Transformation by reticuloendotheliosis virus: development of a focus assay and isolation of a nontransforming virus.

A focus assay for quantitating in vitro transformation by oncogenic reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV) has been developed in Japanese quail embryo fibroblast cultures. The titer of the transforming virus detected in the in vitro focus-forming assay correlates with the development of reticuloendotheliosis in chickens. The titration pattern of REV focus formation appears to follow two-hit kinetics. A nontransforming member has been identified in the REV stocks and is designated reticuloendotheliosis-associated virus (REV-A). The non-transforming virus, REV-A, is present in REV stocks in 100- to 1000-fold excess over the transforming member. REV-A causes an initial cytopathic effect in chick and quail embryo fibroblast cultures. The surviving cells continue to divide leading to the development of a persistently infected culture. The persistently infected cultures are morphologically indistinguishable from uninfected avian fibroblast cultures. REV-A interferes with superinfection by the oncogenic member. The addition of REV-A to oncogenic preparations of REV increases focus formation and changes the titration pattern from two-hit to one-hit kinetics indicating that REV is defective.     

Specificity in the immunosuppression induced by avian reticuloendotheliosis virus.

Several parameters of the cellular and humoral immune responses of chickens infected with reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV-T), an avian defective acute leukemia virus, or with its helper virus, reticuloendotheliosis-associated virus (REV-A), were evaluated. Spleen cells from chickens infected with REV-T (REV-A) or REV-A exhibited depressed mixed lymphocyte and mitogen responses in vitro. Allograft rejection was delayed by 6 to 14 days in birds infected with REV-A. The specific antitumor cell immune response was also studied by a 51Cr-release cytotoxicity assay. Lymphocytes from chickens infected with low numbers of the REV-T-transformed cells exhibited significant levels of cytolytic reactivity against the 51Cr-labeled REV-T tumor cells in vitro. The mitogen response of lymphocytes from these injected birds was similar to that of uninjected chickens. In contrast, lymphocytes from chickens injected with higher numbers of REV-T-transformed cells exhibited suppressed mitogen reactivity and failed to develop detectable levels of cytotoxic activity directed against the REV-T tumor cells. These results suggest that the general depression of cellular immune competence which occurs during REV-T (REV-A) infection could contribute to the development of this acute leukemia by inhibiting the proliferation of cytotoxic cells directed against the tumor cell antigens. The cytotoxic effect observed after the injection of chickens with non-immunosuppressive levels of REV-T-transformed cells appears to be specific for the REV-T tumor cell antigens since cells transformed by Marek's disease virus or avian erythroblastosis virus were not lysed. In marked contrast, birds whose cellular immune responses were suppressed by infection with REV-A were capable of producing a humoral immune response to viral antigens. Detectable levels of viral antibody, however, did not appear until 12 to 15 days after REV-A infection. Since REV-T (REV-A) induced an acute leukemia resulting in death within 7 to 14 days, it appears unlikely that the ability of chickens to make antiviral antibody influences the development of lethal reticuloendotheliosis.     

Hematopoietic cell transformation by reticuloendotheliosis virus: Characterization of the genetic defect

A quantitative transformation assay has been developed for reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV) using cells of hematopoietic origin. The number of transformed colonies produced in soft agar was shown to be linearly related to the concentration of REV in the inoculum. Many of the in vitro transformed clones produce infectious REV and its helper virus, reticuloendotheliosis associated virus (REV-A). An analysis of the RNA monomers from particles released from virus-producing REV-transformed clones on denaturing methyl-mercuric hydroxide gels indicated that two distinct RNA species were present. The larger RNA species of REV-A had a molecular lenght of 8.7 kb and the smaller RNA monomer of REV had a molecular lenght of approximately 5.9 kb. Therefore, the defectiveness of REV is due to deletion of sequences essential for replication. Various clones of transformed cells produce different relative amounts of particles containing the RNA monomer of REV and REV-A. REV-transformed non-virus-producing cells were isolated which did not release infectious or noninfectious particles. Superinfection of REV-transformed non-virus-producing cells with the nontransforming members of the reticuloendotheliosis virus group resulted in pseudotype formation. Leukemogenesis and lymphoid cell transformation by REV pseudotypes were helper independent. In REV-transformed non-virus-producing cells the precursor polypeptides synthesized in virus-producing cells were not detected.     

