Measles virus haemagglutinin gene: cloning, complete nucleotide sequence analysis and expression in COS cells

Protective immunity provided by HLA-A2 epitopes for fusion and hemagglutinin proteins of measles virus

Natural infection and vaccination with a live-attenuated measles virus (MV) induce CD8(+) T-cell-mediated immune responses that may play a central role in controlling MV infection. In this study, we show that newly identified human HLA-A2 epitopes from MV hemagglutinin (H) and fusion (F) proteins induced protective immunity in HLA-A2 transgenic mice challenged with recombinant vaccinia viruses expressing F or H protein. HLA-A2 epitopes were predicted and synthesized. Five and four peptides from H and F, respectively, bound to HLA-A2 molecules in a T2-binding assay, and four from H and two from F could induce peptide-specific CD8+ T cell responses in HLA-A2 transgenic mice. Further experiments proved that three peptides from H (H9-567, H10-250, and H10-516) and one from F protein (F9-57) were endogenously processed and presented on HLA-A2 molecules. All peptides tested in this study are common to 5 different strains of MV including Edmonston. In both A2K(b) and HHD-2 mice, the identified peptide epitopes induced protective immunity against recombinant vaccinia viruses expressing H or F. Because F and H proteins induce neutralizing antibodies, they are major components of new vaccine strategies, and therefore data from this study will contribute to the development of new vaccines against MV infection.

SNAMA, a novel protein with a DWNN domain and a RING finger-like motif: a possible role in apoptosis

We have characterized SNAMA a hitherto uncharacterized Drosophila protein that appears to play a role in apoptosis. SNAMA (something that sticks like glue) is a 1231 amino acid protein with a conserved 76 residue N-terminal domain called Domain With No Name (DWNN). The DWNN domain was first identified in cytotoxic T Cell-resistant CHO cells using promoter trap mutagenesis to screen for genes involved in apoptosis. Subsequently, this domain was identified in other eukaryotic organisms including animals and plants. The SNAMA transcript is abundant early in embryogenesis but reduced in older embryos and in adult males and females. Human and mouse homologues of SNAMA are known to bind to p53 and to the retinoblastoma protein (Rb) suggesting a role in transcriptional regulation and cell cycle control. We took advantage of a P-element insertion line in which the P-element is inserted in the first intron, to investigate the biological function of the gene. These mutants are lethal when homozygous. Apoptosis appears early during embryogenesis and is observed virtually throughout the gastrula. The DWNN domain has a ubiquitin-like fold and may interact with a subset of cellular proteins. There is also a conserved RING finger-like motif along the sequence of SNAMA following a C2HC zinc finger.

Measles virus (MV) hemagglutinin: evidence that attachment sites for MV receptors SLAM and CD46 overlap on the globular head

Measles virus hemagglutinin (MVH) residues potentially responsible for attachment to the wild-type (wt) MV receptor SLAM (CD150) have been identified and localized on the MVH globular head by reference to a revised hypothetical structural model for MVH (www.pepscan.nl/downloads/measlesH.pdb). We show that the mutation of five charged MVH residues which are conserved among morbillivirus H proteins has major effects on both SLAM downregulation and SLAM-dependent fusion. In the three-dimensional surface representation of the structural model, three of these residues (D505, D507, and R533) align the rim on one side of the cavity on the top surface of the MVH globular head and form the basis of a single continuous site that overlaps with the 546-548-549 CD46 binding site. We show that the overlapping sites fall within the footprint of an anti-MVH monoclonal antibody that neutralizes both wt and laboratory-vaccine MV strains and whose epitope contains R533. Our study does not exclude the possibility that Y481 binds CD46 directly but suggests that the N481Y mutation of wt MVH could influence, at a distance, the conformation of the overlapping sites so that affinity to CD46 increases. The relevance of these results to present concepts of MV receptor usage is discussed, and an explanation is proposed as to why morbillivirus attachment proteins are H, whereas those from the other paramyxoviruses are HN (hemagglutinin-neuraminidase).

