Accumulation of unintegrated circular viral DNA in monocytes and growth-arrested T cells following infection with HIV-1

Cytocidal retrovirus infection is characterized by rapid accumulation of unintegrated viral DNA forms. These are thought to be generated by multiple rounds of reinfection and have been suggested to play a central role in cytopathogenesis. Here we have reviewed the work done in this area with HIV-1, mostly using acutely and chronically infected T cell and monocytic cell lines and in some cases T cells blocked at S phase of the cell cycle by aphidicolin treatment. To these studies, we have compared our findings with HIV-1 infected primary peripheral blood monocyte-derived macrophages and untreated and growth-arrested MT-2 cells, two biologically disparate cell populations. Using 1- and 2-long terminal repeat (LTR) circular forms as indicators of unintegrated viral DNA, we found similar rapid accumulation in both untreated and growth-arrested MT-2 cells. In contrast, we found much lower levels in monocyte/macrophages. Our findings suggest that accumulation of unintegrated viral DNA does not require virus production and reinfection in growth-arrested T cells. The significantly lower levels found in monocyte/macrophages may reflect superinfection resistance, allowing the maintenance of a persistent infection.     

Delirium and persistent dyskinesia induced by a lithium-neuroleptic interaction

Vaccination with live cytopathogenic (cp) bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) is often used for control of this disease. In animals which are persistently infected with noncytopathogenic (ncp) BVDV this can lead to the outbreak of mucosal disease (MD). To simulate vaccination of such animals and to monitor the clinical-virological course after superinfection, nine clinically healthy calves which were persistently viremic were superinfected with different cp BVDV strains. One animal succumbed to early onset MD within three weeks after superinfection. During the observation period of 18 months four animals developed severe clinical signs. While two animals developed late onset MD, the other two had to be euthanized due to clinical signs which could not be related to the superinfecting BVDV. These results indicated that after superinfection or vaccination of persistently infected calves with cp BVDV the probability of developing early and/or late onset MD is significantly increased. The risks arising from uncritical vaccination of herds with unknown virological status in relation with the control of BVDV conforming to the actual official guidelines are discussed.     

Superinfection exclusion by T-even-type coliphages

When a bacterial cell is infected with a T-even coliphage, immunity to a superinfecting phage is rapidly established (superinfection exclusion). Two phage-encoded proteins, Imm and Sp, are responsible for this exclusion: Imm blocks DNA transfer across the plasma membrane and partially inhibits release of DNA from the superinfecting virion, and Sp inhibits local degradation of bacterial murein by a phage-associated lysozyme.     

Circular forms of unintegrated human immunodeficiency virus type 1 DNA and high levels of viral protein expression: association with dementia and multinucleated giant cells in the brains of patients with AIDS

Thirty-one histologically abnormal brains from patients with AIDS were studied in order to establish the relationship between multinucleated giant cells, viral protein expression, the various forms of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) DNA, and clinical evidence of dementia. Unintegrated HIV-1 DNA of 2 to 8 kb was found in 22 of the 31 brains. Multinucleated giant cells without any other pathology were found in 14 cases; unintegrated 1-long terminal repeat (1-LTR) circular forms of HIV-1 DNA and strongly positive immunohistochemistry for gp41 and p24 were found in most of these brains. Most of these patients had a clinical diagnosis of HIV-1-associated dementia and cerebral atrophy. In all the other brains studied, 1-LTR circles were absent and immunohistochemistry for gp41 and p24 was usually negative. Very few of these patients had a clinical diagnosis of dementia. Sequence comparison of the LTR region from integrated HIV-1 DNA with that from unintegrated 1-LTR circular forms of HIV-1 DNA in 12 cases showed no significant differences. A further comparison of these brain-derived LTR sequences with LTR sequences derived directly from lymphoid tissue also showed strong sequence conservation. The V3 loop of the virus from the brain was sequenced in 6 cases and had a non-syncytium inducing-macrophage-tropic genotype. Our results show that (i) although unintegrated HIV-1 DNA was present in most brains from patients with AIDS, molecular evidence of high levels of viral replication was associated with the presence of multinucleated giant cells and dementia, and that (ii) the HIV-1 LTR is not a determinant of neurotropism. These observations suggest that replication of HIV-1 and not just the presence of HIV-1 DNA within giant cells makes the important contribution to central nervous system damage.     

