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J Dubuisson

Publications and source records attributed to J Dubuisson.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

A retention signal necessary and sufficient for endoplasmic reticulum localization maps to the transmembrane domain of hepatitis C virus glycoprotein E2.

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) genome encodes two envelope glycoproteins (E1 and E2). These glycoproteins interact to formin a noncovalent heterodimeric complex which is retained in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). To identify whether E1 and/or E2 contains an ER-targeting signal potentially involved in ER retention of the E1-E2 complex, these proteins were expressed alone and their intracellular localization was studied. Due to misfolding of E1 in the absence of E2, no conclusion on the localization of its native form could be drawn from the expression of E1 alone. E2 expressed in the absence of E1 was shown to be retained in the ER similarly to E1-E2 complex. Chimeric proteins in which E2 domains were exchanged with corresponding domains of a protein normally transported to the plasma membrane (CD4) were constructed to identify the sequence responsible for its ER retention. The transmembrane domain (TMD) of E2 (C-terminal 29 amino acids) was shown to be sufficient for retention of the ectodomain of CD4 in the ER compartment. Replacement of the E2 TMD by the anchor signal of CD4 or a glycosyl phosphatidylinositol (GPI) moiety led to its expression on the cell surface. In addition, replacement of the E2 TMD by the anchor signal of CD4 or a GPI moiety abolished the formation of E1-E2 complexes. Together, these results suggest that, besides having a role as a membrane anchor, the TMD of E2 is involved in both complex formation and intracellular localization.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Involvement of endoplasmic reticulum chaperones in the folding of hepatitis C virus glycoproteins.

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) genome encodes two envelope glycoproteins (E1 and E2) which interact noncovalently to form a heterodimer (E1-E2). During the folding and assembly of HCV glycoproteins, a large portion of these proteins are trapped in aggregates, reducing the efficiency of native E1-E2 complex assembly. To better understand this phenomenon and to try to increase the efficiency of HCV glycoprotein folding, endoplasmic reticulum chaperones potentially interacting with these proteins were studied. Calnexin, calreticulin, and BiP were shown to interact with E1 and E2, whereas no interaction was detected between GRP94 and HCV glycoproteins. The association of HCV glycoproteins with calnexin and calreticulin was faster than with BiP, and the kinetics of interaction with calnexin and calreticulin were very similar. However, calreticulin and BiP interacted preferentially with aggregates whereas calnexin preferentially associated with monomeric forms of HCV glycoproteins or noncovalent complexes. Tunicamycin treatment inhibited the binding of HCV glycoproteins to calnexin and calreticulin, indicating the importance of N-linked oligosaccharides for these interactions. The effect of the co-overexpression of each chaperone on the folding of HCV glycoproteins was also analyzed. However, the levels of native E1-E2 complexes were not increased. Together, our data suggest that calnexin plays a role in the productive folding of HCV glycoproteins whereas calreticulin and BiP are probably involved in a nonproductive pathway of folding.

Animals↗

[The role of chaperone proteins in the assembly of envelope proteins of hepatitis C virus].

Formation of the viral envelope is an important step in the morphogenesis of enveloped viruses. Our data on the formation of hepatitis C virus (HCV) envelope indicate that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) chaperones play a role in the assembly of HCV envelope proteins (E1 and E2). We have shown that these glycoproteins interact with BiP, calreticulin and calnexin. However, among these chaperones, only calnexin is involved in the productive assembly of E1E2 complex. The other two chaperones interact with misfolded aggregates containing E1 and E2. Folding of HCV glycoproteins occurs in the context of intermediate complexes involving E1, E2 and calnexin. As soon as E1E2 heterodimers are properly folded, they separate from calnexin but don't leave the ER compartment.

Calcium-Binding Proteins↗

rbcL sequences: a promising tool for the molecular systematics of the fern genus Trichomanes (Hymenophyllaceae)?

A phylogenetic study using rbcL sequences was performed on 18 species of the fern genus Trichomanes (Hymenophyllaceae) in order to (i) test the ability of this gene for resolving relationships within this taxon and (ii) reveal major phylogenetic tendencies. Molecular divergence values suggest that subtaxa of this genus more closely conform to generic concepts as applied to other ferns and angiosperms. Although the gene rbcL appears to be a promising tool, the deepest relationships remain ambiguous, probably in relation with saturation, especially for transition events. Despite the taxonomic undersampling, some major systematic tendencies are evidenced. Morton's subgenus Didymoglossum appears to be strongly supported. The monotypic section Davalliopsis and subgenus Achomanes cluster together into an unexpected geographic group. The monophyly of each of Morton's subgenera Trichomanes and Pachychaetum is not retrieved. Molecular data seem in fact to be more in agreement with comparative cytology rather than with morphology. Additional taxa are suggested for confirming these tendencies.