Increased positive selection pressure in persistent (SSPE) versus acute measles virus infections

We compared the extent of positive selection acting on acute and persistent strains of measles virus (MV). Far stronger positive selection was found in the fusion (F) and haemagglutinin (H) genes from subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) compared to acute MV cases. Most of the positively selected sites identified in these surface glycoprotein genes from SSPE cases correspond to structural, functional or antigenic areas, and could not be explained by the effects of cell passaging. The correlations between selected sites and functional studies of MV are discussed in detail with reference to the maintenance of persistent infection. No positive selection was found in the matrix (M) gene from acute cases of MV and the effects of including hypermutated SSPE M gene sequences in phylogenetic inference were also explored. Finally, using H gene data, we estimated the rate of molecular evolution for SSPE strains as 3.4 x 10(-4) substitutions/site/year, which is similar to previous estimates obtained for acute strains.

Sequence analysis of measles virus strains collected during the pre- and early-vaccination era in Denmark reveals a considerable diversity of ancient strains

A total of 199 serum samples from patients with measles collected in Denmark, Greenland and the Faroe Islands from 1964 to 1983 were analysed by PCR. Measles virus (MV) RNA could be detected in 38 (19%) of the samples and a total of 18 strains were subjected to partial sequence analysis of the hemagglutinin gene. The strains exhibited a considerable genomic diversity, which is at odds with the assumption that one genome type prevailed among globally circulating MV strains prior to the advent of live-attenuated vaccines. Our data indicate that the similarity of the various vaccine strains is attributed to their having originated from the same primary isolate. Consequently, it is implied that a small number of clinical manifestations of MV worldwide from which strains similar to the vaccine strain were identified were vaccine related rather than being caused by members of a persistently circulating ancient genome type. The Danish pre- and early-vaccination era MV strains seem to change the evolutionary spectrum of genome types A, C2 and E into one coherent group, suggesting that the genome types of MV strains circulating in the world at present do not represent far ranging evolutionary lineages but merely members of an evolutionary continuum of pre-vaccination era MV strains which by chance or due to an improved capability survived the worldwide partial herd immunity accomplished through vaccination.

Characterization of a region of the measles virus hemagglutinin sufficient for its dimerization

Attachment of measles virus (MV) to its cellular receptor is mediated by the viral envelope glycoprotein hemagglutinin (H). H exists at the viral surface as a disulfide-linked dimer which may associate into a tetramer. We aimed to define regions of H essential for its homo-oligomerization. To delineate these more precisely, we have generated a series of H ectodomain truncation mutants and studied their abilities to form both homotypic complexes and heterotypic complexes with full-length H. We define a "minimal unit" which is sufficient for MV H dimerization as that encompassing residues 1 to 151. This unit forms both homodimers and heterodimers with full-length H protein, although neither is transported to the cell surface even in the presence of other MV proteins. We show that cysteine residues at positions 139 and 154 are both critical in mediating covalent dimerization, not only of the truncated H mutants but also of full-length MV H protein. Even those cysteine mutants unable to form covalent intermolecular interactions are biologically active, mediating the formation of syncytia, albeit at a reduced rate. We demonstrate that this impaired capacity to mediate cell-to-cell fusion is based mainly on a reduced transport rate of the mutant molecules to the cell surface, indicating a role for covalent intermolecular interactions in efficient transport of MV H dimers to the cell surface.

Structural and functional studies of the measles virus hemagglutinin: identification of a novel site required for CD46 interaction

The entry of measles virus (MV) into human cells is mediated by the initial attachment of the viral hemagglutinin (HA) to the complement regulatory protein CD46. Two subdomains, one each within CD46 short consensus repeats (SCRs) 1 and 2, are responsible for this interaction. However, little is known about the regions within MV HA needed for a high-affinity CD46 interaction. To better define the HA-CD46 interaction, we took three approaches: chimeric domain swapping, peptide scanning, and alanine scanning mutagenesis. Chimeras of MV HA and the closely related rinderpest virus (RPV) HA were generated and tested for cell surface expression and the ability to hemadsorb CD46+ red blood cells (RBC). Exchanges with the N terminus of RPV were tolerated as MV HA could be replaced with RPV HA up to amino-acid position 154. However, both larger swaps with RPV and a small RPV HA replacement at the C terminus aborted cell-surface expression. Peptide scanning with 51 overlapping peptides derived from three MV HA regions showed one peptide, corresponding to MV HA amino acids 468-487, blocked hemagglutination of African green monkey (AGM) RBCs and inhibited MV infection of Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO) expressing human CD46. Alanine scanning mutants mapped sites on the MV HA that were not required for trafficking to the cell surface or function in hemagglutination as well as a novel site required for CD46 interaction, amino acids 473-477.

