Establishment and maintenance of the interferon-induced antiviral state: studies in enucleated cells

Accelerated viral dynamics in bat cell lines, with implications for zoonotic emergence

Bats host virulent zoonotic viruses without experiencing disease. A mechanistic understanding of the impact of bats’ virus hosting capacities, including uniquely constitutive immune pathways, on cellular-scale viral dynamics is needed to elucidate zoonotic emergence. We carried out virus infectivity assays on bat cell lines expressing induced and constitutive immune phenotypes, then developed a theoretical model of our in vitro system, which we fit to empirical data. Best fit models recapitulated expected immune phenotypes for representative cell lines, supporting robust antiviral defenses in bat cells that correlated with higher estimates for within-host viral propagation rates. In general, heightened immune responses limit pathogen-induced cellular morbidity, which can facilitate the establishment of rapidly-propagating persistent infections within-host. Rapidly-transmitting viruses that have evolved with bat immune systems will likely cause enhanced virulence following emergence into secondary hosts with immune systems that diverge from those unique to bats.

Bats can carry viruses that are deadly to other mammals without themselves showing serious symptoms. In fact, bats are natural reservoirs for viruses that have some of the highest fatality rates of any viruses that people acquire from wild animals – including rabies, Ebola and the SARS coronavirus.

Bats have a suite of antiviral defenses that keep the amount of virus in check. For example, some bats have an antiviral immune response called the interferon pathway perpetually switched on. In most other mammals, having such a hyper-vigilant immune response would cause harmful inflammation. Bats, however, have adapted anti-inflammatory traits that protect them from such harm, include the loss of certain genes that normally promote inflammation. However, no one has previously explored how these unique antiviral defenses of bats impact the viruses themselves.

Now, Brook et al. have studied this exact question using bat cells grown in the laboratory. The experiments made use of cells from one bat species – the black flying fox – in which the interferon pathway is always on, and another – the Egyptian fruit bat – in which this pathway is only activated during an infection. The bat cells were infected with three different viruses, and then Brook et al. observed how the interferon pathway helped keep the infections in check, before creating a computer model of this response.

The experiments and model helped reveal that the bats’ defenses may have a potential downside for other animals, including humans. In both bat species, the strongest antiviral responses were countered by the virus spreading more quickly from cell to cell. This suggests that bat immune defenses may drive the evolution of faster transmitting viruses, and while bats are well protected from the harmful effects of their own prolific viruses, other creatures like humans are not.

The findings may help to explain why bats are often the source for viruses that are deadly in humans. Learning more about bats' antiviral defenses and how they drive virus evolution may help scientists develop better ways to predict, prevent or limit the spread of viruses from bats to humans. More studies are needed in bats to help these efforts. In the meantime, the experiments highlight the importance of warning people to avoid direct contact with wild bats.

Sarcolectin (SCL): structure and expression of the recombinant molecule

Interferons (IFNs) are major cytokines, responsible for down-regulating cell growth and for promoting cell differentiation. The sarcolectin (SCL) protein presented here blocks in the cells the established IFN-dependent interphase and stimulates DNA synthesis, probably in co-ordination with more specific growth factors or hormones. The SCL-DNA structure is closely related to that of cytokeratine K2C7 intermediate filaments, but the SCL is a monomer, or sometimes a dimer, which is excreted into the serum, where it is frequently bound to albumin. Its specific biological functions are carried by the beta sheets, and can be found on the two terminal domains of the molecule, the lectinic properties being located mainly on the N-terminus. The recombinant SCL molecule possesses the same biological functions as the native one, since it inhibits the IFN-dependent antiviral state both in human and in mouse cell cultures. On the contrary, antibodies raised against amino acids 41-55 located on the N-terminal domain of SCL inhibit this antagonistic effect. We postulate that the IFN and SCL proteins, because of their opposite biological functions, are in balance and are part of a feedback system operating the regulation of normal growth. In pathological cases, SCL could play a role in the development of tumors, as we have found in juvenile osteosarcomas or in AIDS cases.

