The exogenous form of Jaagsiekte retrovirus is specifically associated with a contagious lung cancer of sheep

Pathological Spectrum of Ovine Pulmonary Adenocarcinoma in Small Ruminants: A Focus on the Mixed Form

Ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (OPA) is a contagious respiratory tumor of small ruminants, manifesting in chronic weight loss and respiratory failure. Infection with the betaretrovirus jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV) is the cause of OPA. Here, we describe the gross and microscopic features of twenty-six sheep and one goat with naturally occurring JSRV-associated OPA. All the animals included in this study had pulmonary lesions morphologically consistent with OPA, but the majority of the observed lesions demonstrated features of both the classical and the atypical form of OPA, and were, therefore, classified grossly as mixed. The gross lesions were located mainly in the cranial pulmonary lobes, were multifocal to coalescing, variable in number and size, flat to slightly raised, firm, and white to grey. Histologically, the cases were classified according to the predominant architectural patterns as lepidic, papillary, acinar, or mixed; the mixed histological pattern was the most prevalent. The aim of this study was to describe the gross and microscopic spectrum of OPA in naturally infected small ruminants from Spain. The mixed form of OPA is less commonly reported, and can be confused with other concurrent pulmonary pathologies (such as BALT hyperplasia in SRLV-associated pneumonia or lungworm granulomas).

Scrapie infection and endogenous retroviral expression in sheep lymphoid tissues

Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, or prion diseases, are fatal neurodegenerative diseases affecting humans and animals. Although many host tissues express PrPC (essential for prion replication), relatively few cell types accumulate significant levels of infectivity, including neurons and other cell types in the nervous system, and follicular dendritic cells in secondary lymphoid organs. This suggests that tissue or cell-specific receptors or cofactors could play a role in controlling differential susceptibility to infection. Endogenous retroviruses (ERV), the remnants of ancient retroviral integration into the host germline, may represent one such cofactor. We examined the effect of scrapie infection on expression of three ovine ERV families (enJSRV/β1-OERV, γ1-OERV, γ2-OERV) in secondary lymphoid tissues of sheep at different time points following subcutaneous inoculation, using RT-qPCR. These OERVs were constitutively expressed in the prescapular lymph node and spleen of uninfected sheep. However, we were unable to find convincing evidence of specific differential expression of OERV in the same tissues following scrapie infection, in contrast to previous studies of ERV expression in brains of prion-infected mice and macaques. This study is the first to quantify the expression of potentially functional OERV transcripts in sheep lymphoid tissues, opening up interesting questions about the consequences for host immune function.

A survey of jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV) infection in sheep in the three northeastern provinces of China

Ovine pulmonary adenomatosis (OPA) is caused by jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV) and is a chronic, progressive, and infectious neoplastic lung disease in sheep, which causes significant economic losses to the sheep industry. Neither a vaccine nor serological diagnostic methods to detect OPA are available. We performed a JSRV infection survey in sheep using blood samples (n = 1,372) collected in the three northeastern provinces of China (i.e., Inner Mongolia, Heilongjiang, and Jilin) to determine JSRV infection status in sheep herds using a real-time PCR assay targeting the gag gene of JSRV. The ovine endogenous retrovirus sequence was successfully amplified in all sheep samples tested (296 from the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, 255 from Jilin province, and 821 from Heilongjiang province). Subsequently, we attempted to distinguish exogenous JSRV (exJSRV) and endogenous JSRV (enJSRV) infections in these JSRV-positive samples using a combination assay that identifies a ScaI restriction site in an amplified 229-bp fragment of the gag gene of JSRV and a "LHMKYXXM" motif in the cytoplasmic tail region of the JSRV envelope protein. The ScaI restriction site is present in all known oncogenic JSRVs but absent in ovine endogenous retroviruses, while the "LHMKYXXM" motif is in all known exJSRVs but not in enJSRVs. Interestingly, one JSRV strain (HH13) from Heilongjiang province contained the "LHMKYXXM" motif but not the ScaI enzyme site. Phylogenetic analysis showed that strain HH13 was closely related to strain enJSRV-21 reported in the USA, indicating that HH13 could be an exogenous virus. Our results provide valuable information for further research on the genetic evolution and pathogenesis of JSRV.

Endogenous Retroviruses Drive Resistance and Promotion of Exogenous Retroviral Homologs

Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) serve as markers of ancient viral infections and provide invaluable insight into host and viral evolution. ERVs have been exapted to assist in performing basic biological functions, including placentation, immune modulation, and oncogenesis. A subset of ERVs share high nucleotide similarity to circulating horizontally transmitted exogenous retrovirus (XRV) progenitors. In these cases, ERV-XRV interactions have been documented and include (a) recombination to result in ERV-XRV chimeras, (b) ERV induction of immune self-tolerance to XRV antigens, (c) ERV antigen interference with XRV receptor binding, and (d) interactions resulting in both enhancement and restriction of XRV infections. Whereas the mechanisms governing recombination and immune self-tolerance have been partially determined, enhancement and restriction of XRV infection are virus specific and only partially understood. This review summarizes interactions between six unique ERV-XRV pairs, highlighting important ERV biological functions and potential evolutionary histories in vertebrate hosts.

Exogenous Jaagsiekte Sheep Retrovirus type 2 (exJSRV2) related to ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (OPA) in Romania: prevalence, anatomical forms, pathological description, immunophenotyping and virus identification

BACKGROUND

Ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (OPA) is a neoplastic disease caused by exogenous Jaagsiekte Sheep Retrovirus (exJSRV). The prevalence of JSRV-related OPA in Eastern European countries, including Romania is unknown. We aimed to investigate: the prevalence and morphological features of OPA (classical and atypical forms) in the Transylvania region (Romania), the immunophenotype of the pulmonary tumors and their relationships with exJSRV infection. A total of 2693 adult ewes slaughtered between 2017 and 2019 in two private slaughterhouses from Transylvania region (Romania) was evaluated. Lung tumors were subsequently assessed by cytology, histology, immunocytochemistry, immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy and DNA testing.

RESULTS

Out of 2693 examined sheep, 34 had OPA (1.26% prevalence). The diaphragmatic lobes were the most affected. Grossly, the classical OPA was identified in 88.24% of investigated cases and the atypical OPA in 11.76% that included solitary myxomatous nodules. Histopathology results confirmed the presence of OPA in all suspected cases, which were classified into acinar and papillary types. Myxoid growths (MGs) were diagnosed in 6 classical OPA cases and in 2 cases of atypical form. Lung adenocarcinoma was positive for MCK and TTF-1, and MGs showed immunoreaction for Vimentin, Desmin and SMA; Ki67 expression of classical OPA was higher than atypical OPA and MGs. JSRV-MA was identified by IHC (94.11%) in both epithelial and mesenchymal cells of OPA. Immunocytochemistry and electron microscopy also confirmed the JSRV within the neoplastic cells. ExJSRV was identified by PCR in 97.05% of analyzed samples. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the presence of the exJSRV type 2 (MT809678.1) in Romanian sheep affected by lung cancer and showed a high similarity with the UK strain (AF105220.1).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we confirmed for the first time in Romania the presence of exJSRV in naturally occurring OPA in sheep. Additionally, we described the first report of atypical OPA in Romania, and to the best of our knowledge, in Eastern Europe. Finally, we showed that MGs have a myofibroblastic origin.

