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Identification of Rauscher murine leukemia virus-specific mRNAs for the synthesis of gag- and env-gene products.

Polyadenylylated mRNA isolated from cells infected with Rauscher murine leukemia virus was fractionated by centrifugation in in a denaturing sucrose gradient into different sizes. Each RNA fraction was injected into oocytes of Xenopus laevis and the virus-specific products were analyzed by immunoprecipitation with polyvalent and monospecific antisera against polypeptides of Rauscher murine leukemia virus, and then by gel electrophoresis and scintillation autoradiography. It was shown that a 35S mRNA species directs the synthesis of a precursor of the internal or group-specific antigens of the virion (the gag-gene products). A 22S mRNA species directs the synthesis of two viral envelope polypeptides and their precursor polypeptide (env-gene products). The results indicate that the gag- and env-related polypeptides of Rauscher murine leukemia virus are synthesized uncoordinately and provide evidence for open and closed cistrons on the virus-specific mRNAs.

Antigen-Antibody Reactions

Inhibition of Rous sarcoma virus replication by 2-deoxyglucose and tunicamycin: identification of an unglycosylated env gene product.

Two inhibitors of glycosylation, 2-deoxyglucose and tunicamycin, depressed the synthesis of infectious Rous sarcoma virus greater than 100-fold. Under the same conditions only a two- to threefold decrease in the production of virus particles was observed. The noninfectious particles had a lower density (1.145 g/ml) in isopycnic sucrose gradients and lacked the two virion glycoproteins, gp85 and gp37, found on infectious virions. The four internal structural proteins of the virus, p27, p19, p15, and p12, appeared to be assembled normally into the noninfectious virus. Polypeptides related to the Rous sarcoma virus glycoproteins were immunoprecipitated from pulse-labeled Rous sarcoma virus (Prague strain, subgroup B)-transformed cells. pr95gp, the polyprotein precursor to gp85 and gp37, was the major protein precipitated from untreated cells. PR95GP, THE POLYPROTEIN PRECURSOR TO GP85 AND GP37, WAS THE MAJOR PROTEIN PRECIPITATED FROM UNTREATED CELLS. This was absent in both tunicamycin- and 2-deoxyglucose-treatec ells, and a new polypeptide of molecular weight 57,000 to 58,000 was the major species precipitated. In tunicamycin-treated cells this product was unstable and was degraded during a 2-h chase; in 2-deoxyglucose-treated cells, on the other hand, the polypeptide appeared to be more stable and underwent partial glycosylation. The synthesis and processing of pr76, the polyprotein precursor to the internal structural proteins of the virion, occurred normally in both treated and untreated cells. It is concluded that the unglycosylated env gene product is a polypeptide of molecular weight 57,000 to 58,000.

Avian Sarcoma Viruses

Identification of the messenger RNAs coding for the gag and env gene products of the murine mammary tumor virus.

Full-length (35S) genomic RNA from murine mammary tumor virus (MuMTV) was translated in vitro, using a reticulocyte lysate system, into proteins of 105,000, 75,000, 65,000, 35,000, and 27,000 daltons. These proteins were all immunoprecipitable with a monospecific antiserum to the major viral core protein, p27, but not with antiserum to the major viral envelope glycoprotein, gp47. Translation in vitro of RNA of about 24S size extracted from MuMTV yielded proteins similar in size and immunoreactivity to the products of the 35S RNA translation. Polyadenylylated RNA isolated from an MuMTV-producing cell line was fractionated according to size by velocity sedimentation and subsequently hybridized to MuMTV complementary DNA probes. These studies identified at least three size classes (35S, 24S, and 14-18S) of intracellular MuMTV-specific RNA. The 35S intracellular RNA was translated into MuMTV-specific proteins identical in size and immunoreactivity to the products of the virion-derived 35S RNA. On the other hand, translation of the intracellular 24S RNA fraction resulted in the synthesis of proteins, of which two (of about 70,000 daltons) could be immunoprecipitated with anti-gp47 serum, but not with anti-p27 serum. From these data we conclude that MuMTV core and envelope proteins are synthesized from two different mRNAs with approximate sizes of 35S and 24S, respectively. Our results also imply that the intracellular 24S mRNA is synthesized by a process more complex than simple cleavage of the 35S RNA.