Polymerase chain reaction detection of type D simian retrovirus proviral DNA from infected macaques

A simple polymerase chain reaction (PCR) approach was developed for detection of Type D simian retrovirus (SRV) serogroup 2 proviral DNA using peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) obtained from infected macaques. PCR primer pairs were developed against serogroup 2 envelope (env) gene sequence, and fidelity of PCR fragment amplification was determined using molecularly cloned SRV serogroup 2 (D2/RHE/OR) DNA, and genomic DNA from Raji cells independently infected with different SRV serogroups. One primer pair exhibiting high fidelity was then utilized for PCR detection of serogroup 2 proviral DNA from PBLs, and from cells sorted into immune cell subpopulations by fluorescent-activated cell sorting (FACS). Enυ PCR fragments were readily detected from as few as 10⁴ PBLs or immune cell subpopulations. In addition, highly specific PCR primers against serogroups 1 and 3 were utilized to detect proviral DNA from Raji cells infected with SRV serogroups. In all cases, primers designed to amplify serogroups 1,2, and 3 proviral DNA were specific for their intended serogroup. This primer information and development of a PCR approach for detection of specific SRV proviral DNA will be of potential utility as a rapid surveillance tool in monitoring type D simian retrovirus infection within Asian macaque colonies.     

The genomic RNA of avian reticuloendotheliosis virus REV

Purified virus obtained from a subline of chicken bone marrow cells transformed by avian reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV) was found to contain the RNA of REV in excess over the RNA of its associated helper virus REV-A. Electrophoretic and sedimentation analyses resolved these RNAs into a 28 S and a 34 S component, respectively. Comparison of these RNA species with the RNA obtained from plaque-purified preparations of REV-A confirmed that the 28 S RNA represents the genome of transforming REV. The small size of 28 S REV RNA suggests that the defectiveness of REV is due to a deletion of replicative sequences. Hybridization experiments indicated that about 25–30% of REV RNA sequences are unrelated to REV-A. These may include the putative transforming sequences of REV. REV shared 12–15 of 42 identifiable large RNase T₁-resistant oligonucleotides with REV-A. The 28 S REV RNA did not contain the transformation-specific oligonucleotides which are largely conserved among avian acute leukemia viruses MC29, MH2, and CMII or the src-specific oligonucleotides of avian sarcoma viruses. It is concluded that the sequences which are unique for REV contain a new class of avian tumor virus transforming genes.     

Diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus infection by a polymerase chain reaction assay evaluated in patients harbouring strains of diverse geographical origin

Since the development of the highly sensitive polymerase chain reaction, PCR has been increasingly used for the diagnosis of viral infections, including the detection of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the causative agent of AIDS. In our laboratory a diagnostic PCR is carried out on proviral HIV-1 DNA using a standardised algorithm based on three HIV-1 primer sets. The three primer sets, amplifying a fragment in the LTR-gag gene, in the pol gene and in the env gene, are situated within conserved regions of the HIV-1 genome. These primers allow us to detect not only HIV strains from Belgian patients but also from African patients, who are, for historical reasons, a substantial part of the HIV-positive patients in Belgium. We are able to detect 1–5 copies of proviral HIV-1 DNA with each of the three nested primer sets. A sensitivity and specificity of 92 and 100%, respectively, were achieved when testing 24 Belgian and African HIV-1 seropositive samples. In our lab, the same PCRs are also used for the detection of viral RNA in cases of a doubtful undetectable viral load when using a commercial HIV-1 viral load assay. This is because present-day commercial assays are not entirely reliable with divergent strains. Both our ‘in-house’ diagnostic DNA and RNA-PCR can also be used semiquantitatively with limiting dilutions.     

