Proteasome-independent disruption of PML oncogenic domains (PODs), but not covalent modification by SUMO-1, is required for human cytomegalovirus immediate-early protein IE1 to inhibit PML-mediated transcriptional repression

Cross-Species Analysis of Innate Immune Antagonism by Cytomegalovirus IE1 Protein

The human cytomegalovirus (CMV) immediate early 1 (IE1) protein has evolved as a multifunctional antagonist of intrinsic and innate immune mechanisms. In addition, this protein serves as a transactivator and potential genome maintenance protein. Recently, the crystal structures of the human and rat CMV IE1 (hIE1, rIE1) core domain were solved. Despite low sequence identity, the respective structures display a highly similar, all alpha-helical fold with distinct variations. To elucidate which activities of IE1 are either species-specific or conserved, this study aimed at a comparative analysis of hIE1 and rIE1 functions. To facilitate the quantitative evaluation of interactions between IE1 and cellular proteins, a sensitive NanoBRET assay was established. This confirmed the species-specific interaction of IE1 with the cellular restriction factor promyelocytic leukemia protein (PML) and with the DNA replication factor flap endonuclease 1 (FEN1). To characterize the respective binding surfaces, helix exchange mutants were generated by swapping hIE1 helices with the corresponding rIE1 helices. Interestingly, while all mutants were defective for PML binding, loss of FEN1 interaction was confined to the exchange of helices 1 and 2, suggesting that FEN1 binds to the stalk region of IE1. Furthermore, our data reveal that both hIE1 and rIE1 antagonize human STAT2; however, distinct regions of the respective viral proteins mediated the interaction. Finally, while PML, FEN1, and STAT2 binding were conserved between primate and rodent proteins, we detected that rIE1 lacks a chromatin tethering function suggesting that this activity is dispensable for rat CMV. In conclusion, our study revealed conserved and distinct functions of primate and rodent IE1 proteins, further supporting the concept that IE1 proteins underwent a narrow co-evolution with their respective hosts to maximize their efficacy in antagonizing innate immune mechanisms and supporting viral replication.

A Tale of Usurpation and Subversion: SUMO-Dependent Integrity of Promyelocytic Leukemia Nuclear Bodies at the Crossroad of Infection and Immunity

Promyelocytic leukemia nuclear bodies (PML NBs) are multi-protein assemblies representing distinct sub-nuclear structures. As phase-separated molecular condensates, PML NBs exhibit liquid droplet-like consistency. A key organizer of the assembly and dynamics of PML NBs is the ubiquitin-like SUMO modification system. SUMO is covalently attached to PML and other core components of PML NBs thereby exhibiting a glue-like function by providing multivalent interactions with proteins containing SUMO interacting motifs (SIMs). PML NBs serve as the catalytic center for nuclear SUMOylation and SUMO-SIM interactions are essential for protein assembly within these structures. Importantly, however, formation of SUMO chains on PML and other PML NB-associated proteins triggers ubiquitylation and proteasomal degradation which coincide with disruption of these nuclear condensates. To date, a plethora of nuclear activities such as transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression, apoptosis, senescence, cell cycle control, DNA damage response, and DNA replication have been associated with PML NBs. Not surprisingly, therefore, SUMO-dependent PML NB integrity has been implicated in regulating many physiological processes including tumor suppression, metabolism, drug-resistance, development, cellular stemness, and anti-pathogen immune response. The interplay between PML NBs and viral infection is multifaceted. As a part of the cellular antiviral defense strategy, PML NB components are crucial restriction factors for many viruses and a mutual positive correlation has been found to exist between PML NBs and the interferon response. Viruses, in turn, have developed counterstrategies for disarming PML NB associated immune defense measures. On the other end of the spectrum, certain viruses are known to usurp specific PML NB components for successful replication and disruption of these sub-nuclear foci has recently been linked to the stimulation rather than curtailment of antiviral gene repertoire. Importantly, the ability of invading virions to manipulate the host SUMO modification machinery is essential for this interplay between PML NB integrity and viruses. Moreover, compelling evidence is emerging in favor of bacterial pathogens to negotiate with the SUMO system thereby modulating PML NB-directed intrinsic and innate immunity. In the current context, we will present an updated account of the dynamic intricacies between cellular PML NBs as the nuclear SUMO modification hotspots and immune regulatory mechanisms in response to viral and bacterial pathogens.

Cytomegalovirus immediate-early 1 proteins form a structurally distinct protein class with adaptations determining cross-species barriers

Restriction factors are potent antiviral proteins that constitute a first line of intracellular defense by blocking viral replication and spread. During co-evolution, however, viruses have developed antagonistic proteins to modulate or degrade the restriction factors of their host. To ensure the success of lytic replication, the herpesvirus human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) expresses the immediate-early protein IE1, which acts as an antagonist of antiviral, subnuclear structures termed PML nuclear bodies (PML-NBs). IE1 interacts directly with PML, the key protein of PML-NBs, through its core domain and disrupts the dot-like multiprotein complexes thereby abrogating the antiviral effects. Here we present the crystal structures of the human and rat cytomegalovirus core domain (IE1_CORE). We found that IE1_CORE domains, also including the previously characterized IE1_CORE of rhesus CMV, form a distinct class of proteins that are characterized by a highly similar and unique tertiary fold and quaternary assembly. This contrasts to a marked amino acid sequence diversity suggesting that strong positive selection evolved a conserved fold, while immune selection pressure may have fostered sequence divergence of IE1. At the same time, we detected specific differences in the helix arrangements of primate versus rodent IE1_CORE structures. Functional characterization revealed a conserved mechanism of PML-NB disruption, however, primate and rodent IE1 proteins were only effective in cells of the natural host species but not during cross-species infection. Remarkably, we observed that expression of HCMV IE1 allows rat cytomegalovirus replication in human cells. We conclude that cytomegaloviruses have evolved a distinct protein tertiary structure of IE1 to effectively bind and inactivate an important cellular restriction factor. Furthermore, our data show that the IE1 fold has been adapted to maximize the efficacy of PML targeting in a species-specific manner and support the concept that the PML-NBs-based intrinsic defense constitutes a barrier to cross-species transmission of HCMV.

Cytomegaloviruses have evolved in very close association with their hosts resulting in a highly species-specific replication. Cell-intrinsic proteins, known as restriction factors, constitute important barriers for cross-species infection of viruses. All cytomegaloviruses characterized so far express an abundant immediate-early protein, termed IE1, that binds to the cellular restriction factor promyelocytic leukemia protein (PML) and antagonizes its repressive activity on viral gene expression. Here, we present the crystal structures of the PML-binding domains of rat and human cytomegalovirus IE1. Despite low amino-acid sequence identity both proteins share a highly similar and unique fold forming a distinct protein class. Functional characterization revealed a common mechanism of PML antagonization. However, we also detected that the respective IE1 proteins only interact with PML proteins of the natural host species. Interestingly, expression of HCMV IE1 allows rat cytomegalovirus infection in human cells. This indicates that the cellular restriction factor PML forms an important barrier for cross-species infection of cytomegaloviruses that might be overcome by adaptation of IE1 protein function. Our data suggest that the cytomegalovirus IE1 structure represents an evolutionary optimized protein fold targeting PML proteins via coiled-coil interactions.

Non-covalent Interaction With SUMO Enhances the Activity of Human Cytomegalovirus Protein IE1

Viruses interact with the host cellular pathways to optimize cellular conditions for replication. The Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) Immediate-Early protein 1 (IE1) is the first viral protein to express during infection. It is a multifunctional and conditionally essential protein for HCMV infection. SUMO signaling regulates several cellular pathways that are also targets of IE1. Consequently, IE1 exploits SUMO signaling to regulate these pathways. The covalent interaction of IE1 and SUMO (IE1-SUMOylation) is well studied. However, the non-covalent interactions between SUMO and IE1 are unknown. We report two SUMO-Interacting Motifs (SIMs) in IE1, one at the end of the core domain and another in the C-terminal domain. NMR titrations showed that IE1-SIMs bind to SUMO1 but not SUMO2. Two critical functions of IE1 are inhibition of SUMOylation of Promyelocytic leukemia protein (PML) and transactivation of viral promoters. Although the non-covalent interaction of IE1 and SUMO is not involved in the inhibition of PML SUMOylation, it contributes to the transactivation activity. The transactivation activity of IE1 was previously correlated to its ability to inhibit PML SUMOylation. Our results suggest that transactivation and inhibition of PML SUMOylation are independent activities of IE1.

Revisiting promyelocytic leukemia protein targeting by human cytomegalovirus immediate-early protein 1

Promyelocytic leukemia (PML) bodies are nuclear organelles implicated in intrinsic and innate antiviral defense. The eponymous PML proteins, central to the self-organization of PML bodies, and other restriction factors found in these organelles are common targets of viral antagonism. The 72-kDa immediate-early protein 1 (IE1) is the principal antagonist of PML bodies encoded by the human cytomegalovirus (hCMV). IE1 is believed to disrupt PML bodies by inhibiting PML SUMOylation, while PML was proposed to act as an E3 ligase for IE1 SUMOylation. PML targeting by IE1 is considered to be crucial for hCMV replication at low multiplicities of infection, in part via counteracting antiviral gene induction linked to the cellular interferon (IFN) response. However, current concepts of IE1-PML interaction are largely derived from mutant IE1 proteins known or predicted to be metabolically unstable and globally misfolded. We performed systematic clustered charge-to-alanine scanning mutagenesis and identified a stable IE1 mutant protein (IE1cc172-176) with wild-type characteristics except for neither interacting with PML proteins nor inhibiting PML SUMOylation. Consequently, IE1cc172-176 does not associate with PML bodies and is selectively impaired for disrupting these organelles. Surprisingly, functional analysis of IE1cc172-176 revealed that the protein is hypermodified by mixed SUMO chains and that IE1 SUMOylation depends on nucleosome rather than PML binding. Furthermore, a mutant hCMV expressing IE1cc172-176 was only slightly attenuated compared to an IE1-null virus even at low multiplicities of infection. Finally, hCMV-induced expression of cytokine and IFN-stimulated genes turned out to be reduced rather than increased in the presence of IE1cc172-176 relative to wild-type IE1. Our findings challenge present views on the relationship of IE1 with PML and the role of PML in hCMV replication. This study also provides initial evidence for the idea that disruption of PML bodies upon viral infection is linked to activation rather than inhibition of innate immunity.

