Population Research of Genetic Polymorphism at Amino Acid Position 631 in Chicken Mx Protein with Differential Antiviral Activity

MicroRNA expression profiling in the lungs of genetically different Ri chicken lines against the highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus

The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus triggers infectious diseases, resulting in pulmonary damage and high mortality in domestic poultry worldwide. This study aimed to analyze miRNA expression profiles after infection with the HPAI H5N1 virus in resistant and susceptible lines of Ri chickens.For this purpose, resistant and susceptible lines of Vietnamese Ri chicken were used based on the A/G allele of Mx and BF2 genes. These genes are responsible for innate antiviral activity and were selected to determine differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs in HPAI-infected chicken lines using small RNA sequencing. A total of 44 miRNAs were DE after 3 days of infection with the H5N1 virus. Computational program analysis indicated the candidate target genes for DE miRNAs to possess significant functions related to cytokines, chemokines, MAPK signaling pathway, ErBb signaling pathway, and Wnt signaling pathway. Several DE miRNA-mRNA matches were suggested to play crucial roles in mediating immune functions against viral evasion. These results revealed the potential regulatory roles of miRNAs in the immune response of the two Ri chicken lines against HPAI H5N1 virus infection in the lungs.

HPAI-resistant Ri chickens exhibit elevated antiviral immune-related gene expression

BACKGROUND

Highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) is an extremely contagious and high mortality rates in chickens resulting in substantial economic impact on the poultry sector. Therefore, it is necessary to elucidate the pathogenic mechanism of HPAIV for infection control.

OBJECTIVE

Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) can effectively avoid the limitations of subjective screening for differential gene expression. Therefore, we performed GSEA to compare HPAI-infected resistant and susceptible Ri chicken lines.

METHODS

The Ri chickens Mx(A)/BF2(B21) were chosen as resistant, and the chickens Mx(G)/BF2(B13) were selected as susceptible by genotyping the Mx and BF2 genes. The tracheal tissues of HPAIV H5N1 infected chickens were collected for RNA sequencing followed by GSEA analysis to define gene subsets to elucidate the sequencing results.

RESULTS

We identified four differentially expressed pathways, which were immune-related pathways with a total of 78 genes. The expression levels of cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12), chemokines (CCL4 and CCL5), type interferons and their receptors (IFN-β, IFNAR1, IFNAR2, and IFNGR1), Jak-STAT signaling pathway genes (STAT1, STAT2, and JAK1), MHC class I and II and their co-stimulatory molecules (CD80, CD86, CD40, DMB2, BLB2, and B2M), and interferon stimulated genes (EIF2AK2 and EIF2AK1) in resistant chickens were higher than those in susceptible chickens.

CONCLUSIONS

Resistant Ri chickens exhibit a stronger antiviral response to HPAIV H5N1 compared with susceptible chickens. Our findings provide insights into the immune responses of genetically disparate chickens against HPAIV.

Myxovirus resistance (Mx) Gene Diversity in Avian Influenza Virus Infections

Avian influenza viruses (AIVs) pose threats to animal and human health. Outbreaks from the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) in indigenous chickens in Bangladesh are infrequent. This could be attributed to the Myxovirus resistance (Mx) gene. To determine the impact of Mx gene diversity on AIV infections in chicken, we assessed the Mx genes, AIVs, and anti-AIV antibodies. DNA from blood cells, serum, and cloacal swab samples was isolated from non-vaccinated indigenous chickens and vaccinated commercial chickens. Possible relationships were assessed using the general linear model (GLM) procedure. Three genotypes of the Mx gene were detected (the resistant AA type, the sensitive GG type, and the heterozygous AG type). The AA genotype (0.48) was more prevalent than the GG (0.19) and the AG (0.33) genotypes. The AA genotype was more prevalent in indigenous than in commercial chickens. A total of 17 hemagglutinating viruses were isolated from the 512 swab samples. AIVs were detected in two samples (2/512; 0.39%) and subtyped as H1N1, whereas Newcastle disease virus (NDV) was detected in the remaining samples. The viral infections did not lead to apparent symptoms. Anti-AIV antibodies were detected in 44.92% of the samples with levels ranging from 27.37% to 67.65% in indigenous chickens and from 26% to 87.5% in commercial chickens. The anti-AIV antibody was detected in 40.16%, 65.98%, and 39.77% of chickens with resistant, sensitive, and heterozygous genotypes, respectively. The genotypes showed significant association (p < 0.001) with the anti-AIV antibodies. The low AIV isolation rates and high antibody prevalence rates could indicate seroconversion resulting from exposure to the virus as it circulates. Results indicate that the resistant genotype of the Mx gene might not offer anti-AIV protection for chickens.

The highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus induces the MAPK signaling pathway in the trachea of two Ri chicken lines

Objective

The highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) is a threat to the poultry industry and economy and remains a potential source of pandemic infection in humans. Antiviral genes are considered a potential factor for studies on HPAIV resistance. Therefore, in this study, we investigated gene expression related to the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway by comparing non-infected, HPAI-infected resistant, and susceptible Ri chicken lines.

Methods

Resistant (Mx/A; BF2/B21) and susceptible Ri chickens (Mx/G; BF2/B13) were selected by genotyping the Mx and BF2 genes. Then, the tracheal tissues of non-infected and HPAIV H5N1 infected chickens were collected for RNA sequencing.

Results

A gene set overlapping test between the analyzed differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and functionally categorized genes was performed, including biological processes of the gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathways. A total of 1,794 DEGs were observed between control and H5N1-infected resistant Ri chickens, 432 DEGs between control and infected susceptible Ri chickens, and 1,202 DEGs between infected susceptible and infected resistant Ri chickens. The expression levels of MAPK signaling pathway-related genes (including MyD88, NF-κB, AP-1, c-fos, Jun, JunD, MAX, c-Myc), cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8), type I interferons (IFN-α, IFN-β), and IFN-stimulated genes (Mx1, CCL19, OASL, and PRK) were higher in H5N1-infected than in non-infected resistant Ri chickens. MyD88, Jun, JunD, MAX, cytokines, chemokines, IFNs, and IFN-stimulated expressed genes were higher in resistant-infected than in susceptible-infected Ri chickens.

Conclusion

Resistant Ri chickens showed higher antiviral activity compared to susceptible Ri chickens, and H5N1-infected resistant Ri chickens had immune responses and antiviral activity (cytokines, chemokines, interferons, and IFN-stimulated genes), which may have been induced through the MAPK signaling pathway in response to H5N1 infection.

Cloning, characterization and expression of GTPase effecter domain of chicken Mx1 gene

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Cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions in the highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus-infected lungs of genetically disparate Ri chicken lines

Objective

The highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) is a threat to the poultry industry as well as the economy and remains a potential source of pandemic infection in humans. Antiviral genes are considered a potential factor for HPAIV resistance. Therefore, in this study, we investigated gene expression related to cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions by comparing resistant and susceptible Ri chicken lines for avian influenza virus infection.

Methods

Ri chickens of resistant (Mx/A; BF2/B21) and susceptible (Mx/G; BF2/B13) lines were selected by genotyping the Mx dynamin like GTPase (Mx) and major histocompatibility complex class I antigen BF2 genes. These chickens were then infected with influenza A virus subtype H5N1, and their lung tissues were collected for RNA sequencing.

Results

In total, 972 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were observed between resistant and susceptible Ri chickens, according to the gene ontology and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes pathways. In particular, DEGs associated with cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions were most abundant. The expression levels of cytokines (interleukin-1β [IL-1β], IL-6, IL-8, and IL-18), chemokines (C-C Motif chemokine ligand 4 [CCL4] and CCL17), interferons (IFN-γ), and IFN-stimulated genes (Mx1, CCL19, 2′-5′-oligoadenylate synthase-like, and protein kinase R) were higher in H5N1-resistant chickens than in H5N1-susceptible chickens.

Conclusion

Resistant chickens show stronger immune responses and antiviral activity (cytokines, chemokines, and IFN-stimulated genes) than those of susceptible chickens against HPAIV infection.

