Evidence for an adenovirus type 2-coded early glycoprotein

Cell transformation by human adenoviruses

The last 40 years of molecular biological investigations into human adenoviruses have contributed enormously to our understanding of the basic principles of normal and malignant cell growth. Much of this knowledge stems from analyses of their productive infection cycle in permissive host cells. Also, initial observations concerning the carcinogenic potential of human adenoviruses subsequently revealed decisive insights into the molecular mechanisms of the origins of cancer, and established adenoviruses as a model system for explaining virus-mediated transformation processes. Today it is well established that cell transformation by human adenoviruses is a multistep process involving several gene products encoded in early transcription units 1A (E1A) and 1B (E1B). Moreover, a large body of evidence now indicates that alternative or additional mechanisms are engaged in adenovirus-mediated oncogenic transformation involving gene products encoded in early region 4 (E4) as well as epigenetic changes resulting from viral DNA integration. In particular, detailed studies on the tumorigenic potential of subgroup D adenovirus type 9 (Ad9) E4 have now revealed a new pathway that points to a novel, general mechanism of virus-mediated oncogenesis. In this chapter, we summarize the current state of knowledge about the oncogenes and oncogene products of human adenoviruses, focusing particularly on recent findings concerning the transforming and oncogenic properties of viral proteins encoded in the E1B and E4 transcription units.

Regulation of the biosynthesis of subgroup C adenovirus protein IVa2

The IVa2 gene is located between 16 and 11.3 map units on the left strand of the adenovirus type 5 (Ad5) genome. The coded RNA contains an intron of 277 nucleotides. To determine whether protein IVa2 is synthetized during productive infection and to obtain an immunological reagent to study its function, we prepared antibodies directed to 414 amino acids of protein IVa2 fused to the N-terminal domain of Staphylococcus aureus protein A. Western immunoblot analysis of viral proteins demonstrates that protein IVa2 is a minor component of mature viral particles and that it is also present in assembly intermediates and young virions. Thus, contrary to a previous report (H. Persson, B. Mathisen, L. Philipson, and U. Pettersson, Virology 93:198-208, 1979), protein IVa2 is not related to the 50-kDa polypeptide, a scaffolding protein present in assembly intermediates. The biosynthesis of protein IVa2 during productive infection was examined. Time course studies using immunofluorescence analysis with polyclonal antibodies targeted to protein IVa2 revealed that this protein is first synthesized at 12 h in a few cells exhibiting very striking fluorescence. Synthesis continues until at least 24 h postinfection. When hydroxyurea is added, protein IVa2 is not detected. In cells infected with mutant H5 ts125, blocked at the nonpermissive temperature (40 degrees C) in viral DNA replication, protein IVa2 is overexpressed. These results suggest that protein IVa2 synthesis requires cellular rather than viral DNA replication. RNase protection assay results indicate that hydroxyurea inhibits protein IVa2 synthesis at the transcriptional level. Thus, overexpression of protein IVa2 in H5 ts125-infected cells may be regulated at the translational level.

O-linked GlcNAc in serotype-2 adenovirus fibre

Serotype-2 adenovirus fibre is shown to possess an O-linked GlcNAc residue and to have affinity for wheat germ agglutinin. The cytoplasmic and nuclear fibres are both glycosylated. Glycosylation seems to take place in the cytoplasm since most of the [14C]GlcN-labelled fibre is found in this compartment, little label being associated with the microsomes. Glycosylation of the fibre was not affected by inhibitors of N- and O-glycosylation. A variation in fibre glycosylation is observed among adenovirus. Among the serotypes tested, only serotype-5 adenovirus (another subgroup C virus) also incorporated [14C]GlcN into its fibre, but did not possess affinity for wheat-germ agglutinin. The GlcNAc is located in the N-terminal two-thirds of the fibre and more probably in the N-terminal one-third. The free or penton-base-associated fibres are similarly glycosylated. These results suggest that glycosylation is not involved in viral adsorption and in assembly with the capsid penton base. Thus, glycosylation might be a characteristic feature of subgroup C viruses.