Selected Tumour Biomarker Levels in Sheep with Pulmonary Adenomatosis

INTRODUCTION

Sheep pulmonary adenomatosis (ovine pulmonary adenomatosis, OPA, Jaagsiekte) is a chronic contagious bronchoalveolar carcinoma caused by the Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus. Since effective treatment and a vaccination procedure are not currently possible, control and eradication of the disease is difficult. It leads to serious economic losses around the world, therefore studies are currently underway in order to design control and eradication programmes. In this study, levels and changes in selected tumour markers (carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen (CA) 125, CA 19-9, CA 15-3, and alphafetoprotein (AFP)-3) and their diagnostic significance were investigated.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 30 sheep were used. Clinical examinations were performed and blood samples were obtained before slaughter from all animals with presumed OPA. Blood samples with positive OPA results by macroscopic and histopathological examination were included in the study as the experimental group and numbered 20. Sheep totalling 10 had negative OPA results and provided control samples.

RESULTS

CEA levels were similar in both groups, and the differences were statistically insignificant (P > 0.05). CA 125, CA 19-9, CA 15-3, and AFP-3 levels were higher in the OPA group than the control group and with statistical significance (P < 0.05). In all OPA animals, CA 125 levels were higher than 1 U/mL.

CONCLUSION

serum CAs and AFP levels increase significantly in adenomatous sheep. These tumour markers are thought to facilitate the diagnosis of OPA.

Diagnosis and prevalence of ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma in lung tissues of naturally infected farm sheep

AIM

This study was aimed to detect ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (OPA) in sheep flocks affected with pulmonary disorders at organized farm.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 75 sheep died naturally were thoroughly examined for the lesions of OPA during necropsy. Tissue sections from affected portion of the lungs from each animal were collected aseptically and divided into two parts; one each for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and another for histopathology.

RESULTS

On PCR examination of lung tissues, six sheep (8%) were found to be positive for JSRV. Two of them were 3-6 months of age and did not show clinical signs/gross lesions of OPA. Four adult sheep positive on PCR revealed characteristic lesions of OPA on gross and histopathological examination.

CONCLUSION

In the absence of known specific antibody response to the infection with JSRV, there is no diagnostic serological test available. The PCR assay employed in this study on lung tissues, using primers based on the U3 region of the viral long terminal repeat for JSRV would be helpful in the screening of preclinical and clinical cases of OPA in sheep.

Expression of p53 protein, Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus matrix protein, and surfactant protein in the lungs of sheep with pulmonary adenomatosis

Ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (OPA) is a naturally occurring cancer in sheep that is caused by the Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV). Because the pathologic and epidemiologic features of OPA are similar to those of bronchoalveolar carcinoma in humans, OPA is considered a useful animal model for pulmonary carcinogenesis. In this study, 3,512 lungs from various breeds of sheep were collected and macroscopically examined. OPA was identified in 30 sheep, and samples of these animals were further examined by histologic, immunohistochemical (p53 protein, surfactant protein A [SP-A], proliferating cell nuclear antigen [PCNA], JSRV matrix protein [MA]), and PCR methods. Papillary or acinar adenocarcinomas were detected microscopically in the affected areas. Immunoreactivity for p53 PAb240 was detected in 13 sheep, whereas p53 DO-1 was not detected in any of the OPA animals. PCNA immunoreactivity was recorded in 27 animals. SP-A and JSRV MA protein was immunopositive in all 30. JSRV proviral DNA was detected by PCR analysis in all of the lung samples collected from OPA animals. In addition, the pulmonary SP-A levels were increased in tumor cells. The results of this study suggest that PCNA and p53 protein expression may be useful indicators in monitoring malignancy of pulmonary tumors.

No evidence for viral sequences in five lepidic adenocarcinomas (former "BAC") by a high-throughput sequencing approach

Background

The hypothesis of an infectious etiology of the formerly named bronchiolo-alveolar carcinoma (BAC) has raised controversy. We investigated tumor lung tissues from five patients with former BAC histology using high-throughput sequencing technologies to discover potential viruses present in this type of lung cancer. Around 180 million single reads of 100 bases were generated for each BAC sample.

Results

None of the reads showed a significant similarity for Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV) and no other viruses were found except for endogenous retroviruses.

Conclusions

In conclusion, we have demonstrated the absence of JSRV and other known human viruses in five samples of well-characterized lepidic adenocarcinoma.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13104-015-1669-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The sheep tetherin paralog oBST2B blocks envelope glycoprotein incorporation into nascent retroviral virions

Bone marrow stromal cell antigen 2 (BST2) is a cellular restriction factor with a broad antiviral activity. In sheep, the BST2 gene is duplicated into two paralogs termed oBST2A and oBST2B. oBST2A impedes viral exit of the Jaagsiekte sheep retroviruses (JSRV), most probably by retaining virions at the cell membrane, similar to the "tethering" mechanism exerted by human BST2. In this study, we provide evidence that unlike oBST2A, oBST2B is limited to the Golgi apparatus and disrupts JSRV envelope (Env) trafficking by sequestering it. In turn, oBST2B leads to a reduction in Env incorporation into viral particles, which ultimately results in the release of virions that are less infectious. Furthermore, the activity of oBST2B does not seem to be restricted to retroviruses, as it also acts on vesicular stomatitis virus glycoproteins. Therefore, we suggest that oBST2B exerts antiviral activity using a mechanism distinct from the classical tethering restriction observed for oBST2A.

IMPORTANCE

BST2 is a powerful cellular restriction factor against a wide range of enveloped viruses. Sheep possess two paralogs of the BST2 gene called oBST2A and oBST2B. JSRV, the causative agent of a transmissible lung cancer of sheep, is known to be restricted by oBST2A. In this study, we show that unlike oBST2A, oBST2B impairs the normal cellular trafficking of JSRV envelope glycoproteins by sequestering them within the Golgi apparatus. We also show that oBST2B decreases the incorporation of envelope glycoprotein into JSRV viral particles, which in turn reduces virion infectivity. In conclusion, oBST2B exerts a novel antiviral activity that is distinct from those of BST2 proteins of other species.

Host species barriers to Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus replication and carcinogenesis

Understanding the factors governing host species barriers to virus transmission has added significantly to our appreciation of virus pathogenesis. Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV) is the causative agent of ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (OPA), a transmissible lung cancer of sheep that has rarely been found in goats. In this study, in order to further clarify the pathogenesis of OPA, we investigated whether goats are resistant to JSRV replication and carcinogenesis. We found that JSRV induces lung tumors in goats with macroscopic and histopathological features that dramatically differ from those in sheep. However, the origins of the tumor cells in the two species are identical. Interestingly, in experimentally infected lambs and goat kids, we revealed major differences in the number of virus-infected cells at early stages of infection. These differences were not related to the number of available target cells for virus infection and cell transformation or the presence of a host-specific immune response toward JSRV. Indeed, we also found that goats possess transcriptionally active endogenous retroviruses (enJSRVs) that likely influence the host immune response toward the exogenous JSRV. Overall, these results suggest that goat cells, or at least those cells targeted for viral carcinogenesis, are not permissive to virus replication but can be transformed by JSRV.