Exosomal miRNA profiling from H5N1 avian influenza virus-infected chickens

Exosomes are membrane vesicles containing proteins, lipids, DNA, mRNA, and micro RNA (miRNA). Exosomal miRNA from donor cells can regulate the gene expression of recipient cells. Here, Ri chickens were divided into resistant (Mx/A; BF2/B21) and susceptible (Mx/G; BF2/B13) trait by genotyping of Mx and BF2 genes. Then, Ri chickens were infected with H5N1, a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV). Exosomes were purified from blood serum of resistant chickens for small RNA sequencing. Sequencing data were analysed using FastQCv0.11.7, Cutadapt 1.16, miRBase v21, non-coding RNA database, RNAcentral 10.0, and miRDeep2. Differentially expressed miRNAs were determined using statistical methods, including fold-change, exactTest using edgeR, and hierarchical clustering. Target genes were predicted using miRDB. Gene ontology analysis was performed using gProfiler. Twenty miRNAs showed significantly different expression patterns between resistant control and infected chickens. Nine miRNAs were up-regulated and 11 miRNAs were down-regulated in the infected chickens compared with that in the control chickens. In target gene analysis, various immune-related genes, such as cytokines, chemokines, and signalling molecules, were detected. In particular, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway molecules were highly controlled by differentially expressed miRNAs. The result of qRT-PCR for miRNAs was identical with sequencing data and miRNA expression level was higher in resistant than susceptible chickens. This study will help to better understand the host immune response, particularly exosomal miRNA expression against HPAIV H5N1 and could help to determine biomarkers for disease resistance.

Pathobiology of the highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses H7N1 and H5N8 in different chicken breeds and role of Mx 2032 G/A polymorphism in infection outcome

Chickens are highly susceptible to highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs). However, the severity of infection varies depending of the viral strain and the genetic background of the host. In this study, we evaluated the pathogenesis of two HPAIVs (H7N1 and H5N8) and assessed the susceptibility to the infection of local and commercial chicken breeds from Spain. Eight chicken breeds were intranasally inoculated with 10⁵ ELD₅₀ of A/Chicken/Italy/5093/1999 (H7N1) or A/Goose/Spain/IA17CR02699/2017 (H5N8 clade 2.3.4.4. B) and monitored during 10 days. Chickens were highly susceptible to both HPAIVs, but H7N1 was considerably more virulent than H5N8 as demonstrated by the highest mortality rates and shortest mean death times (MDT). Both HPAIVs produced severe necrosis and intense viral replication in the central nervous system, heart and pancreas; however, the lesions and replication in other tissues were virus-dependent. High levels of viral RNA were detected by the oral route with both viruses. In contrast, a low number of H5N8-inoculated chickens shed by the cloacal route, demonstrating a different pattern of viral shedding dependent of the HPAIV. We found a high variation in the susceptibility to HPAIVs between the different chicken breeds. The birds carrying the genotype AA and AG at position 2032 in chicken Mx gene presented a slightly higher, but not significant, percentage of survival and a statistically significant longer MDT than GG individuals. Our study demonstrated that the severity of HPAI infection is largely dependent of the viral isolate and host factors, underlining the complexity of HPAI infections.

Genotype frequency contributions of Mx1 gene in eight chicken breeds under different selection pressures

Chicken Mx1 gene, as a positive antiviral gene, has been reported to provide resistance to several viruses especially avian influenza virus. In present research, the genotype frequency contributions of chicken Mx1 polymorphisms were characterized in five lowly selected as well as one moderately selected Sichuan native chicken populations and two highly selected commercial chicken breeds. Together with two newly-identified mutation sites (r.8A > G and r.1257T > C), a total of 13 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), including seven nonsynonymous mutation and six synonymous mutation, were found in the coding region of chicken Mx1 gene. Local Chinese chicken populations exhibited higher nucleotide diversity than commercial populations. Moreover, amino acid substitution sites as well as positive selection sites were located only in the domain not determined and GTPase domain, implying that amino acids mutations were likely needed in the modulatory and structural regions to better adapt the environment. Collectively, our results suggest that different selection pressures greatly influenced the genotype frequency contributions of chicken Mx1 gene. Understanding the interaction between genetic diversity and artificial selection may help us to better select and breed superior domestic chickens.

