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B Moss

Publications and source records attributed to B Moss.

At least 343 records · Page 19Linked to original sources
PubMed1987

Oligonucleotide sequence signaling transcriptional termination of vaccinia virus early genes.

In an in vitro system containing enzymes extracted from vaccinia virions, transcription of the vaccinia growth factor gene terminated approximately 50 base pairs downstream of a thymidine-rich sequence. Deletion mutagenesis suggested the presence of two tandem termination signals. The signal was identified by replacing the 3' end of the gene with the oligonucleotide AATTTTTAT that induced downstream termination. Further analysis of the transcripts formed with a series of templates containing 16 related synthetic oligonucleotides established the minimum functional termination signal as TTTTTNT, in which N represents any nucleotide. Termination efficiency may be increased, however, by the presence of an adenosine preceding the thymidine cluster. The general use of this signal at early times in infection but not at late times is supported by a survey of vaccinia virus gene sequences.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1987

Identification of a vaccinia virus gene encoding a type I DNA topoisomerase.

Vaccinia virus encapsidates a type I DNA topoisomerase (EC 5.99.1.2). The enzyme was purified from virus cores to apparent homogeneity, yielding a protein of Mr 32,000. The amino-terminal sequence of the isolated Mr 32,000 polypeptide was determined and used to map the putative structural gene for the vaccinia topoisomerase to the H7r open reading frame of the vaccinia genome. This gene encodes a 314-amino acid polypeptide containing a region homologous to a region of the type I topoisomerase from the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1987

In vitro synthesis of vaccinia virus late mRNA containing a 5' poly(A) leader sequence.

We have shown that an extract made from HeLa cells harvested 6 hr after infection with vaccinia virus can transcribe a duplex DNA template containing a late viral gene. S1 nuclease analyses using genomic and synthetic probes indicated that the 5' ends of RNA synthesized in vitro are similar to those of RNA made in vivo and contain 5' poly(A) sequences contiguous with the translation initiation codon. Kinetic analysis of RNA synthesized in vitro demonstrated that a correctly initiated and 5' polyadenylylated product appeared within 5 min after transcription reactions were started. A cis-splicing mechanism of poly(A) addition can be ruled out because the DNA template used in vitro had no poly(dT) sequence and could contain as few as 37 base pairs upstream of the start of the RNA. In addition, we found that a point mutation in the first of two consecutively encoded adenylate residues preceding the ATG initiation codon abolished transcription in vitro. These data are consistent with at least three models: (i) RNA polymerase initiates RNA synthesis with a run of adenylate residues; (ii) a poly(A) primer is used for initiation; or (iii) the poly(A) leader is rapidly and efficiently attached to the RNA by ligation.

Cell-Free System↗
PubMed1987

A novel approach for the production of monoclonal antibodies using infectious vaccinia virus recombinants.

We describe a novel approach of producing monoclonal antibodies (MABs) to one specific protein of a virus or other agent consisting of several proteins, without the use of purified antigen in either the immunization or screening phase of the procedure. This method has general application in the production of MABs when the antigen cannot be obtained in a pure form, but the gene is available. We illustrate this application by producing MAB specific to the nucleocapsid protein (N) of vesicular stomatitis virus serotype Indiana (VSV-IN) from BALB/c mice immunized with an infectious vaccinia virus recombinant vector (v38) that expresses the N gene of VSV-IN. This novel method of immunization obviates the need for initial purification of the protein antigen and injection of adjuvants with the isolated protein as is done in traditional MAB production.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

Determination of the transcriptional regulatory region of a vaccinia virus late gene.

A putative promoter region, extending from 218 base pairs (bp) before (-218) to 10 bp after (+10) the RNA start site of a vaccinia virus gene encoding an Mr-28,000 precursor of a core polypeptide that is expressed only after the onset of DNA replication was linked to DNA coding for the procaryotic enzyme chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT). When this chimeric gene was inserted into the genome of vaccinia virus, the infectious recombinant expressed CAT in a regulated fashion. A series of deletions starting upstream of the promoter region and extending toward the RNA start site were made. The effects of these mutations on CAT expression were examined in cells infected with recombinant viruses and confirmed in a helper virus-dependent transient assay system. A gradual reduction in CAT expression occurred as the deletions extended from -61 to -18. Mutants that retained 18 bp before and 10 bp after the RNA start site still expressed CAT as a late gene product, although at a submaximal level. A further 5'-to-3' deletion of 10 bp reduced CAT expression to background levels. To demonstrate that the effect on expression was not simply due to the bringing of upstream inhibitory sequences closer to the RNA start site, a point mutation substituting a G for the A at -12 was made. The sharp decrease in CAT expression indicated the importance of a run of eight A residues located between -15 and -7. Evidence that these mutations affected the level but not the site of transcriptional initiation was demonstrated by analysis of the 5' ends of the mRNAs from infected cells. The short DNA sequence required for accurate and temporally regulated transcription suggests that the same or overlapping signals are used for both aspects of this process.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

