Search results for "Virology"
showing 10 items of 2354 documents
Functional properties of a monoclonal antibody inhibiting the hepatitis C virus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase.
2001
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), represented by nonstructural protein 5B (NS5B), has recently emerged as a promising target for antiviral intervention. Here, we describe the isolation, functional characterization, and molecular cloning of a monoclonal antibody (mAb) inhibiting the HCV RdRp. This mAb, designated 5B-12B7, binds with high affinity to a conformational epitope in the palm subdomain of the HCV RdRp and recognizes native NS5B expressed in the context of the entire HCV polyprotein or subgenomic replicons. Complete inhibition of RdRp activity in vitro was observed at equimolar concentrations of NS5B and mAb 5B-12B7, whereas RdRp activities of classica…
Replication of herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2 in the medulla of the adrenal gland after vaginal infection of mice.
1996
After vaginal infections of mice with neuroinvasive strains of herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2 (HSV-1, HSV-2) virus replicates in the epithelium of the vagina, in the paravaginal ganglia, in the spinal cord and finally in the brain and in the adrenal glands. However, viral antigens could be demonstrated only in the medulla of the adrenal glands but not in the cortex, as assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC). HSV could not be isolated from liver, spleen, uterus, and ovaries. This contrasts to the intraperitoneal (i.p) route of infection with replication in different visceral organs including the adrenal gland's cortex.
Binding and internalization of human papillomavirus type 33 virus-like particles by eukaryotic cells
1995
Infection of cells by human papillomaviruses (HPVs) associated with malignant genital lesions has not been studied because of the lack of an in vitro system and the unavailability of virions. We have now used virus-like particles (VLPs) of HPV type 33 to analyze the initial events in the interaction of the HPV capsid with cell lines. Binding of VLPs to HeLa cells was observed in biochemical assays and by immunofluorescence. VLP binding was inhibited by antisera raised against VLPs but not by monoclonal antibodies recognizing either L1 or L2 epitopes accessible on VLPs. Under saturating conditions, approximately 2 x 10(4) VLPs were bound per cell, with a dissociation constant of about 100 pM…
Assembly and Translocation of Papillomavirus Capsid Proteins
2002
ABSTRACT The major and minor capsid proteins of polyomavirus are preassembled in the cytoplasm and translocated to the nucleus only as a VP1-VP2/VP3 complex. In this study, we describe independent nuclear translocation of the L1 major protein and the L2 minor capsid protein of human papillomavirus type 33 by several approaches. First, we observed that expression and nuclear translocation of L2 in natural lesions precede expression of L1. Second, using a cell culture system for coexpression, we found that accumulation of L2 in nuclear domain 10 (ND10) subnuclear structures precedes L1 by several hours. In contrast, complexes of L2 and mutants of L1 forced to assemble in the cytoplasm are tra…
Nuclear localization but not PML protein is required for incorporation of the papillomavirus minor capsid protein L2 into virus-like particles.
2004
ABSTRACT Recent reports suggest that nuclear domain(s) 10 (ND10) is the site of papillomavirus morphogenesis. The viral genome replicates in or close to ND10. In addition, the minor capsid protein, L2, accumulates in these subnuclear structures and recruits the major capsid protein, L1. We have now used cell lines deficient for promyelocytic leukemia (PML) protein, the main structural component of ND10, to study the role of this nuclear protein for L2 incorporation into virus-like particles (VLPs). L2 expressed in PML protein knockout (PML −/− ) cells accumulated in nuclear dots, which resemble L2 aggregates forming at ND10 in PML protein-containing cells. These L2 assemblies also attracted…
Generation and neutralization of pseudovirions of human papillomavirus type 33
1997
Since human papillomaviruses (HPV) cannot be propagated in cell culture, the generation of infectious virions in vitro is a highly desirable goal. Here we report that pseudovirions can be generated by the assembly of virus-like particles (VLPs) in COS-7 cells containing multiple copies of a marker plasmid. Using recombinant vaccinia viruses, we have obtained spherical VLPs of HPV type 33 (HPV-33) which fractionate into heavy and light VLPs in cesium chloride density gradients. VLPs in the heavy fraction (1.31 g/cm3) carry the plasmid in DNase-resistant form and are capable of transferring the genetic marker located on the plasmid to COS-7 cells in a DNase-resistant way (pseudoinfection). Th…
Enhancement of hepatitis C virus RNA replication by cell culture-adaptive mutations.
2001
ABSTRACT Studies of the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication cycle have been made possible with the development of subgenomic selectable RNAs that replicate autonomously in cultured cells. In these replicons the region encoding the HCV structural proteins was replaced by the neomycin phosphotransferase gene, allowing the selection of transfected cells that support high-level replication of these RNAs. Subsequent analyses revealed that, within selected cells, HCV RNAs had acquired adaptive mutations that increased the efficiency of colony formation by an unknown mechanism. Using a panel of replicons that differed in their degrees of cell culture adaptation, in this study we show that adaptive…
Viral and cellular determinants of hepatitis C virus RNA replication in cell culture.
2003
Studies on the replication of hepatitis C virus (HCV) have been facilitated by the development of selectable subgenomic replicons replicating in the human hepatoma cell line Huh-7 at a surprisingly high level. Analysis of the replicon population in selected cells revealed the occurrence of cell culture-adaptive mutations that enhance RNA replication substantially. To gain a better understanding of HCV cell culture adaptation, we characterized conserved mutations identified by sequence analysis of 26 independent replicon cell clones for their effect on RNA replication. Mutations enhancing replication were found in nearly every nonstructural (NS) protein, and they could be subdivided into at …
Translocation of the nuclear autoantigen La to the cell surface of herpes simplex virus type 1 infected cells.
1992
Recently we developed a procedure to translocalize one of the extractable nuclear antigens (ENAs), the La protein, to the cell surface of CV-1 cells. Here we report that herpes simplex virus type 1 infection can also induce a translocation of the autoantigen to the cell surface. On the cell surface we detected La protein assembled with large protrusions. Within these protrusions La protein colocalized with virus particles. These protrusions are known to be released from the cell after virus infections. Such complexes consisting of self and virus could provide helper determinants for an anti-self response, and therefore be important in generation of autoimmunity.
DNA-induced structural changes in the papillomavirus capsid.
2001
ABSTRACT Human papillomavirus capsid assembly requires intercapsomeric disulfide bonds between molecules of the major capsid protein L1. Virions isolated from naturally occurring lesions have a higher degree of cross-linking than virus-like particles (VLPs), which have been generated in eukaryotic expression systems. Here we show that DNA encapsidation into VLPs leads to increased cross-linking between L1 molecules comparable to that seen in virions. A higher trypsin resistance, indicating a tighter association of capsomeres through DNA interaction, accompanies this structural change.