Cloning, Molecular↗

Characterization of truncated forms of hepatitis C virus glycoproteins.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) glycoproteins (E1 and E2) both contain a carboxy-terminal hydrophobic region, which presumably serves as a membrane anchor. When they are expressed in animal cell cultures, these glycoproteins, in both mature complexes and misfolded aggregates, are retained in the endoplasmic reticulum. The effect of carboxy-terminal deletions on HCV glycoprotein secretion and folding was examined in this study. Sindbis and/or vaccinia virus recombinants expressing truncated forms of these glycoproteins ending at amino acids 311, 330, 354 and 360 (truncated E1), and 661, 688, 704 and 715 (truncated E2) were constructed. When expressed using Sindbis virus vectors, only truncated forms of E1 and E2 ending at amino acids 311 (E1t311) and 661 (E2t661), respectively, were efficiently secreted. Analysis of secretion of truncated forms of E2 glycoprotein expressed by vaccinia viruses indicated that significant secretion was still observed for a protein as large as E2t715. However, only secreted E2t661 appeared to be properly folded. Secreted HCV glycoprotein complexes were also detected in the supernatant of cell culture when E1t311 and E2t661 were coexpressed. Nevertheless, these secreted complexes, as well as E1t311 expressed alone, were misfolded. The effect of coexpression of E1 and E2 glycoproteins on each other's folding was evaluated with the help of a conformation-sensitive monoclonal antibody (for E2) or by analysing intramolecular disulfide bond formation (for E1). Our data indicate that the folding of E2 is independent of E1, but that E2 is required for the proper folding of E1.

Animals↗

Formation of native hepatitis C virus glycoprotein complexes.

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) glycoproteins (E1 and E2) interact to form a heterodimeric complex, which has been proposed as a functional subunit of the HCV virion envelope. As examined in cell culture transient-expression assays, the formation of properly folded, noncovalently associated E1E2 complexes is a slow and inefficient process. Due to lack of appropriate immunological reagents, it has been difficult to distinguish between glycoprotein molecules that undergo productive folding and assembly from those which follow a nonproductive pathway leading to misfolding and aggregation. Here we report the isolation and characterization of a conformation-sensitive E2-reactive monoclonal antibody (H2). The H2 monoclonal antibody selectively recognizes slowly maturing E1E2 heterodimers which are noncovalently linked, protease resistant, and no longer associated with the endoplasmic reticulum chaperone calnexin. This complex probably represents the native prebudding form of the HCV glycoprotein heterodimer. Besides providing a novel reagent for basic studies on HCV virion assembly and entry, this monoclonal antibody should be useful for optimizing production and isolation of native HCV glycoprotein complexes for serodiagnostic and vaccine applications.

Animals↗

Genetic determinants of Sindbis virus neuroinvasiveness.

After peripheral inoculation of mice, Sindbis virus replicates in a variety of tissues, leading to viremia. In some cases, the virus can enter the central nervous system (CNS) and cause lethal encephalitis. The outcome of infection is age and virus strain dependent. Recently, two pairs of Sindbis virus variants differing in neurovirulence and neuroinvasiveness were derived by limited serial passaging in mouse brain. Two early passage isolates (SVA and SVB) were neurotropic but did not cause lethal encephalitis. SVB, but not SVA, was neuroinvasive. A second independent pair of isolates (SVN and SVNI), which had undergone more extensive mouse brain passaging, were highly neurotropic and caused lethal encephalitis. Only SVNI could reach the brain after peripheral inoculation. From these isolates, virion RNAs were obtained and used to construct full-length cDNA clones from which infectious RNA transcripts could be recovered. The strains recovered from these clones were shown to retain the appropriate phenotypes in weanling mice. Construction and analysis of recombinant viruses were used to define the genetic loci determining neuroinvasion. For SVB, neuroinvasiveness was determined by a single residue in the E2 glycoprotein (Gln-55). For SVNI, neuroinvasive loci were identified in both the 5' noncoding region (position 8) and the E2 glycoprotein (Met-190). Either of these changes on the SVN background was sufficient to confer a neuroinvasive phenotype, although these recombinants were less virulent. To completely mimic the SVNI phenotype, three SVNI-specific substitutions on the SVN background were required: G at position 8, E2 Met-190, and Lys-260, which by itself had no effect on neuroinvasion. These genetically defined strains should be useful for dissecting the molecular mechanisms leading to Sindbis virus invasion of the CNS.