Animals

env Gene of chicken RNA tumor viruses: extent of conservation in cellular and viral genomes.

The env gene of avian sarcoma-leukosis viruses codes for envelope glycoproteins that determine viral host range, antigenic specificity, and interference patterns. We used molecular hybridization to analyze the natural distribution and possible origins of the nucleotide sequences that encode env; our work exploited the availability of radioactive DNA (cDNA(gp)) complementary to most or all of env. env sequences were detectable in the DNAs of chickens which synthesized an env gene product (chick helper factor positive) encoded by an endogenous viral gene and also in the DNAs of chickens which synthesized little or no env gene product (chick helper factor negative). env sequences were not detectable in DNAs from Japanese quail, ring-necked pheasant, golden pheasant, duck, squab, salmon sperm, or calf thymus. The detection of sequences closely related to viral env only in chicken DNA contrasts sharply with the demonstration that the transforming gene (src) of avian sarcoma viruses has readily detectable homologues in the DNAs of all avian species tested [D. Stehelin, H. E. Varmus, J. M. Bishop, and P. K. Vogt, Nature (London) 260: 170-173, 1976] and in the DNAs of other vertebrates (D. Spector, personal communication). Thermal denaturation studies on duplexes formed between cDNA(gp) and chicken DNA and also between cDNA(gp) and RNAs of subgroup A to E viruses derived from chickens indicated that these duplexes were well matched. In contrast, cDNA(gp) did not form stable hybrids with RNAs of viruses which were isolated from ring-necked and golden pheasants. We conclude that substantial portions of nucleotide sequences within the env genes of viruses of subgroups A to E are closely related and that these genes probably have a common, perhaps cellular, evolutionary origin.

Alpharetrovirus

Presence of complete murine viral genome sequences in patient-derived xenografts.

Patient-derived xenografts are crucial for drug development but their use is challenged by issues such as murine viral infection. We evaluate the scope of viral infection and its impact on patient-derived xenografts by taking an unbiased data-driven approach to analyze unmapped RNA-Seq reads from 184 experiments. We find and experimentally validate the extensive presence of murine viral sequence reads covering entire viral genomes in patient-derived xenografts. The existence of viral sequences inside tumor cells is further confirmed by single cell sequencing data. Extensive chimeric reads containing both viral and human sequences are also observed. Furthermore, we find significantly changed expression levels of many cancer-, immune-, and drug metabolism-related genes in samples with high virus load. Our analyses indicate a need to carefully evaluate the impact of viral infection on patient-derived xenografts for drug development. They also point to a need for attention to quality control of patient-derived xenograft experiments.

Animals

A serologic comparison of Moloney lymphoma cell surface and Moloney oncornavirus antigens.

Moloney lymphomas and Moloney sarcomas share strong tumor antigens. In this report we analyze the cell-surface antigens on a Balb/c Moloney lymphoma, LSTRA, using hyperimmune sarcoma regressor sera (alphaMo) as a primary reagent. We also use heterologous anti-viral p30 and gp70 sera for a direct analysis of virion protein antigens on the LSTRA surface. Using radiolabeled alphaMo-binding assays, we demonstrate that LSTRA tumor antigens detected by these sera are all Moloney viral antigens; approximately 1/3 of these antigenic determinants are expressed on the intact virus, and the other determinants are revealed by detergent lysis of the virus. The major viral antigens expressed on the LSTRA cell surface are viral env gene products, whereas gag gene products are only sparsely represented. We conclude that alphaMo sera detect almost exclusively viral antigens on LSTRA cells, and these antigens are almost exclusively virion env gene products.

Animals

Genetic recombination between mouse type C RNA viruses: a mechanism for endogenous viral gene amplification in mammalian cells.