A method for enucleation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The first method for enucleation of yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is reported. Various strains, including some killer strain and respiratory-deficient mutants of Saccharomyces cerevisiae were enucleated after treatment with cytochalasin B. Removal of nuclei from protruding sphaeroplasts was induced by centrifugation in a Percoll density gradient. The enucleation yield (which averaged about 80%) and the quality of the cytoplasts were best when the yeast culture had been synchronized with nocodazole before the preparation. The presence of 1 mM CaCl2 and ATP (10 microM) in the enucleation medium prevented the formation of fragile products or aggregation. Cytoplasts could be stored for at least 1 day without visible deterioration.

Interferon induction of chicken MHC class I gene expression: phylogenetic conservation of the interferon-responsive element

The 5' upstream region of a chicken MHC class I gene BF-IV contains sequence motifs similar to the interferon consensus sequences (ICS) contained in promoters of many mammalian interferon-regulated genes. To study a possible functional role of this putative chicken ICS, an oligonucleotide spanning the upstream sequences of the BF-IV gene (-174/-194) was cloned singly or in multiple copies before the herpes TK promoter controlling the chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) gene (pBLCAT2). Transient expression studies performed with primary chicken fibroblasts (CEF) showed that the chicken ICS represses constitutive promoter activity. The chicken ICS, however, enhanced CAT activity up to 20-fold following treatment with chicken interferon (IFN). Deletion analysis of the BF-IV promoter also confirms that the upstream DNA sequences (-174/-194) contain a functional ICS recognized by chicken interferon. The murine ICS of the H2-Ld gene was also activated by chicken interferon when introduced into CEF. IFN activation of chicken ICS containing reporters was also observed in transformed chicken fibroblast lines. We show that the chicken ICS binds two specific nuclear factors present in chicken fibroblasts which are induced by interferon. These factors were also capable of recognizing the mouse ICS, suggesting the conservation of a relevant DNA-binding protein. Taken together, these data indicate that the chicken ICS motif contained in a sequence from -174 to -194 of the BF-IV gene acts as a strong interferon-response element, which has been functionally conserved during about 270 million years of separate evolution of mammals and birds.

Poxvirus pathogenesis

Poxviruses are a highly successful family of pathogens, with variola virus, the causative agent of smallpox, being the most notable member. Poxviruses are unique among animal viruses in several respects. First, owing to the cytoplasmic site of virus replication, the virus encodes many enzymes required either for macromolecular precursor pool regulation or for biosynthetic processes. Second, these viruses have a very complex morphogenesis, which involves the de novo synthesis of virus-specific membranes and inclusion bodies. Third, and perhaps most surprising of all, the genomes of these viruses encode many proteins which interact with host processes at both the cellular and systemic levels. For example, a viral homolog of epidermal growth factor is active in vaccinia virus infections of cultured cells, rabbits, and mice. At least five virus proteins with homology to the serine protease inhibitor family have been identified and one, a 38-kDa protein encoded by cowpox virus, is thought to block a host pathway for generating a chemotactic substance. Finally, a protein which has homology with complement components interferes with the activation of the classical complement pathway. Poxviruses infect their hosts by all possible routes: through the skin by mechanical means (e.g., molluscum contagiosum infections of humans), via the respiratory tract (e.g., variola virus infections of humans), or by the oral route (e.g., ectromelia virus infection of the mouse). Poxvirus infections, in general, are acute, with no strong evidence for latent, persistent, or chronic infections. They can be localized or systemic. Ectromelia virus infection of the laboratory mouse can be systemic but inapparent with no mortality and little morbidity, or highly lethal with death in 10 days. On the other hand, molluscum contagiosum virus replicates only in the stratum spinosum of the human epidermis, with little or no involvement of the dermis, and does not spread systemically from the site of infection. The host response to infection is progressive and multifactorial. Early in the infection process, interferons, the alternative pathway of complement activation, inflammatory cells, and natural killer cells may contribute to slowing the spread of the infection. The cell-mediated response involving learned cytotoxic T lymphocytes and delayed-type hypersensitivity components appears to be the most important in recovery from infection. A significant role for specific antiviral antibody and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity has yet to be demonstrated in recovery from a primary infection, but these responses are thought to be important in preventing reinfection.