Effects of sulfite on the uptake and binding of benzo[a]pyrene diol epoxide in cultured murine respiratory epithelial cells

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) may act as a cocarcinogen with benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) in the respiratory tract. We have modeled this effect by examining the interactions of 7r,8t-dihydroxy-9t,10t-epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo[a]pyrene (anti-BPDE) with sulfite, the physiological form of SO2, in a murine respiratory epithelial cell line (C10). We exposed C10 cells to [3H]-anti-BPDE and determined the effects of 1 and 10 mM sulfite on the uptake and subcellular localization of labeled products. Autoradiographic analysis showed that sulfite doubled the nuclear localization of anti-BPDE-derived materials after a 4-hr incubation period. The net nuclear localization of anti-BPDE-derived materials was not affected by sulfite during the first 60 min, but nuclear localization continued to increase in the sulfite-containing incubations throughout the 4-hr incubation period. Little increase in nuclear localization of anti-BPDE-derived material was noted in the incubations without sulfite after 60 min. Subcellular fractionation was performed to determine the amount of label associated with cytosolic and nuclear fractions and to determine covalent binding to protein and DNA. Sulfite produced a modest increase in the amount of [3H]-anti-BPDE-derived products bound to protein; however, binding to nuclear DNA increased by more than 200% with 10 mM sulfite. Analysis of the supernatants from the cytosolic and nuclear fractions of cells exposed to anti-BPDE and sulfite demonstrated the presence of 7r,8t,9t-trihydroxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo[a]pyrene-10c-su lfonate (BPT-10-sulfonate). [3H]-BPT-10-sulfonate was unable to enter C10 cells, suggesting that it is formed intracellularly.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Superinfection with human immunodeficiency virus type 2 can reactivate virus production in baboons but is contained by a CD8 T cell antiviral response

An animal model was used to assess whether resistance to superinfection by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can exist in vivo. Asymptomatic baboons (Papio cynocephalus), previously infected with HIV-2, were first challenged with homologous virus (HIV-2UC2 or HIV-2UC14) and later with heterologous virus (HIV-2UC12). After both virus inoculations, either resistance to viral infection or a transient viremia was observed. The original virus was recovered in 3 baboons, suggesting that reactivation of a latent infection occurred on heterologous challenge and that HIV-2 superinfection is blocked by processes established during prior infection. Antibody titers measured by ELISA and virus neutralization remained at low levels. However, suppression of HIV-1 replication was observed with CD8 T cells and filtered cell culture supernatants. The soluble factor involved was not a beta-chemokine. This resistance to HIV superinfection appears to be mediated at least in part by CD8 T cells that suppress virus production.     

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Vif- mutant particles from restrictive cells: role of Vif in correct particle assembly and infectivity

Disruption of the vif gene of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 affects virus infectivity to various degrees, depending on the T-cell line used. We have concentrated our studies on true phenotypic Vif- mutant particles produced from CEMx174 or H9 cells. In a single round of infection, Vif- virus is approximately 25 (from CEMx174 cells) to 100 (from H9 cells) times less infectious than wild-type virus produced from these cells or than the Vif- mutant produced from HeLa cells. Vif- virions recovered from restrictive cells, but not from permissive cells, are abnormal both in terms of morphology and viral protein content. Notably, they contain much reduced quantities of envelope proteins and altered quantities of Gag and Pol proteins. Although wild-type and Vif- virions from restrictive cells contain similar quantities of viral RNA, no viral DNA synthesis was detectable after acute infection of target cells with phenotypically Vif- virions. To examine the possible role of Vif in viral entry, attempts were made to rescue the Vif- defect in H9 cells by pseudotyping Vif+ and Vif- HIV particles with amphotropic murine leukemia virus envelope. Vif- particles produced in the presence of HIV envelope could not be propagated when pseudotyped. In contrast, when only the murine leukemia virus envelope was present, significant propagation of Vif- HIV particles could be detected. These results demonstrate that Vif is required for proper assembly of the viral particle and for efficient HIV Env-mediated infection of target cells.     