Expression of polyomavirus virion proteins by a vaccinia virus vector: association of VP1 and VP2 with the nuclear framework.

The polyomavirus proteins VP1, VP2, and VP3 move from their cytoplasmic site of synthesis into the nucleus, where virus assembly occurs. To identify cellular or viral components which might control this process, we determined the distribution of VP1, VP2, and VP3 in a soluble fraction, a cytoplasmic cytoskeleton fraction, and a nuclear framework fraction of infected cells. All three proteins were detected in a detergent-extractable form immediately after their synthesis in polyomavirus-infected cells. Approximately 50, 25, and 40% of pulse-labeled VP1, VP2, and VP3, respectively, associated with the skeletal framework of the nucleus within 10 min after their synthesis. The remaining portion of each labeled protein failed to accumulate on the nuclear framework during a 40-min chase and was degraded. When expressed separately by recombinant vaccinia viruses, VP1 and VP2, but not VP3, accumulated on the nuclear framework. This association was not dependent on other polyomavirus proteins or viral DNA. The amount of total VP1 and VP2 which was bound to the nuclear framework approximated 45 and 20%, respectively. Indirect immunofluorescence demonstrated an exclusive nuclear localization of VP1 in situ. In coinfection experiments, a greater percentage of total VP2 and VP3 was bound to the nuclear framework of cells which cosynthesized VP1. These results indicate that although VP1 and VP2 can bind independently to the insoluble nuclear framework, the association of VP3 with this nuclear structure is promoted by the presence of VP1.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

Mechanisms of antiviral immunity induced by a vaccinia virus recombinant expressing herpes simplex virus type 1 glycoprotein D: cytotoxic T cells.

We used a transfected L cell and a vaccinia vector carrying the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) gene coding for glycoprotein D (gD) to characterize HSV-specific T-cell responses. Various studies with mice revealed that the vectors could stimulate some HSV-specific T-cell responses. Although the majority of the T cells contributing to the HSV-1 gD-specific proliferative response were of the Lyt-2.1+ phenotype, cytotoxic T cells (Tc), surprisingly, were not induced by these gD vectors. Even though gD appeared to be a target for a class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-restricted killer cell, neither gD vector was capable of forming a target cell complex which could be recognized by class I MHC-restricted HSV-specific Tc. Further investigation of the gD-specific responses revealed the presence of potent suppressor cells and factors capable of inhibiting HSV-specific Tc induction in in vitro assays. One interpretation of these data is that class I MHC-restricted HSV- and gD-specific Tc do not develop during HSV infection because of active suppression.

Antigens, Viral↗
PubMed1987

Anti-influenza virus cytotoxic T lymphocytes recognize the three viral polymerases and a nonstructural protein: responsiveness to individual viral antigens is major histocompatibility complex controlled.

It has recently been shown that antiviral major histocompatibility complex class I-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocytes can recognize proteins that serve as internal viral structural components (influenza A virus nucleoprotein, vesicular stomatitis virus nucleocapsid protein). To further examine the role of internal viral proteins in cytotoxic T-lymphocyte recognition, we constructed recombinant vaccinia viruses containing individual influenza A virus genes encoding three viral polymerases (PB1, PB2, PA) and a protein not incorporated into virions (NS1). We found that cells infected with each of these recombinant vaccinia viruses could be lysed by anti-influenza cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte responsiveness to the individual viral antigens varied greatly between mouse strains. By using congenic mouse strains, responsiveness to PB1 and PB2 was found to cosegregate with major histocompatibility complex haplotype. These findings provide further evidence that internal antigens play a critical role in cytotoxic T-lymphocyte recognition of virus-infected cells. Additionally, they suggest that the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte response to viral antigens may often be restricted to only a fraction of the major histocompatibility complex class I repertoire.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

Selective synthesis and secretion of particles composed of the hepatitis B virus middle surface protein directed by a recombinant vaccinia virus: induction of antibodies to pre-S and S epitopes.