Immunosorbent assay based on recombinant hemagglutinin protein produced in a high-efficiency mammalian expression system for surveillance of measles immunity

Recombinant hemagglutinin (H) protein of the measles virus (MV) was produced in mammalian cells with a high-yield expression system based on the Semliki Forest virus replicon. Crude membrane preparations of H protein-transfected BHK-21 cells were used to coat microtiter plates to measure specific immunoglobulin G antibodies in 228 serologically defined serum samples mainly from measles late-convalescent adults. The titers by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the H protein (H-ELISA) closely correlated with neutralization test (NT) titers (R2 = 0.66), hemagglutination inhibition test (HI) titers (R2 = 0.64), with the titers from a certified commercial ELISA based on whole MV-infected cells (MV-ELISA; R2 = 0.45). The correlations described above were better than those of the commercial MV-ELISA titers with the NT (R2 = 0.52) or HI (R2 = 0.48) titers. By using the 2nd International Standard for anti-measles serum, the detection level of the assay corresponds to 215 mIU/ml for undiluted serum, which corresponds to the estimated threshold for protective immunity. The specificity, accuracy, and positive predictive value were, in general, better for the H-ELISA than for a commercial MV-ELISA, independent of whether HI, NT, or HI and NT were used as "gold standards." In contrast, the H-ELISA proved to be slightly less sensitive than the MV-ELISA (sensitivities, 98.6 versus 99.5%, respectively; P was not significant). The assays did not differ significantly in the number of serum samples with positive HI and NT results (n = 212) which measured false negative (H-ELISA, 2 of 212 [0.94%]; MV-ELISA, 1 of 212 [0.47%]), but the H-ELISA detected significantly more measles-susceptible individuals than the MV-ELISA (10 of 11 versus 3 of 11, respectively; P < 0.05) among the individuals whose sera had negative HI and NT results. Our data demonstrate that the H-protein preparation that we describe could be a cost-effective alternative to current whole-virus-based ELISAs for surveillance for immunity to measles and that such an assay could be more efficient in detecting susceptibility to measles. Furthermore, unlike whole MV-based antigens, H-protein would also be suitable for use in the development of a simple field test for the diagnosis of measles.

DNA immunization circumvents deficient induction of T helper type 1 and cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses in neonates and during early life

The relative deficiency of T helper type 1 (Th1) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses in early life is associated with an increased susceptibility to infections by intracellular microorganisms. This is likely to reflect a preferential polarization of immature CD4 T cells toward a Th2 rather than a Th1 pattern upon immunization with conventional vaccines. In this report, it is shown that a single immunization within the first week of life with DNA plasmids encoding viral (measles virus hemagglutinin, Sendai virus nucleoprotein) or bacterial (C fragment of tetanus toxin) vaccine antigens can induce adult-like Th1 or mixed Th1/Th2 responses indicated by production of IgG2a vaccine-specific antibodies and preferential secretion of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) compared with interleukin (IL)-5 by antigen-specific T cells, as well as significant CTL responses. However, in spite of this potent Th1-driving capacity, subsequent DNA immunization was not capable of reverting the Th2-biased responses induced after early priming with a recombinant measles canarypox vector. Thus, DNA vaccination represents a novel strategy capable of inducing Th1 or mixed Th1/Th2 and CTL responses in neonates and early life, providing it is performed prior to exposure to Th2-driving conventional vaccine antigens.