Adenovirus proteins and MHC expression

Adenoviruses are able to specifically down-regulate the cell surface expression of MHC class I antigens. Most viral serotypes achieve these ends by synthesizing a protein that binds to class I antigens in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and impedes the transport of these molecules to the cell surface. However, viruses belonging to the highly oncogenic subgenus A do not affect the class I antigen expression during acute infection. Instead, they are distinct from other adenoviruses in that they specifically down-regulate the level of mRNAs, encoding MHC class I antigens, in virally transformed cells. The virus-induced reduction of class I antigen expression drastically diminishes the ability of CTLs to recognize cells infected or transformed by adenovirus. A number of issues concerning these viral mechanisms for class I antigen modulation need to be addressed. The molecular mechanism by which the E1A gene product of subgenus A viruses diminishes class I mRNA levels has not been elucidated. Also, the details of the interaction between the E19 protein and class I molecules should be studied, preferably by X-ray crystallography of the complexes. This would clarify the role of the antigen-binding site as well as other portions of the class I molecule in the binding to the E19 protein. Of general importance for our understanding of the sorting and intracellular transport of proteins is the exact delimitation of the signal for ER localization, which is present in the COOH-terminus of the E19 protein. The putative interaction of this peptide sequence with components of the ER membrane should also be studied. Finally, the study of the pathophysiological role of the MHC class I down-regulation will undoubtedly yield new insights into how the immune system combats virally infected and transformed cells.

An adenovirus mRNA which encodes a 14,700-Mr protein that maps to the last open reading frame of region E3 is expressed during infection

The E3 regions of adenovirus types 2 and 5, respectively, are known to synthesize proteins of 19,000 Mr (19K) and 11.6K, but information regarding the identity and characterization of other potential E3 proteins encoded by the six remaining open reading frames (ORFs) is lacking. In this study, we show that the last ORF of region E3, which encodes a 14.7K protein, is expressed in adenovirus-infected cells. This information was largely derived from analysis of an E3 deletion mutant (H2dl801) in which an extensive deletion (1,939 base pairs) was found to eliminate all ORFs except for two proteins of 12.5K and 14.7K. The 14.7K protein was translated from RNA isolated from H2dl801-infected cells that had been hybridization selected to E3 DNA; hybridization-selected RNA from wild-type adenovirus type 5-infected cells translated both the 19K and the 14.7K proteins. Moreover, an antiserum directed against a bacterial 14.7K fusion protein (A. E. Tollefson and W. S. M. Wold, J. Virol. 62:33-39, 1988) immunoprecipitated the 14.7K translation product synthesized by wild-type and mutant H2dl801 adenovirus mRNAs.

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The DNA sequence of the early E3 transcription unit of adenovirus 2 (Ad2) (J. Hérissé et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 8:2173-2192, 1980), indicates that an open reading frame exists between nucleotides 1860 and 2163 that could encode a protein of Mr 11,600 (11.6K). We have determined the DNA sequence of the corresponding region in Ad5 (closely related to Ad2) and have established that this putative gene is conserved in Ad5 (a 10.5K protein). To determine whether this protein is expressed, we prepared an antiserum in rabbits against a synthetic peptide corresponding to amino acids 66 to 74 in the 11.6K protein of Ad2. The peptide antiserum immunoprecipitated a ca. 13K-14K protein doublet, as estimated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, from [35S]methionine-labeled Ad2- or Ad5-early-infected KB cells. The antiserum also immunoprecipitated a 13K-14K protein doublet translated in vitro from Ad2 or Ad5 early E3-specific mRNA purified by hybridization to Ad2 EcoRI-D (nucleotides -236 to 2437). The synthetic peptide successfully competed with the 13K-14K protein doublet in immunoprecipitation experiments, thereby confirming the specificity of the antiserum. As deduced from the DNA sequence, the 11.6K protein (and the corresponding 10.5K Ad5 protein) has a conserved 22-amino-acid hydrophobic domain, suggesting that the protein may be associated with membranes. We conclude that a gene located at nucleotides 1860 to 2143 in the Ad2 E3 transcription unit (nucleotides 1924 to 2203) in the Ad5 E3 transcription unit) encodes an 11.6K protein (10.5K in Ad5).