Selective synthesis in mammalian cells of the hepatitis B virus middle surface (MS) protein, which is 55 amino acids longer than the major surface (S) protein, was achieved by using a recombinant vaccinia virus. The 33-kilodalton MS polypeptide was glycosylated and secreted as particles that resembled human hepatitis B surface antigen as well as particles composed solely of S protein with regard to antigenicity, buoyant density, size, and electron micrographic appearance. The MS particles differed from S particles, however, by binding to polymerized human albumin and inducing antibodies that reacted with a pre-S peptide and inhibited the binding of human plasma-derived hepatitis B surface antigen to polymerized human albumin.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

Identification of the vaccinia virus gene encoding nucleoside triphosphate phosphohydrolase I, a DNA-dependent ATPase.

Vaccinia virus encapsidates a DNA-dependent ATPase known as nucleoside triphosphate phosphohydrolase I (NPH I). A bacteriophage lambda gt11 expression library of poxvirus DNA was screened with antibodies specific for NPH I. Positive clones were used to probe restriction fragments of vaccinia virus genomic DNA to locate the NPH I gene. The identity of the open reading frame (ORF) was confirmed by placing it downstream of a bacteriophage T7 promoter, transcribing the ORF in vitro, and translating the RNA in a reticulocyte lysate. A polypeptide of the correct molecular weight, which was recognized by anti-NPH I antibody, was synthesized. Inspection of the deduced amino acid sequence of the NPH I ORF revealed consensus ATP-binding sites.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗
PubMed1987

DNA-dependent RNA polymerase subunits encoded within the vaccinia virus genome.

Antiserum to a multisubunit DNA-dependent RNA polymerase from vaccinia virions was prepared to carry out genetic studies. This antiserum selectively inhibited the activity of the viral polymerase but had no effect on calf thymus RNA polymerase II. The specificity of the antiserum was further demonstrated by immunoprecipitation of RNA polymerase subunits from dissociated virus particles. The presence in vaccinia virus-infected cells of mRNA that encodes the polymerase subunits was determined by in vitro translation. Immunoprecipitable polypeptides with Mrs of about 135,000, 128,000, 36,000, 34,000, 31,000, 23,000, 21,000, 20,000, and 17,000 were made when early mRNA was added to reticulocyte extracts. The subunits were encoded within the vaccinia virus genome, as demonstrated by translation of early mRNA that hybridized to vaccinia virus DNA. The locations of the subunit genes were determined initially by hybridization of RNA to a series of overlapping 40-kilobase-pair DNA fragments that were cloned in a cosmid vector. Further mapping was achieved with cloned HindIII restriction fragments. Results of these studies indicated that RNA polymerase subunit genes are transcribed early in infection and are distributed within the highly conserved central portion of the poxvirus genome in HindIII fragments E, J, H, D, and A.

Antibodies, Viral↗
PubMed1987

Comparison of the relative roles of the F and HN surface glycoproteins of the paramyxovirus simian virus 5 in inducing protective immunity.

To compare the relative roles of the paramyxovirus simian virus 5 (SV5) major surface glycoproteins, fusion (F) and hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN), in inducing protective immunity, two recombinant vaccinia viruses were constructed. The F and HN polypeptides expressed by the recombinant viruses were indistinguishable from their authentic SV5 counterparts in electrophoretic mobility, glycosylation, and, for the F protein, cleavage of the precursor, F0, to the disulfide-linked subunits F1 and F2. Injection of rabbits and hamsters with live recombinant virus elicited an antibody response to either F or HN and provided a source of monospecific polyclonal antisera to the SV5 proteins. The vaccinia virus-SV5 F (vaccinia-F) recombinant induced higher levels of neutralizing antibody than did the vaccinia-HN recombinant, but animals inoculated with vaccinia-HN were better protected from challenge with SV5. Animals infected with both the vaccinia-HN and vaccinia-F viruses were nearly as well protected from challenge as were animals infected with SV5.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

Sedimentation of an RNA polymerase complex from vaccinia virus that specifically initiates and terminates transcription.

