kDa protein which was processed by a HERV-K10-encoded protease to yield proteins p22/p26, p30, and p15/16. Analysis of the teratocarcinoma cell line Tera 1 or tumor tissues by immunoblotting demonstrated that the 80-kDa polyprotein of HERV-K10 gag and a processed protein of 39 kDa were expressed. In addition, a major protein of 39 kDa and additional species of 30, 22, 19, and 17 kDa could be detected in the supernatant of Tera 1 cells, suggesting that HERV-K10 Gag proteins are either secreted or processed to probably incomplete viral particles. In addition, the gag gene of HERV-K10 was expressed in the baculovirus system. Using this recombinant system to test antisera from patients with different diseases and healthy individuals, we were able to detect antibodies against the N-terminal part of HERV-K10 Gag in 2 to 4% of groups of tumor patients with titers ranging between 1:80 and 1:640, while approximately 0.1 to 0.5% of healthy individuals exhibited antibodies with lower titers. In contrast, patients with seminoma had antibody titers in the range of 1:2,560 at the time when the tumor was detected. Immunohistochemistry using specific rabbit sera or monoclonal antibodies against HERV-K10 Gag revealed that the Gag protein is expressed in the cytoplasm of the tumor cells. Furthermore, an 80-kDa protein corresponding to the HERV-K10 Gag polyprotein could be detected in tumor biopsies. For the first time, these data indicate that HERV-K10 Gag proteins are synthesized in seminoma cells and tumors exhibit relatively high antibody titers against Gag. So far, no information on which role HERV-K10 plays in the development of this tumor exists.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Sauter
- Abteilung Virologie, Universitätkliniken des Saarlandes, Homburg/Saar, Germany
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