Tuning the Orchestra: HCMV vs. Innate Immunity

Understanding how the innate immune system keeps human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) in check has recently become a critical issue in light of the global clinical burden of HCMV infection in newborns and immunodeficient patients. Innate immunity constitutes the first line of host defense against HCMV as it involves a complex array of cooperating effectors – e.g., inflammatory cytokines, type I interferon (IFN-I), natural killer (NK) cells, professional antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and phagocytes – all capable of disrupting HCMV replication. These factors are known to trigger a highly efficient adaptive immune response, where cellular restriction factors (RFs) play a major gatekeeping role. Unlike other innate immunity components, RFs are constitutively expressed in many cell types, ready to act before pathogen exposure. Nonetheless, the existence of a positive regulatory feedback loop between RFs and IFNs is clear evidence of an intimate cooperation between intrinsic and innate immunity. In the course of virus-host coevolution, HCMV has, however, learned how to manipulate the functions of multiple cellular players of the host innate immune response to achieve latency and persistence. Thus, HCMV acts like an orchestra conductor able to piece together and rearrange parts of a musical score (i.e., innate immunity) to obtain the best live performance (i.e., viral fitness). It is therefore unquestionable that innovative therapeutic solutions able to prevent HCMV immune evasion in congenitally infected infants and immunocompromised individuals are urgently needed. Here, we provide an up-to-date review of the mechanisms regulating the interplay between HCMV and innate immunity, focusing on the various strategies of immune escape evolved by this virus to gain a fitness advantage.

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus vIRF2 protein utilizes an IFN-dependent pathway to regulate viral early gene expression

Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV; human herpesvirus 8) belongs to the subfamily of Gammaherpesvirinae and is the etiological agent of Kaposi’s sarcoma as well as of two lymphoproliferative diseases: primary effusion lymphoma and multicentric Castleman disease. The KSHV life cycle is divided into a latent and a lytic phase and is highly regulated by viral immunomodulatory proteins which control the host antiviral immune response. Among them is a group of proteins with homology to cellular interferon regulatory factors, the viral interferon regulatory factors 1–4. The KSHV vIRFs are known as inhibitors of cellular interferon signaling and are involved in different oncogenic pathways. Here we characterized the role of the second vIRF protein, vIRF2, during the KSHV life cycle. We found the vIRF2 protein to be expressed in different KSHV positive cells with early lytic kinetics. Importantly, we observed that vIRF2 suppresses the expression of viral early lytic genes in both newly infected and reactivated persistently infected endothelial cells. This vIRF2-dependent regulation of the KSHV life cycle might involve the increased expression of cellular interferon-induced genes such as the IFIT proteins 1, 2 and 3, which antagonize the expression of early KSHV lytic proteins. Our findings suggest a model in which the viral protein vIRF2 allows KSHV to harness an IFN-dependent pathway to regulate KSHV early gene expression.

The life cycle of Kaposi Sarcoma herpesvirus involves both persistence in a latent form and productive replication to generate new viral particles. How the virus switches between latency and productive (‘lytic’) replication is only partially understood. Here we show that a viral homologue of interferon regulatory factors, vIRF2, antagonizes lytic protein expression in endothelial cells. It does this by inducing the expression of cellular interferon-regulated genes such as IFIT 1–3, which in turn dampens early viral gene expression. This observation suggests that vIRF2 allows KSHV to harness the interferon pathway to regulate early viral gene expression in endothelial cells.

Expression of Human Cytomegalovirus IE1 Leads to Accumulation of Mono-SUMOylated PML That Is Protected from Degradation by Herpes Simplex Virus 1 ICP0

To countermeasure the host cellular intrinsic defense, cytomegalovirus (CMV) and herpes simplex viruses (HSV) have evolved the ability to disperse nuclear domain 10 (ND10, aka PML body). However, mechanisms underlying their action on ND10 differ. HSV infection produces ICP0, which degrades the ND10-forming protein PML. Human CMV (HCMV) infection expresses IE1 that deSUMOylates PML to result in dispersion of ND10. It has been demonstrated that HSV ICP0 degraded only the SUMOylated PML, so we hypothesized that HCMV IE1 can protect PML from degradation by ICP0. HCMV IE1-expressing cell lines (U-251 MG-IE1 and HELF-IE1) were used for infection of HSV-1 or transfection of ICP0-expressing plasmid. Multilabeling by immunocytochemistry assay and protein examination by Western blot assay were performed to determine the resultant fate of PML caused by ICP0 in the presence or absence of HCMV IE1. Here, we report that deSUMOylation of human PML (hPML) by HCMV IE1 was incomplete, as mono-SUMOylated PML remained in the IE1-expressing cells, which is consistent with the report by E. M. Schilling, M. Scherer, N. Reuter, J. Schweininger, et al. (J Virol 91:e02049-16, 2017, https://doi.org/10.1128/JVI.02049-16). As expected, we found that IE1 protected PML from degradation by ICP0 or HSV-1 infection. An in vitro study found that IE1 with mutation of L174P failed to deSUMOylate PML and did not protect PML from degradation by ICP0; hence, we conclude that the deSUMOylation of PML is important for IE1 to protect PML from degradation by ICP0. In addition, we revealed that murine CMV failed to deSUMOylate and to protect the HSV-mediated degradation of hPML, and that HCMV failed to deSUMOylate and protect the HSV-mediated degradation of mouse PML. However, IE1-expressing cells did not enhance wild-type HSV-1 replication but significantly increased ICP0-defective HSV-1 replication at a low multiplicity of infection. Therefore, our results uncovered a host-virus functional interaction at the posttranslational level.IMPORTANCE Our finding that HCMV IE1 protected hPML from degradation by HSV ICP0 is important, because the PML body (aka ND10) is believed to be the first line of host intrinsic defense against herpesviral infection. How the infected viruses overcome the nuclear defensive structure (PML body) has not been fully understood. Herpesviral proteins, ICP0 of HSV and IE1 of CMV, have been identified to interact with PML. Here, we report that HCMV IE1 incompletely deSUMOylated PML, resulting in the mono-SUMOylated PML, which is consistent with the report of Schilling et al. (J Virol 91:e02049-16, 2017, https://doi.org/10.1128/JVI.02049-16). The mono-SUMOylated PML was subjected to degradation by HSV ICP0. However, it was protected by IE1 from degradation by ICP0 or HSV-1 infection. In contrast, IE1 with L174P mutation lost the function of deSUMOylating PML and failed to protect the degradation of the mono-SUMOylated PML. Whether the mono-SUMOylated PML has any defensive function against viral infection will be further investigated.

The Human CMV IE1 Protein: An Offender of PML Nuclear Bodies

PML nuclear bodies (PML-NBs) are SUMOylation-dependent, highly complex protein assemblies that accumulate in the interchromosomal territories of the cell nucleus. Research of the last two decades revealed that many viruses have evolved effector proteins that modify PML-NBs. This correlates with antagonization of individual PML-NB components which act as host cell restriction factors. The multifunctional immediate-early protein IE1 of human cytomegalovirus directly interacts with the PML protein resulting in a disruption of the dot-like structure of PML-NBs. This review summarizes recent advances on the functional consequences of PML-NB modification by IE1. In particular, we describe that PML exerts a novel co-regulatory role during the interferon response which is abrogated by IE1. Via binding to PML, IE1 is able to compromise both intrinsic antiviral defense mechanisms and classical innate immune responses. These interactions of IE1 with innate host defenses are crucial for the onset of lytic replication and, consequently, may represent promising targets for antiviral strategies.

Viral Interplay with the Host Sumoylation System

Viruses have evolved elaborate means to regulate diverse cellular pathways in order to create a cellular environment that facilitates viral survival and reproduction. This includes enhancing viral macromolecular synthesis and assembly, as well as preventing antiviral responses, including intrinsic, innate, and adaptive immunity. There are numerous mechanisms by which viruses mediate their effects on the host cell, and this includes targeting various cellular post-translational modification systems, including sumoylation. The wide-ranging impact of sumoylation on cellular processes such as transcriptional regulation, apoptosis, stress response, and cell cycle control makes it an attractive target for viral dysregulation. To date, proteins from both RNA and DNA virus families have been shown to be modified by SUMO conjugation, and this modification appears critical for viral protein function. More interestingly, members of the several viral families have been shown to modulate sumoylation, including papillomaviruses, adenoviruses, herpesviruses, orthomyxoviruses, filoviruses, and picornaviruses. This chapter will focus on mechanisms by which sumoylation both impacts human viruses and is used by viruses to promote viral infection and disease.