Expression of avian reticuloendotheliosis virus envelope confers host resistance

We constructed two reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV) envelope gene expression plasmids, one containing the REV-A envelope gene, the other the spleen necrosis virus (SNV) envelope gene. Cell lines were generated by transfecting each of the REV envelope plasmids into D17 cells, a canine cell line. The levels of REV envelope glycoprotein in the cell lines were assayed by immunoprecipitating the envelope glycoproteins from lysates of cells that were labeled with [35S]methionine. Virological challenge assays determined the degree of resistance of each of the cell lines to REV-A or SNV infection. The expression of either envelope gene protected the cells from infection by either REV-A or SNV virus. Several cell lines were significantly more resistant to REV infection than the parental D17 cells, and two lines were 25,000-fold more resistant, approaching the resistance of REV-infected D17 cells to reinfection. The resistant cell lines were not able to confer resistance to susceptible cells by cocultivation. The level of resistance was correlated with the uniformity of expression of the REV envelope glycoproteins by the individual cells in a cell line and not with the absolute level of expression by the population of cells.     

Characterization of transformation- and replication-specific sequences of reticuloendotheliosis virus

Using a combination of hybridization and oligonucleotide fingerprinting techniques we have determined the sequence relatedness of oncogenic avian reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV) to its associated helper virus, REV-A, and to the other members of the reticuloendotheliosis (RE) virus group. Our studies have shown that approximately 30% of the genomic sequences of REV are unrelated to the nononcogenic RE viruses. These REV-specific, and presumably oncogenic, sequences are arranged in a contiguous fashion, possibly interrupted by a short stretch of REV-A-related sequences, localized between 1 and 2.7 kilobases (kb) from the 3′-end on the REV genome. We have also identified two regions of REV-A sequences which are deleted in the REV genome. The first region encompasses 3 kb of sequences in the 5′-half of the genome, presumably corresponding to the gag-pol genes. The second region represents 1.5(kb) of the env sequences. These deletions could account for the genetic defectiveness of REV. By studying the sequence relatedness between REV-A and the other RE viruses, we have shown that REV is the only RE virus which contains these oncogenic sequences. We have also determined the relatedness between these viruses. In addition, we have identified a hypervariable region which maps in or near the env gene. The possible significance of this region in accounting for both the varied pathogenicity of the RE viruses and the origin of oncogenic REV is discussed.     

Detection of intersubtype recombinants with respect to env and nef genes of HIV-1 among female sex workers in Calcutta, India

HIV-1 detected among female sex workers in Calcutta, India was characterized in respect to env and nef genes. A total of 39 HIV-1 seropositive samples were used in the study. Phylogenetic analysis of the nucleotide sequences of respective regions showed that 22 out of 39 samples (56.4%) were infected with subtype C with respect to both env and nef genes; however, 17 samples (43.6%) showed distinct subtype discordance. Simplot analysis of these samples showed the presence of intersubtype recombination between subtypes C and B. Both env C/nef B and env B/nef C recombinants were found to be present; 16 samples were found to be env C/nef B and 1 sample was detected as env B/nef C. This result indicates the emergence of intersubtype recombinants of HIV-1 for the first time in this eastern part of India.     

Endogenous retroviral long terminal repeats of the HLA-DQ region are associated with susceptibility to insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