Identification and gene mapping of a 14,700-molecular-weight protein encoded by region E3 of group C adenoviruses

Early region E3 of adenovirus type 5 should encode at least nine proteins as judged by the DNA sequence and the spliced structures of the known mRNAs. Only two E3 proteins have been proved to exist, a glycoprotein (gp19K) and an 11,600-molecular-weight protein (11.6K protein). Here we describe an abundant 14.7K protein coded by a gene in the extreme 3' portion of E3. To identify this 14.7K protein, we constructed a bacterial vector which synthesized a TrpE-14.7K fusion protein, then we prepared antiserum against the fusion protein. This antiserum immunoprecipitated the 14.7K protein from cells infected with adenovirus types 5 and 2, as well as with a variety of E3 deletion mutants. Synthesis of the 14.7K protein correlated precisely with the presence or absence of the 14.7K gene and with the synthesis of the mRNA (mRNA h) which encodes the 14.7K protein. The 14.7K protein appeared as a triplet on immunoprecipitation gels and Western blots (immunoblots).

Subtypes of bovine adenovirus type 2 exhibit major differences in region E3

The genomes of two adenovirus type 2 strains which were isolated from different hosts have been investigated. One of these strains designated ORT-111 was originally isolated from a lamb in Hungary during an outbreak of pneumoenteritis. This isolate was typed as bovine adenovirus type 2 (Ad bos 2) in a neutralization assay. The genome of ORT-111 was compared to that of the prototype strain of Ad bos 2, a virus which exclusively has been isolated from cattle. Electron microscopic heteroduplex analysis showed that 95% of the genomes were well matched, forming stable duplexes at Tm -6 degrees. Two distinct substitution loops were, however, seen which were approximately 0.5 and 1.0 kbp long. The centers of the two loops were located 5.3 and 7.7 kbp from one end of the Ad bos 2 genome. In order to map these regions relative to the gene map of human adenovirus type 2 (Ad2), restriction enzyme cleavage fragments of the two bovine viruses were cloned and hybridized to different sets of restriction fragments of human Ad2. From these results it was apparent that the centers of the two substitution loops were located at coordinates 76 and 83, respectively; thus at positions which fall within region E3 and the adjacent gene for polypeptide VIII of human Ad2. The observed differences between the genomes of the two Ad bos 2 strains are in sharp contrast to those previously observed when the genomes of different human adenovirus serotypes were compared. In the latter case the hexon and the fiber genes showed the most pronounced variation.

Evidence that AGUAUAUGA and CCAAGAUGA initiate translation in the same mRNA region E3 of adenovirus

We described a simple method to introduce site-specific mutations into region E3 of adenovirus (Ad). Mutations are made in cloned Ad2 EcoRI-D (map position 76-83), then ligated between Ad5 EcoRI-A (map position 0-76) and EcoRI-B (map position 83-100) to complete the viral genome. We have used this method to isolate a viable virus mutant (dl702) that is relevant to the problems of translation initiation and gene organization in the E3 complex transcription unit. mRNA a in region E3 encodes an abundant glycoprotein termed gp19K. There are two AUGs in mRNA a that are 5' to AUG1204 which initiates gp19K. One of these, AUG1022, could initiate a 6.7K protein, although this protein has not been identified in infected cells. Mutant dl702 has a deletion such that the 6.7K gene is fused in-frame to the gp19K gene. We report that the 6.7K-gp19K fusion protein is synthesized both in dl702-infected cells and after cell free translation of infected cell RNA. The quantity of fusion protein made is much less than that of wild type gp19K. The sequence context of AUG1022 for 6.7K is AGUAUAUGA, and that of AUG1204 for gp19K is CCAAGAUGA. The consensus sequence of eukaryotic initiation codons is CCPuCCAUGG, with the Pu at -3 being important (M. Kozak, Nucleic Acids Res. 12, 857-872, 1984). Our results suggest that (i) AUG1022 can initiate translation in vivo and therefore the 6.7K protein probably is made in infected cells, (ii) that mRNA a is a dicistronic mRNA encoding the 6.7K and gp19K proteins, and (iii) that the initiation codon for 6.7K may be much less efficient than that for gp19K. Thus, the E3 genes may be organized such that the relative abundance of the 6.7K and gp19K proteins is controlled by the efficiency of their initiation codons in the same mRNA.