Aedes↗

Immunization with plasmid DNA encoding hepatitis C virus envelope E2 antigenic domains induces antibodies whose immune reactivity is linked to the injection mode.

Plasmids expressing different domains of the hepatis C virus (HCV) envelope E2 glycoprotein from a genotype 1a isolate were constructed to compare the immunogenic potential of E2 in nucleic acid-based immunizations. One plasmid, pCIE2t, expressed a C-terminally truncated form of E2, while others, pS2.SE2A to pS2.SE2E, encoded the adjacent 60-amino-acid (aa) sequences of E2 (inserts A to E) expressed as a fusion with the hepatitis B virus surface antigen. BALB/c mice were given injections of the plasmids intramuscularly (i.m.) or intraepidermally (i.e.) via a gene gun (biolistic introduction), and induced humoral immune responses were evaluated. The i.e. injections resulted in higher seroconversion rates and antibody titers, up to 100-fold, than did the i.m. injections (P = 0.01 to 0.04). Three restricted immunogenic domains, E2A (aa 384 to 443), E2C (aa 504 to 555), and E2E (aa 609 to 674), that yielded antibody titers ranging from 1:59 to > 1:43,700 could be identified. Subtype 1a- and 1b-derived E2 antigens and synthetic peptides were used in Western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analyses, which revealed that the cross-reactivity of the plasmid-induced antibodies was linked both to the type of antigen expressed and to the injection mode. Induced anti-E2 antibodies could immunoprecipitate noncovalent E1E2 complexes believed to exist on the surface of HCV virions. This study allowed us to identify restricted immunogenic domains within E2 and demonstrated that different routes of injection of HCV E2 plasmids can result in quantitatively and qualitatively different humoral immune responses.

Animals↗

Hepatitis C virus glycoprotein folding: disulfide bond formation and association with calnexin.

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) glycoproteins (E1 and E2) are released from the polyprotein by signal peptidase-mediated cleavage and interact to form a heterodimer. Since properly folded subunits are usually required for specific recognition and stable oligomer formation, the rate of stable E1E2 complex formation, which is low, may be limited by the rate of HCV E1 and/or E2 folding. In this study, the folding of the HCV E1 and E2 glycoproteins was monitored by observing the kinetics of intramolecular disulfide bond formation. The association/dissociation of E1 and E2 with calnexin was also examined, since this molecular chaperone appears to play a major role in quality control via retention of incompletely folded or misfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum. Our results indicate that the disulfide-dependent folding of E2 occurs rapidly and appears to be complete upon cleavage of the precursor E2-NS2. In contrast, folding of E1 is slow (> 1 h), suggesting that this step may be rate limiting for E1E2 oligomerization. Both HCV glycoproteins associated rapidly with calnexin, but dissociation was slow, consistent with the slow folding and assembly of E1E2 glycoprotein complexes. These results suggest a role for prolonged association with calnexin in the folding and assembly of HCV glycoprotein heterodimer complexes.

Animals↗

Synthesis and processing of bovine herpesvirus-1 glycoprotein H.

The translation product of the bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1) gH gene was identified and characterized. Synthetic peptides were used to generate specific antisera and a glycoprotein of 108K was precipitated by one of the antisera. Cross-immunoprecipitations with monoclonal antibodies to BHV-1 glycoprotein gp108 and the anti-gH peptide antiserum demonstrated that gp108 is the translation product of the gH open reading frame. Glycoprotein gH synthesis and intracellular processing was analyzed in infected Madin-Darby bovine kidney cells using anti-gp 108 monoclonal antibodies. Glycoprotein gH is expressed as a beta-gamma protein and could be detected by radioimmunoprecipitation as early as 2 hr postinfection. Cotranslational N-glycosylation of gH is essential for the recognition by monoclonal antibodies, suggesting that N-linked glycans are involved in protein folding or that they are targets for most of monoclonal antibodies used in this study.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Formation and intracellular localization of hepatitis C virus envelope glycoprotein complexes expressed by recombinant vaccinia and Sindbis viruses.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) encodes two putative virion glycoproteins (E1 and E2) which are released from the polyprotein by signal peptidase cleavage. In this report, we have characterized the complexes formed between E1 and E2 (called E1E2) for two different HCV strains (H and BK) and studied their intracellular localization. Vaccinia virus and Sindbis virus vectors were used to express the HCV structural proteins in three different cell lines (HepG2, BHK-21, and PK-15). The kinetics of association between E1 and E2, as studied by pulse-chase analysis and coprecipitation of E2 with an anti-E1 monoclonal antibody, indicated that formation of stable E1E2 complexes is slow. The times required for half-maximal association between E1 and E2 were 60 to 85 min for the H strain and more than 165 min for the BK strain. In the presence of nonionic detergents, two forms of E1E2 complexes were detected. The predominant form was a heterodimer of E1 and E2 stabilized by noncovalent interactions. A minor fraction consisted of heterogeneous disulfide-linked aggregates, which most likely represent misfolded complexes. Posttranslational processing and localization of the HCV glycoproteins were examined by acquisition of endoglycosidase H resistance, subcellular fractionation, immunofluorescence, cell surface immunostaining, and immunoelectron microscopy. HCV glycoproteins containing complex N-linked glycans were not observed, and the proteins were not detected at the cell surface. Rather, the proteins localized predominantly to the endoplasmic reticular network, suggesting that some mechanism exists for their retention in this compartment.