Identification of Mx gene nucleotide dimorphism (G/A) as genetic marker for antiviral activity in Egyptian chickens

Egyptian chickens, representing 2 breeds and 7 strains, were genotyped using the PCR-RFLP and sequencing techniques for detection of a non-synonymous dimorphism (G/A) in exon 14 of chicken Myxovirus resistance (Mx) gene. This dimorphic position is responsible for altering Mx protein's antiviral activity. Polymerase Chain reactions were performed using Egyptian chickens DNA and specific primer set to amplify Mx DNA fragments of 299 or 301 bp, containing the dimorphic position. Amplicons were cut with restriction enzyme Hpy81. Genotype and allele frequencies for the resistant allele A and sensitive allele G were calculated in all the tested chickens. Results of PCR-RFLP were confirmed by sequencing. The three genotypes AA, AG, GG at the target nucleotide position in Mx gene were represented in all the studied Egyptian chicken breeds and strains except Baladi strain which showed only one genotype AA. The average allele frequency of the resistant A allele in the tested birds (0.67) was higher than the sensitive G allele average frequency in the same birds (0.33). Appling PCR-RFLP technique in the breeding program can be used to select chickens carrying the A allele with high frequencies. This will help in improving poultry breeding in Egypt by producing infectious disease-resistant chickens.

Molecular Characterization of Mx1 Gene in Native Indian Breeds of Chicken

The genetic polymorphism of Mx1 gene was explored in Indian chicken breeds. PCR-RFLP analysis in 102 bp fragment of partial intron 13 and partial exon 14 of Mx1 gene revealed two genotypes viz. RS and SS with two alleles viz. R and S both in Naked Neck and Tellicherry breeds of chicken. The homozygous genotype RR was not identified. When deduced amino acid sequences were compared, the asparagine amino acid was found to be substituted in "R" allele for serine in "S" allele. PCR-SSCP analysis of 284 bp fragment in 5'-UTR and partial promoter region revealed three genotypes viz. CC, CG, and CH with three different alleles viz. C, G, and H in Naked Neck breed of chicken and five genotypes viz. DI, JK, KK, KL, and KM with six different alleles viz. D, I, J, K, L, and M in Tellicherry breed of chicken. The homozygous genotypes viz. GG and HH in Naked Neck and DD, II, JJ, LL, and MM in Tellicherry chicken was not identified. The nucleotide substitution rate estimated to be in the range of 0.004-0.011. The identified genetic variation can be helpful for better insight to disease resistance property of the Mx1 gene.

Genetic variation within the Mx gene of commercially selected chicken lines reveals multiple haplotypes, recombination and a protein under selection pressure

The Mx protein is one of the best-characterized interferon-stimulated antiviral mediators. Mx homologs have been identified in most vertebrates examined; however, their location within the cell, their level of activity, and the viruses they inhibit vary widely. Recent studies have demonstrated multiple Mx alleles in chickens and some reports have suggested a specific variant (S631N) within exon 14 confers antiviral activity. In the current study, the complete genome of nine elite egg-layer type lines were sequenced and multiple variants of the Mx gene identified. Within the coding region and upstream putative promoter region 36 SNP variants were identified, producing a total of 12 unique haplotypes. Each elite line contained from one to four haplotypes, with many of these haplotypes being found in only one line. Observation of changes in haplotype frequency over generations, as well as recombination, suggested some unknown selection pressure on the Mx gene. Trait association analysis with either individual SNP or haplotypes showed a significant effect of Mx haplotype on several egg production related traits, and on mortality following Marek's disease virus challenge in some lines. Examination of the location of the various SNP within the protein suggests synonymous SNP tend to be found within structural or enzymatic regions of the protein, while non-synonymous SNP are located in less well defined regions. The putative resistance variant N631 was found in five of the 12 haplotypes with an overall frequency of 47% across the nine lines. Two Mx recombinants were identified within the elite populations, indicating that novel variation can arise and be maintained within intensively selected lines. Collectively, these results suggest the conflicting reports in the literature describing the impact of the different SNP on chicken Mx function may be due to the varying context of haplotypes present in the populations studied.