The ND10 Component Promyelocytic Leukemia Protein Acts as an E3 Ligase for SUMOylation of the Major Immediate Early Protein IE1 of Human Cytomegalovirus

Previous studies identified the nuclear domain 10 (ND10) components promyelocytic leukemia protein (PML), hDaxx, and Sp100 as factors of an intrinsic immune response against human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). This antiviral function of ND10, however, is antagonized by viral effector proteins like IE1p72, which induces dispersal of ND10. Furthermore, we have shown that both major immediate early proteins of HCMV, IE1p72 and IE2p86, transiently colocalize with ND10 subnuclear structures and undergo modification by the covalent attachment of SUMO. Since recent reports indicate that PML acts as a SUMO E3 ligase, we asked whether the SUMOylation of IE1p72 and IE2p86 is regulated by PML. To address this, PML-depleted fibroblasts, as well as cells overexpressing individual PML isoforms, were infected with HCMV. Western blot experiments revealed a clear correlation between the degree of IE1p72 SUMO conjugation and the abundance of PML. On the other hand, the SUMOylation of IE2p86 was not affected by PML. By performing in vitro SUMOylation assays, we were able to provide direct evidence that IE1p72 is a substrate for PML-mediated SUMOylation. Interestingly, disruption of the RING finger domain of PML, which is proposed to confer SUMO E3 ligase activity, abolished PML-induced SUMOylation of IE1p72. In contrast, IE1p72 was still efficiently SUMO modified by a SUMOylation-defective PML mutant, indicating that intact ND10 bodies are not necessary for this effect. Thus, this is the first report that the E3 ligase PML is capable of stimulating the SUMOylation of a viral protein which is supposed to serve as a cellular mechanism to compromise specific functions of IE1p72.IMPORTANCE The major immediate early proteins of human cytomegalovirus, termed IE1p72 and IE2p86, have previously been shown to undergo posttranslational modification by covalent coupling to SUMO moieties at specific lysine residues. However, the enzymatic activities that are responsible for this modification have not been identified. Here, we demonstrate that the PML protein, which mediates an intrinsic immune response against HCMV, specifically serves as an E3 ligase for SUMO modification of IE1p72. Since SUMO modification of IE1p72 has previously been shown to interfere with STAT factor binding, thus compromising the interferon-antagonistic function of this viral effector protein, our finding highlights an additional mechanism through which PML is able to restrict viral infections.

The Human Cytomegalovirus IE1 Protein Antagonizes PML Nuclear Body-Mediated Intrinsic Immunity via the Inhibition of PML De Novo SUMOylation

PML nuclear bodies (NBs) are accumulations of cellular proteins embedded in a scaffold-like structure built by SUMO-modified PML/TRIM19. PML and other NB proteins act as cellular restriction factors against human cytomegalovirus (HCMV); however, this intrinsic defense is counteracted by the immediate early protein 1 (IE1) of HCMV. IE1 directly interacts with the PML coiled-coil domain via its globular core region and disrupts NB foci by inducing a loss of PML SUMOylation. Here, we demonstrate that IE1 acts via abrogating the de novo SUMOylation of PML. In order to overcome reversible SUMOylation dynamics, we made use of a cell-based assay that combines inducible IE1 expression with a SUMO mutant resistant to SUMO proteases. Interestingly, we observed that IE1 expression did not affect preSUMOylated PML; however, it clearly prevented de novo SUMO conjugation. Consistent results were obtained by in vitro SUMOylation assays, demonstrating that IE1 alone is sufficient for this effect. Furthermore, IE1 acts in a selective manner, since K160 was identified as the main target lysine. This is strengthened by the fact that IE1 also prevents As₂O₃-mediated hyperSUMOylation of K160, thereby blocking PML degradation. Since IE1 did not interfere with coiled-coil-mediated PML dimerization, we propose that IE1 affects PML autoSUMOylation either by directly abrogating PML E3 ligase function or by preventing access to SUMO sites. Thus, our data suggest a novel mechanism for how a viral protein counteracts a cellular restriction factor by selectively preventing the de novo SUMOylation at specific lysine residues without affecting global protein SUMOylation.

IMPORTANCE

The human cytomegalovirus IE1 protein acts as an important antagonist of a cellular restriction mechanism that is mediated by subnuclear structures termed PML nuclear bodies. This function of IE1 is required for efficient viral replication and thus constitutes a potential target for antiviral strategies. In this paper, we further elucidate the molecular mechanism for how IE1 antagonizes PML NBs. We show that tight binding of IE1 to PML interferes with the de novo SUMOylation of a distinct lysine residue that is also the target of stress-mediated hyperSUMOylation of PML. This is of importance since it represents a novel mechanism used by a viral antagonist of intrinsic immunity. Furthermore, it highlights the possibility of developing small molecules that specifically abrogate this PML-antagonistic activity of IE1 and thus inhibit viral replication.

Stimulation of the Replication of ICP0-Null Mutant Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and pp71-Deficient Human Cytomegalovirus by Epstein-Barr Virus Tegument Protein BNRF1

It is now well established that several cellular proteins that are components of promyelocytic leukemia nuclear bodies (PML NBs, also known as ND10) have restrictive effects on herpesvirus infections that are countered by viral proteins that are either present in the virion particle or are expressed during the earliest stages of infection. For example, herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) immediate early (IE) protein ICP0 overcomes the restrictive effects of PML-NB components PML, Sp100, hDaxx, and ATRX while human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) IE protein IE1 targets PML and Sp100, and its tegument protein pp71 targets hDaxx and ATRX. The functions of these viral regulatory proteins are in part interchangeable; thus, both IE1 and pp71 stimulate the replication of ICP0-null mutant HSV-1, while ICP0 increases plaque formation by pp71-deficient HCMV. Here, we extend these studies by examining proteins that are expressed by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). We report that EBV tegument protein BNRF1, discovered by other investigators to target the hDaxx/ATRX complex, increases the replication of both ICP0-null mutant HSV-1 and pp71-deficient HCMV. In addition, EBV protein EBNA-LP, which targets Sp100, also augments ICP0-null mutant HSV-1 replication. The combination of these two EBV regulatory proteins had a greater effect than each one individually. These findings reinforce the concept that disruption of the functions of PML-NB proteins is important for efficient herpesvirus infections.

IMPORTANCE

Whether a herpesvirus initiates a lytic infection in a host cell or establishes quiescence or latency is influenced by events that occur soon after the viral genome has entered the host cell nucleus. Certain cellular proteins respond in a restrictive manner to the invading pathogen's DNA, while viral functions are expressed that counteract the cell-mediated repression. One aspect of cellular restriction of herpesvirus infections is mediated by components of nuclear structures known as PML nuclear bodies (PML NBs), or ND10. Members of the alpha-, beta-, and gammaherpesvirus families all express proteins that interact with, degrade, or otherwise counteract the inhibitory effects of various PML NB components. Previous work has shown that there is the potential for a functional interchange between the viral proteins expressed by alpha- and betaherpesviruses, despite a lack of obvious sequence similarity. Here, this concept is extended to include a member of the gammaherpesviruses.

Intrinsic host restriction factors of human cytomegalovirus replication and mechanisms of viral escape

Before a pathogen even enters a cell, intrinsic immune defenses are active. This first-line defense is mediated by a variety of constitutively expressed cell proteins collectively termed “restriction factors” (RFs), and they form a vital element of the immune response to virus infections. Over time, however, viruses have evolved in a variety ways so that they are able to overcome these RF defenses via mechanisms that are specific for each virus. This review provides a summary of the universal characteristics of RFs, and goes on to focus on the strategies employed by some of the most important RFs in their attempt to control human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection. This is followed by a discussion of the counter-restriction mechanisms evolved by viruses to circumvent the host cell’s intrinsic immune defenses. RFs include nuclear proteins IFN-γ inducible protein 16 (IFI16) (a Pyrin/HIN domain protein), Sp100, promyelocytic leukemia, and hDaxx; the latter three being the keys elements of nuclear domain 10 (ND10). IFI16 inhibits the synthesis of virus DNA by down-regulating UL54 transcription - a gene encoding a CMV DNA polymerase; in response, the virus antagonizes IFI16 via a process involving viral proteins UL97 and pp65 (pUL83), which results in the mislocalizing of IFI16 into the cytoplasm. In contrast, viral regulatory proteins, including pp71 and IE1, seek to modify or disrupt the ND10 proteins and thus block or reverse their inhibitory effects upon virus replication. All in all, detailed knowledge of these HCMV counter-restriction mechanisms will be fundamental for the future development of new strategies for combating HCMV infection and for identifying novel therapeutic agents.

Human Cytomegalovirus Immediate-Early 1 Protein Rewires Upstream STAT3 to Downstream STAT1 Signaling Switching an IL6-Type to an IFNγ-Like Response

The human cytomegalovirus (hCMV) major immediate-early 1 protein (IE1) is best known for activating transcription to facilitate viral replication. Here we present transcriptome data indicating that IE1 is as significant a repressor as it is an activator of host gene expression. Human cells induced to express IE1 exhibit global repression of IL6- and oncostatin M-responsive STAT3 target genes. This repression is followed by STAT1 phosphorylation and activation of STAT1 target genes normally induced by IFNγ. The observed repression and subsequent activation are both mediated through the same region (amino acids 410 to 445) in the C-terminal domain of IE1, and this region serves as a binding site for STAT3. Depletion of STAT3 phenocopies the STAT1-dependent IFNγ-like response to IE1. In contrast, depletion of the IL6 receptor (IL6ST) or the STAT kinase JAK1 prevents this response. Accordingly, treatment with IL6 leads to prolonged STAT1 instead of STAT3 activation in wild-type IE1 expressing cells, but not in cells expressing a mutant protein (IE1dl410-420) deficient for STAT3 binding. A very similar STAT1-directed response to IL6 is also present in cells infected with a wild-type or revertant hCMV, but not an IE1dl410-420 mutant virus, and this response results in restricted viral replication. We conclude that IE1 is sufficient and necessary to rewire upstream IL6-type to downstream IFNγ-like signaling, two pathways linked to opposing actions, resulting in repressed STAT3- and activated STAT1-responsive genes. These findings relate transcriptional repressor and activator functions of IE1 and suggest unexpected outcomes relevant to viral pathogenesis in response to cytokines or growth factors that signal through the IL6ST-JAK1-STAT3 axis in hCMV-infected cells. Our results also reveal that IE1, a protein considered to be a key activator of the hCMV productive cycle, has an unanticipated role in tempering viral replication.