HLA-DQ genes are the main inherited factors predisposing to IDDM. This gene region harbors long terminal repeat (DQ LTR) elements of the human endogenous retrovirus HERV-K, which we analyzed for a possible association with disease. We first investigated whether LTR segregate with DQ alleles in families. Members (n = 110) of 29 families with at least one diabetic child, unrelated patients with IDDM (n = 159), and healthy controls (n = 173) were analyzed. Genomic DNA was amplified for DQ LTR3 by a nested primer approach as well as for DQA1 and DQB1 second exons, to assign DQA1 and DQB1 alleles. DQ LTR segregated in 24 families along with DQ alleles. Of the 29 families, 20 index patients were positive for DQ LTR. The DQ LTR was in all patients on the haplotype carrying the DQA1 ^*0301 and DQB1 ^*0302 alleles. A majority of patients had DQ LTR (62%) compared with controls (38%) (p < 1.3 × 10^{− 5}), even after matching for the high-risk alleles DQA1 ^*0501, DQB1 ^*0201-DQA1 ^*0301, and DQB1 ^*0302 (79% of patients and 48% of controls; p < 0.02). Subtyping for DRB1 ^*04 alleles in all DQB1 ^*0302 ⁺ individuals showed 56% DRB1 ^*0401, DQB1 ^*0302 [LTR⁺ patients vs. 29% controls with the same haplotype (p < 0.002). In conclusion, these data demonstrate the segregation of DQ LTR with DQA1, DQB1 alleles on HLA haplotypes. Furthermore their presence on DRB1 ^*0401-, DQA1 ^*0301-, and DQB1 ^*0302-positive haplotypes suggest that they contribute to DQ-related susceptibility for IDDM. Human Immunology 50, 103–110 (1996)     

Confirmatory tests for human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1): Western blot compared with RIPA on African sera

Confirmation of human T-Cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) seropositivity calls for reactivity against at least 2 proteins encoded by 2 different genes, revealed by Western blot (WB) and /or radioimmuno-precipitation assay (RIPA). To evaluate the use of WB as a basis for applying these criteria, we conducted a study of two types of WB and compared them with RIPA patterns. The first part of the work, performed with 40 African sera, used Dupont de Nemours commercialized WB and an ‘in-house’ WB. Both WB detected antibody to proteins encoded by 2 different genes: antibody to gag products were revealed equally by both WB, but commercialized WB detected antibody to tax protein whereas the ‘in-house’ WB detected antibody to env protein (gp46) more efficiently.

The second part of the work, conducted with 158 African sera, compared results of an ‘in-house’ virus lysate WB and RIPA. Our data show a perfect concordance between the two procedures when sera were clearly positive by WB (gag + env reaction). Sera reacting to p19 and p24 (both gag) by WB were confirmed positive by RIPA in 75% of the cases. The majority of the indeterminate WB profiles not confirmed by RIPA presented isolated gag reactivity (p15 or p19 or p24).     

The relationship between feathering abnormalities ("nakanuke") and tumour production in chickens inoculated with reticuloendotheliosis virus

High concentrations of T strain reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV), which had been maintained by passage in 1-day-old chicks, produced reticuloendotheliosis tumours and deaths 8 to 13 days after inoculation. At lower concentrations fo virus inoculum, deaths did not occur but feathering abnormalities ("nakanuke") was regularly produced. These results indicate that the oncogenic T strain of REV may also produce abnormal feathering. The oncogenic potential was decreased when REV-T strain maintained in 1-day-old chicks was passaged once in duck embryo fibroblast (DEF) cultures. After three passages in DEF cultures the same virus strain had lost oncogenicity but retained the ability to induce abnormal feathering. REV-T strains which had been maintained over long periods in chicken embryo fibroblast (CEF) cell culture also lacked oncogenic potential but produced abnormal feathering in chickens. Tumours were not produced during a 2-month observation period by either REV-T which had been passaged three times in DEF culture or by the Japanese KI strain of REV which is not known to be oncogenic, but abnormal feathering was induced in both groups of inoculated chickens. Serological differences were not detectable with the indirect fluorescent antibody test among strains of REV with and without oncogenic potential.     

Attenuation of avian reticuloendotheliosis virus: Loss of the defective transforming component during serial passage of oncogenic virus in fibroblasts

Oncogenic preparations of avian reticuloendotheliosis virus, consisting of REV and its associated helper virus REV-A, were found to lose transforming activity during serial passage in fibroblast cultures. Electrophoretic analyses of virion RNA suggested that this loss of transforming activity results from loss of REV from the virus population. Attenuation of viral oncogenicity was not observed during passage in hematopoietic cell cultures. The different effects of virus passage in fibroblasts and hematopoietic cells are discussed.     