A high-molecular-weight protein complex that is capable of accurate transcription initiation and termination of vaccinia virus early genes without additional factors was demonstrated. The complex was solubilized by disruption of purified virions, freed of DNA by passage through a DEAE-cellulose column, and isolated by glycerol gradient sedimentation. All detectable RNA polymerase activity was associated with the transcription complex, whereas the majority of enzymes released from virus cores including mRNA (nucleoside-2'-O)methyltransferase, poly(A) polymerase, topoisomerase, nucleoside triphosphate phosphohydrolase II, protein kinase, and single-strand DNase sedimented more slowly. Activities corresponding to two enzymes, mRNA guanylyltransferase (capping enzyme) and nucleoside triphosphate phosphohydrolase I (DNA-dependent ATPase), partially sedimented with the complex. Silver-stained polyacrylamide gels, immunoblots, and autoradiographs confirmed the presence of subunits of vaccinia virus RNA polymerase, mRNA guanylyltransferase, and nucleoside triphosphate phosphohydrolase I, as well as additional unidentified polypeptides, in fractions with transcriptase activity. A possible role for the DNA-dependent ATPase was suggested by studies with ATP analogs with gamma-S or nonhydrolyzable beta-gamma-phosphodiester bonds. These analogs were used by vaccinia virus RNA polymerase to nonspecifically transcribe single-stranded DNA templates but did not support accurate transcription of early genes by the complex. Transcription also was sensitive to high concentrations of novobiocin; however, this effect could be attributed to inhibition of RNA polymerase or ATPase activities rather than topoisomerase.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗
PubMed1987

Use of a hybrid vaccinia virus-T7 RNA polymerase system for expression of target genes.

A novel expression system based on coinfection of cells with two recombinant vaccinia viruses has been developed. One recombinant vaccinia virus contained the bacteriophage T7 RNA polymerase gene under control of a vaccinia virus promoter. The second recombinant vaccinia virus contained a target gene of choice flanked by bacteriophage T7 promoter and termination sequences. Maximum expression of the target gene occurred when cells were infected with 10 PFU of each recombinant virus. Although T7 RNA polymerase synthesis began shortly after infection, the target gene was not expressed until late times and was largely inhibited when DNA replication was blocked. Target gene transcripts were analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis and had the predicted size. With this system, Escherichia coli beta-galactosidase, hepatitis B virus surface antigen, and human immunodeficiency virus envelope proteins were made. In each case, the level of synthesis was greater than had previously been obtained with the more conventional recombinant vaccinia virus expression system.

Cloning, Molecular↗
PubMed1986

T-lymphocyte priming and protection against Friend leukemia by vaccinia-retrovirus env gene recombinant.

The current prevalence of the acquired immune deficiency syndrome in humans has provoked renewed interest in methods of protective immunization against retrovirus-induced diseases. In this study, a vaccinia-retrovirus recombinant vector was constructed to study mechanisms of immune protection against Friend virus leukemia in mice. The envelope (env) gene from Friend murine leukemia virus (F-MuLV) was inserted into the genome of a vaccinia virus expression vector. Infected cells synthesized gp85, the glycosylated primary product of the env gene. Processing to gp70 and p15E, and cell surface localization, were similar to that occurring in cells infected with F-MuLV. Mice inoculated with live recombinant vaccinia virus had an envelope-specific T-cell proliferative response and, after challenge with Friend virus complex, developed neutralizing antibody and cytotoxic T cells (CTL) and were protected against leukemia. In contrast, unimmunized and control groups developed a delayed neutralizing antibody response, but no detectable CTL, and succumbed to leukemia. Genes of the major histocompatibility complex influenced protection induced by the vaccinia recombinant but not that induced by attenuated N-tropic Friend virus.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

Transcription of vaccinia virus early genes by enzymes isolated from vaccinia virions terminates downstream of a regulatory sequence.

We describe an in vitro transcription system in which the polyadenylated 3' ends of vaccinia virus mRNAs are formed by termination downstream of a regulatory signal. When linear DNA templates containing vaccinia early genes were incubated with soluble enzymes extracted from vaccinia virions, mature-size mRNAs were synthesized within 1 min, whereas longer run-off transcripts were not detected until later. Deleting a series of thymidylate residues located downstream of the coding region abolished termination. The 3' ends of the transcripts formed heterogeneously, between 50 and 70 nucleotides past the T-rich termination signal, in either viral- or vector-derived sequences. Polyadenylation of the transcripts occurred without regard to the terminal sequence and was inhibited by adding exogenous RNA. Although exogenous RNAs were also polyadenylated, processing of 3' ends was not observed.

Base Sequence↗