Our previous work has shown that the human cytomegalovirus (hCMV) major immediate-early 1 protein (IE1) modulates host cell signaling pathways involving proteins of the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) family. IE1 has also long been known to facilitate viral replication by activating transcription. In this report we demonstrate that IE1 is as significant a repressor as it is an activator of host gene expression. Many genes repressed by IE1 are normally induced via STAT3 signaling triggered by interleukin 6 (IL6) or related cytokines, whereas many genes activated by IE1 are normally induced via STAT1 signaling triggered by interferon gamma (IFNγ). Our results suggest that the repression of STAT3- and the activation of STAT1-responsive genes by IE1 are coupled. By targeting STAT3, IE1 rewires upstream STAT3 to downstream STAT1 signaling. Consequently, genes normally induced by IL6 are repressed while genes normally induced by IFNγ become responsive to IL6 in the presence of IE1. We also demonstrate that, by switching an IL6 to an IFNγ-like response, IE1 tempers viral replication. These results suggest an unanticipated dual role for IE1 in either promoting or limiting hCMV propagation and demonstrate how a key viral regulatory protein merges two central cellular signaling pathways to divert cytokine responses relevant to hCMV pathogenesis.

Characterization of Recombinant Human Cytomegaloviruses Encoding IE1 Mutants L174P and 1-382 Reveals that Viral Targeting of PML Bodies Perturbs both Intrinsic and Innate Immune Responses

PML is the organizer of cellular structures termed nuclear domain 10 (ND10) or PML-nuclear bodies (PML-NBs) that act as key mediators of intrinsic immunity against human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and other viruses. The antiviral function of ND10 is antagonized by viral regulatory proteins such as the immediate early protein IE1 of HCMV. IE1 interacts with PML through its globular core domain (IE1CORE) and induces ND10 disruption in order to initiate lytic HCMV infection. Here, we investigate the consequences of a point mutation (L174P) in IE1CORE, which was shown to abrogate the interaction with PML, for lytic HCMV infection. We found that a recombinant HCMV encoding IE1-L174P displays a severe growth defect similar to that of an IE1 deletion virus. Bioinformatic modeling based on the crystal structure of IE1CORE suggested that insertion of proline into the highly alpha-helical domain severely affects its structural integrity. Consistently, L174P mutation abrogates the functionality of IE1CORE and results in degradation of the IE1 protein during infection. In addition, our data provide evidence that IE1CORE as expressed by a recombinant HCMV encoding IE1 1-382 not only is required to antagonize PML-mediated intrinsic immunity but also affects a recently described function of PML in innate immune signaling. We demonstrate a coregulatory role of PML in type I and type II interferon-induced gene expression and provide evidence that upregulation of interferon-induced genes is inhibited by IE1CORE. In conclusion, our data suggest that targeting PML by viral regulatory proteins represents a strategy to antagonize both intrinsic and innate immune mechanisms.

IMPORTANCE

PML nuclear bodies (PML-NBs), which represent nuclear multiprotein complexes consisting of PML and additional proteins, represent important cellular structures that mediate intrinsic resistance against many viruses, including human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). During HCMV infection, the major immediate early protein IE1 binds to PML via a central globular domain (IE1CORE), and we have shown previously that this is sufficient to antagonize intrinsic immunity. Here, we demonstrate that modification of PML by IE1CORE not only abrogates intrinsic defense mechanisms but also attenuates the interferon response during infection. Our data show that PML plays a novel coregulatory role in type I as well as type II interferon-induced gene expression, which is antagonized by IE1CORE. Importantly, our finding supports the view that targeting of PML-NBs by viral regulatory proteins has evolved as a strategy to inhibit both intrinsic and innate immune defense mechanisms.

Analysis of the functional interchange between the IE1 and pp71 proteins of human cytomegalovirus and ICP0 of herpes simplex virus 1

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) immediate early protein IE1 and the tegument protein pp71 are required for efficient infection. These proteins have some functional similarities with herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) immediate early protein ICP0, which stimulates lytic HSV-1 infection and derepresses quiescent HSV-1 genomes. All three proteins counteract antiviral restriction mediated by one or more components of promyelocytic leukemia (PML) nuclear bodies, and IE1 and pp71, acting together, almost completely complement ICP0 null mutant HSV-1. Here, we investigated whether ICP0 might substitute for IE1 or pp71 during HCMV infection. Using human fibroblasts that express ICP0, IE1, or pp71 in an inducible manner, we found that ICP0 stimulated replication of both wild-type (wt) and pp71 mutant HCMV while IE1 increased wt HCMV plaque formation and completely complemented the IE1 mutant. Although ICP0 stimulated IE2 expression from IE1 mutant HCMV and increased the number of IE2-positive cells, it could not compensate for IE1 in full lytic replication. These results are consistent with previous evidence that both IE1 and IE2 are required for efficient HCMV gene expression, but they also imply that IE2 functionality is influenced specifically by IE1, either directly or indirectly, and that IE1 may include sequences that have HCMV-specific functions. We discovered a mutant form of IE1 (YL2) that fails to stimulate HCMV infection while retaining 30 to 80% of the activity of the wt protein in complementing ICP0 null mutant HSV-1. It is intriguing that the YL2 mutation is situated in the region of IE1 that is shared with IE2 and which is highly conserved among primate cytomegaloviruses.

IMPORTANCE

Herpesvirus gene expression can be repressed by cellular restriction factors, one group of which is associated with structures known as ND10 or PML nuclear bodies (PML NBs). Regulatory proteins of several herpesviruses interfere with PML NB-mediated repression, and in some cases their activities are transferrable between different viruses. For example, the requirement for ICP0 during herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) infection can be largely replaced by ICP0-related proteins expressed by other alphaherpesviruses and even by a combination of the unrelated IE1 and pp71 proteins of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). Here, we report that ICP0 stimulates gene expression and replication of wt HCMV but cannot replace the need for IE1 during infection by IE1-defective HCMV mutants. Therefore, IE1 includes HCMV-specific functions that cannot be replaced by ICP0.

Crystal structure of cytomegalovirus IE1 protein reveals targeting of TRIM family member PML via coiled-coil interactions

PML nuclear bodies (PML-NBs) are enigmatic structures of the cell nucleus that act as key mediators of intrinsic immunity against viral pathogens. PML itself is a member of the E3-ligase TRIM family of proteins that regulates a variety of innate immune signaling pathways. Consequently, viruses have evolved effector proteins to modify PML-NBs; however, little is known concerning structure-function relationships of viral antagonists. The herpesvirus human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) expresses the abundant immediate-early protein IE1 that colocalizes with PML-NBs and induces their dispersal, which correlates with the antagonization of NB-mediated intrinsic immunity. Here, we delineate the molecular basis for this antagonization by presenting the first crystal structure for the evolutionary conserved primate cytomegalovirus IE1 proteins. We show that IE1 consists of a globular core (IE1_CORE) flanked by intrinsically disordered regions. The 2.3 Å crystal structure of IE1_CORE displays an all α-helical, femur-shaped fold, which lacks overall fold similarity with known protein structures, but shares secondary structure features recently observed in the coiled-coil domain of TRIM proteins. Yeast two-hybrid and coimmunoprecipitation experiments demonstrate that IE1_CORE binds efficiently to the TRIM family member PML, and is able to induce PML deSUMOylation. Intriguingly, this results in the release of NB-associated proteins into the nucleoplasm, but not of PML itself. Importantly, we show that PML deSUMOylation by IE1_CORE is sufficient to antagonize PML-NB-instituted intrinsic immunity. Moreover, co-immunoprecipitation experiments demonstrate that IE1_CORE binds via the coiled-coil domain to PML and also interacts with TRIM5α We propose that IE1_CORE sequesters PML and possibly other TRIM family members via structural mimicry using an extended binding surface formed by the coiled-coil region. This mode of interaction might render the antagonizing activity less susceptible to mutational escape.

Research of the last few years has revealed that microbial infections are not only controlled by innate and adaptive immune mechanisms, but also by cellular restriction factors, which give cells the capacity to resist pathogens. PML nuclear bodies (PML-NBs) are dot-like nuclear structures representing multiprotein complexes that consist of the PML protein, a member of the TRIM family of proteins, as well as a multitude of additional regulatory factors. PML-NB components act as a barrier against many viral infections; however, viral antagonistic proteins have evolved to modify PML-NBs, thus abrogating this cellular defense. Here, we delineate the molecular basis for antagonization by the immediate-early protein IE1 of the herpesvirus human cytomegalovirus. We present the first crystal structure for the evolutionary conserved core domain (IE1_CORE) of primate cytomegalovirus IE1, which exhibits a novel, unusual fold. IE1_CORE modifies PML-NBs by releasing other PML-NB proteins into the nucleoplasm which is sufficient to antagonize intrinsic immunity. Importantly, IE1_CORE shares secondary structure features with the coiled-coil domain (CC) of TRIM factors, and we demonstrate strong binding of IE1 to the PML-CC. We propose that IE1_CORE sequesters PML and possibly other TRIM family members via an extended binding surface formed by the coiled-coil domain.