Animals↗

Attachment of the gammaherpesvirus bovine herpesvirus 4 is mediated by the interaction of gp8 glycoprotein with heparinlike moieties on the cell surface.

Cell surface heparan sulfate serves as the initial receptor for several alphaherpesviruses and at least one betaherpesvirus. This study shows that during the process of adsorption of the gammaherpesvirus bovine herpesvirus 4 (BHV-4), the viral glycoprotein gp8 interacts with heparinlike moieties of cell surface. This conclusion is based on the following findings. (i) Soluble heparin was capable of blocking BHV-4 infection of Georgia bovine kidney cells by inhibition of viral attachment. (ii) Nevertheless, after virus adsorption to Georgia bovine kidney cells, heparin was partially capable of removing adsorbed virus. (iii) Enzymatic digestion of cell surface heparan sulfate but not of chondroitin sulfates A, B, and C reduced the binding of the virus to the cells, and rendered the cells partially resistant to infection. (iv) Radiolabeled purified BHV-4 bound to wild-type Chinese hamster ovary cells, whereas binding of the virus to mutant Chinese hamster ovary cell lines that where deficient in either all glycosaminoglycans or only heparan sulfate was significantly impaired. (v) Using heparin-affinity chromatography, gp8 glycoprotein was shown to bind specifically to immobilized heparin and to elute in the presence of soluble heparin. These data together showed that the gammaherpesvirus BHV-4, like alphaherpesviruses and one betaherpesvirus, adsorbs to cells by binding to cell surface heparin-like moieties. Therefore, this study extends the group of herpesviruses interacting with heparinlike moieties at the cell surface to a member of the gammaherpesvirinae subfamily.

Adsorption↗

Identification of 108K, 93K, and 42K glycoproteins of bovine herpesvirus-1 by monoclonal antibodies.

Three glycoproteins of bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1) other than glycoproteins gI, gIII, and gIV were identified by monoclonal antibody (MAb) analyses. Monoclonal antibodies were obtained by immunization of mice with either BHV-1 envelope or virus infected cells, from which the glycoproteins gI, gIII, and gIV were removed by immunoaffinity. In the latter immunization procedure mice were tolerized either against normal cellular antigens with or without glycoproteins gI, gIII, gIV, and nucleocapsid. From 154 anti-BHV-1 hybridomas isolated, 39 MAbs precipitated a 108K glycoprotein. Two other glycoproteins of respectively 42K and 93K were precipitated each by one MAb. These three glycoproteins were detected in infected cell lysate. Nine anti-108K glycoprotein MAbs neutralized BHV-1 infectivity and three non-neutralizing MAbs were able to reduce plaque development when virus was grown in the presence of these MAbs. It is therefore suggested that this glycoprotein is involved in viral entry into the cell and in cell-to-cell spread of the virus.

Animals↗

Sindbis virus attachment: isolation and characterization of mutants with impaired binding to vertebrate cells.