Betaretroviral envelope subunits are noncovalently associated and restricted to the mammalian class

The structure of the transmembrane subunit (TM) of the retroviral envelope glycoprotein (Env) is highly conserved among most retrovirus genera and includes a pair of cysteines that forms an intramolecular disulfide loop within the ectodomain. Alpha-, gamma-, and deltaretroviruses have a third cysteine, adjacent to the loop, which forms a disulfide bond between TM and the surface subunit (SU) of Env, while lentiviruses, which have noncovalently associated subunits, lack this third cysteine. The Betaretrovirus genus includes Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV) and mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV), as well as many endogenous retroviruses. Envelope subunit association had not been characterized in the betaretroviruses, but lack of a third cysteine in the TM ectodomain suggested noncovalently associated subunits. We tested the Env proteins of JSRV and MMTV, as well as human endogenous retrovirus K (HERV-K)108--a betaretrovirus-like human endogenous retrovirus--for intersubunit bonding and found that, as in the lentiviruses, the Env subunits lack an intersubunit disulfide bond. Since these results suggest that the number of cysteines in the TM loop region readily distinguishes between covalent and noncovalent structure, we surveyed endogenous retroviral TM sequences in the genomes of vertebrates represented in public databases and found that (i) retroviruses with noncovalently associated subunits have been present during all of anthropoid evolution and (ii) the noncovalent env motif is limited to mammals, while the covalent type is found among five vertebrate classes. We discuss implications of these findings for retroviral evolution, cross-species transmissions, and recombination events involving the env gene.

Expression of endogenous beta retroviruses and Hyal-2 mRNA in immune organs of fetuses and lambs

Endogenous beta retroviruses (enJSRV) are highly homologous with Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (exJSRV), this exogenous retrovirus is the aetiological agent of ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (OPA). The aim of this study was to clarify the function of enJSRV and the immunological mechanisms of its corresponding antibody, that is undetectable in JSRV-infected ovine serum. The expression of enJSRV envelope protein and Hyal-2 mRNA in immune organs and lungs of ovine fetuses and lambs were analyzed by Real-Time reverse transcription PCR and In Situ Hybridization using specific probes. In Situ Hybridization results indicated that the enJSRV envelope protein and Hyal-2 mRNA were expressed in thymus, spleen, mesenteric lymph nodes and lungs at different times, while no positive signals were detected in the negative controls. On the other hand, results from Real-Time reverse transcription PCR analysis showed that in 130d fetuses and 3d newborn lambs the enJSRV mRNA levels were much higher in organs associated with the immune system than that in lungs, especially in the thymus and spleen, but levels of Hyal-2 mRNA expression was not significantly different in all collected tissue. These results provided evidence from an immunology point of view to understand why the circulating antibodies against exJSRV are undetectable in JSRV-infected ovine, and will help to unravel the pathogenesis of JSRV-infected ovine.

Surveillance of Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus in sheep in Hokkaido, the northern island of Japan

Surveillance of jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV) infection was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of blood DNA samples collected from 40 sheep and goats in 10 different flocks in Hokkaido, the northern island of Japan. No exogenous (oncogenic) JSRV sequence was detected by PCR in these samples, while the ovine endogenous retrovirus sequence was successfully amplified in all samples. Our paper is the first demonstration of JSRV surveillance in Japan and shows no evidence of oncogenic JSRV infection in sheep and goats in Hokkaido.

Immunohistochemical and histopathological findings of ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (Jaagsiekte) in Egyptian sheep

Ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (OPA) is a naturally occurring retrovirus-induced transmissible lung cancer in sheep. Lungs and associated (bronchial and mediastinal) lymph nodes of seven sheep with OPA were examined. Lungs had few multifocal consolidated slightly elevated gray to white masses ranging from 0.5 to 3 cm in diameter. Histopathologically, these masses appeared as well-differentiated acinar adenocarcinoma with little evidence of anaplasia. The acini composed of well-differentiated cuboidal to low columnar epithelium with clear or vacuolated cytoplasm and low mitotic index. No metastases were observed in the bronchial and mediastinal lymph nodes of any animal. The presence of Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV) was demonstrated in the lungs by immunohistochemistry. JSRV protein was detected in all tumor epithelial cells, histologically normal alveolar type II cells, and few bronchiolar epithelial cells, alveolar macrophages, lymphocytes, and plasma cells. This study is the first to confirm the presence of natural OPA in Egypt.

Three-dimensional culture of an ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma-derived cell line results in re-expression of surfactant proteins and Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus

Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV) is the causative agent of ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (OPA) in sheep. A major interest is elucidating the mechanism(s) of transformation by the viral envelope (Env) that functions as an oncogene. These studies would benefit from a cell line derived from type II pneumocytes that have maintained the differentiation state. In this study we used an OPA-derived cell line (JS7), which has lost structural and functional properties of type II pneumocytes, and no longer expresses JSRV when grown in 2-D monolayer culture. When JS7 cells were placed in 3-D culture using Matrigel, they grew as small spheres of polarized cells that re-expressed surfactant proteins characteristic of type II pneumocytes. Moreover, JS7 cells grown in 3-D re-expressed JSRV virus by several criteria. This study underscores the importance of the culture environment on maintaining the differentiation state of OPA tumor cells as well as expression of JSRV.

Lung adenocarcinoma originates from retrovirus infection of proliferating type 2 pneumocytes during pulmonary post-natal development or tissue repair

Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV) is a unique oncogenic virus with distinctive biological properties. JSRV is the only virus causing a naturally occurring lung cancer (ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma, OPA) and possessing a major structural protein that functions as a dominant oncoprotein. Lung cancer is the major cause of death among cancer patients. OPA can be an extremely useful animal model in order to identify the cells originating lung adenocarcinoma and to study the early events of pulmonary carcinogenesis. In this study, we demonstrated that lung adenocarcinoma in sheep originates from infection and transformation of proliferating type 2 pneumocytes (termed here lung alveolar proliferating cells, LAPCs). We excluded that OPA originates from a bronchioalveolar stem cell, or from mature post-mitotic type 2 pneumocytes or from either proliferating or non-proliferating Clara cells. We show that young animals possess abundant LAPCs and are highly susceptible to JSRV infection and transformation. On the contrary, healthy adult sheep, which are normally resistant to experimental OPA induction, exhibit a relatively low number of LAPCs and are resistant to JSRV infection of the respiratory epithelium. Importantly, induction of lung injury increased dramatically the number of LAPCs in adult sheep and rendered these animals fully susceptible to JSRV infection and transformation. Furthermore, we show that JSRV preferentially infects actively dividing cell in vitro. Overall, our study provides unique insights into pulmonary biology and carcinogenesis and suggests that JSRV and its host have reached an evolutionary equilibrium in which productive infection (and transformation) can occur only in cells that are scarce for most of the lifespan of the sheep. Our data also indicate that, at least in this model, inflammation can predispose to retroviral infection and cancer.

Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus biology and oncogenesis

Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV) is the causative agent of a lung cancer in sheep known as ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (OPA). The disease has been identified around the world in several breeds of sheep and goats, and JSRV infection typically has a serious impact on affected flocks. In addition, studies on OPA are an excellent model for human lung carcinogenesis. A unique feature of JSRV is that its envelope (Env) protein functions as an oncogene. The JSRV Env-induced transformation or oncogenesis has been studied in a variety of cell systems and in animal models. Moreover, JSRV studies have provided insights into retroviral genomic RNA export/expression mechanisms. JSRV encodes a trans-acting factor (Rej) within the env gene necessary for the synthesis of Gag protein from unspliced viral RNA. This review summarizes research pertaining to JSRV-induced pathogenesis, Env transformation, and other aspects of JSRV biology.

Full-length genome sequence analysis of enzootic nasal tumor virus reveals an unusually high degree of genetic stability

Enzootic nasal tumor virus (ENTV) is a betaretrovirus of sheep (ENTV-1) and goats (ENTV-2) associated with neoplastic transformation of epithelial cells of the ethmoid turbinate. Confirmation of the role of ENTV in the pathogenesis of enzootic nasal adenocarcinoma (ENA) has yet to be resolved due to the lack of an infectious molecular clone and the inability to culture the virus. Very little is known about the prevalence of this disease, particularly in North America, and only one full-length sequence is available for each of ENTV-1 and ENTV-2. In order to understand the molecular evolution of ENTV-1, the full-length genome sequence of ten ENTV-1 proviruses derived from clinical samples of ENA isolated from conventionally reared sheep in Canada and the United States was determined. The North American ENTV-1 (ENTV-1(NA)) genomes shared greater than 96% sequence identity with the European ENTV-1 sequence (ENTV-1(EU)). Most of the amino acid differences were found in Orf-x, which in the corresponding ENTV-1(EU) genome is truncated by 44 amino acids. Apart from Orf-x, the long terminal repeat (LTR) is where the majority of differences between ENTV-1(NA) and ENTV-1(EU) reside. Overall, there was an unusually high degree of amino acid conservation among the isolates suggesting that ENTV-1 is under stabilizing selection and K(a)/K(s) ratios calculated for each of the viral genes support this hypothesis. The unusually high degree of genetic stability of the ENTV-1 genome enabled us to develop a hemi-nested PCR assay for detection of ENTV-1 in clinical samples. Additionally, multiple nasal tumor cell clones were established and while most had lost the provirus by passage 5; one polyclonal line retained the provirus and attempts are being made to culture these cells. These tumor cells, the first of their kind, may provide a system for studying ENTV-1 in vitro. This work represents an important step in the study of ENTV and sets the foundation for the construction of an infectious molecular clone of ENTV-1.

Lung Tumor Development and Spontaneous Regression in Lambs Coinfected With Jaagsiekte Sheep Retrovirus and Ovine Lentivirus

Ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (OPA) is a naturally occurring and experimentally inducible lung cancer of sheep caused by Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV). The first aim of this study was to monitor the development of OPA with minimally invasive, real-time observations of animals experimentally infected with JSRV as well as ovine lentivirus (maedi-visna virus). Worldwide, simultaneous infection of sheep with these 2 retroviruses is a common occurrence, naturally and experimentally; consequently, the lung tumor homogenates used as inocula contained both viruses. Following inoculation, computed tomography was used to detect tumor nodules early, before the onset of clinical signs, and to monitor tumor advancement. However, not only was OPA disease progression observed, but the apparent spontaneous regression of OPA was witnessed. In fact, regression was more common than progression following JSRV inoculation of neonatal lambs. Immune responses were detected, particularly involving CD3+ T cells and the production of antibodies against JSRV that may mediate the spontaneous regression of JSRV-induced OPA. The second aim of this study was to determine whether OPA tumors harbor genetic alterations similar to those found in human lung adenocarcinoma. No mutations were found in the tyrosine kinase domain of the epidermal growth factor receptor, KRAS codons 12 and 13, or the DNA-binding domain of p53 in tumor DNA from naturally occurring and experimentally-induced OPA cases. Overall, the genetic profile combined with the disease development data provides further important characterization of OPA and describes, for the first time, spontaneous regression of OPA tumors in experimentally infected sheep.

Immunohistochemical detection of pulmonary surfactant proteins and retroviral antigens in the lungs of sheep with pulmonary adenomatosis

The lungs and mediastinal and bronchial lymph nodes from 26 sheep with ovine pulmonary adenomatosis (OPA) were examined. Microscopically, the tumour was disseminated throughout the lungs and displayed acinar or papillary growth. The neoplastic cells were cuboidal or columnar with clear cytoplasm and a low mitotic rate. Retrovirus antigen (Jaagsiekte Sheep Retrovirus Capsid Protein, JSRV CA) was demonstrated in the cytoplasm of tumour cells in the lung and lymph nodes by immunohistochemistry. The neoplastic cells had more diffuse and intense expression of pulmonary surfactant protein-A (SP-A) compared with the expression of SP-B or SP-C. SP-A and SP-B expression was localized to the apical cytoplasm of the neoplastic cells, whereas SP-C was most strongly expressed in the perinuclear area of the tumour cells. In the lungs of two sheep, low numbers of tumour cells expressed Clara cell secretory protein (CCSP). The nuclei of the neoplastic epithelial cells and of the germinal centre lymphocytes within the peribronchiolar lymphoid tissue expressed the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). CD3(+) T lymphocytes infiltrated the pulmonary tissue and surrounded the neoplastic foci. The results of this study demonstrate that JSRV continues to replicate in neoplastic cells after they have been transformed, and that the neoplastic cells produce pulmonary surfactant proteins. A local T-cell response occurs within affected lungs.

Coevolution of endogenous betaretroviruses of sheep and their host

Sheep betaretroviruses offer a unique model system to study the complex interaction between retroviruses and their host. Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV) is a pathogenic exogenous retrovirus and the causative agent of ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma. The sheep genome contains at least 27 copies of endogenous retroviruses (enJSRVs) highly related to JSRV. enJSRVs have played several roles in the evolution of the domestic sheep as they are able to block the JSRV replication cycle and play a critical role in sheep conceptus development and placental morphogenesis. Available data strongly suggest that some dominant negative enJSRV proviruses (i.e. able to block JSRV replication) have been positively selected during evolution. Interestingly, viruses escaping the transdominant enJSRV loci have recently emerged (less than 200 years ago). Thus, endogenization of these retroviruses may still be occurring today. Therefore, sheep provide an exciting and unique system to study retrovirus-host coevolution. (Part of a multi-author review).

Colostrum and milk can transmit jaagsiekte retrovirus to lambs

Ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (OPA) is a contagious disease caused by jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV). In the three studies performed, we have obtained data of the importance of colostrum/milk (C/M) in the transmission of JSRV. In the first study, a group of sheep from a flock with a long history of OPA, samples from colostrum and peripheral blood leucocytes (PBLs) were collected. Two specific PCRs (U3-LTR and env of the JSRV) were carried out. Using U3PCR 8/34 sheep were positive in colostrum whereas with envPCR 7/34 were positive. From these animals only one was positive with U3PCR in the PBLs. Evidence of the transmission of JSRV infection by C/M was obtained in two more separate studies. In the second study, PBLs from five lambs from JSRV+ ewes and two from JSRV-ewes were tested by the U3PCR. They were fed C/M by their mothers during 3 months and slaughtered 7 months after birth. Three out of five lambs from the JSRV+ sheep become PBL positive at 3-4 months old and the other two were also positive at 4-6 months of age. One lamb of the JSRV-sheep became also PBL positive at an age of 3 months. In the third study, a group of lambs from JSRV negative mothers were fed with C/M from JSRV+ sheep and housed in separate unit. For comparison, another group of the same origin and maintained in another different unit, were fed with C/M containing a JSRV virus preparation. All lambs were blood sampled monthly and JSRV infection was detected as early as 15 days and several times onwards in both groups. Control groups fed with C/M from JSRV free flock and JSRV blood test negative sheep were always negative. Together these results indicate that suckling is an important natural transmission route for JSRV.