Viral and cellular subnuclear structures in human cytomegalovirus-infected cells

In human cytomegalovirus (HCMV)-infected cells, a dramatic remodelling of the nuclear architecture is linked to the creation, utilization and manipulation of subnuclear structures. This review outlines the involvement of several viral and cellular subnuclear structures in areas of HCMV replication and virus-host interaction that include viral transcription, viral DNA synthesis and the production of DNA-filled viral capsids. The structures discussed include those that promote or impede HCMV replication (such as viral replication compartments and promyelocytic leukaemia nuclear bodies, respectively) and those whose role in the infected cell is unclear (for example, nucleoli and nuclear speckles). Viral and cellular proteins associated with subnuclear structures are also discussed. The data reviewed here highlight advances in our understanding of HCMV biology and emphasize the complexity of HCMV replication and virus-host interactions in the nucleus.

Analysis of human cytomegalovirus-encoded SUMO targets and temporal regulation of SUMOylation of the immediate-early proteins IE1 and IE2 during infection

Post-translational modification of proteins by members of the small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) is involved in diverse cellular functions. Many viral proteins are SUMO targets and also interact with the cellular SUMOylation system. During human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection, the immediate-early (IE) proteins IE1 and IE2 are covalently modified by SUMO. IE2 SUMOylation promotes its transactivation activity, whereas the role of IE1 SUMOylation is not clear. We performed in silico, genome-wide analysis to identify possible SUMOylation sites in HCMV-encoded proteins and evaluated their modification using the E. coli SUMOylation system and in vitro assays. We found that only IE1 and IE2 are substantially modified by SUMO in E. coli, although US34A was also identified as a possible SUMO target in vitro. We also found that SUMOylation of IE1 and IE2 is temporally regulated during viral infection. Levels of SUMO-modified form of IE1 were increased during the early phase of infection, but decreased in the late phase when IE2 and its SUMO-modified forms were expressed at high levels. IE2 expression inhibited IE1 SUMOylation in cotransfection assays. As in IE2 SUMOylation, PIAS1, a SUMO E3 ligase, interacted with IE1 and enhanced IE1 SUMOylation. In in vitro assays, an IE2 fragment that lacked covalent and non-covalent SUMO attachment sites, but was sufficient for PIAS1 binding, effectively inhibited PIAS1-mediated SUMOylation of IE1, indicating that IE2 expression negatively regulates IE1 SUMOylation. We also found that the IE2-mediated downregulation of IE1 SUMOylation correlates with the IE1 activity to repress the promoter containing the interferon stimulated response elements. Taken together, our data demonstrate that IE1 and IE2 are the main viral SUMO targets in HCMV infection and that temporal regulation of their SUMOylation may be important in the progression of this infection.

Restriction factors against human CMV

Cellular proteins called 'restriction factors' (RFs) form an important component of the innate immune response to viral replication. However, viruses have learned how to antagonize RFs through mechanisms that are specific for each virus. Here, we summarize the general hallmarks of RFs before going on to discuss the specific strategies recruited by some key RFs that strive to hold human CMV (HCMV) infection back, as well as the counter-restriction mechanisms employed by the virus to overcome this innate defense. Such RFs include the cellular constituents of nuclear domain 10 (ND10), and IFI16, a nuclear member of the PYHIN protein family. Viral regulatory proteins, such as IE1 or pp71, try to oppose the ND10-induced blockade of virus replication by either modifying or disrupting this RF. IFI16, on the other hand, inhibits virus DNA synthesis by downregulating the transcription of viral gene UL54; the intruding virus attempts to antagonize IFI16 by mislocalizing it from the nucleus to the cytoplasm via the action of viral protein UL97. Finally, we consider how Viperin, a RF initially thought to inhibit HCMV maturation late during infection, has actually been demonstrated to enhance virus maturation by increasing lipid metabolism and enhancing virus envelopment.

The carboxy terminal region of the human cytomegalovirus immediate early 1 (IE1) protein disrupts type II inteferon signaling

Interferons (IFNs) activate the first lines of defense against viruses, and promote innate and adaptive immune responses to viruses. We report that the immediate early 1 (IE1) protein of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) disrupts signaling by IFNγ. The carboxyl-terminal region of IE1 is required for this function. We found no defect in the initial events in IFNγ signaling or in nuclear accumulation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) in IE1-expressing cells. Moreover, we did not observe an association between disruption of IFNγ signaling and nuclear domain 10 (ND10) disruption. However, there is reduced binding of STAT1 homodimers to target gamma activated sequence (GAS) elements in the presence of IE1. Co-immunoprecipitation studies failed to support a direct interaction between IE1 and STAT1, although these studies revealed that the C-terminal region of IE1 was required for interaction with STAT2. Together, these results indicate that IE1 disrupts IFNγ signaling by interfering with signaling events in the nucleus through a novel mechanism.

The human cytomegalovirus IE1 protein: past and present developments

ABSTRACT: 

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), a member of the β-herpesvirus subfamily, is an important pathogen that infects the majority of the human population. The evolutionary success of HCMV largely depends on its ability to evade host defense systems and establish a lifelong persistence after primary infection. In fact, HCMV has dedicated a considerable part of its gene products to manipulate or disable immune effector processes. This review focuses on the major immediate–early protein IE1 – a multifunctional key regulator that has the capacity to counteract the first host defense activities. We summarize the known structural and mechanistic features by which IE1 modulates innate immune mechanisms as well as other cellular processes, and discuss how the individual functions of IE1 contribute to the success of a lytic HCMV infection.

Activation of nucleotide oligomerization domain 2 (NOD2) by human cytomegalovirus initiates innate immune responses and restricts virus replication

Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 2 (NOD2) is an important innate immune sensor of bacterial pathogens. Its induction results in activation of the classic NF-κB pathway and alternative pathways including type I IFN and autophagy. Although the importance of NOD2 in recognizing RNA viruses has recently been identified, its role in sensing DNA viruses has not been studied. We report that infection with human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) results in significant induction of NOD2 expression, beginning as early as 2 hours post infection and increasing steadily 24 hours post infection and afterwards. Infection with human herpesvirus 1 and 2 does not induce NOD2 expression. While the HCMV-encoded glycoprotein B is not required for NOD2 induction, a replication competent virion is necessary. Lentivirus-based NOD2 knockdown in human foreskin fibroblasts (HFFs) and U373 glioma cells leads to enhanced HCMV replication along with decreased levels of interferon beta (IFN-β) and the pro-inflammatory cytokine, IL8. NOD2 induction in HCMV-infected cells activates downstream NF-κB and interferon pathways supported by reduced nuclear localization of NF-κB and pIRF3 in NOD2 knockdown HFFs. Stable overexpression of NOD2 in HFFs restricts HCMV replication in association with increased levels of IFN-β and IL8. Similarly, transient overexpression of NOD2 in U373 cells or its downstream kinase, RIPK2, results in decreased HCMV replication and enhanced cytokine responses. However, overexpression of a mutant NOD2, 3020insC, associated with severe Crohn's disease, results in enhanced HCMV replication and decreased levels of IFN-β in U373 cells. These results show for the first time that NOD2 plays a significant role in HCMV replication and may provide a model for studies of HCMV recognition by the host cell and HCMV colitis in Crohn's disease.

Interplay between viruses and host sumoylation pathways

Post-translational modification by members of the small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) family of proteins is important for the regulation of many cellular proteins and pathways. As obligate parasites, viruses must engage with the host cell throughout their replication cycles, and it is therefore unsurprising that there are many examples of interplay between viral proteins and the host sumoylation system. This article reviews recent advances in this field, summarizing information on sumoylated viral proteins, the varied ways in which viruses engage with SUMO-related pathways, and the consequences of these interactions for viral replication and engagement with innate and intrinsic immunity.

The replication defect of ICP0-null mutant herpes simplex virus 1 can be largely complemented by the combined activities of human cytomegalovirus proteins IE1 and pp71

Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) immediate-early protein ICP0 is required for efficient lytic infection and productive reactivation from latency and induces derepression of quiescent viral genomes. Despite being unrelated at the sequence level, ICP0 and human cytomegalovirus proteins IE1 and pp71 share some functional similarities in their abilities to counteract antiviral restriction mediated by components of cellular nuclear structures known as ND10. To investigate the extent to which IE1 and pp71 might substitute for ICP0, cell lines were developed that express either IE1 or pp71, or both together, in an inducible manner. We found that pp71 dissociated the hDaxx-ATRX complex and inhibited accumulation of these proteins at sites juxtaposed to HSV-1 genomes but had no effect on the promyelocytic leukemia protein (PML) or Sp100. IE1 caused loss of the small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO)-conjugated forms of PML and Sp100 and inhibited the recruitment of these proteins to HSV-1 genome foci but had little effect on hDaxx or ATRX in these assays. Both IE1 and pp71 stimulated ICP0-null mutant plaque formation, but neither to the extent achieved by ICP0. The combination of IE1 and pp71, however, inhibited recruitment of all ND10 proteins to viral genome foci, stimulated ICP0-null mutant HSV-1 plaque formation to near wild-type levels, and efficiently induced derepression of quiescent HSV-1 genomes. These results suggest that ND10-related intrinsic resistance results from the additive effects of several ND10 components and that the effects of IE1 and pp71 on subsets of these components combine to mirror the overall activities of ICP0.