Infectious, linear, unintegrated DNA of Moloney murine leukemia virus

A closed circular, double-stranded infectious DNA of Moloney leukemia virus has been described previously. The present report characterizes a second type of infectious, unintegrated viral DNA which is linear, largely double stranded, and of mass comparable to that of the closed circular viral DNA. The linear form is of nonpermuted sequence, and SalI endonuclease cleaves at one site 45% from one end.     

Efficacy of Coxiella burnetii and its chloroform-methanol residue (CMR) fraction against Rift Valley fever virus infection in mice

Strains of Coxiella burnetii phase I and II whole cells (WC-I and WC-II) or whole cell fractions were assessed for their potential to induce long-lasting protection in endotoxin-non-responder C3H/HeJ or CD-1 mice against Rift Valley fever (RVF) virus challenge. Among the whole cell fractions, only the chloroform-methanol residue (CMR), administered as a single dose (100 micrograms per mouse) 24 h before viral challenge, effectively protected 100% of the mice from RVF virus; the CMR of the Ohio strain of C. burnetii was not protective. Most of the RVF virus-infected mice treated with other C. burnetii cell fractions died, although their times to death varied. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) associated with CMR preparations used in these studies, did not protect against RVF virus challenge. A single dose of 100 micrograms of CMR given 24 h before viral challenge completely eradicated 4-5 logs of RVF virus in the serum, liver, spleen, and central nervous system. Compared to several other immunomodulators, CMR was an equally effective antiviral agent. Efficacy of CMR of both Henzerling and Ohio strains disappeared or was marginal when treatment was initiated 2-3 days before RVF viral challenge, even when a second or a third dose of CMR was administered after challenge. A single dose of liposome-encapsulated CMR to RVF virus-infected mice extended the range of therapeutic efficacy of this biologically active component of C. burnetii to 4 days before infection.     

Deletion of the E4 region of the genome produces adenovirus DNA concatemers

Two mutants containing large deletions in the E4 region of the adenovirus genome H5dl366 (91.9-98.3 map units) and H2dl808 (93.0-97.1 map units) were used to investigate the role of E4 genes in adenovirus DNA synthesis. Infection of KB human epidermoid carcinoma cells with either mutant resulted in production of large concatemers of viral DNA. Only monomer viral genome forms were produced, however, when mutants infected W162 cells, a monkey kidney cell line transformed with and expressing the E4 genes. Diffusible E4 gene products, therefore, complement the E4 mutant phenotype. The viral DNA concatemers produced in dl366- and dl808-infected KB cells did not have any specific orientation of monomer joining: the junctions consisted of head-to-head, head-to-tail, and tail-to-tail joints. The junctions were covalently linked molecules, but molecules were not precisely joined, and restriction enzyme maps revealed a heterogeneous size distribution of junction fragments. A series of mutants that disrupted single E4 open reading frames (ORFs) was also studied: none showed phenotypes similar to that of dl366 or dl808. Mutants containing defects in both ORF3 and ORF6, however, manifested the concatemer phenotype, indicating redundancy in genes preventing concatemer formation. These data suggest that the E4 ORFs 3 and 6 express functions critical for regulation of viral DNA replication and that concatemer intermediates may exist during adenovirus DNA synthesis.     