A strategy based on the identification of type-specific antigenic determinants in the transitional products of gag (p15, p12, and p30 proteins), pol (reverse transcriptase), and env (gp70 glycoproteins) genes of mammalian type C viruses has been used to study genetic recombination between these RNA viruses. By this approach, recombinants involving exogenous and endogenous mouse type C viruses have been identified and genetically mapped. Analogous techniques have been applied to investigate the genetic relationships between different classes of endogenous virus that exist within the same mouse cells. Proteins of the inducible class of xenotropic virus were shown to exhibit extensive antigenic homology with the gag but not the env gene products of the ecotropic virus class. Instead, the env gene-coded glycoproteins of the inducible and noninducible xenotropic virus classes possessed striking antigenic relatedness. These results, as well as supporting findings from molecular hybridization, favor the concept that the inducible xenotropic virus of mouse cells arose by a recombinational mechanism involving the progenitors of the other two endogenous virus classes.

Animals

Cell surface expression of the env gene polyprotein of dual-tropic mink cell focus-forming murine leukemia virus.

Differences have been observed in the kinetics of processing of the env gene polyprotein of ecotropic, xenotropic, and dual-tropic mink cell focus-forming (MCF) murine leukemia virus. In pulse-chase experiments, the env gene polyprotein of the dural-tropic MCF virus exhibits a marked increase in stability relative to that of either ecotropic or xenotropic virus. A comparison of cell surface expression of env gene products of ecotropic, xenotropic, and dual-tropic MCF murine leukemia virus has been made. Only gp70 is accessible to lactoperoxidase-catalyzed radioiodination of fibroblasts infected by ecotropic or xenotropic virus, whereas both gp70 and the env gene polyprotein are expressed on the surface of dual-tropic MCF virus-infected cells.

Animals

Identification of an FMR cell surface antigen associated with murine leukemia virus-infected cells.

FMR antigens are found on the surface of cells infected with Friend, Moloney, and Rauscher murine leukemia viruses (MuLV). These antigens are serologically distinct from the G cell surface antigens that are found on cells infected with endogenous MuLV (AKR and Gross virus). Cell surface antigens of both virus groups are immunogenic in mice, and immunization with appropriate virus-infected cells leads to the production of cytotoxic antisera. The cytotoxic activity of FMR antisera can be absorbed by disrupted preparations of Rauscher MuLV, but not by AKR MuLV. FMR antisera precipitate the viral envelope proteins gp70, pl5(E), and p12(E) from detergent-disrupted preparations of [3H]leucine-labeled MuLV. The reaction of these antisera with p15(E) and p12(E) proteins is directed against group-specific antigens and can be absorbed with AKR MuLV; in contrast, the reaction of these antisera with gp70 is directed against type-specific antigens and is absorbed only by viruses of the FMR group. In immune precipitation assays with detergent-disrupted 125I surface-labeled cells, FMR antisera react only with type-specific antigens of the viral envelpe protein. On the basis of these findings we conclude that the FMR cell surface antigen is a determinant on the MuLV env gene product.

Animals

Antigenic characterization of a new gibbon ape leukemia virus isolate: seroepidemiologic assessment of an outbreak of gibbon leukemia.

A type-C virus recently isolated from a leukemic gibbon in a colony located on Hall's Island, Bermuda, was characterized with respect to the antigenic properties of its gag and env gene-coded proteins. This virus, designated GaLV-H, was found to be closely related immunologically to type-C viruses previously isolated from gibbons (GaLV-SF, GaLV-SEATO, GaLV-Br) and from woolly monkey (SSAV). However, GaLV-H was readily differentiated from these isolates in a radioimmunoassay for its env gene product, gp70. Seroepidemiology established that GaLV-H was horizontally transmitted among gibbons within the colony. There was no evidence of exposure leading to an immune response to the virus or viral antigenemia in humans working in association with these animals.

Animals

Feline oncornavirus-associated cell membrane antigen: evidence for an immunologically crossreactive feline sarcoma virus-coded protein.