A paradigm for virus-host coevolution: sequential counter-adaptations between endogenous and exogenous retroviruses

Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are remnants of ancient retroviral infections of the host germline transmitted vertically from generation to generation. It is hypothesized that some ERVs are used by the host as restriction factors to block the infection of pathogenic retroviruses. Indeed, some ERVs efficiently interfere with the replication of related exogenous retroviruses. However, data suggesting that these mechanisms have influenced the coevolution of endogenous and/or exogenous retroviruses and their hosts have been more difficult to obtain. Sheep are an interesting model system to study retrovirus-host coevolution because of the coexistence in this animal species of two exogenous (i.e., horizontally transmitted) oncogenic retroviruses, Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus and Enzootic nasal tumor virus, with highly related and biologically active endogenous retroviruses (enJSRVs). Here, we isolated and characterized the evolutionary history and molecular virology of 27 enJSRV proviruses. enJSRVs have been integrating in the host genome for the last 5–7 million y. Two enJSRV proviruses (enJS56A1 and enJSRV-20), which entered the host genome within the last 3 million y (before and during speciation within the genus Ovis), acquired in two temporally distinct events a defective Gag polyprotein resulting in a transdominant phenotype able to block late replication steps of related exogenous retroviruses. Both transdominant proviruses became fixed in the host genome before or around sheep domestication (∼ 9,000 y ago). Interestingly, a provirus escaping the transdominant enJSRVs has emerged very recently, most likely within the last 200 y. Thus, we determined sequentially distinct events during evolution that are indicative of an evolutionary antagonism between endogenous and exogenous retroviruses. This study strongly suggests that endogenization and selection of ERVs acting as restriction factors is a mechanism used by the host to fight retroviral infections.

The genome of all vertebrates is heavily colonized by “endogenous” retroviruses (ERVs). ERVs derive from retrovirus infections of the germ cells of the host during evolution, leading to permanent integration of the viral genome into the host DNA. Because ERVs are integrated in the host genome, they are transmitted to subsequent generations like any other host gene. The function of endogenous retroviruses is not completely clear, but some ERVs can block the replication cycle of horizontally transmitted “exogenous” pathogenic retroviruses. These observations lead to the hypothesis that ERVs have protected the host during evolution against incoming pathogenic retroviruses. Here, by characterizing the evolutionary history and molecular virology of a particular group of endogenous betaretroviruses of sheep (enJSRVs) we show a fascinating series of events unveiling the endless struggle between host and retroviruses. In particular, we discovered that: (i) two enJSRV loci that entered the host genome before speciation within the genus Ovis (∼ 3 million y ago) acquired, after their integration, a mutated defective viral protein capable of blocking exogenous related retroviruses; (ii) both these transdominant enJSRV loci became fixed in the host genome before or around sheep domestication (∼ 10,000 y ago); (iii) the invasion of the sheep genome by ERVs of the JSRV/enJSRVs group is still in progress; and (iv) new viruses have recently emerged (less than 200 y ago) that can escape the transdominant enJSRV loci. This study strongly suggests that endogenization and selection of ERVs acting as restriction factors is a mechanism used by the host to fight retroviral infections.

Specific in vivo expression in type II pneumocytes of the Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus long terminal repeat in transgenic mice

Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV) is the causative agent of ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma, a transmissible lung cancer in sheep. Previous experiments in differentiated murine tissue culture cell lines suggested that the disease specificity of JSRV for secretory lung epithelial cells (type II pneumocytes an Clara cells) reflects transcriptional specificity of the viral long terminal repeat (LTR) for these cells. To test this in vivo, transgenic mice carrying the bacterial beta-galactosidase (beta-Gal) gene driven by the JSRV LTR were generated. Two transgenic lines showed beta-Gal expression in the lungs but not other tissues of F1 animals, although transgene silencing in subsequent generations was a major problem. The cells expressing the transgene were identified by two- and three-color immunofluorescence for marker proteins of type II pneumocytes (surfactant protein C [SPC]) and Clara cells (CC10) as well as for a T7 gene 10 epitope present in the beta-Gal reporter. F1 animals from both lines showed transgene expression in type II pneumocytes, but somewhat surprisingly not in Clara cells. Expression was not detected in bronchiolo-alveolar stem cells (BASCs) either. These results indicate that the JSRV LTR is specifically active in type II pneumocytes in the mouse lung, which is consistent with the fact that JSRV-induced OPA tumors in sheep largely have phenotypic markers of type II pneumocytes.

PCR examination of bronchoalveolar lavage samples is a useful tool in pre-clinical diagnosis of ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (Jaagsiekte)

Ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (OPA) is a contagious lung tumour of sheep caused by Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV). The disease is a particular problem in flocks in many parts of the world. The aim of the study was to assess screening methods for individual animals as a prelude to future eradication trials. Results of histological examination were used as the standard to evaluate the relative sensitivity and specificity of an established heminested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for JSRV proviral DNA from blood and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples. PCR results from tissue samples are included as control data. PCR testing of blood samples was found to have an estimated sensitivity of only 10% (95% confidence interval (CI) 3-20) while the sensitivity of the PCR test on BAL samples was 89% (CI 79-96) in comparison to the results of histological examination. We conclude that PCR testing of BAL samples is an effective confirmatory test for sheep with suspected clinical OPA. It is also a useful tool for the pre-clinical identification of individual infected sheep within an infected flock and therefore may prove beneficial in future control or eradication programmes.

Comparison of LTR enhancer elements in sheep betaretroviruses: insights into the basis for tissue-specific expression

Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV), enzootic nasal tumor virus (ENTV), and endogenous sheep retroviruses (ESRVs) are highly related sheep betaretroviruses that display different expression profiles in vivo. JSRV and ENTV are expressed in lungs and nasal adenocarcinomas, respectively, while ESRVs are primarily expressed in the reproductive tract of ewes. Evidence suggests that the cell tropism of JSRV, ENTV, and ESRVs is due to the transcriptional specificity of the LTRs. We have previously found several enhancer elements in the JSRV LTR that are important for lung-specific expression, including binding sites for the lung-specific transcription factor HNF-3beta, as well as binding sites for the ubiquitously expressed transcription factors C/EBP and NF-I. In this study, we have aligned the U3 regions of JSRV, ENTV, and several ESRVs in order to compare the transcriptional enhancer elements of JSRV that are conserved or absent in ESRV and ENTV. All three JSRV U3 sequences examined contain two conserved HNF-3 binding sites, while the ENTV and ESRV U3 regions are not predicted to bind this transcription factor. In addition, the C/EBP binding site is interrupted in the ESRV LTRs, but conserved in the ENTV LTRs. Some enhancer elements are conserved between JSRV and ENTV, but a reporter vector carrying the ENTV-1 LTR showed less activity than a JSRV LTR-driven reporter vector in a lung epithelial cell line. These studies support the importance of LTR enhancer elements in the respective tissue specificities of these exogenous and endogenous betaretroviruses.