An adenovirus type 2 glycoprotein blocks cell surface expression of human histocompatibility class I antigens

The adenovirus type 2 encoded protein E3/19K binds to human histocompatibility class I antigens (HLA). This association occurs both in adenovirus-infected cells and in cells that have been transfected with the gene encoding the E3/19K protein. The formation of the HLA-E3/19K complex prevents the HLA antigens from being correctly processed by inhibiting their terminal glycosylation. This effect is specific for HLA antigens and does not generally involve the glycosyltransferases. Furthermore, the HLA-E3/19K association dramatically reduces the cell surface expression of the HLA antigens. This reduced level of antigens might influence the cytotoxic T cell response. Therefore, our results show a possible molecular mechanism whereby adenoviruses, and perhaps other viruses, delay or escape the cellular immune system of the host.

Mapping a new gene that encodes an 11,600-molecular-weight protein in the E3 transcription unit of adenovirus 2

The DNA sequence of the early E3 transcription unit of adenovirus 2 (Ad2) (J. Hérissé et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 8:2173-2192, 1980), indicates that an open reading frame exists between nucleotides 1860 and 2163 that could encode a protein of Mr 11,600 (11.6K). We have determined the DNA sequence of the corresponding region in Ad5 (closely related to Ad2) and have established that this putative gene is conserved in Ad5 (a 10.5K protein). To determine whether this protein is expressed, we prepared an antiserum in rabbits against a synthetic peptide corresponding to amino acids 66 to 74 in the 11.6K protein of Ad2. The peptide antiserum immunoprecipitated a ca. 13K-14K protein doublet, as estimated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, from [35S]methionine-labeled Ad2- or Ad5-early-infected KB cells. The antiserum also immunoprecipitated a 13K-14K protein doublet translated in vitro from Ad2 or Ad5 early E3-specific mRNA purified by hybridization to Ad2 EcoRI-D (nucleotides -236 to 2437). The synthetic peptide successfully competed with the 13K-14K protein doublet in immunoprecipitation experiments, thereby confirming the specificity of the antiserum. As deduced from the DNA sequence, the 11.6K protein (and the corresponding 10.5K Ad5 protein) has a conserved 22-amino-acid hydrophobic domain, suggesting that the protein may be associated with membranes. We conclude that a gene located at nucleotides 1860 to 2143 in the Ad2 E3 transcription unit (nucleotides 1924 to 2203) in the Ad5 E3 transcription unit) encodes an 11.6K protein (10.5K in Ad5).

Structures of the oligosaccharides of the glycoprotein coded by early region E3 of adenovirus 2