Field isolates of fowlpox virus contaminated with reticuloendotheliosis virus.

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was used to examine samples from field cases of fowlpox for the presence of reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV). The S-strain fowlpox vaccine, known to be contaminated with REV, served as a positive control. Fowlpox virus was grown from field samples and vaccines by inoculation of embryonated hen eggs by the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) route. DNA was extracted from the CAM lesions and examined for REV proviral sequences using primers specific for the long terminal repeats of REV. Amplicons of the expected length were detected in all the 45 field samples from poultry and in the S strain vaccine. Two other vaccines and two isolates from wild birds contained no detectable REV sequences. The PCR products from the vaccine and one field isolate were sequenced and were identical. These products showed 81 to 87.5% homology with the published sequences for the long terminal repeats of REV. It was not determined whether the REV proviral DNA was integrated with cellular DNA, fowlpox DNA or both. Inoculation of day-old chickens with the S-strain vaccine resulted not only in the production of fowlpox lesions but also feathering defects and proventriculitis. This suggests that the REV present in the vaccine is replication competent. Problems being encountered with protection from fowlpox following vaccination in Australia might be attributed to simultaneous challenge with fowlpox virus and REV.     

构建人端粒酶反转录酶基因腺相关病毒2载体在人髓核细胞的表达

背景：动物研究显示,自体髓核细胞移植能有效修复椎间盘退变。然而髓核细胞体外增殖能力差,这就限制了其作为种子细胞在椎间盘退变性疾病治疗中的研究及应用。 目的：构建包含外源性人端粒酶反转录酶基因的腺相关病毒2载体,观察其转染人髓核细胞后人端粒酶反转录酶基因的表达。 方法：构建pSNAV2.0-pRSV-hTERT质粒并鉴定,采用AAVMaxTM包装系统进行重组腺相关病毒2-人端粒酶反转录酶载体的构建,以PCR及酶切方法验证构建的质粒,构建成功后扩增,并纯化。利用腺相关病毒2-增强型绿色荧光蛋白载体转染第1代人髓核细胞,测定最佳感染复数。参照此感染复数值,确定腺相关病毒2-人端粒酶反转录酶对人髓核细胞转染的相关感染复数;对照组采用不含外源性人端粒酶反转录酶基因的腺相关病毒2进行转染。转染后1,2,4周分别采用RT-PCR对人端粒酶反转录酶基因mRNA水平进行半定量检测。 结果与结论：实验成功构建了腺相关病毒2-人端粒酶反转录酶载体;并获得了滴度达2×10¹¹ v•g/mL的腺相关病毒2-人端粒酶反转录酶载体。测得腺相关病毒2-人端粒酶反转录酶载体对人髓核细胞的最佳感染复数为5×10⁴ v•g/cell。在以1×10⁴,5×10⁴,1×10⁵ v•g/cell转染人髓核后,均可检测到人端粒酶反转录酶基因mRNA的高量表达。采用RT-PCR半定量检测方法,发现以转染后2周时人端粒酶反转录酶 mRNA表达量相对最高(P < 0.05),4周时仍可见人端粒酶反转录酶基因mRNA的稳定表达。而对照组无论在何时间点均未能检测到人端粒酶反转录酶mRNA的表达。提示利用腺相关病毒2可以成功构建包含外源性人端粒酶反转录酶基因的病毒载体,腺相关病毒2-人端粒酶反转录酶能有效转染人髓核细胞并稳定表达人端粒酶反转录酶基因mRNA,此结果可能为增强髓核细胞性能提供新的策略。 中国组织工程研究杂志出版内容重点：组织构建;骨细胞;软骨细胞;细胞培养;成纤维细胞;血管内皮细胞;骨质疏松;组织工程全文链接：