Sindbis virus can infect a broad range of insect and vertebrate cell types. The ability to restrict tissue tropism and target virus infection to specific cell types would expand the usefulness of engineered alphaviruses as gene expression vectors. In this study, virus pools derived from libraries of full-length Sindbis virus cDNA clones containing random insertion mutations in the PE2 or E1 virion glycoprotein gene were screened for mutants defective for binding to vertebrate cells. Binding-competent mutants were depleted by serial adsorption to chicken embryo fibroblast (CEF) monolayers at 4 degrees C, and the remaining population was amplified by immune-enhanced infection of P388D1 cells. From the PE2 libraries, 12 candidate mutants showing reduced cytopathic effects on CEF monolayers were isolated and three representative mutants, NB1, NB2, and NB12, were characterized in detail. Insertion mutations for NB1 and NB12 were found near the PE2 cleavage site, whereas the insertion in NB2 occurred between residues 69 and 74 of E2. Although virion assembly and release occurred normally for all three mutants, PE2 cleavage was completely (NB1) or partially (NB12) blocked for the mutants with insertions near the PE2 cleavage site. Both NB1 and NB2 were defective for binding to CEF and BHK-21 cells. Mild trypsin digestion of isolated NB1 virions resulted in PE2 cleavage and partially restored binding to CEF. Besides defective binding, NB1 also exhibited slower CEF penetration kinetics. Consistent with previous work, these results implicate PE2 cleavage and domains in the N-terminal portion of E2 as important determinants of alphavirus binding and penetration. Binding-defective mutants such as NB2, which exhibit normal particle assembly, release, and penetration, may be useful for future efforts to target Sindbis virus infection.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Epidemiological evaluation of a monoclonal ELISA detecting bovine viral diarrhoea pestivirus antigens in field blood samples of persistently infected cattle.

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), using monoclonal antibodies for capture and detection, was developed for detecting bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) antigens in blood samples. The test was evaluated using 761 field samples of known status (viraemic or not). When an appropriate cut-off value was chosen, the sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of the assay were 100%, higher than the values obtained by classical virus isolation. Correlation with the latter technique exceeded 90%. The ELISA is a good candidate for replacing virus isolation as a reference method for BVDV antigen detection in persistently infected carriers. A method based on the mean of the standard deviation ratio can be used to choose the cut-off value in order to optimise reproducibility.

Animals↗

Molecular biology of bovine herpesvirus type 4.

Bovine herpesvirus type 4 (BHV-4) is a ubiquitous virus of cattle. Its genome is a 144 +/- 6 kb double-stranded DNA consisting of a unique central part (L-DNA) flanked at both ends by tandem repeats called polyrepetitive DNA (prDNA or H-DNA). The overall arrangement of genes has been obtained by the analysis of homologies between short BHV-4 DNA sequences and corresponding genes of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and herpesvirus saimiri (HVS). The gene expression is temporally regulated. Glycoprotein precursor p (gp10/gp17) is expressed as gamma 1 polypeptide. Glycoproteins gp1, gp8, gp11 and their precursors are gamma 2 proteins. The analysis of strain variations allows the definition of two types of strains, based on the DNA patterns: the Movar 33/63-like and the DN 599-like strains. Only the M40 strain, isolated in India, fails to fit this classification. The genomic variations have been compiled to build a dendrogram showing three levels of divergence between BHV-4 strains or isolates. The available molecular data indicate that the BHV-4 genome shares much similarity with the DNA of EBV and HVS, two representative members of the gammaherpesvirinae. BHV-4 may therefore be classified in the subfamily gammaherpesvirinae.

Animals↗

Proteins of bovine herpesvirus type 4 released into the culture medium of productively infected cells: identification of a 135K glycoprotein involved in viral attachment.

Three bovine herpesvirus type 4 (BHV-4) proteins released into the culture medium of infected cells were identified, with Mr values of 135K, 16K and 14.5K. Among these three proteins, two were precipitated by the monoclonal antibodies characterized in this work. One is a glycoprotein of 135K (gp8) which does not seem to be involved in BHV-4 neutralization. Moreover, this 135K glycoprotein adsorbed onto uninfected susceptible cells. The attachment of gp8 to cells was totally inhibited by the prior adsorption of unlabelled viral proteins. Moreover, anti-gp8 monoclonal antibodies were effective in inhibiting the adsorption of gp8. These results indicate that gp8 could be involved in BHV-4 attachment.

Animals↗

Identification and characterization of glycoprotein gp1 of bovine herpesvirus type 4.

Three major bovine herpesvirus type 4 (BHV-4) glycoproteins have been described previously. By using monoclonal antibodies produced against BHV-4 envelope proteins from which the three major antigens had been removed by immunoaffinity, a fourth glycoprotein was identified. This protein (gp1) has a high Mr (greater than 300K), is detected about 8 h post-inoculation of infected cells and is strictly expressed as a gamma protein. Moreover, gp1 was identified by a polyclonal antiserum from an infected animal, indicating that this glycoprotein is an antigen recognized by the immune system of infected animals.

Animals↗