Early region E3 of adenovirus 2 encodes a glycoprotein, E3-gp25K, that is a good model with which to study structure-function relationships in transmembrane glycoproteins. We have determined the structures of the oligosaccharides linked to E3-gp25K. The oligosaccharides were labeled with [2-(3)H]mannose in adenovirus 2-early infected KB cells for 5.5h (pulse) or for 5.5 h followed by a 3-h chase (pulse-chase). E3-gp25K was extracted and purified by chromatography on DEAE-Sephacel in 7 M urea, followed by gel filtration on a column of Bio-Gel A-1.5m in 6 M guanidine hydrochloride. An analysis of the purified protein by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis indicated that it was >95% pure. The oligosaccharides were isolated by pronase digestion followed by gel filtration on a column of Bio-Gel P-6, then by digestion with endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase H, followed by gel filtration on Bio-Gel P-6, and finally by paper chromatography. The pulse sample contained equal amounts of Man(9)GlcNAc and Man(8)GlcNAc and small amounts of Man(7)GlcNAc and Man(6)GlcNAc. The pulse-chase sample had predominantly Man(8)GlcNAc and much less Man(9)GlcNAc, indicating that processing of the Man(9)GlcNAc to Man(8)GlcNAc had occurred during the chase period. Thus, Man(8)GlcNAc is the major oligosaccharide on mature E3-gp25K. The structures of these oligosaccharides were established by digestion with alpha-mannosidase, methylation analysis, and acetolysis. The oligosaccharides found had typical high-mannose structures that have been observed in other membrane and soluble glycoproteins, and the branching patterns and linkages of the mannose residues of Man(9)GlcNAc were identical to those of the lipid-linked Glc(3)Man(9)GlcNAc(2) donor. Thus, adenovirus 2 infection (early stages) apparently does not affect the usual cellular high-mannose glycosylation pathways, and despite being virus coded, E3-gp25K is glycosylated in the same manner as a typical mammalian cell-coded glycoprotein.

Adenovirus type 2 early polypeptides immunoprecipitated by antisera to five lines of adenovirus-transformed rat cells

We have identified adenovirus type 2 (Ad2)-induced early polypeptides (EPs) and have attempted to determine which EPs are coded by each of the four early gene blocks. [35S]methionine-labeled EPs were resolved by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Cycloheximide pretreatment followed by labeling in hypertonic medium (210 to 250 mM NaCl) facilitated the detection of EPs. Seven major (reproducible bands in autoradiograms) EPs were detected with molecular weights of 74,000 (74K), 21K, 19K, 15K, 13.5K, 11.5K, and 11K. Minor (weaker bands) EPs of 55K, 52K, 42K, 18K, 12K, 8.8K, and 8.3K were also often seen. To identify and map the genes for virus-coded EPs, we prepared antisera against five lines of adenovirus-transformed cells that retain different fractions of the viral genome. The lines were F17, 8617, F4, and T2C4 transformed by Ad2 virions and 5RK (clone I) transformed by transfection with the Ad5 HsuI-G fragment (map position 0 to 8). The early gene blocks retained and expressed (in part) as RNA in these cells were as follows: 5RK(I), block 1 (70% of left 8% of genome); F17, block 1; 8617, blocks 1 and 4; F4 blocks 1, 2, and 4; T2C4, blocks 1, 2, 3, and 4. The following major EPs were immunoprecipitated: 15K by all antisera; 53K and 14.5K by F17, T2C4, 8617, and F4 antisera; 11.5K by T2C4, 8617, and F4 antisera; 44K, 42K, 19K, and 13.5K by T2C4 antisera; 11K by 8617 antisera. Minor EPs of 28K, 18K, and 12K were precipitated by all antisera except 5RK(I). The 53K and 15K EPs were precipitated also from Ad2 early infected monkey cells by the F17 antiserum and by sera from hamsters bearing tumors induced by Ad1-simian virus 40. The relationships between some of the immunoprecipitated EPs were investigated by the partial proteolysis procedure. All 53K EPs are the "same" (i.e., highly related), all 15K EPs are the "same," and all 11.5K EPs are the "same." The 15K EP is highly related to the 14.5 K EP. Although less certain, all 28K EPs appeared related, as did all 18K EPs. The T2C4-specific 44K EP is probably a dimer of the 21K glycopolypeptide. The T2C4-specific 13.5K EP and the 8617-specific 11K EP appear unrelated to any other polypeptides. These immunoprecipitation data provide evidence that early gene block I (map position 1 to 11) may encode major 53K, 15K, and 14.5K polypeptides, and minor 28K, 18K, and 12K polypeptides, and that all or some of the gene for 15K and 14.5K lies within map position 1 to 8. The surprisingly complex pattern of polypeptides coded by early gene block I raises the possibility that some polypeptides may be coded by overlapping "spliced" mRNA's. The possible block locations of the genes for the 21K, 13.5K, and 11.5K polypeptides are discussed.