Identification of two amino acids in the hemagglutinin glycoprotein of measles virus (MV) that govern hemadsorption, HeLa cell fusion, and CD46 downregulation: phenotypic markers that differentiate vaccine and wild-type MV strains

We have used site-directed mutagenesis of the hemagglutinin (H) glycoprotein of measles virus (MV) to investigate the molecular basis for the phenotypic differences observed between MV vaccine strains and recently isolated wild-type MV strains. The former downregulate CD46, the putative cellular receptor of MV, are positive for hemadsorption, and are fusogenic in HeLa cells, whereas the latter are negative for these phenotypic markers. CD46 downregulation in particular, could have profound consequences for the immunopathology of MV infection, as this molecule protects the cell from complement lysis. Mutagenesis of two amino acids, valine and tyrosine at positions 451 and 481, respectively, in the H protein from the vaccine-like Hallé MV strain to their counterparts, glutamate and asparagine, in the H protein from the wild-type Ma93F MV strain (creating the V451E/Y481N double mutation) abrogated CD46 downregulation, HeLa cell fusion, and hemadsorption. The converse double mutagenesis of the Ma93F H protein (E451V/N481Y) transferred the CD46-downregulating, fusogenic, and hemadsorption functions to this protein. The data provide the first mapping study of the functional domains of MV H. The consequences of these results for MV vaccine design and the role of CD46 in MV infection are discussed.

Comparative analysis of the attachment protein gene (H) of dolphin morbillivirus

DMV, dolphin morbillivirus, a paramyxovirus of uncertain origin recently emerged in Mediterranean dolphins. This study presents the complete nucleotide sequence of the hemagglutinin (H) gene including the gene boundaries. The single open reading frame of the DMV H gene encodes a protein of 604 residues which exhibits overall sequence characteristics similar to the H genes of other morbilliviruses. When compared to its closest homologues, measles virus (MV) and rinderpest virus (RPV), DMV has, respectively, 44 and 46% of amino acid residues in identical positions. The primary sequence of the DMV H protein is markedly less conserved than that of the fusion protein. The comparative data at the genomic level correspond with cross-neutralization studies with different morbilliviruses. Retrospective serogical studies dating back to 1983 indicate DMV-like infections in whales of the eastern Atlantic. The presented data support and extend previous studies suggesting that this novel morbillivirus is one of the phylogenetically oldest morbilliviruses known to circulate today. The relationship of DMV and established morbilliviruses to the newly emerged candidate morbillivirus infecting horse and man is discussed.

Analysis of the antigenic profile of measles virus haemagglutinin in mice and humans using overlapping synthetic peptides

In this study, a panel of 55 synthetic peptides representing 92.2% of the haemagglutinin (H) glycoprotein of measles virus (MV) were used to study the antigenic profile of the H molecule of anti-MV antibodies raised in mice and late convalescent human sera. In addition the immunogenicity of these peptides was tested in two mouse strains. Mouse anti-MV antibodies had different fine specificity of binding to the peptides depending on the mouse strain. Thus in BALB/c (H-2d) mice, anti-MV antibodies recognised six peptides representing residues 103-117; 123-137; 242-255; 293-307 and 463-477. In TO (H-2s) mice, anti-MV antibodies recognised peptides representing residues 49-72 and 463-477. When the immunogenicity of the peptides was tested, 29 were immunogenic in BALB/c mice and 34 were immunogenic in TO mice. Several of the anti-peptide antisera were found to cross-react with MV, depending on the solid phase assay system used but none were able to inhibit virus infectivity in vitro. The reactivity of a panel of late convalescent human sera with the peptides was heterogeneous and the extent of the binding to the peptides was related to the titre of anti-MV. However, human sera recognized certain peptides more frequently than others, in particular peptides at the carboxyl-terminus.