Poxvirus pathogenesis

Poxviruses are a highly successful family of pathogens, with variola virus, the causative agent of smallpox, being the most notable member. Poxviruses are unique among animal viruses in several respects. First, owing to the cytoplasmic site of virus replication, the virus encodes many enzymes required either for macromolecular precursor pool regulation or for biosynthetic processes. Second, these viruses have a very complex morphogenesis, which involves the de novo synthesis of virus-specific membranes and inclusion bodies. Third, and perhaps most surprising of all, the genomes of these viruses encode many proteins which interact with host processes at both the cellular and systemic levels. For example, a viral homolog of epidermal growth factor is active in vaccinia virus infections of cultured cells, rabbits, and mice. At least five virus proteins with homology to the serine protease inhibitor family have been identified and one, a 38-kDa protein encoded by cowpox virus, is thought to block a host pathway for generating a chemotactic substance. Finally, a protein which has homology with complement components interferes with the activation of the classical complement pathway. Poxviruses infect their hosts by all possible routes: through the skin by mechanical means (e.g., molluscum contagiosum infections of humans), via the respiratory tract (e.g., variola virus infections of humans), or by the oral route (e.g., ectromelia virus infection of the mouse). Poxvirus infections, in general, are acute, with no strong evidence for latent, persistent, or chronic infections. They can be localized or systemic. Ectromelia virus infection of the laboratory mouse can be systemic but inapparent with no mortality and little morbidity, or highly lethal with death in 10 days. On the other hand, molluscum contagiosum virus replicates only in the stratum spinosum of the human epidermis, with little or no involvement of the dermis, and does not spread systemically from the site of infection. The host response to infection is progressive and multifactorial. Early in the infection process, interferons, the alternative pathway of complement activation, inflammatory cells, and natural killer cells may contribute to slowing the spread of the infection. The cell-mediated response involving learned cytotoxic T lymphocytes and delayed-type hypersensitivity components appears to be the most important in recovery from infection. A significant role for specific antiviral antibody and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity has yet to be demonstrated in recovery from a primary infection, but these responses are thought to be important in preventing reinfection.

Induction and maintenance of 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase in interferon-treated chicken embryo cells

Treatment of primary cultures of chicken embryo cells with homologous interferon results in a substantial increase in the level of 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase activity that can be detected in cell extracts. This increase can be prevented by inhibitors of RNA or protein synthesis and is thus thought to represent the induction of an interferon-inducible gene, perhaps the 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase gene itself. To examine this response in greater detail, we studied its kinetics under the following conditions: (i) cessation of interferon treatment after different lengths of time, (ii) delayed inhibition of RNA or protein synthesis, and (iii) combinations of these treatments. The results showed that in cells treated continuously with interferon, the enzyme level reached a peak after 9 h of treatment and then decreased with a half-life of about 30 h, despite the continued presence of interferon. Removal of interferon during induction reduced the peak level of activity that was attained and somewhat accelerated its decline but did not otherwise affect the time-course of the response. On the other hand, removal of interferon after maximum induction clearly accelerated the decay of enzyme activity. This process could be delayed by inhibitors of protein synthesis, which effectively stabilized the induced enzyme. This behavior is reminiscent of other inducible enzymes, such as the steroid-induced tyrosine aminotransferase, and suggests that the level of 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase, which is also inducible by steroid hormones in some cell types, is subject to similar control mechanisms.

Microinjected interferon does not promote an antiviral response in Hela cells

Human fibroblast interferon (Hu IFN beta) was directly introduced with glass micropipets into the cytoplasm of Hela cells. Such an injection of more than 10(4) molecules per cell failed to induce any antiviral state when challenged with vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV). These findings are discussed in relation to the possible role of internalization in the mechanism of antiviral action of interferon.