Dose- and time-dependent apoptosis induced by avian H9N2 influenza virus in human cells

To understand human response to avian H9N2 influenza, we investigated the effects of the viral infection on A549, HepG2, and HeLa cells at low and high MOIs. To identify virus-host interplay, expression of Mx and NP genes was measured in the cells supernatants. Cell viability and apoptosis were evaluated by MTT assay, DNA fragmentation, and florescent staining. The virus titration and NP gene transcript levels indicate lower susceptibility of HeLa cell to H9N2 replication than other cells. Although H9N2 did produce a faster CPE in HepG2, high dose of the virus induced apoptosis within early stage of A549 infection. The DNA laddering was enhanced in the cell correlated with increase in virus transcripts. The undetectable to different regulation levels of Mx gene were observed in response to H9N2 infection suggesting that an insufficient antiviral defense in the noncompetent-IFN HepG2 cell promotes efficient viral replication. These results showed that the permissivity of HepG2 for H9N2 is comparable with A549; however, liver cells are not target tissue respond to the infection. These data revealed that the H9N2 virus induced apoptosis signaling via mitochondrial pathway in human alveolar epithelial cells, indicating that the induction may be associated with a dose-dependent manner.

Host genetic determinants of influenza pathogenicity

Despite effective vaccines, influenza remains a major global health threat due to the morbidity and mortality caused by seasonal epidemics, as well as the 2009 pandemic. Also of profound concern are the rare but potentially catastrophic transmissions of avian influenza to humans, highlighted by a recent H7N9 influenza outbreak. Murine and human studies reveal that the clinical course of influenza is the result of a combination of both host and viral genetic determinants. While viral pathogenicity has long been the subject of intensive efforts, research to elucidate host genetic determinants, particularly human, is now in the ascendant, and the goal of this review is to highlight these recent insights.

Insight into alternative approaches for control of avian influenza in poultry, with emphasis on highly pathogenic H5N1

Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) of subtype H5N1 causes a devastating disease in poultry but when it accidentally infects humans it can cause death. Therefore, decrease the incidence of H5N1 in humans needs to focus on prevention and control of poultry infections. Conventional control strategies in poultry based on surveillance, stamping out, movement restriction and enforcement of biosecurity measures did not prevent the virus spreading, particularly in developing countries. Several challenges limit efficiency of the vaccines to prevent outbreaks of HPAIV H5N1 in endemic countries. Alternative and complementary approaches to reduce the current burden of H5N1 epidemics in poultry should be encouraged. The use of antiviral chemotherapy and natural compounds, avian-cytokines, RNA interference, genetic breeding and/or development of transgenic poultry warrant further evaluation as integrated intervention strategies for control of HPAIV H5N1 in poultry.

Selection of Mx gene genotype as genetic marker for Avian Influenza resistance in Indonesian native chicken

Background

In previous studies, the Mx Gene has been demonstrated to confer positive anti viral responses in chicken. The amino acid variation of Asn (allele A) at position 631 was specific to positive antiviral Mx/resistant, while, that of Ser (allele G) was specific to negative Mx/susceptible. This research was aimed at selecting one of the native chicken breeds which was found out to be resistant to avian influenza using molecular technique. The selected breed will then be used as the base population to improve native chicken breed in Indonesia.

Methods

Marker Assisted Selection (MAS) method was used in this research to accelerate the selection process, since the disease resistance had low heritability value. Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique used to select the genotype of Mx⁺⁺, Mx^+- and Mx^-- that corresponded to the positive antiviral activity (Mx⁺⁺), or those which had positive or negative activity (Mx^+-) and negative antiviral activity (Mx^--). There were 200 native hens and 40 cocks used in this experiment. Allele frequency of Mx Gene was calculated. The productivity indicators such as age at first laying, egg weight and hen weight at first laying and egg production were also measured. The chicken that had Mx⁺⁺ and Mx^+- genotypes, were selected to produce offspring.

Results

Result showed that the frequency of the resistant allele (Mx⁺) was 65% and 60% in laying hens and in cocks, respectively, while the frequency of the susceptible allele (Mx^-) was 35% and 40% in hens and cocks, resepctively. Age, egg weight and hen weight at first laying and egg production for susceptible genotype were slightly better than for the resistant genotype which were 172,41 VS 178,81 days; 33,94 VS 32,84 g; 1450 VS 1439 g and 54,32 VS 48,30 %, respectively.