The human cytomegalovirus DNA polymerase processivity factor UL44 is modified by SUMO in a DNA-dependent manner

During the replication of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) genome, the viral DNA polymerase subunit UL44 plays a key role, as by binding both DNA and the polymerase catalytic subunit it confers processivity to the holoenzyme. However, several lines of evidence suggest that UL44 might have additional roles during virus life cycle. To shed light on this, we searched for cellular partners of UL44 by yeast two-hybrid screenings. Intriguingly, we discovered the interaction of UL44 with Ubc9, an enzyme involved in the covalent conjugation of SUMO (Small Ubiquitin-related MOdifier) to cellular and viral proteins. We found that UL44 can be extensively sumoylated not only in a cell-free system and in transfected cells, but also in HCMV-infected cells, in which about 50% of the protein resulted to be modified at late times post-infection, when viral genome replication is accomplished. Mass spectrometry studies revealed that UL44 possesses multiple SUMO target sites, located throughout the protein. Remarkably, we observed that binding of UL44 to DNA greatly stimulates its sumoylation both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, we showed that overexpression of SUMO alters the intranuclear distribution of UL44 in HCMV-infected cells, and enhances both virus production and DNA replication, arguing for an important role for sumoylation in HCMV life cycle and UL44 function(s). These data report for the first time the sumoylation of a viral processivity factor and show that there is a functional interplay between the HCMV UL44 protein and the cellular sumoylation system.

Sumoylation at the host-pathogen interface

Many viral proteins have been shown to be sumoylated with corresponding regulatory effects on their protein function, indicating that this host cell modification process is widely exploited by viral pathogens to control viral activity. In addition to using sumoylation to regulate their own proteins, several viral pathogens have been shown to modulate overall host sumoylation levels. Given the large number of cellular targets for SUMO addition and the breadth of critical cellular processes that are regulated via sumoylation, viral modulation of overall sumoylation presumably alters the cellular environment to ensure that it is favorable for viral reproduction and/or persistence. Like some viruses, certain bacterial plant pathogens also target the sumoylation system, usually decreasing sumoylation to disrupt host anti-pathogen responses. The recent demonstration that Listeria monocytogenes also disrupts host sumoylation, and that this is required for efficient infection, extends the plant pathogen observations to a human pathogen and suggests that pathogen modulation of host sumoylation may be more widespread than previously appreciated. This review will focus on recent aspects of how pathogens modulate the host sumoylation system and how this benefits the pathogen.

The chromatin-tethering domain of human cytomegalovirus immediate-early (IE) 1 mediates associations of IE1, PML and STAT2 with mitotic chromosomes, but is not essential for viral replication

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) immediate-early (IE) 1 protein associates with chromosomes in mitotic cells using its carboxyl-terminal 16 aa region. However, the role of this IE1 activity in viral growth has not been evaluated in the context of mutant virus infection. We produced a recombinant HCMV encoding mutant IE1 with the carboxyl-terminal chromosome-tethering domain (CTD) deleted. This IE1(ΔCTD) virus grew like the wild-type virus in fibroblasts, indicating that the CTD is not essential for viral replication in permissive cells. Unlike wild-type virus infections, PML and STAT2, which interact with IE1, did not accumulate at mitotic chromosomes in IE1(ΔCTD) virus-infected fibroblasts, demonstrating that their associations with chromosomes are IE1 CTD-dependent. IE1 SUMOylation did not affect IE1 association with chromosomes. Our results provide genetic evidence that the CTD is required for the associations of IE1, PML and STAT2 with mitotic chromosomes, but that these IE1-related activities are not essential for viral replication in fibroblasts.

Evidence for a dual antiviral role of the major nuclear domain 10 component Sp100 during the immediate-early and late phases of the human cytomegalovirus replication cycle

In recent studies, the nuclear domain 10 (ND10) components PML and hDaxx were identified as cellular restriction factors that inhibit the initiation of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) replication. The antiviral function of ND10, however, is antagonized by the IE1 protein, which induces ND10 disruption. Here we show that IE1 not only de-SUMOylates PML immediately upon infection but also directly targets Sp100. IE1 expression alone was sufficient to downregulate endogenous Sp100 independently of the presence of PML. Moreover, cotransfection experiments revealed that IE1 negatively interferes with the SUMOylation of all Sp100 isoforms. The modulation of Sp100 at immediate-early (IE) times of infection, indeed, seemed to have an in vivo relevance for HCMV replication, since knockdown of Sp100 resulted in more cells initiating the viral gene expression program. In addition, we observed that Sp100 was degraded in a proteasome-dependent manner at late times postinfection, suggesting that Sp100 may play an additional antiviral role during the late phase. Infection experiments conducted with Sp100 knockdown human foreskin fibroblasts (HFFs) confirmed this hypothesis: depletion of Sp100 resulted in augmented release of progeny virus particles compared to that from control cells. Consistent with this observation, we noted increased amounts of viral late gene products in the absence of Sp100. Importantly, this elevated late gene expression was not dependent on enhanced viral IE gene expression. Taken together, our data provide evidence that Sp100 is the first ND10-related factor identified that not only possesses the potential to restrict the initial stage of infection but also inhibits HCMV replication during the late phase.

Arsenic mediated disruption of promyelocytic leukemia protein nuclear bodies induces ganciclovir susceptibility in Epstein-Barr positive epithelial cells

Promyelocytic leukemia protein nuclear bodies (PML NBs) have been implicated in host immune response to viral infection. PML NBs are targeted for degradation during reactivation of herpes viruses, suggesting that disruption of PML NB function supports this aspect of the viral life cycle. The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) Latent Membrane Protein 1 (LMP1) has been shown to suppress EBV reactivation. Our finding that LMP1 induces PML NB immunofluorescence intensity led to the hypothesis that LMP1 may modulate PML NBs as a means of maintaining EBV latency. Increased PML protein and morphometric changes in PML NBs were observed in EBV infected alveolar epithelial cells and nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells. Treatment with low dose arsenic trioxide disrupted PML NBs, induced expression of EBV lytic proteins, and conferred ganciclovir susceptibility. This study introduces an effective modality to induce susceptibility to ganciclovir in epithelial cells with implications for the treatment of EBV associated pathologies.

H2B homology region of major immediate-early protein 1 is essential for murine cytomegalovirus to disrupt nuclear domain 10, but is not important for viral replication in cell culture

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) major immediate-early protein 1 (IE1) has multiple functions and is important for efficient viral infection. As does its counterpart in human CMV, murine CMV (MCMV) IE1 also functions as a disruptor of mouse-cell nuclear domain 10 (ND10), where many different gene-regulation proteins congregate. It still remains unclear how MCMV IE1 disperses ND10 and whether this dispersion could have any effect on viral replication. MCMV IE1 is 595 aa long and has multiple functional domains that have not yet been fully analysed. In this study, we dissected the IE1 molecule by truncation and/or deletion and found that the H2B homology domain (amino acid sequence NDIFERI) is required for the dispersion of ND10 by IE1. Furthermore, we made additional deletions and point mutations and found that the minimal truncation in the H2B homology domain required for IE1 to lose the ability to disperse ND10 is just 3 aa (IFE). Surprisingly, the mutated IE1 still interacted with PML and co-localized with ND10 but failed to disperse ND10. This suggests that binding to ND10 key protein is essential to, but not sufficient for, the dispersal of ND10, and that some other unknown mechanism must be involved in this biological procedure. Finally, we generated MCMV with IFE-deleted IE1 (MCMVdlIFE) and its revertant (MCMVIFERQ). Although MCMVdlIFE lost the ability to disperse ND10, plaque assays and viral gene production assays showed that the deletion of IFE did not increase viral replication in cell culture. We conclude that the dispersion of ND10 appears not to be important for MCMV replication in a mouse-cell culture.

Transcriptional activation of endoplasmic reticulum chaperone GRP78 by HCMV IE1-72 protein

Glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), a key regulator of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, facilitates cancer cell growth and viral replication. The mechanism leading to grp78 gene activation during viral infection is largely unknown. In this study, we show that the immediate-early 1 (IE1-72) protein of the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is essential for HCMV-mediated GRP78 activation. IE1-72 upregulated grp78 gene expression depending on the ATP-binding site, the zinc-finger domain and the putative leucine-zipper motif of IE1-72, as well as the ER stress response elements (ERSEs) on the grp78 promoter. The purified IE1-72 protein bound to the CCAAT box within ERSE in vitro, whereas deletion mutants of IE1-72 deficient in grp78 promoter stimulation failed to do so. Moreover, IE1-72 binding to the grp78 promoter in infected cells accompanied the recruitment of TATA box-binding protein-associated factor 1 (TAF1), a histone acetyltransferase, and the increased level of acetylated histone H4, an indicator of active-state chromatin. These results provide evidence that HCMV IE1-72 activates grp78 gene expression through direct promoter binding and modulation of the local chromatin structure, indicating an active viral mechanism of cellular chaperone induction for viral growth.