Induction and maintenance of 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase in interferon-treated chicken embryo cells

Treatment of primary cultures of chicken embryo cells with homologous interferon results in a substantial increase in the level of 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase activity that can be detected in cell extracts. This increase can be prevented by inhibitors of RNA or protein synthesis and is thus thought to represent the induction of an interferon-inducible gene, perhaps the 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase gene itself. To examine this response in greater detail, we studied its kinetics under the following conditions: (i) cessation of interferon treatment after different lengths of time, (ii) delayed inhibition of RNA or protein synthesis, and (iii) combinations of these treatments. The results showed that in cells treated continuously with interferon, the enzyme level reached a peak after 9 h of treatment and then decreased with a half-life of about 30 h, despite the continued presence of interferon. Removal of interferon during induction reduced the peak level of activity that was attained and somewhat accelerated its decline but did not otherwise affect the time-course of the response. On the other hand, removal of interferon after maximum induction clearly accelerated the decay of enzyme activity. This process could be delayed by inhibitors of protein synthesis, which effectively stabilized the induced enzyme. This behavior is reminiscent of other inducible enzymes, such as the steroid-induced tyrosine aminotransferase, and suggests that the level of 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase, which is also inducible by steroid hormones in some cell types, is subject to similar control mechanisms.

Mononuclear phagocytes: responders to and producers of interferon

We have provided evidence that in vivo-induced type I IF enhanced Fc-mediated particle uptake by mouse macrophages. Fc-mediated phagocytosis of opsonized erythrocytes by unelicited fresh or cultivated macrophages was stimulated by 4-8 hours of cultivation with 100 ohms/ml IF. A 1-hour pulse was sufficient when followed by incubation in If-free medium. Pactamycin, a protein synthesis inhibitor, and camptothecin, and RNA synthesis inhibitor, blocked the stimulation of phagocytosis, indicating a requirement for macromolecular synthesis. Binding by the macrophages of a radioiodinated monoclonal antibody with anti-Fc receptor II specificity indicated that the stimulation of phagocytosis did not result from an increase in the numbers of available Fc receptors. Inflammatory macrophages, while more phagocytic than resting cells, could be further stimulated by IF in vitro, as could macrophages stimulated with LPS. In contrast, macrophages obtained from animals treated with IF inducers could not be further stimulated by IF. LPS-prestimulated and normal macrophages showed similar time-course and dose-response curves to IF, indicating that the probable mechanism of stimulation is similar in both types of cells. Cultivated bone marrow-derived macrophages found to be sensitive to IF induction by LPS, poly I.C., or NDV. The induction of IF by either LPS or poly I.C. was greater at 26 degrees C than at 37 degrees C, while no such difference was found using NDV. A 2-hour pulse of LPS was sufficient to induce IF in marrow-derived macrophages. The induced IF activity was shown to be type I IF.

Differential efficacies of human type I and type II interferons as antiviral and antiproliferative agents

Treatment of human fibroblast FS-4 cultures with human type II interferon preparations induced the synthesis of at least four proteins that were similar in size to four of the five proteins induced by type I interferons (Mr 120,000, 88,000, 67,000, and 56,000). However, the Mr 67,000 and 56,000 proteins were induced more strongly by type II than by type I interferon, and a counterpart of a Mr 80,000 protein induced by type I interferons was not noticeably induced by type II interferon preparations. We therefore compared type I and type II interferons for relative antiviral activities against different viruses (vesicular stomatitis, encephalomyocarditis, and vaccinia viruses and reovirus) and for cell growth-inhibitory activities on various cell types. The replication of vesicular stomatitis and encephalomyocarditis viruses was inhibited more strongly by type I interferon, whereas reovirus and vaccinia virus showed greater sensitivity to type II interferon preparations. This indicates that viruses may differ in their sensitivity to human type I and type II interferons and that the antiviral mechanisms induced by type I and type II interferons may have significant differences. The type I and type II interferons may have significant differences. The type I and type II interferons may also differ in their efficacies as antiproliferative agents. Type II interferon preparations at 2.5 units/ml inhibited the incorporatin of [3H]thymidine to a greater extent than did type I interferon at 400 units/ml. (For both type I and type II interferons, the unit of interferon activity was defined as the concentration that decreased the yield of vesicular stomatitis virus by 50% in FS-4 cultures.) Furthermore, whereas type II interferon preparations had a reversible cytostatic effect on normal human fibroblasts at 10 units/ml, the transformed cells tested (HeLa, osteosarcoma, U-amnion) showed extensive cell death, thus indicating that it may have a cytocidal effect on certain tumor cells. It appears that human type II interferon (or a factor present in these preparations) may be a potent antitumor agent.