Establishment and characterisation of murine cells constitutively expressing the fusion, nucleoprotein and matrix proteins of measles virus

To advance our understanding of the immunobiology of measles virus (MV) infections, we have investigated the possibility of establishing cell lines constitutively expressing the individual MV antigens. In contrast to previously published studies, we show that it is possible to establish cell lines expressing high levels of fusion (F), nucleoprotein (NP) and matrix (M) MV proteins. Once cloned, the cell lines were stable with high levels of expression for more than six months. The size and cell distribution of the NP and F proteins were similar to those observed in MV- or vaccinia-MV recombinant-infected cells. In contrast, the distribution of the M protein, although being similar to that of MV-infected cells, differed from that of Vaccinia-M recombinant virus-infected cells. Preliminary results suggest that these cell lines will be useful tools for studying the contribution of individual MV antigens to the cell-mediated immune response to this virus.

Vaccination of mice against canine distemper virus-induced encephalitis with vaccinia virus recombinants encoding measles or canine distemper virus antigens

Measles and canine distemper are caused by serologically related viruses. Although dogs immunized with measles virus (MV) do not elicit canine distemper virus (CDV) neutralizing antibodies, they are protected against the fatal disease. To investigate the potential role of the MV antigens in protection against CDV, we have immunized mice with vaccinia virus (VV) recombinants expressing the MV haemagglutinin (HA), fusion (F), nucleoprotein (NP) and matrix (M) antigens and challenged them with CDV. A partial protection was observed with the VV recombinants expressing the F, NP and M antigens, but not the HA. In contrast, immunization with a VV recombinant expressing the CDV F protein completely protected mice from CDV.

Generation of mammalian cells expressing stably measles virus proteins via bicistronic RNA

The proteins of measles virus are believed to be cytotoxic, and have never been expressed stably from the cloned genes in cultured cells. We found that measles viral proteins can be expressed via a bicistronic RNA. The dominantly selectable DHFR* protein-coding region encoding a mutant dihydrofolate reductase was inserted into the 3'-untranslated regions of the measles viral genes encoding nucleoprotein (N), matrix (M) protein, and hemagglutinin (H). The tandemly arranged cistrons were placed under control by the inducible promoter of human metallothionein IIA gene, or the noninducible early promoter of simian virus 40. Upon transfecting into mammalian cells, these gene constructs synthesized bicistronic RNAs. The downstream DHFR* gene conferred resistance to methotrexate (MTX). Cells that survived MTX selection expressed stably the N, M, or H protein of measles virus. Expression of N protein was further inducible by cadmium chloride treatment. This system will be useful for studying the protein functions of measles virus, and could be applied to express other potentially toxic gene products.

Role of biased hypermutation in evolution of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis virus from progenitor acute measles virus

We identified an acute measles virus (Nagahata strain) closely related to a defective virus (Biken strain) isolated from a patient with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE). The proteins of Nagahata strain measles virus are antigenically and electrophoretically similar to the proteins of Edmonston strain measles virus. However, the nucleotide sequence of the Nagahata matrix (M) gene is significantly different from the M genes of all the acute measles virus strains studied to date. The Nagahata M gene is strikingly similar to the M gene of Biken strain SSPE virus isolated several years later in the same locale. Eighty percent of the nucleotide differences between the Nagahata and Biken M genes are uridine-to-cytosine transitions known as biased hypermutation, which has been postulated to be caused by a cellular RNA-modifying activity. These biased mutations account for all but one of the numerous missense genetic changes predicted to cause amino acid substitutions. As a result, the Biken virus M protein loses conformation-specific epitopes that are conserved in the M proteins of Nagahata and Edmonston strain acute measles viruses. These conformation-specific epitopes are also absent in the cryptic M proteins encoded by the hypermutated M genes of two other defective SSPE viruses (Niigata and Yamagata strains). Nagahata-like sequences are found in the M genes of at least five other SSPE viruses isolated from three continents. These data indicate that Biken strain SSPE virus is derived from a progenitor closely resembling Nagahata strain acute measles virus and that biased hypermutation is largely responsible for the structural defects in the Biken virus M protein.