Expression analyses and antiviral properties of the Beijing-You and White Leghorn myxovirus resistance gene with different amino acids at position 631

Influenza is a topic of wide public concern, particularly because of the recent emergence of avian flu. The myxovirus resistance (Mx) protein has been shown to have an inhibitory effect on influenza virus and is therefore of great interest. This study examines the Mx protein in 8 local Chinese chicken breeds and 2 exotic chicken breeds. Amino acid 631, found in the Mx GTPase effector domain, was examined in 534 individuals by comparing PCR results, and individuals were separated into the A/A genotype or the G/G genotype, depending on whether amino acid 631 is an Asn or Ser. In the native breed, the frequency of G/G homozygotes is 0.780 (294/377). The Mx expression levels in tissues and chicken embryo fibroblast cells with different genotypes were also studied. The A/A individuals from Beijing-You and White Leghorn breeds had higher Mx expression levels than G/G individuals. The liver, heart, and spleen had higher expression levels than muscle or kidney. The A/A chicken embryo fibroblast cells had higher antiviral activity against vesicular stomatitis virus and Newcastle disease. We provide the first report examining the expression level and antiviral activity of different Mx alleles of nucleotide 2216(S631N) genotypes. This study lays a good foundation for correlative studies examining genotype and antiviral function.

PCR-RFLP genotyping protocol for chicken Mx gene G/A polymorphism associated with the S631N mutation

The Mx (myxovirus resistance) gene codes for a protein with antiviral activity. Non-synonymous G/A polymorphism at position 2032 of chicken Mx cDNA results in a change at amino acid 631 of the Mx protein. This mutation has been shown to affect the antiviral activity of the Mx molecule, although recent studies have not confirmed this effect in response to some influenza strains. Nevertheless, the G/A polymorphism could be important for the chicken's response to other viruses. A robust PCR-RFLP protocol for genotyping chicken Mx gene polymorphism associated with the S631N mutation was developed. The F primer anneals to the last intron of the Mx gene, and the R primer anneals to the last exon of the gene, with an expected PCR product of 299 bp. PCR products were digested with Hpy8I. This enzyme cuts the sequence 5'-GTN|NAC-3', 2 bp downstream of the Mx polymorphism for the G allele, whereas the fragment containing the A allele is not cleaved. One hundred and twenty-seven chickens (commercial broilers, White Leghorn and New Hampshire) were genotyped using this protocol, and genotyping data were validated by sequencing. Full identity of results between the two genotyping methods was observed for all 127 samples, proving the reliability and robustness of this PCR-RFLP protocol.

Dynamin-like MxA GTPase: structural insights into oligomerization and implications for antiviral activity

The interferon-inducible MxA GTPase is a key mediator of cell-autonomous innate immunity against a broad range of viruses such as influenza and bunyaviruses. MxA shares a similar domain structure with the dynamin superfamily of mechanochemical enzymes, including an N-terminal GTPase domain, a central middle domain, and a C-terminal GTPase effector domain. Recently, crystal structures of a GTPase domain dimer of dynamin 1 and of the oligomerized stalk of MxA (built by the middle and GTPase effector domains) were determined. These data provide exciting insights into the architecture and antiviral function of the MxA oligomer. Moreover, the structural knowledge paves the way for the development of novel antiviral drugs against influenza and other highly pathogenic viruses.

Enhanced grass carp reovirus resistance of Mx-transgenic rare minnow (Gobiocypris rarus)

In the interferon-induced antiviral mechanisms, the Mx pathway is one of the most powerful. Mx proteins have direct antiviral activity and inhibit a wide range of viruses by blocking an early stage of the viral genome replication cycle. However, antiviral activity of piscine Mx remains unclear in vivo. In the present study, an Mx-like gene was cloned, characterized and gene-transferred in rare minnow Gobiocypris rarus, and its antiviral activity was confirmed in vivo. The full length of the rare minnow Mx-like cDNA is 2241 bp in length and encodes a polypeptide of 625 amino acids with an estimated molecular mass of 70.928 kDa and a predicted isoelectric point of 7.33. Analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence indicated that the mature peptide contains an amino-terminal tripartite GTP-binding motif, a dynamin family signature sequence, a GTPase effector domain and two carboxy-terminal leucine zipper motifs, and is the most similar to the crucian carp (Carassius auratus) Mx3 sequence with an identity of 89%. Both P0 and F1 generations of Mx-transgenic rare minnow demonstrated very significantly high survival rate to GCRV infection (P<0.01). The mRNA expression of Mx gene was consistent with survival rate in F1 generation. The virus yield was also concurrent with survival time using electron microscope technology. Rare minnow has Mx gene(s) of its own but introducing more Mx gene improves their resistance to GCRV. Mx-transgenic rare minnow might contribute to control the GCRV diseases.