Human cytomegalovirus IE72 protein interacts with the transcriptional repressor hDaxx to regulate LUNA gene expression during lytic infection

A putative latency-associated transcript (LUNA) complementary to the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) UL81-82 region previously identified in seropositive donors' monocytes is also expressed during lytic infection. Thus, the LUNA promoter is active during both lytic and latent infection. Consequently, the mechanisms regulating this promoter may provide further insight into factors that determine whether the outcome of HCMV infection is latent or lytic. By transfection, the LUNA promoter exhibited low but reproducible activity. Substantial activation by virus infection suggested that a viral factor was important for LUNA expression during lytic infection. IE72, a known transactivator of viral promoters, activated the LUNA promoter in cotransfection assays. Furthermore, coinfection with wild-type HCMV but not an IE72 deletion virus (CR208) also activated the LUNA promoter. Finally, diminished LUNA gene expression in CR208 virus-infected cells supported a role for IE72 in LUNA gene expression. The initial regulation of herpesvirus immediate-early gene expression is associated with proteins found at cellular nuclear domain 10 (ND10) bodies, such as PML, hDaxx, and ATRX. hDaxx transfection repressed LUNA promoter activity. Furthermore, we observed binding of hDaxx to the LUNA promoter, which was abrogated by IE72 gene expression via direct interaction. Finally, we show that small interfering RNA (siRNA) knockdown of the hDaxx interaction partner ATRX rescued LUNA gene expression in CR208-infected cells. Overall, these data show that hDaxx/ATRX-mediated repression of LUNA during lytic infection absolutely requires IE72 gene expression. It also suggests that the targeting of cellular factors by IE72 is important throughout the different phases of HCMV gene expression during productive infection.

Role of noncovalent SUMO binding by the human cytomegalovirus IE2 transactivator in lytic growth

The 86-kDa immediate-early 2 (IE2) protein of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a promiscuous transactivator essential for viral gene expression. IE2 is covalently modified by SUMO at two lysine residues (K175 and K180) and also interacts noncovalently with SUMO. Although SUMOylation of IE2 has been shown to enhance its transactivation activity, the role of SUMO binding is not clear. Here we showed that SUMO binding by IE2 is necessary for its efficient transactivation function and for viral growth. IE2 bound physically to SUMO-1 through a SUMO-interacting motif (SIM). Mutations in SIM (mSIM) or in both SUMOylation sites and SIM (KR/mSIM), significantly reduced IE2 transactivation effects on viral early promoters. The replication of IE2 SIM mutant viruses (mSIM or KR/mSIM) was severely depressed in normal human fibroblasts. Analysis of viral growth curves revealed that the replication defect of the mSIM virus correlated with low-level accumulation of SUMO-modified IE2 and of viral early and late proteins. Importantly, both the formation of viral transcription domains and the association of IE2 with viral promoters in infected cells were significantly reduced in IE2 SIM mutant virus infection. Furthermore, IE2 was found to interact with the SUMO-modified form of TATA-binding protein (TBP)-associated factor 12 (TAF12), a component of the TFIID complex, in a SIM-dependent manner, and this interaction enhanced the transactivation activity of IE2. Our data demonstrate that the interaction of IE2 with SUMO-modified proteins plays an important role for the progression of the HCMV lytic cycle, and they suggest a novel viral mechanism utilizing the cellular SUMO system.

Interplay between Herpesvirus Infection and Host Defense by PML Nuclear Bodies

In recent studies we and others have identified the cellular proteins PML, hDaxx, and Sp100, which form a subnuclear structure known as nuclear domain 10 (ND10) or PML nuclear bodies (PML-NBs), as host restriction factors that counteract herpesviral infections by inhibiting viral replication at different stages. The antiviral function of ND10, however, is antagonized by viral regulatory proteins (e.g., ICP0 of herpes simplex virus; IE1 of human cytomegalovirus) which induce either a modification or disruption of ND10. This review will summarize the current knowledge on how viral replication is inhibited by ND10 proteins. Furthermore, herpesviral strategies to defeat this host defense mechanism are discussed.

Deletion of the rat cytomegalovirus immediate-early 1 gene results in a virus capable of establishing latency, but with lower levels of acute virus replication and latency that compromise reactivation efficiency

The immediate-early 1 (IE1) and IE2 proteins encoded by the major immediate-early (MIE) transcription unit of cytomegaloviruses are thought to play key roles in the switch between latent- and lytic-cycle infection. Whilst IE2 is essential for triggering the lytic cycle, the exact roles of IE1 have not been resolved. An MIE-exon 4-deleted rat cytomegalovirus (DeltaIE1) failed to synthesize the IE1 protein and did not disperse promyelocytic leukaemia bodies early post-infection, but was still capable of normal replication in fibroblast cell culture. However, DeltaIE1 had a diminished ability to infect salivary glands persistently in vivo and to reactivate from spleen explant cultures ex vivo. Quantification of viral genomes in spleens of infected animals revealed a reduced amount of DeltaIE1 virus produced during acute infection, suggesting a role for IE1 as a regulator in establishing a chronic or persistent infection, rather than in influencing the latency or reactivation processes more directly.

Physical requirements and functional consequences of complex formation between the cytomegalovirus IE1 protein and human STAT2

Our previous work has shown that efficient evasion from type I interferon responses by human cytomegalovirus (hCMV) requires expression of the 72-kDa immediate-early 1 (IE1) protein. It has been suggested that IE1 inhibits interferon signaling through intranuclear sequestration of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 2 (STAT2) protein. Here we show that physical association and subnuclear colocalization of IE1 and STAT2 depend on short acidic and serine/proline-rich low-complexity motifs in the carboxy-terminal region of the 491-amino-acid viral polypeptide. These motifs compose an essential core (amino acids 373 to 420) and an adjacent ancillary site (amino acids 421 to 445) for STAT2 interaction that are predicted to form part of a natively unstructured domain. The presence of presumably "disordered" carboxy-terminal domains enriched in low-complexity motifs is evolutionarily highly conserved across all examined mammalian IE1 orthologs, and the murine cytomegalovirus IE1 protein appears to interact with STAT2 just like the human counterpart. A recombinant hCMV specifically mutated in the IE1 core STAT2 binding site displays hypersensitivity to alpha interferon, delayed early viral protein accumulation, and attenuated growth in fibroblasts. However, replication of this mutant virus is specifically restored by knockdown of STAT2 expression. Interestingly, complex formation with STAT2 proved to be entirely separable from disruption of nuclear domain 10 (ND10), another key activity of IE1. Finally, our results demonstrate that IE1 counteracts the antiviral interferon response and promotes viral replication by at least two distinct mechanisms, one depending on sequestration of STAT2 and the other one likely involving ND10 interaction.

Human cytomegalovirus protein pp71 displaces the chromatin-associated factor ATRX from nuclear domain 10 at early stages of infection

The human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) tegument protein pp71, encoded by gene UL82, stimulates viral immediate-early (IE) transcription. pp71 interacts with the cellular protein hDaxx at nuclear domain 10 (ND10) sites, resulting in the reversal of hDaxx-mediated repression of viral transcription. We demonstrate that pp71 displaces an hDaxx-binding protein, ATRX, from ND10 prior to any detectable effects on hDaxx itself and that this event contributes to the role of pp71 in alleviating repression. Introduction of pp71 into cells by transfection, infection with a pp71-expressing herpes simplex virus type 1 vector, or by generation of transformed cell lines promoted the rapid relocation of ATRX from ND10 to the nucleoplasm without alteration of hDaxx levels or localization. A pp71 mutant protein unable to interact with hDaxx did not affect the intranuclear distribution of ATRX. Infection with HCMV at a high multiplicity of infection resulted in rapid displacement of ATRX from ND10, the effect being observed maximally by 2 h after adsorption, whereas infection with the UL82-null HCMV mutant ADsubUL82 did not affect ATRX localization even at 7 h postinfection. Cell lines depleted of ATRX by transduction with shRNA-expressing lentiviruses supported increased IE gene expression and virus replication after infection with ADsubUL82, demonstrating that ATRX has a role in repressing IE transcription. The results show that ATRX, in addition to hDaxx, is a component of cellular intrinsic defenses that limit HCMV IE transcription and that displacement of ATRX from ND10 by pp71 is important for the efficient initiation of viral gene expression.

New insights into the role of the subnuclear structure ND10 for viral infection

Nuclear domains 10 (ND10), alternatively termed PML nuclear bodies (PML-NBs) or PML oncogenic domains (PODs), have been discovered approximately 15 years ago as a nuclear substructure that is targeted by a variety of viruses belonging to different viral families. This review will summarize the most important structural and functional characteristics of ND10 and its major protein constituents followed by a discussion of the current view regarding the role of this subnuclear structure for various DNA and RNA viruses with an emphasis on herpesviruses. It is concluded that accumulating evidence argues for an involvement of ND10 in host antiviral defenses either via mediating an intrinsic immune response against specific viruses or via acting as a component of the cellular interferon pathway.

Binding STAT2 by the acidic domain of human cytomegalovirus IE1 promotes viral growth and is negatively regulated by SUMO

The human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) 72-kDa immediate-early 1 (IE1) protein is thought to modulate cellular antiviral functions impacting on promyelocytic leukemia (PML) nuclear bodies and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling. IE1 consists of four distinct regions: an amino-terminal region required for nuclear localization, a large central hydrophobic region responsible for PML targeting and transactivation activity, an acidic domain, and a carboxyl-terminal chromatin tethering domain. We found that the acidic domain of IE1 is required for binding to STAT2. A mutant HCMV encoding IE1(Delta421-475) with the acidic domain deleted was generated. In mutant virus-infected cells, IE1(Delta421-475) failed to bind to STAT2. The growth of mutant virus was only slightly delayed at a high multiplicity of infection (MOI) but was severely impaired at a low MOI with low-level accumulation of viral proteins. When cells were pretreated with beta interferon, the mutant virus showed an additional 1,000-fold reduction in viral growth, even at a high MOI, compared to the wild type. The inhibition of STAT2 loading on the target promoter upon infection was markedly reduced with mutant virus. Furthermore, sumoylation of IE1 at this acidic domain was found to abolish the activity of IE1 to bind to STAT2 and repress the interferon-stimulated genes. Our results provide genetic evidence that IE1 binding to STAT2 requires the 55-amino-acid acidic domain and promotes viral growth by interfering with interferon signaling and demonstrate that this viral activity is negatively regulated by a cellular sumoylation pathway.