Interferon-induced proteins in human fibroblasts and development of the antiviral state

Treatment of human fibroblasts with interferon induces the synthesis of several proteins, as detected by incorporation of [35S]methionine followed by analysis of cell extracts by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The induction of these proteins had features in common with the development of the antiviral effect of interferon, such as (i) sensitivity to actinomycin D and cycloheximide when these compounds were added together with interferon, (ii) insensitivity to actinomycin D if the actinomycin D was added 2 h after the addition of interferon, (iii) similar dependence on interferon concentration, and (iv) species specificity for interferon. When interferon treatment was given in the presence of cycloheximide and actinomycin D was added before the removal of cycloheximide, all four proteins were induced, thus suggesting that their inductions are coordinated. Labeling for 2-h periods at varying time intervals after the addition of interferon revealed that the synthesis of these proteins was induced within a few hours, peaked at different time intervals, and was soon followed by a marked decline, suggesting that the mRNA's for these proteins have short half-lives. Moreover, this decline occurred despite the fact that the cells were continuously exposed to interferon, and there was no measurable loss of interferon activity in the medium. This suggests that the induction of these proteins is transient and is apparently subject to further control.

Inhibition by interferon of Sendai virus cytolysis

Treatment of HeLa cells with human interferons inhibited 51Cr release from cells induced by ultraviolet-inactivated Sendai virus. The inhibitory effect became apparent about 6 h after interferon treatment and persisted for 24 to 48 h. In the interferon-treated cells, the cytolysis was inhibited within 10 min after adding virus and the inhibitory action was suppressed by the treatment of the cells with cycloheximide. Mock interferon and mouse interferon did not inhibit the cytolysis and antiinterferon serum neutralized the effect of interferon. All these findings indicate that Sendai virus-induced cytolysis is inhibited by interferon per se. However, interferon did not have any influence on Sendai virus hemolysis.

Inhibition of interferon production and antiviral action in mouse cells by 4,5',8-trimethylpsoralen activated with near ultraviolet light. Brief report

The DNA of mammalian cells treated with 4,5',8-trimethylpsoralen (Trioxsalen) is crosslinked (preventing transcription) only after photoactivation with near ultraviolet light. Suppression of gene action in cocultivated or fused cultures, including both induction and antiviral action of fibroblast interferon, can consequently be limited to pretreated cells, an advantage over actinomycin treatment.

Kinetics of decay in the expression of interferon-dependent mRNAs responsible for resistance to virus

We used 5,6-dichloro-beta D-ribofuranosyl-benzimidazole (DRB), a selective and reversible inhibitor of mRNA production, to investigate the regulation of the pathway leading to resistance to viruses in cells treated with interferon (IF). DRB allows initiation of transcription but promotes premature termination of the nucleotide chains, so that it abolishes interferon-dependent protection against viruses. When the DRB is removed, synthesis of complete mRNAs can resume. Mouse L-929 cells were exposed to 100 microM DRB before and during a 1-hr pulse of IF followed by treatment with antibody to IF to prevent cell-to-cell spread of IF after that time. At different intervals thereafter the cells were washed and the DRB was replaced by medium; after further incubation, the cells were infected with vesicular stomatitis virus. Resistance to virus was inversely proportional to the duration of the block imposed by DRB. When the DRB was removed soon after the IF pulse, substantial protection from virus ensued, but none developed when removal of the DRB was deferred for 5-6 hr. Cells exposed to DRB for 5 hr, then pulsed with IF for 1 hr, still mounted a strong antiviral response. The data show that the ability of cells to resist viral infection decays within 5-6 hr after treatment with IF. Whether the decay is due to shutoff of transcription of mRNAs, or to their destruction or degradation, or whether regulation takes place at one or more subsequent steps in the antiviral pathway, remains to be determined.