Genetic susceptibility and resistance to influenza infection and disease in humans and mice

Although genetic risk factors for influenza infection have not yet been defined in people, differences in genetic background and related variation in the response to infection, as well as viral virulence, are all likely to influence both the likelihood of infection and disease severity. However, apart from characterization of viral binding sites in avian and mammalian hosts, relatively little investigation has focused on host genetic determinants of susceptibility or resistance to infection, or the severity of the associated disease in humans or other species. Similarly, the role of genetic background in the generation of an efficacious immune response to either infection or vaccination has not been extensively evaluated. However, genetic influences on susceptibility and resistance to numerous infectious agents and on the resultant host inflammatory and immune responses are well established in both humans and other animals. Mouse-adapted strains of human influenza viruses and the use of inbred strains of laboratory mice have supported extensive characterization of the pathogenesis and immunology of influenza virus infections. Like individual humans, inbred strains of mice vary in their reactions to influenza infection, particularly with regard to the inflammatory response and disease severity, supporting the potential use of these mice as a valuable surrogate for human genetic variation. Relying heavily on what we have learned from mice, this overview summarizes existing animal, human and epidemiologic data suggestive of host genetic influences on influenza infection.

Asparagine 631 variants of the chicken Mx protein do not inhibit influenza virus replication in primary chicken embryo fibroblasts or in vitro surrogate assays

Whether chicken Mx inhibits influenza virus replication is an important question with regard to strategies aimed at enhancing influenza resistance in domestic flocks. The Asn631 polymorphism of the chicken Mx protein found in the Shamo (SHK) chicken line was previously reported to be crucial for the antiviral activity of this highly polymorphic chicken gene. Our aims were to determine whether cells from commercial chicken lines containing Asn631 alleles were resistant to influenza virus infection and to investigate the effects that other polymorphisms might have on Mx function. Unexpectedly, we found that the Asn631 genotype had no impact on multicycle replication of influenza virus (A/WSN/33 [H1N1]) in primary chicken embryo fibroblast lines. Furthermore, expression of the Shamo (SHK) chicken Mx protein in transfected 293T cells did not inhibit viral gene expression (A/PR/8/34 [H1N1], A/Duck/England/62 [H4N6], and A/Duck/Singapore/97 [H5N3]). Lastly, in minireplicon systems (A/PR/8/34 and A/Turkey/England/50-92/91 [H5N1]), which were highly sensitive to inhibition by the murine Mx1 and human MxA proteins, respectively, Shamo chicken Mx also proved ineffective in the context of avian as well as mammalian cell backgrounds. Our findings demonstrate that Asn631 chicken Mx alleles do not inhibit influenza virus replication of the five strains tested here and efforts to increase the frequency of Asn631 alleles in commercial chicken populations are not warranted. Nevertheless, chicken Mx variants with anti-influenza activity might still exist. The flow cytometry and minireplicon assays described herein could be used as efficient functional screens to identify such active chicken Mx alleles.

The Mx GTPase family of interferon-induced antiviral proteins

Mx proteins are interferon-induced members of the dynamin superfamily of large GTPases. They inhibit a wide range of viruses by blocking an early stage of the replication cycle. Studies in genetically defined mouse strains highlight their powerful action in early antiviral host defence.