Initiation of cytomegalovirus infection at ND10

As a large double-stranded DNA virus, CMV replicates in the nucleus, a highly structured environment. Diffusional and solid phases exist as interdependent sets of interactions between many components that determine either replicative success of an infecting virus or the defensive success of the host cell. In their extremes, cell death may be part of the lytic release of viral particles, or, in defense terms, the ultimate sacrifice preventing virus release. Between these extremes exists an evolutionarily derived standoff between virus and cell. Exogenous shifts in homeostasis can disturb this balance, diminishing the cell's defensive powers and reactivating the silenced viral genome. Many of the solid-phase aspects of this process can be seen in situ and analyzed. This review evaluates structural information derived from CMV-infected cells in situ at very early times of infection and the conceptional advances derived from them, mostly centering on the major immediate early gene products, specifically IE1. A scientific basis for considering the major immediate early proteins as potential targets in suppressing CMV disease is discussed.

Differences between mouse and human cytomegalovirus interactions with their respective hosts at immediate early times of the replication cycle

The promise of the mouse model of cytomegalovirus (CMV) research lies in a cost effective way to obtain significant data in in vivo settings. Keeping that promise requires a high degree of equivalency in the human and mouse virus. While genomic structure and many common proteins suggest that this system is appropriate to develop and test concepts in an organismal context, areas of difference have not been evaluated. Here we show that the major immediate early protein 1 (IE1) in MCMV binds the repressor Daxx suggesting that it serves a function performed by pp71 in HCMV. A Daxx binding pp71 equivalent at M82 could not be identified for MCMV. Differences in the mouse and human interferon upregulation of Daxx may have driven the need to have a Daxx-defeating function during reactivation, when pp71 is not present. The major immediate early protein 1 also differs in its chromatin binding properties between the two viruses. MCMV IE1 does not bind to chromatin, but HCMV IE1 does. It remains unclear whether this difference is functionally significant. The HCMV major immediate early protein 2 and its MCMV equivalent IE3 differ in their effect on the cell cycle; HCMV IE2 blocks the cell cycle, but MCMV IE3 does not, allowing MCMV to spread in infected mouse cells by cell division with continued expression of the major transactivating viral proteins. Actively transcribing genomes inducing immediate transcript environments are usually silenced and diminish during cell cycle progression. However, a recognizable desilencing and increase in immediate transcript environments takes place immediately after mitosis in MCMV infected cells. This raises the possibility that desilencing happens during tissue transplantation, wound healing, or other injury where cells are induced to proliferate.

Adenovirus E4 ORF3 protein inhibits the interferon-mediated antiviral response

The PML oncogenic domain (POD/ND10/PML body) is a common target of DNA viruses, which replicate their genomes in proximity to this nuclear structure. The adenovirus early protein E4 ORF3 is both necessary and sufficient to rearrange PODs from punctate bodies into track-like structures. Although multiple hypotheses exist, the precise reason for this activity has not yet been elucidated. PML, the protein responsible for nucleating PODs, is an interferon (IFN)-stimulated gene, implicating the participation of this nuclear body in an innate antiviral response. Here, we demonstrate that E4 ORF3 is critical to the replicative success of adenovirus during the IFN-induced antiviral state. When cells are pretreated with either IFN-alpha or IFN-gamma, a mutant virus that does not express E4 ORF3 is severely compromised for replication. This result suggests the functional significance of ORF3 track formation is the inhibition of a POD-mediated, antiviral mechanism. Replication of the E4 ORF3 mutant virus can be rescued following the introduction of E4 ORF3 from evolutionarily divergent adenoviruses, suggesting a conserved function for E4 ORF3 inhibition of the IFN-induced antiviral state. Furthermore, E4 ORF3 inhibition of an IFN-induced response is unrelated to the inhibition of adenovirus replication by the Mre11-Rad50-Nbs1 DNA repair complex. We propose that the evolutionarily conserved function of the adenovirus E4 ORF3 protein is the inhibition of a host interferon response to viral infection via disruption of the PML oncogenic domain.

The type 2 dengue virus envelope protein interacts with small ubiquitin-like modifier-1 (SUMO-1) conjugating enzyme 9 (Ubc9)

Dengue viruses are mosquito-borne flaviviruses and may cause the life-threatening dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome. Its envelope protein is responsible mainly for the virus attachment and entry to host cells. To identify the human cellular proteins interacting with the envelope protein of dengue virus serotype 2 inside host cells, we have performed a screening with the yeast-two-hybrid-based "Functional Yeast Array". Interestingly, the small ubiquitin-like modifier-1 conjugating enzyme 9 protein, modulating cellular processes such as those regulating signal transduction and cell growth, was one of the candidates interacting with the dengue virus envelope protein. With co-precipitation assay, we have demonstrated that it indeed could interact directly with the Ubc9 protein. Site-directed mutagenesis has demonstrated that Ubc9 might interact with the E protein via amino acid residues K51 and K241. Furthermore, immunofluorescence microscopy has shown that the DV2E-EGFP proteins tended to progress toward the nuclear membrane and co-localized with Flag-Ubc9 proteins around the nuclear membrane in the cytoplasmic side, and DV2E-EGFP also shifted the distribution of Flag-Ubc9 from evenly in the nucleus toward concentrating around the nuclear membrane in the nucleic side. In addition, over-expression of Ubc9 could reduce the plaque formation of the dengue virus in mammalian cells. This is the first report that DV envelope proteins can interact with the protein of sumoylation system and Ubc9 may involve in the host defense system to prevent virus propagation.

Oncolytic vesicular stomatitis virus induces apoptosis via signaling through PKR, Fas, and Daxx

Matrix (M) protein mutants of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) are promising oncolytic agents for cancer therapy. Previous research has implicated Fas and PKR in apoptosis induced by other viruses. Here, we show that dominant-negative mutants of Fas and PKR inhibit M protein mutant virus-induced apoptosis. Most previous research has focused on the adapter protein FADD as a necessary transducer of Fas-mediated apoptosis. However, the expression of dominant-negative FADD had little effect on the induction of apoptosis by M protein mutant VSV. Instead, virus-induced apoptosis was inhibited by the expression of a dominant-negative mutant of the adapter protein Daxx. These data indicate that Daxx is more important than FADD for apoptosis induced by M protein mutant VSV. These results show that PKR- and Fas-mediated signaling play important roles in cell death during M protein mutant VSV infection and that Daxx has novel functions in the host response to virus infection by mediating virus-induced apoptosis.

Inhibition of SUMO-independent PML oligomerization by the human cytomegalovirus IE1 protein

In human cytomegalovirus-infected cells, the immediate-early IE1 protein disrupts the subnuclear structures known as the PML oncogenic domains or PODs, via the induction of PML desumoylation. This activity correlates with the functions of IE1 in transcriptional regulation and in the stimulation of lytic infection. Here, the effects of IE1 in induction of desumoylation of PML were characterized. IE1 did not interfere with the formation of sumoylated forms of PML in vitro. In in vitro assays using the sumoylated proteins, a SUMO-specific protease SENP1 desumoylated both PML and IE1. However, the IE1 proteins generated from bacteria or insect cells were unable to desumoylate PML in the same conditions. Although both IE1 and SUMO proteases such as SENP1, Axam and SuPr-1 efficiently desumoylated PML in co-transfection assays, they exerted different effects on the localization of PML. In cells transfected with either SENP1 or SuPr-1, the number of PML foci was reduced significantly and these remnant PML foci were devoid of SUMO-1 signals. However, in cells co-transfected with both SUMO proteases and IE1, these SUMO-independent PML foci were also completely disrupted. Furthermore, IE1, but not SENP1, was shown to disrupt the PML foci generated via transfection of a sumoylation-deficient mutant of PML. These data suggest that IE1 exhibits neither an inhibitory effect on sumoylation of PML nor intrinsic SUMO protease activity against PML in vitro. The finding that IE1 is capable of disrupting SUMO-independent PML aggregates suggests that inhibition of PML oligomerization by IE1 may play an important role in inducing PML desumoylation in vivo.

SUMO modification through rapamycin-mediated heterodimerization reveals a dual role for Ubc9 in targeting RanGAP1 to nuclear pore complexes

SUMOs (small ubiquitin-related modifiers) are eukaryotic proteins that are covalently conjugated to other proteins and thereby regulate a wide range of important cellular processes. The molecular mechanisms by which SUMO modification influences the functions of most target proteins and cellular processes, however, remain poorly defined. A major obstacle to investigating the effects of SUMO modification is the availability of a system for selectively inducing the modification or demodification of an individual protein. To address this problem, we have developed a procedure using the rapamycin heterodimerizer system. This procedure involves co-expression of rapamycin-binding domain fusion proteins of SUMO and candidate SUMO substrates in living cells. Treating cells with rapamycin induces a tight association between SUMO and a single SUMO substrate, thereby allowing specific downstream effects to be analyzed. Using RanGAP1 as a model SUMO substrate, the heterodimerizer system was used to investigate the molecular mechanism by which SUMO modification targets RanGAP1 from the cytoplasm to nuclear pore complexes (NPCs). Our results revealed a dual role for Ubc9 in targeting RanGAP1 to NPCs: In addition to conjugating SUMO-1 to RanGAP1, Ubc9 is also required to form a stable ternary complex with SUMO-1 modified RanGAP1 and Nup358. As illustrated by our studies, the rapamycin heterodimerizer system represents a novel tool for studying the molecular effects of SUMO modification.