The feline oncornavirus-associated cell membrane antigen (FOCMA) acts as a target for natural immuno-surveillance against tumor development in the cat. In the present study, mink and rat cells nonproductively transformed by feline sarcoma virus (FeSV) were shown to express FOCMA as well as 5'-terminal feline leukemia virus (FeLV) gag gene proteins, p15 and p12. In contrast, such cells lack detectable levels of other FeLV gag gene-coded proteins or the env gene product, gp70. FOCMA, p15, and p12 antigen expression is initially in the form of an 80,000-100,000 molecular weight precursor which, upon post-translational cleavage, gives rise to a 65,000 molecular weight component that contains FOCMA and a 25,000 molecular weight component containing p15 and p12. Feline lymphoma cells, including those from several tumors that lacked detectable levels of FeLV structural protein expression, were shown to be FOCMA-positive. These findings strongly suggest that FOCMA represents an FeSV-coded transformation specific protein and provide preliminary information regarding the position within the FeSV genome coding for its synthesis.

Animals

Isolation and characterization of a mouse cell line containing a defective Moloney murine leukemia virus genome.

A culture of mouse cells containing a 1,000-nucleotide deletion mutant of Moloney murine leukemia virus has been isolated. The deletion did not affect the size or function of the 21S mRNA that encodes the env gene products. Both the deleted RNA and the 21S mRNA were recovered in polyribosomes. Cells containing the deleted virus made no detectable Pr180gag-pol. Pr65gag synthesis with also absent, but a 45,000-molecular-weight gag gene product was found that might be encoded by the deleted genome. Biosynthesis of Pr80env proceeded normally in these cells; the intracellular precursor was cleaved and migrated to the cell surface as gp70. The cells could not be superinfected by homologous Moloney murine leukemia virus presumably because of surface restriction due to the gp70. Although the cells express the Moloney murine leukemia virus gp70 on their surface, they will not make pseudotypes after infection with vesicular stomatitis virus implying that Pr65gag may play a critical role in pseudotype formation. Induction of endogenous virus expression in the cells carrying the deletion mutant generated an N-tropic murine leukemia virus that can fuse XC cells. This may represent a recombinant between the deletion mutant and an endogenous virus.

Animals

gag-Related polypeptides encoded by replication-defective avian oncoviruses.

The content of viral structural (gag) protein sequences in polypeptides encoded by replication-defective avian erythroblastosis virus (AEV) and myelocytomatosis virus MC29 was assessed by immunological and peptide analyses. Direct comparison with gag proteins of the associated helper viruses revealed that MC29 110K polypeptide contained p19, p12, and p27, whereas the AEV 75K polypeptide had sequences related only to p19 and p12. Both of these polypeptides contained some information that was unrelated to gag, pol, or env gene products. In addition, no homology was detected between these unique peptides of MC29 110K and AEV 75K. The AEV 75K polypeptide shared strain-specific tryptic peptides with the p19 encoded by its naturally occurring helper virus; this observation suggests that gag-related sequences in 75K were originally derived from the helper viral gag gene. Digestion of oxidized MC29 110K and AEV 75K proteins with the Staphylococcus aureus V8 protease generated a fragment which comigrated with N-acetylmethionylsulfoneglutamic acid, a blocked dipeptide which is the putative amino-terminal sequence of structural protein p19 and gag precursor Pr76gag. This last finding is evidence that the gag sequences are located at the N-terminal end of the MC29 110K and AEV 75K polypeptides.

Alpharetrovirus

Human endogenous retrovirus K (HERV-K) envelope structures in pre- and postfusion by cryo-EM.

Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are remnants of ancient infections that comprise ~8% of the human genome. The HERV-K envelope glycoprotein (Env) is aberrantly expressed in cancers, autoimmune disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases, and is targeted by patients' own antibodies. However, a lack of structural information has limited molecular and immunological studies of the roles of HERVs in disease. Here, we present cryo-electron microscopy structures of stabilized HERV-K Env in the prefusion conformation, revealing a distinct fold and architecture compared to HIV and simian immunodeficiency virus. We also generated and characterized a panel of monoclonal antibodies with subunit and conformational specificity, serving as valuable research tools. These antibodies enabled structure determination of the postfusion conformation of HERV-K Env, including its unique "tether" helix, and antibody-bound prefusion Env. Together, these results provide a structural framework that opens the door to mechanistic studies of HERV-K Env and tools for its evaluation as a potential therapeutic target.

Cryoelectron Microscopy

Increased immunogen valency improves the maturation of vaccine-elicited HIV-1 VRC01-like antibodies.