Tumors in mice transgenic for the envelope protein of Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus

Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV) is the causative agent of ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (OPA), a contagious lung cancer in sheep. Previous studies have shown that the JSRV envelope protein (Env) functions as an oncogene, in that it can morphologically transform rodent fibroblast and epithelial cell lines. To obtain a small animal model for JSRV-induced OPA, we generated a transgene expressing an epitope-tagged JSRV Env under control of the lung-specific Surfactant Protein A (SPA) promoter. Transgenic mice containing the SPA-Env-HA transgene showed low efficiency but specific expression in the lung. F1 male progeny from one transgenic founder developed subdermal lipomas that expressed the transgene. These results indicate that the JSRV Env protein is capable of inducing tumors in transgenic mice, and in other cell types besides lung epithelial cells.

Expression of the jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus envelope glycoprotein is sufficient to induce lung tumors in sheep

Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV) is the causative agent of ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (OPA). The expression of the JSRV envelope (Env) alone is sufficient to transform a variety of cell lines in vitro and induce lung cancer in immunodeficient mice. In order to determine the role of the JSRV Env in OPA tumorigenesis in sheep, we derived a JSRV replication-defective virus (JS-RD) which expresses env under the control of its own long terminal repeat (LTR). JS-RD was produced by transiently transfecting 293T cells with a two plasmid system, involving (i) a packaging plasmid, with the putative JSRV packaging signal deleted, expressing the structural and enzymatic proteins Gag, Pro, and Pol, and (ii) a plasmid which expresses env in trans for JS-RD particles and provides the genomes necessary to deliver JSRV env upon infection. During the optimization of the JS-RD system we determined that both R-U5 (in the viral 5' LTR) and the env region are important for JSRV particle production. Two independent experimental transmission studies were carried out with newborn lambs. Four of five lambs inoculated with JS-RD showed OPA lesions in the lungs at various times between 4 and 12 months postinoculation. Abundant expression of JSRV Env was detected in tumor cells of JS-RD-infected animals and PCR assays confirmed the presence of the deleted JS-RD genome. These data strongly suggest that the JSRV Env functions as a dominant oncoprotein in the natural immunocompetent host and that JSRV can induce OPA in the absence of viral spread.

In vivo and in vitro analysis of factor binding sites in Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus long terminal repeat enhancer sequences: roles of HNF-3, NF-I, and C/EBP for activity in lung epithelial cells

Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV) is the causative agent of ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma, a contagious lung cancer of sheep that arises from type II pneumocytes and Clara cells of the lung epithelium. Studies of the tropism of this virus have been hindered by the lack of an efficient system for viral replication in tissue culture. To map regulatory regions important for transcriptional activation, an in vivo footprinting method that couples dimethyl sulfate treatment and ligation-mediated PCR was performed in murine type II pneumocyte-derived MLE-15 cells infected with a chimeric Moloney murine leukemia virus driven by the JSRV enhancers (DeltaMo+JS Mo-MuLV). In vivo footprints were found in the JSRV enhancers in two regions previously shown to be important for JSRV long terminal repeat (LTR) activity: a binding site for the lung-specific transcription factor HNF-3beta and an E-box element in the distal enhancer adjacent to an NF-kappaB-like binding site. In addition, in vivo footprints were detected in two downstream motifs likely to bind C/EBP and NF-I. Mutational analysis of a JSRV LTR reporter construct (pJS21luc) revealed that the C/EBP binding site is critical for LTR activity, while the putative NF-I binding element is less important; elimination of these sites resulted in 70% and 40% drops in LTR activity, respectively. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays using nuclear extracts from MLE-15 murine Clara cell-derived mtCC1-2 cells with probes corresponding to the NF-I or C/EBP sites revealed several complexes. Antiserum directed against NF-IA, C/EBPalpha, or C/EBPbeta supershifted the corresponding protein-DNA complexes, indicating that these isoforms, which are also important for the expression of several cellular lung-specific genes, may be important for JSRV expression in lung epithelial cells.

A Moloney murine leukemia virus driven by the Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus enhancers shows enhanced specificity for infectivity in lung epithelial cells

Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV) is the etiologic agent of ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (OPA), a transmissible lung cancer in sheep. One of the unique features of this virus is that in infected animals, the only tissues that show expression of the virus are the tumor cells in the lung. We previously showed that the JSRV long terminal repeat (LTR) is preferentially active in murine lung epithelial cell lines (MLE-15 and mtCC1-2). To further explore the tissue specificity, we inserted the JSRV enhancer sequences from the U3 region of the LTR into a Moloney murine leukemia virus (M-MuLV) LTR lacking its own enhancer sequences, to give the chimeric LTR DeltaMo + JS. Transient transfection assays indicated that the DeltaMo + JS LTR is > 5-fold more active in lung epithelial cell lines than in non-lung lines, compared to the wild-type M-MuLV LTR. This was due to preferential activity of the JSRV enhancers in lung epithelial cells. Moreover, M-MuLV driven by the DeltaMo + JS LTR was > 3 logs more infectious in MLE-15 cells compared to non-lung cell lines. This chimeric virus may facilitate investigations of the tissue-specificity of JSRV.

A PCR technique for the detection of Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus in the blood suitable for the screening of ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma in field conditions

Ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (OPA) is a naturally occurring contagious lung neoplasia caused by jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV). Although no specific circulating antibodies against the virus can be detected in infected sheep, JSRV proviral DNA sequences can be found in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) in clinically affected and in a proportion of in contact animals. In this study, existing hemi-nested PCR procedure is compared with a new one-step PCR technique that was developed to minimise potential DNA contamination and reduce sample and reagent handling. Different blood preparations were assessed and the best results were achieved on DNA prepared from buffy coat. The sensitivity of this PCR was lower in JSRV infected sheep without lesions of OPA than in clinically affected sheep, which indicate that this PCR may not be not fully appropriate for screening of individual sheep, but rather to provide results at flock level. This PCR is the only currently available blood test for detection of JSRV infected sheep and may be useful in epidemiological studies and in control programmes of OPA.

Multiclonal pattern of Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus integration sites in ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma

Insertional mutagenesis and envelope (Env)-mediated oncogenesis are hypothesized mechanisms by which Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV) causes ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (OPA). Twenty-eight JSRV integration sites in lung tumors (LTs) from four sheep with OPA were cloned and sequenced by a multiple step gene walking technique. Using nested PCR, clonal expansion of these integration sites could be detected, if at all, only in the localized regions of LT from which the integration sites were derived. One sheep had a viral integration site in a sequence with 85 and 81% identity, respectively, over 100 bp to exon 2 of the human and mouse receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase gamma genes. Clonal integration of Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus in this gene was demonstrated by nested PCR and Southern blot hybridization in the DNA sample from which the integration site was cloned, but not in other LT or kidney DNA samples from the same sheep. OPA may develop from multiple independent oncogenic events and a role for insertional mutagenesis cannot be ruled out.