Polymorphisms of the chicken antiviral MX gene

The Mx gene was originally found in laboratory mice in an infection experiment using influenza virus (Lindermann, 1962). Almost all of the mouse strains in that experiment died from the infection, and only the A2G strain had resistance to the virus. This resistant character was shown to be inherited as a single autosomal dominant trait (Lindermann et al., 1963; Lindermann, 1964; Haller et al., 1979). A congenic mouse strain was established by introducing the Mx+ allele of the A2G resistant strain into the Mx- sensitive inbred strain BALB/c (Staeheli et al., 1984). By immunizing parental BALB/c mice with extracts of interferon (IFN)-treated cultured cells from congenic BALB/c-Mx+ mice, a specific antibody against Mx protein was obtained (Horisberger et al., 1983; Staeheli et al., 1985). The Mx protein was detected in the nucleus of IFN-alpha/beta-treated mouse cells by immunofluorescence using the anti-Mx antibody (Dreiding et al., 1985). Thereafter, by using the antibody as an indicator, cDNA encoding the Mx protein was cloned from a cDNA library constructed from IFN-treated cells of congenic BALB/c-Mx+ mice (Staeheli et al., 1986a). IFN-treated Mx+ mouse cells contained a 3.5-kb Mx mRNA in the Northern blot, while Mx- cells failed to express the transcript. The functional Mx+ gene from an A2G mouse was found to contain 14 exons and encode 631 amino acids. The Mx- allelic mouse strains were found to be missing sequence of exons 9 through 11 or to contain a point mutation that converts lysine at position 389 to a stop codon (Staeheli et al., 1988). If these polymorphisms of the Mx gene could be detected in domestic animals, it would be possible to produce breeds that show resistance to infectious diseases.

Purifying selection and positive selection on the myxovirus resistance gene in mammals and chickens

The myxovirus resistance gene (Mx) expresses antiviral activity in many species, e.g. mouse, human and chicken. It is not clear if the antiviral activity of Mx has evolved in these species to inhibit a set of species-specific pathogens, nor what factors drive Mx evolution in different animal lineages. Therefore, it is important to determine the evolutionary pattern of Mx and positively selected sites which affect the antiviral activity of the Mx gene in mammals and birds. We used sequence comparisons among species to detect positively selected sites by conducting phylogenetic analysis. The two-ratio model was significantly better than the one-ratio model in four species (mouse, rat, chicken and duck, p<0.05). Although selection pressure varied among different lineages, Mx had strong purifying selection in mammals and positive selection in chicken and duck lineages. Relative rate test revealed that Mx evolved faster in chickens than in ducks (Tajima's relative rate test, chi(2)=7.17, p<0.01). In the further analysis using a branch-site model A test, 8 sites were positively selected in the chicken lineage while no positive selection signals were observed for any site in the other lineages. The branch-site model A test had a omega value of 4.374 for the chicken lineage (2Deltal=14.20, d.f.=1, p<0.001). Comparisons of all currently available Mx mRNA sequences showed that these predicted positively selected sites had been fixed in the chicken lineage, suggesting that the chicken Mx gene evolved within the species to resist newly challenging environments. There is an increased selection constraint leading to mammals, while positive selection has acted on the chicken Mx.

Interferon-induced Mx proteins in antiviral host defense

Mx proteins are key components of the antiviral state induced by interferons in many species. They belong to the class of dynamin-like large guanosine triphosphatases (GTPases) known to be involved in intracellular vesicle trafficking and organelle homeostasis. Mx GTPases share structural and functional properties with dynamin, such as self-assembly and association with intracellular membranes. A unique property of some Mx GTPases is their antiviral activity against a wide range of RNA viruses, including influenza viruses and members of the bunyavirus family. These viruses are inhibited at an early stage in their life cycle, soon after host cell entry and before genome amplification. The mouse Mx1 GTPase accumulates in the cell nucleus where it associates with components of the PML nuclear bodies and inhibits influenza and Thogoto viruses known to replicate in the nucleus. The human MxA GTPase accumulates in the cytoplasm and is partly associated with a COP-I-positive subcompartment of the endoplasmic reticulum. This membrane compartment seems to provide an interaction platform that facilitates viral target recognition. In the case of bunyaviruses, MxA recognizes the viral nucleocapsid protein and interferes with its role in viral genome replication. In the case of Thogoto virus, MxA recognizes the viral nucleoprotein and prevents the incoming viral nucleocapsids from being transported into the nucleus, the site of viral transcription and replication. In both cases, GTP-binding and carboxy-terminal effector functions of MxA are required for target recognition. In general, Mx GTPases appear to detect viral infection by sensing nucleocapsid-like structures. As a consequence, these viral components are trapped and sorted to locations where they become unavailable for the generation of new virus particles.