Antibodies belonging to the VRC01-class display broad and potent neutralizing activities and have been isolated from several people living with HIV (PLWH). A member of that class, monoclonal antibody VRC01, was shown to reduce HIV-acquisition in two phase 2b efficacy trials. VRC01-class antibodies are therefore expected to be one component of an effective HIV-1 vaccine elicited response. In contrast to the VRC01-class antibodies that are highly mutated, their unmutated forms do not engage HIV-1 envelope (Env) and do not display neutralizing activities. Hence, specifically modified Env-derived proteins have been designed to engage the unmutated forms of VRC01-class antibodies, and to activate the corresponding naïve B cells. Selected heterologous Env must then be used as boost immunogens to guide the proper maturation of these elicited VRC01-class antibodies. Here we examined whether and how the valency of the prime and boost immunogens influences VRC01-class antibody-maturation. Our findings indicate that, indeed the valency of the immunogen affects the maturation of elicited antibody responses by preferentially selecting VRC01-like antibodies that have accumulated somatic mutations present in broadly neutralizing VRC01-class antibodies isolated from PLWH. As a result, antibodies isolated from animals immunized with the higher valency immunogens display broader Env cross-binding properties and improved neutralizing potentials than those isolated from animals immunized with the lower valency immunogens. Our results are relevant to current and upcoming phase 1 clinical trials that evaluate the ability of novel immunogens aiming to elicit cross-reactive VRC01-class antibody responses.

AIDS Vaccines

Non-human primate LIBRA-Seq accelerates neutralizing antibody discovery in RM vaccinated against HIV-1.

Broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) exhibit protective efficacy against HIV-1 infection making them an ideal archetype for HIV-1 vaccine design. Presently, no vaccine candidate has induced antibody responses capable of meaningful protection against the swathe of circulating, difficult to neutralize tier 2 HIV-1 viruses. However, the development of stabilized, native-like envelope (Env) trimers such as BG505.SOSIP.664.T332N (BG505 SOSIP) has marked a significant advancement in vaccine design, due to their ability to elicit NAbs that neutralize tier 2 viruses in rhesus macaques (RM). NAb development following envelope trimer immunization in RM remains poorly understood, with hypothesized contributions from genetic variation at the IG loci, naive B cell repertoire, and differential gene expression in B cell lineages. To address these knowledge gaps, we have developed a set of BG505 SOSIP probes capable of recovering paired clonotype identity, antigen specificity, and gene expression of B cells in a high throughput fashion. These probes were constructed by conjugating biotinylated BG505 SOSIP to streptavidin covalently linked to both sc-RNA-Seq compatible DNA oligonucleotides and flow cytometry compatible fluorophores. Using these reagents, we isolated and sequenced BG505 SOSIP specific memory B cells from the PBMCs of an RM that developed high titers of neutralizing antibodies. To benchmark the accuracy of our technology, we compared our recovered heavy and light chain sequences to those identified from the same animal using conventional methodology and recovered 100% of previously identified NAbs. We then applied this technology to recover BG505 SOSIP specific memory B cells from five additional vaccinated RMs, cloned 34 antibodies for functional characterization, and identified ten antibodies with autologous neutralizing activity.

Animals

Morphological revertants of an avian sarcoma virus-transformed mammalian cell line exhibit tumorigenicity and contain pp60src.

The biological and biochemical properties of Rous sarcoma virus-transformed and revertant field vole cells were investigated. Revertant vole cells appear morphologically similar to normal, uninfected cells, yet, like transformed vole cells, they are fully capable of growing in agar suspension and producing tumors in athymic nude mice. These highly tumorigenic, yet morphologically normal appearing, vole cells express viral-specific antigens such as the gag gene product (Pr76) but lack the env gene protein (gp85). Moreover, they contain the src gene protein, pp60src. These results support the concept of the pleiotropic nature of the src gene product and in addition suggest that pp60src may have multiply mechanisms of action. With this revertant cell system it may be feasible to distinguish between those biochemical functions of the src gene product that are important for tumorigenicity in vivo and those that are related to in vitro morphological transformation.

Animals