Infection of lung epithelial cells and induction of pulmonary adenocarcinoma is not the most common outcome of naturally occurring JSRV infection during the commercial lifespan of sheep

Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV) is the causative agent of ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (OPA). In this study, we followed over a 31-month period the natural transmission of JSRV in adult sheep and in their offspring. We established groups derived from flocks with either a high or low incidence of OPA and monitored virus transmission, clinical disease and macroscopic/microscopic lung lesions at necropsy. Results obtained show that (i) JSRV infection can occur perinatally or in the first few months of life in lambs and in adult sheep; (ii) only a minority of JSRV-infected animals develop clinical disease during their commercial lifespan; and (iii) JSRV is more readily detectable in peripheral blood leucocytes and lymphoid organs than in the lungs. These data support a model of opportunistic JSRV infection and tumorigenic conversion of type II pneumocytes/Clara cells in the lungs, while lymphoreticular cells serve as the principal virus reservoir.

Variable Regions 1 and 2 (VR1 and VR2) in JSRV gag Are Not Responsible for the Endogenous JSRV Particle Release Defect

Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV) is a betaretrovirus causing ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma, a transmissible lung tumor of sheep. A very closely related endogenous retrovirus (enJSRV) occurs as 15 to 20 copies in the genome of all sheep, and is not known to be linked to pathogenesis. We previously localized a particle release defect of the full-length endogenous-derived expression construct pCMV2enJS56A1 to the amino-terminal region of gag that incorporates the two variable regions VR1 and VR2, which harbor the main sequence differences between endogenous and exogenous JSRV in this part of gag. Here, we tested the hypothesis that either or both of these variable regions are responsible for the observed particle release defect in enJS56A1. We found that the PPPPPPPS motif of the exogenous VR1 is neither necessary nor sufficient for particle release. Furthermore, the precise substitution of VR1 and VR2 in the exogenous JSRV expression plasmid pCMV2JS21, using their enJS56A1-derived counterparts, did not abrogate the ability of the resulting constructs to release particles. The particle release defect of enJS56A1 is therefore not determined exclusively by either VR1 or VR2. These results point to a small number of amino acids lying outside of VR1 and VR2 that may be responsible for the particle defect of enJS56A1 Gag.

Detection and characterization of betaretroviral sequences, related to sheep Jaagsiekte virus, in Africans from Nigeria and Cameroon

Jaagsiekte retrovirus (JSRV) causes ovine pulmonary adenomatosis (OPA) that resembles bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (BAC) in humans. To test the possible role of JSRV in human diseases, DNA specimens from 103 individuals either healthy or suffering from lung carcinomas were analyzed for JSRV sequences. orf-x sequences were detected in 19 of 64 samples and gag-prt sequences in 4 of 38 samples, predominantly in individuals from Africa. Sequences obtained from orf-x amplimers varied in-between each other and differed from control endogenous ovine JSRV sequence. No association with lung cancer was found. This is the first report of JSRV-like sequences detected in humans.

Ovine pulmonary adenomatosis in Patagonia, Argentina

An outbreak of pulmonary adenomatosis (OPA) occurred in sheep in Patagonia, Argentina's southernmost region. On the affected farm, nine animals died over a 6-month period with pulmonary lesions of OPA. In all cases, the histology of the lungs was characterized by proliferation of cuboideal and prismatic cells lining the alveoli. Inflammatory exudates and accumulation of alveolar macrophages were marked in most cases, but in six of the cases there was no excess fluid in the airways. The presence of the Jaagsiekte retrovirus was demonstrated in the lungs by immunocytochemistry and PCR. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of OPA in Patagonia.

Endogenous betaretroviruses of sheep: teaching new lessons in retroviral interference and adaptation

The endogenous betaretroviruses of small ruminants offer an excellent model to investigate the biological relevance of endogenous retroviruses (ERVs). Approximately twenty copies of endogenous betaretroviruses (enJSRVs) are present in the genome of sheep and goats. enJSRVs are highly related to Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV) and the Enzootic nasal tumour virus (ENTV), the causative agents of naturally occurring carcinomas of the respiratory tract of sheep. enJSRVs interact/interfere at different levels both with the host and with their exogenous and pathogenic counterparts. enJSRVs blocks the exogenous JSRV replication by a novel two-step interference mechanism acting both early and late during the virus replication cycle. enJSRVs are highly active, they are abundantly and specifically expressed in the epithelium of most of the ovine female reproductive tract. The specific spatial and temporal expression of enJSRVs supports a role in trophoblast development and differentiation as well as conceptus implantation. In addition, enJSRVs are expressed during fetal ontogeny leading to the apparent tolerance of sheep towards the pathogenic JSRV. Thus, the sheep/enJSRVs system is a model that can be utilized to study many different aspects of ERVs and retrovirus biology. The impressive technologies developed to study the sheep reproductive biology, in conjunction with the knowledge gained on the molecular biology of enJSRVs, makes the ovine system an ideal model to design experiments that can functionally address the role of ERVs in mammalian physiology.

Chromosomal distribution of endogenous Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus proviral sequences in the sheep genome

A family of endogenous retroviruses (enJSRV) closely related to Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV) is ubiquitous in domestic and wild sheep and goats. Southern blot hybridization studies indicate that there is little active replication or movement of the enJSRV proviruses in these species. Two approaches were used to investigate the distribution of proviral loci in the sheep genome. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to metaphase chromosome spreads using viral DNA probes was used to detect loci on chromosomes. Hybridization signals were reproducibly detected on seven sheep chromosomes and eight goat chromosomes in seven cell lines. In addition, a panel of 30 sheep-hamster hybrid cell lines, each of which carries one or more sheep chromosomes and which collectively contain the whole sheep genome, was examined for enJSRV sequences. DNA from each of the lines was used as a template for PCR with JSRV gag-specific primers. A PCR product was amplified from 27 of the hybrid lines, indicating that JSRV gag sequences are found on at least 15 of the 28 sheep chromosomes, including those identified by FISH. Thus, enJSRV proviruses are essentially randomly distributed among the chromosomes of sheep and goats. FISH and/or Southern blot hybridization on DNA from several of the sheep-hamster hybrid cell lines suggests that loci containing multiple copies of enJSRV are present on chromosomes 6 and 9. The origin and functional significance of these arrays is not known.

The evolution, distribution and diversity of endogenous retroviruses

The retroviral capacity for integration into the host genome can give rise to endogenous retroviruses (ERVs): retroviral sequences that are transmitted vertically as part of the host germ line, within which they may continue to replicate and evolve. ERVs represent both a unique archive of ancient viral sequence information and a dynamic component of host genomes. As such they hold great potential as informative markers for studies of both virus evolution and host genome evolution. Numerous novel ERVs have been described in recent years, particularly as genome sequencing projects have advanced. This review discusses the evolution of ERV lineages, considering the processes by which ERV distribution and diversity is generated. The diversity of ERVs isolated so far is summarised in terms of both their distribution across host taxa, and their relationships to recognised retroviral genera. Finally the relevance of ERVs to studies of genome evolution, host disease and viral ecology is considered, and recent findings discussed.