Interferon action: induction of specific proteins in mouse and human cells by homologous interferons

Treatment of mouse (Ehrlich ascites tumor and L929) and human (FS4, GM258, etc.) cells with homologous interferons results in the induction of several proteins. Extracts obtained from cells labeled with [35S]methionine in the absence or presence of interferon were fractionated on poly(I) . poly(C)-agarose columns. The proteins retained on the columns revealed, upon sodium dodecyl sulfate/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, three protein bands in mouse cells (Mr 120,000; 80,000; and 67,000) and two in human cells (Mr 120,000 and 80,000) which were detected in the extracts of interferon-treated but not of untreated cells. These proteins were retained on double-stranded RNA [poly(I) . poly(C)-agarose] columns but very poorly, if at all, on single-stranded RNA [poly(I)- or poly(C)-agarose] columns, suggesting that they have an affinity for double-stranded RNA. In addition, interferon treatment of human fibroblasts greatly increased the labeling of three other protein bands (Mr 88,000; 67,000; and 56,000) which were detected in whole extracts but were not appreciably retained on poly(I) . poly(C)-agarose columns. The appearance of the induced proteins was blocked by actinomycin D if added together with interferon, indicating that transcription of certain genetic information is required. The possible correlation between the induced proteins described here and the elevated levels of certain enzymes in interferon-treated cells (a protein kinase and 2'-5'-oligoadenylate synthetase) is at present unclear.

Species specificity of interferon action: maintenance and establishment of the antiviral state in the presence of a heterospecific nucleus

The expression of the interferon-induced antiviral state was studied in heterokaryons and cytoplasmic hybrids (cybrids). An autoradiographic assay for the antiviral state, in which the percentage of cells containing vaccinia viral DNA factories was determined, was used. The expression of the antiviral state was dominant in homokaryons and heterokaryons formed by fusion of interferon-treated cells with untreated cells. Cytoplasts derived from treated cells conferred resistance to virus growth on cybrids formed by fusing such cytoplasts with untreated cells. Treatment of L cell x HeLa cell heterokaryons with human interferon or mouse interferon was much less effective in inducing a detectable antiviral state than was similar treatment of parental cells with homospecific interferon. The antiviral state was fully induced when heterokaryons were treated simultaneously with both types of interferon. Cybrids formed by fusing L cell cytoplasts with HeLa cells or HeLa cytoplasts with L cells did not enter a detectable antiviral state after treatment with interferon specific for the cell type of the enucleated parent. However, treatment of cybrids with interferon specific for the cell type of the nucleated parent was effective in inducing a detectable antiviral state.

A murine cell possessing a dominant mutation affecting the regulation of interferon production: characterization by intraspecific hybrids

Using intraspecific hybrids, we have demonstrated the dominant nature of two phenotypic markers present in a mutant mouse 3T6 cell line, designated 3T6-VrB2. These are, resistance to virus infection (Vr) and semiconstitutive synthesis of interferon (IFsc). Hybrids were formed by polyethylene glycol-mediated fusion between 3T6-VrB2, or its parent 3T6, and 2TG0-13, a triply marked derivative of mouse 3T3 cells. When tested for the Vr marker, 3T6-VrB2 X 2TG0-13 hybrid clones displayed a level of resistance to virus infection which was equal to or greater than that of 3T6-VrB2. Similarly, when tested for the IFsc marker, these hybrid clones were found to possess the capacity to confer an interferon-induced antiviral state in mouse L929 cells upon cocultivation. By comparison, clones derived from 3T6 X 2TG0-13 fusions produced high levels of virus and failed to confer an interferon-induced antiviral state in L929 cells.