Structural homology between hemagglutinin (HA) of measles virus and the active site of long neurotoxins

The amino acid sequence of a carboxy terminal domain corresponding to the end of the outer envelope projection of the hemagglutinin glycoprotein (HA) of measles and subacute sclerosing panencephalitis viruses has a high degree of homology with the active domain of long neurotoxins, which specifically binds to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. The homology in amino acid sequence of HA to this domain of neurotoxin, as well as native alpha-bungarotoxin (BTx), was confirmed by the following evidence: a) rabbit anti-HA monospecific sera reacted with BTx in ELISA, b) HA dose-dependently blocked the binding of radio-labeled BTx in competitive radioimmunoassay, and c) antibody to a synthetic peptide of the active domain of BTx precipitated HA in radioimmunoprecipitation. In addition, SSPE patients had significantly high titers of antibody to BTx than healthy children who had been previously infected with measles. This epitope of HA may play an important role in the transsynaptic spreading of the virus in the brain.

Molecular analysis of structural protein genes of the Yamagata-1 strain of defective subacute sclerosing panencephalitis virus. III. Nucleotide sequence of the hemagglutinin gene

The full-length cDNA corresponding to the mRNA for the hemagglutinin (H) protein of the Yamagata-1 strain of the subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) virus was cloned and the nucleotide sequence was determined. The mRNA corresponding to the H protein was composed of 1952 nucleotides and contained a single large open reading frame, which encoded 620 amino acids with a predicted molecular weight of 69,723. This cDNA clone expressed the H protein in Cos 7 cells, and the transfected cells showed hemadsorption. The nucleotide and amino-acid sequence homology with the Edmonston strain of MV were 98.0% and 96.6%, respectively. The deduced amino acid sequence had a single hydrophobic domain near the N-terminus that was long enough to serve as an anchor in the membrane. Five potential glycosylation sites were found on the H protein at identical positions as in the H protein of MV. Cysteine and proline were located at almost identical positions as those of the H protein of MV. In addition, monoclonal antibody study revealed that three epitopes, including the domains that were involved in the biological activities of the H protein of MV, were conserved on the Yamagata-1 strain. These results suggested that the H protein of the Yamagata-1 strain of defective SSPE virus is structurally and functionally similar to that of the Edmonston strain of MV.

Stability of the nucleotide sequence of the phosphoprotein gene of measles virus during lytic infections

Three clones with cDNA inserts encoding large portions of the measles virus phosphoprotein mRNA were characterized and compared with a previously published sequence of the Edmonston strain of measles virus. The two cloned viruses were separated by more than 100 passages. Only one out of 1477 nucleotides differed in the two sequences reflecting a very low mutation rate of the phosphoprotein gene during dilute lytic passages. The discovery that a third reading frame in the phosphoprotein gene may code for a novel peptide chain in addition to the P and C peptides may explain some of the high stability of the gene. The new reading frame was accessed by a translational shift caused by insertion of one extra G at a particular site in one of three otherwise identical cDNA sequences. A discrepancy was also found between the presumably high error rate of viral RNA polymerases and the stability of nucleotides in which mutations would not lead to amino acid substitutions. A few errors in the previously published sequence were discovered and the corrections are presented.

Sequence determination of the hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) gene of human parainfluenza type 2 virus and the construction of a phylogenetic tree for HN proteins of all the paramyxoviruses that are infectious to humans

The nucleotide sequence of the hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) gene of human parainfluenza type 2 virus (PIV-2) was determined. The PIV-2 HN gene was 2112 nucleotides excluding poly(A) tail. There was a single large open reading frame in the mRNA which encoded a protein of 571 amino acids with a calculated molecular weight of 63,262. Analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence revealed that there were fourteen potential glycosylation sites and a major hydrophobic region near the N-terminus, which would anchor the protein in the viral membrane. Comparisons of the HN protein sequences of PIV-2 with those of Simian virus 5 (SV5), Sendai virus (SV, parainfluenza virus type 1), human parainfluenza virus type 3 (PIV-3), type 4 (PIV-4), bovine parainfluenza virus type 3 (BPIV-3), mumps virus (MuV), and Newcastle disease virus (NDV) showed definite amino acid sequence relatedness, indicating a common ancestor for these viruses. Furthermore, statistical analysis of the protein sequences suggested a possible evolutionary relatedness among the paramyxoviruses. This is the first time that a phylogenetic tree has been constructed for all the parainfluenza viruses and mumps virus which are infectious to humans. In addition, amino acid sequences involved in hemagglutinating and neuraminidase activities of paramyxovirus were discussed.