Role of early and late replication events in induction of apoptosis by baculoviruses

Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcMNPV) mutants that lack the apoptotic suppressor gene p35 cause apoptosis in Spodoptera frugiperda SF21 cells. To identify a viral signal(s) that induces programmed cell death, we first defined the timing of apoptotic events during infection. Activation of a P35-inhibitable caspase, intracellular fragmentation of host and AcMNPV DNA, and cell membrane blebbing coincided with the initiation of viral DNA synthesis between 9 and 12 h after infection and thus suggested that apoptotic signaling begins at or before this time. Virus entry was required since binding of budded virus to host cell receptors alone was insufficient to induce apoptosis. To therefore determine the contribution of early and late replication events to apoptotic signaling, we used the AcMNPV mutant ts8 with a temperature-sensitive lesion in the putative helicase gene p143. At the nonpermissive temperature at which viral DNA synthesis was conditionally blocked, ts8 caused extensive apoptosis of the SF21 cell line p3576D, which dominantly interferes with anti-apoptotic function of viral P35. Confirming that apoptosis can be induced in the absence of normal viral DNA synthesis, parental SF21 cells also underwent apoptosis when infected with a ts8 p35 deletion mutant at the nonpermissive temperature. However, maximum levels of ts8 p35 deletion mutant-induced apoptosis required a temperature-sensitive event(s) that included the initiation of viral DNA synthesis. Collectively, these data suggested that baculovirus-induced apoptosis can be triggered by distinct early (pre-DNA synthesis) and late replicative events, including viral DNA synthesis or late gene expression.     

Spontaneous loss of viral episomes accompanying Epstein-Barr virus reactivation in a Burkitt's lymphoma cell line

Life-long viral persistence is a hallmark of human herpesvirus infection. In the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-positive Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) cell line, Mutu, spontaneous loss of all viral episomes accompanied productive viral DNA replication. The molecular configuration of intracellular EBV DNA evolved from monoclonal episomes in cells retaining the original tumor phenotype to predominantly replicating linear DNA and, subsequently, only integrated forms in BL cells that had acquired the lymphoblastoid cell phenotype. Transient appearance of deleted, rearranged WZhet EBV DNA capable of disrupting viral latency, along with the integration of viral DNA into human chromosomes, indicates a genetic instability in the host cell which, if duplicated in vivo, may affect configuration and persistence of the viral genome in expanding malignant cell clones.     

Abortive infection of the baculovirus Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus in Sf-9 cells after mutation of the putative DNA helicase gene

Homologous recombination between the Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcNPV) genome and a 0.6-kbp-long DNA fragment derived from the putative DNA helicase gene of Bombyx mori nuclear polyhedrosis virus generates eh2-AcNPV, an expanded-host-range AcNPV mutant (S. Maeda, S.G. Kamita, and A. Kondo, J. Virol. 67:6234-6238, 1993). After inoculation at a high multiplicity of infection (MOI), eh2-AcNPV replicates efficiently in both the Sf-9 (AcNPV-permissive) and BmN (non-AcNPV-permissive) cell lines. In this study, we found that after the inoculation of Sf-9 cells at a low MOI (i.e., 1 and 0.1 PFU per cell), the release of eh2-AcNPV virions was dramatically reduced (approximately 900- and 10,000-fold, respectively, at 72 h postinoculation) compared with that of wild-type AcNPV. In addition, the titer of eh2-AcNPV determined by plaque assay on Sf-9 cells was approximately 200-fold lower than that determined by plaque assay on BmN cells. Analyses of gene expression and viral DNA replication after low-MOI eh2-AcNPV inoculation of Sf-9 cells indicated that viral early genes were expressed normally. However, DNA replication and late-gene expression were significantly reduced. These findings suggested that abortive infection occurred at the stage of viral DNA replication in nearly all low-MOI eh2-AcNPV-infected Sf-9 cells. In the larvae of Spodoptera frugiperda, the organism from which Sf-9 cells are derived, the infectivity of eh2-AcNPV was lower than that of AcNPV; however, abortive infection was not found.     