Interferon-associated, dsRNA-dependent enzyme activities in a mutant 3T6 cell engaged in the semiconstitutive synthesis of interferon

Cytoplasmic extracts of untreated cultures of a virus-resistant mutant of mouse 3T6 cells, designated 3T6-VrB2, contain two double-stranded, RNA-activated enzyme activities associated with interferon action. These are the synthesis of a low molecular weight oligonucleotide inhibitor of cell-free protein synthesis from ATP, and the phosphorylation of a 67,000 dalton polypeptide by transfer of the gamma phosphate of ATP. Basal levels of both enzyme activities are detectable in extracts of untreated parental 3T6 cells, and are greatly enhanced upon interferon pretreatment. A procedure was developed, using a nonionic detergent to effect cell lysis, which allowed the analysis of the protein kinase activity from as few as 2 x 10(7) cells. Using this procedure, direct proportionalities were demonstrated between the concentration of interferon to which 3T6 cells were exposed, and both the level of protein kinase activity and the magnitude of the antiviral state were established in these cells. Furthermore, untreated cultures of 3T6-VrB2 exhibited both an antiviral state and an intracellular protein kinase activity equal to that of cultures of the parental 3T6 cells pretreated with a single concentration of mouse interferon.

Murine interferon system regulation: isolation and characterization of a mutant 3T6 cell engaged in the semiconstitutive synthesis of interferon

We describe the isolation and characterization of a virus-resistant mutant of murine 3T6 cells. The mutant, designated 3T6-VrB2, displays a high degree of resistance to infection by members of the toga-, rhabdo- and picornavirus classes. The level of this resistance to infection is similar to the parent 3T6 pretreated with approximately 100 lU/ml of interferon. Upon co-cultivation of 3T6-VrB2 cells with interferon-sensitive mouse cells, an antiviral state is induced in the latter cells as measured by a reduction of virus yield following infection. The nature of the induction is defined by a series of experiments using anti-mouse interferon antiserum. In the presence of this antiserum, the ability of the mutant to induce an antiviral state in interferon-sensitive mouse cells upon co-cultivation is eliminated. Additionally, growth of the mutant cells in the presence of this antiserum causes a reversal of the virus-resistant phenotype. Our results indicate that 3T6-VrB2 contains a mutation affecting the regulation of the murine interferon system such that the cell is engaged in the semiconstitutive synthesis of interferon.

The stability of tyrosine aminotransferase and other proteins in enucleated rat hepatoma tissue culture cells

The role of the nucleus in bringing about the induction of tyrosine aminotransferase (TAT) by glucocorticosteroid hormone and its deinduction upon steroid removal has been studied in enucleated rat hepatoma tissue culture cells (FU5-5). Both processes require the presence of the nucleus. However, cytoplasts from preinduced cells show an initial rapid decline in enzyme activity immediately after enucleation followed by maintenance of a constant level of activity. This initial decline in enzyme activity can be partially prevented by trypan blue, an inhibitor of lysosomal activity. This suggests that the early fall in enzyme activity could be due to an increase in the level of lysosomal activity immediately after enucleation. The subsequent constant level of activity seems due to maintenance rather than synthesis and degradation since it is not affected by cycloheximide. The absence of degradation applies to other kinds of proteins in enucleated FU5-5 cells and enucleated mouse fibroblast L cells. These experiments suggest that some kind of labile RNA or protein dependent on the presence of the nucleus is required for the degradation of all classes of proteins in different kinds of cells.

Analysis of the induction and deinduction of tyrosine aminotransferase in enucleated HTC cells

Anucleate HTC cells have been used to determine the importance of the nucleus in the regulation of the intracellular levels of tyrosine aminotransferase (TAT) in hepatoma tissue culture (HTC) cells. In the absence of the nucleus, neither the induction of the enzyme by dexamethasone nor its deinduction upon removal of the hormone occurs. Degradation of the enzyme takes place when protein synthesis is inhibited in anucleates by cycloheximide. Therefore, the maintenance of induced levels of enzyme activity after dexamethasone withdrawal from pre-induced anucleates suggest that the nucleus is required for the inactivation of the TAT mRNA.

Action of interferon in enucleated cells

Interferon induces protection of enucleated BSC-1 cells against infectious vesicular stomatitis virus production if cells are treated before, but not after, enucleation.