Mutated and hypermutated genes of persistent measles viruses which caused lethal human brain diseases

Persistent measles viruses (MVs) causing lethal human brain diseases are defective, and the structure of several mutated matrix genes has been elucidated previously. The present study of four persistent MVs revealed a high number of differences from a consensus sequence also in other genes. Amino acid changes accumulated in the carboxyl terminus of the nucleocapsid protein and in the amino terminus of the phosphoprotein, but did not significantly alter these products, which are implicated in viral replication and transcription. The contrary is true for the envelope glycoproteins: In three of four cases, mutations caused partial deletion of the short intracellular domain of the fusion protein, most likely compromising efficient viral budding. Moreover, in the hemagglutinin gene of a strain showing strongly reduced hemadsorption, 20 clustered A to G mutations, resulting in 16 amino acid changes, were detected. This hypermutation might be due to unwinding modification of a part of the MV RNA genome accidentally present in a double-stranded form. Finally, we classified four lytic and seven persistent MV strains on the basis of their sequences. Surprisingly, the four lytic viruses considered belong to the same class. The persistent viruses form more loosely defined groups, which all differ from the vaccine strain Edmonston.

Monoclonal antibodies against measles virus haemagglutinin react with synthetic peptides

The ability of 17 monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) against measles virus haemagglutinin (MV-H) to bind to 10 selected MV-H-specific synthetic peptides was tested in an enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Three peptides representing residues 126-135 (close to the NH2 terminus), 309-318 (middle), and 587-596 (C-terminal) reacted with MoAb designated 48, I29, and 18, respectively. Binding of MoAb I29 to purified virus was abolished after pre-incubation with the peptide 309-318. Similarly, MoAb 48 did not bind to the virus after absorption with the peptide 126-135. Longer peptides of 19 residues from the regions reacting with the MoAb were also synthesized and tested in EIA. None of the MoAb recognized these longer peptides when the latter were bound as free peptides on solid phase. However, MoAb I29 binding to purified virus was blocked equally well by peptides 304-322 and 309-318. In contrast, peptide 121-139 absorbed the reactivity of the MoAb 48 much more weakly than the shorter peptide 126-135, suggesting that the conformation of the longer peptide in solution is different. To analyse affinities in the antigen-antibody reactions, the plates were washed with buffers of varying pH after absorption of the MoAb to MV or peptides. The MoAb I29 bound both to MV and peptide 309-318 with equal affinity, but MoAb 48 and 18 bound to the peptides 126-135 and 587-596 with lower affinity than to the virus. This study indicates that regions corresponding to amino acids 126-135, 309-318, and 587-596 define antigenic sites of the H protein.

Cloning and sequence analysis of the hemagglutinin gene of the virulent strain of rinderpest virus

We have cloned the cDNA of the hemagglutinin (HA) gene of the virulent (Kabete O) strain of rinderpest virus and produced a comparative analysis of its sequence with that of the HA genes of rinderpest (lapinized strain) and measles viruses. The gene has an open reading frame of 1827 nucleotides, and the derived protein is 609 amino acids long with a calculated molecular weight of 68,006. The Kabete O HA polypeptide is identical in length to the HA of the lapinized strain of rinderpest virus and has a similar hydropathy profile. The nucleotide divergence between the lapinized and the Kabete O HA genes is 11.4% within the coding region, and 34.3% in the 3' untranslated region. The two rinderpest HA polypeptides differ at 74 amino acid residues for a divergence of 12.2%. Three-way comparison of the two rinderpest HA molecules with the measles virus HA polypeptide indicates that 56.6% of the residues are conserved.