Transfection of a retroviral construct carrying a non producer HIV-1 variant induces HIV-1 resistance in CD4+ CEMss cells

The phenotype of Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 (HIV)-infected HUT-78 cell clone (F12) has been described (Federico et al, AIDS Res Hum Retrov 1989; 5: 365-96). Briefly, F12 cells are: i) CD4 down-regulated, ii) non producer and iii) fully resistant to homologous superinfection. We tested whether this phenotype was dependent upon the expression of the HIV-1 genome integrated therein. The SstI/SstI F12 provirus was cloned and inserted in the pLj retroviral vector bearing the neomycin (neo)-Geneticine resistance gene. CD4+ HIV-susceptible CEMss cells were transfected with this construct in the sense orientation. Neo-resistant clones exhibited an integrated viral DNA, low viral mRNA expression and (as in F12 cells) the presence of uncleaved gp160, no gp41 and a small amount of p55 gag precursor. Superinfection of the F12/HIV-DNA-transfected CEMss clones showed that these CD4+ cells had acquired a significant (0.7-1.5 logs) resistance towards superinfection with HIV-1. This was observed in all four transfected clones where the F12/HIV DNA was expressed, but not in the control clone that was transfected with the pLj vector alone. These results confirm those that were obtained with human CD4+ CEMss cells infected with a recombinant retrovirus bearing the same SstI/SstI F12/HIV genome (Federico et al, J Gen Virol, 1993, in press). Both sets of results indicate that the expression of this genome in bio-engineered CD4+ human cells results in their intracellular immunization against HIV-1.     

Clustered organization of S100 genes in human and mouse

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) has been reported to be present at significant levels in the lens and aqueous humor in some cataract patients and suggested as a possible source of chronically inflicted damage to lens epithelial (LE) cells. We measured H2O2 effects on bovine and mouse LE cells and determined whether LE cells from old calorically restricted mice were more resistant to H2O2-induced cellular damage than those of same age ad libitum fed (AL) mice. Bovine lens epithelial cells were exposed to H2O2 at 40 or 400 microM for 2 h and then allowed to recover from the stress. The cells were assayed for DNA damage, DNA synthesis, cell viability, cell morphology, response to growth stimuli, and proliferation potential. Hydrogen peroxide-treated cells showed an increased DNA unwinding 50% greater than that for untreated controls. These DNA strand breaks appeared to be almost completely rejoined by 30 min following removal of the cells from a 2-h exposure. The 40 microM exposure did not produce a significantly lower DNA synthesis rate than the control, it responded to growth factor stimuli, and it replicated as did the control cells after removal of H2O2. The 400 microM H2O2 severely affected DNA synthesis and replication, as shown by increased cell size and by markedly reduced clonal cell growth. The cells did not respond to growth stimulation by serum or growth factors and lost irreversibly the capacity to proliferate. The responses of LE cells from old adlib diet (AL) and calorically restricted (CR) mice to H2O2 were significantly different. Exposure of LE cells to 20, 40, or 100 microM H2O2 for 1 h induces a significant loss of cellular proliferation in cells from old AL mice. LE cells from long-term CR mice of the same strain and age were more resistant to oxidative damage at all three concentrations of H2O2 than those of both old and young AL mice and showed a significantly higher proliferation potential following treatment. It is concluded that CR results in superior resistance to reactive oxygen radicals in the lens epithelium.     

Tissue tropism of avian leukosis viruses: analyses for viral DNA and proteins

Analyses of six tissues from Rous-associated virus type 1-infected chickens have revealed a number of tissue-specific differences in virus synthesis and distribution. Chicks were infected at 1 day of age. Tissue (bursa, thymus, liver, kidney, muscle, and brain) were harvested 1 month later. Each of the tissues contained an average of 1.8 to 4 copies of viral DNA per cell. Most of this DNA was integrated. In brain, about one-third of the total viral DNA was in an unintegrated, linear form. Bursa, thymus, liver, and kidney expressed both Gag and Env proteins. In contrast, muscle expressed more Gag than Env, and brain expressed neither Gag nor Env. Tissues that were producing both Gag and Env contained higher levels of mature virus particles than tissues that were not producing both of these proteins.