A history of ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (jaagsiekte) and experiments leading to the deduction of the JSRV nucleotide sequence

Jaagsiekte (JS), a contagious cancer affecting the lungs of sheep has been called many names over the years. At a recent workshop in Missilac, France it was agreed that the disease would be called ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (OPA). The disease is caused by an infectious retrovirus called jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV). This chapter focuses on the early research that led up to the isolation, cloning and sequencing of the exogenous infectious form of JSRV and the demonstration that it has an endogenous counter part that is present in all sheep. As there was no in vitro production source of the virus much of the early research focused on the in vivo production and purification of the virus to obtain sufficient material to use to identify the viral proteins and purify the viral genetic material. Typically, new born lambs were inoculated intra-tracheally with concentrated lung lavage from previously infected sheep lungs. The optimal purification involved the concentration of lung lavage of freshly slaughtered sheep, an extraction with organic solvent, and final purification by both rate zonal and isopycnic centrifugation. Monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies were made against the purified fractions. The polyclonal antibodies were not very specific and the monoclonal antibodies proved to be against antigens expressed in high concentrations in response to any lung pathology. The genomic RNA of the virus was isolated from ex vivo purified materials, and cloned as a collection of cDNAs. The full length sequence was assembled by walking through the cDNA clones. The genome of the exogenous virus is 7462 bases and has the classical gag, pol, env genome arrangement and is flanked by a long terminal repeat (LTR) on each end. An additional open reading frame (ORF) was observed in the viral genome and has been called orfX. A function has not been determined for this ORF. JSRV is classified as a betaretrovirus, with gag and pol closely related to D type retrovirus, whereas env is related to the B type viruses such as the human endogenous retrovirus HERV-K. An interesting finding was that the exogenous infectious virus had an endogenous counter part which is present in the genomes of all sheep and goats. It is estimated that there are between 15 and 20 endogenous loci per sheep genome. No circulating antibodies have been found in OPA-affected sheep. It is suggested that the endogenous JSRV transcripts are expressed at an early age and are cause for the clonal elimination of JSRV specific T cells during T-cell ontogeny. Histopathologically the sheep disease resembles human bronchiolar alveolar carcinoma and has been identified as a natural out bred animal model that could be used to study the human disease.

Molecular biology of jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus

Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV) is the causative agent of ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (OPA), a contagious lung cancer of sheep. Until recently, research on JSRV/OPA was hampered by the lack of a tissue culture system for the propagation of the virus. Historically, pathological samples (lung fluid) collected from sheep affected by OPA were the only source of infectious JSRV. Thus studies on the JSRV/OPA system were conducted only where field isolates of OPA cases were readily available. In the past 10 years, the deduction of the JSRV sequence (York et al. 1991; York 1992), the isolation of an infectious and oncogenic JSRV molecular clone (JSRV21) (Palmarini et al. 1999a) and the establishment of a rapid method to produce infectious virus in vitro (Palmarini et al. 1999a) sparked many studies at the molecular level that strengthened past observations and revealed new properties of this unique virus. Here, we will review the data accumulated so far on the molecular biology of JSRV using the infectious and oncogenic JSRV21 molecular clone as virus of reference.

Transformation and oncogenesis by jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus

Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV) is an exogenous retrovirus of sheep that induces a contagious lung cancer, ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (OPA). JSRV is a potent carcinogen in the experimental setting, inducing end-stage tumors at around 6 weeks of age when newborn lambs are inoculated intratracheally. Despite this rapid oncogenesis, inspection of the JSRV genome sequence does not reveal any obvious viral oncogenes. In this review, recent advances in studies of JSRV oncogenic transformation are described. Molecular cloning of an infectious and oncogenic JSRV provirus was instrumental in the studies. DNA transfection of JSRV proviral DNA into mouse NIH3T3 cells results in morphological transformation, indicating that the JSRV genome carries an oncogene. Further experiments identified the JSRV envelope protein as the transforming gene, and a PI3 kinase docking site in the cytoplasmic tail of the transmembrane (TM) protein was shown to be necessary for transformation. Avian DF-1 cells infected with an avian retroviral vector (RCAS) expressing the JSRV envelope protein also undergo tumorigenic transformation. Possible mechanisms of transformation are discussed, and a cooperating role for insertional activation of proto-oncogenes in tumorigenesis is also considered. The transforming potential of the JSRV envelope protein may be necessary for JSRV infection and replication in vivo.

Enzootic nasal adenocarcinoma of sheep and goats

Enzootic nasal adenocarcinoma is a contagious tumour of the mucosal nasal glands affecting young adult sheep or goats. The disease occurs naturally in all continents except Australia and New Zealand. Clinical signs include continuous nasal discharge, respiratory distress, exophthalmos and skull deformations. The tumour is classified histologically as a low-grade adenocarcinoma. Nasal glands of both respiratory and olfactory muosal glands seem to be the origin of the neoplasia. It has been experimentally transmitted in sheep and goats using either tumour extracts or concentrated nasal fluids. Two distinct retroviruses are implicated in the aetiology of the neoplasia one in sheep (ONAV) and one in goats (CNAV). We suggest that jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV), ONAV, CNAV, and their endogenous counterparts represent a unique family of retroviruses. The similarities between these viruses suggests that any control strategies, including vaccination, may be appropriate to both diseases. The differences, however, represent a unique resource for delineating the function of individual regions of the virus. It is intriguing that whilst ONAV and CNAV appear to be as different to each other as they are to JSRV, that they have very similar disease pathologies, distinct from that of OPA. Additionally, all three exogenous viruses manage to avoid instigating any apparent immune response. Whether this is indeed a result of tolerance induced by the endogenous counterparts or whether the viruses themselves have unique immunosuppressive properties will be an important finding.

Natural history of JSRV in sheep

Ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (OPA) is a contagious lung tumour of sheep and, rarely, goats that arises from two types of secretory epithelial cell that retain their luxury function of surfactant synthesis and secretion. It is classified as a low-grade adenocarcinoma and is viewed as a good model for epithelial neoplasia because of its morphological resemblance to the human lung tumour, bronchioloalveolar adenocarcinoma. OPA is present in most of the sheep rearing areas of the globe and, in affected flocks, tumours are present in a high proportion of sheep. OPA is associated with the ovine retrovirus, jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV), and is transmissible only with inocula that contain JSRV. All sheep contain JSRV-related endogenous viruses, but JSRV is an exogenous virus that is associated exclusively with OPA. JSRV is detected consistently in the lung fluid, tumour and lymphoid tissues of sheep affected by both natural and experimental OPA or unaffected in-contact flockmates and never in sheep from unaffected flocks with no history of the tumour. JSRV replicates principally in the epithelial tumour cells, but also establishes a disseminated infection of several lymphoid cell types, including peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs). Longitudinal studies in flocks with endemic OPA have revealed JSRV in PBLs before the onset of clinical OPA and even in the absence of discernible lung tumour. The prevalence of JSRV infection is 40%-80%, although only 30% of sheep appear to develop OPA lesions. A unique feature of OPA is the absence of a specific humoral immune response to JSRV, despite the highly productive infection in the lungs and the disseminated lymphoid infection. This feature is associated with reduced responsiveness to some mitogens, although the phenotypic profile of the peripheral blood remains unaltered. The reduced response is an early and sustained event during infection and may indicate that the failure of infected sheep to produce specific antibodies to JSRV is a direct consequence of infection.