Sequence variability and function of measles virus 3' and 5' ends and intercistronic regions

Sequences critical for the activity of the measles virus (MV) RNA polymerase in transcription and replication were analyzed using a MV genomic cDNA library containing overlapping clones encompassing the entire MV genome. Clones corresponding to the 3' and 5' ends of the MV genome were identified and sequenced, and these sequences were confirmed by primer extension experiments. Neither (+) nor (-) strand leader RNAs were detected in MV-infected cell extracts, using high specific activity riboprobes made form these clones. Clones representing each of the MV gene boundaries were also sequenced, and variations including point mutations, insertions, and deletions were noted. Together with the sequence of the MV L gene region, this report completes the sequence determination of the MV genome.

Analysis of the polypeptides synthesized in rinderpest virus-infected cells

We have identified, by [35S]methionine labeling, eight major induced proteins and a number of minor proteins in rinderpest virus-infected bovine kidney cells. The polypeptides ranged in molecular weight from 212 to 21.5 kDa. The majority of these polypeptides are virus specific, as demonstrated by immunoprecipitation with rabbit hyperimmune serum against rinderpest. Infected cells radiolabeled with glucosamine contained a 75-kDa polypeptide and a broad band migrating at 80 kDa, both identified as virus specific by immunoprecipitation. Phosphorylated virus-specific proteins of 65 kDa and a complex of polypeptides at 92.5 kDa were also identified. Monospecific and monoclonal antibodies against measles virus and canine distemper virus hemagglutinin, fusion protein, nucleocapsid protein, and phosphoproteins confirmed the identity of the corresponding rinderpest virus-specific polypeptides.

Construction and characterization of complementary DNA libraries from Vero cells infected with measles virus

Several cDNA libraries have been generated from poly(A)RNA from Vero cells infected for 24 hours with measles virus. Different protocols for cDNA library construction were compared and some critical steps were evaluated. From these libraries, a measles virus specific sequence corresponding to 885 of 1600 nucleotides of the measles virus phosphoprotein gene has been cloned. The phosphoprotein gene accounts for 1% of the total cDNA library after 24 hours of infection at 37 degrees C. The technique of differential colony hybridization was used to analyze the distribution and change of the poly(A)-RNA expression in uninfected Vero cells and in cells infected with measles virus for 24 hours.

Intracellular processing of measles virus fusion protein

Intracellular processing of measles virus fusion (F) protein was studied by radiolabeling and immunoprecipitation with a monoclonal antibody against F protein. The cleavage of F protein into F1 and F2 subunits was complete after 5 hours of chase during which the growth of oligosaccharide chains on the F2 domain of F protein continued. The addition of terminal sialic acid conferred a strong negative charge on the F2 subunit. F protein expressed on the cell surface was removed by a fungal semi-alkaline protease, providing a method to follow the kinetics of its transport to the cell surface. The transport of the F protein was faster than that of the hemagglutinin (HA) protein. Uncleaved F protein, as well as cleaved subunits became digestible by the protease, indicating that a portion of the F protein reaches the cell surface uncleaved. The treatment of measles virus-infected cells with tunicamycin resulted in the synthesis of unglycosylated HA (65 kilodaltons, Kd) and F (48 Kd) proteins. Unglycosylated F protein was not cleaved into smaller subunits, nor was it transported to the cell surface. Unglycosylated HA protein likewise failed to reach the cell surface.

Protection of mice from fatal measles encephalitis by vaccination with vaccinia virus recombinants encoding either the hemagglutinin or the fusion protein

Vaccinia virus recombinants encoding the hemagglutinin or fusion protein of measles virus have been constructed. Infection of cell cultures with the recombinants led to the synthesis of authentic measles proteins as judged by their electrophoretic mobility, recognition by antibodies, glycosylation, proteolytic cleavage, and presentation on the cell surface. Mice vaccinated with a single dose of the recombinant encoding the hemagglutinin protein developed antibodies capable of both inhibiting hemagglutination activity and neutralizing measles virus, whereas animals vaccinated with the recombinant encoding the fusion protein developed measles neutralizing antibodies. Mice vaccinated with either of the recombinants resisted a normally lethal intracerebral inoculation of a cell-associated measles virus subacute sclerosing panencephalitis strain.