Distribution of endogenous gammaretroviruses and variants of the Fv1 restriction gene in individual mouse strains and strain subgroups

Capsid-dependent lentiviral restrictions

Host antiviral proteins inhibit primate lentiviruses and other retroviruses by targeting many features of the viral life cycle. The lentiviral capsid protein and the assembled viral core are known to be inhibited through multiple, directly acting antiviral proteins. Several phenotypes, including those known as Lv1 through Lv5, have been described as cell type-specific blocks to infection against some but not all primate lentiviruses. Here we review important features of known capsid-targeting blocks to infection together with several blocks to infection for which the genes responsible for the inhibition still remain to be identified. We outline the features of these blocks as well as how current methodologies are now well suited to find these antiviral genes and solve these long-standing mysteries in the HIV and retrovirology fields.

Genetic Differences between 129S Substrains Affect Antiretroviral Immune Responses

Inbred mouse lines vary in their ability to mount protective antiretroviral immune responses, and even closely related strains can exhibit opposing phenotypes upon retroviral infection. Here, we found that 129S mice inherit a previously unknown mechanism for the production of anti-murine leukemia virus (MLV) antibodies and control of infection. The resistant phenotype in 129S1 mice is controlled by two dominant loci that are independent from known MLV resistance genes. We also show that production of anti-MLV antibodies in 129S7 mice, but not 129S1 mice, is independent of interferon gamma signaling. Thus, our data indicate that 129S mice inherit an unknown mechanism for control of MLV infection and demonstrate that there is genetic variability in 129S substrains that affects their ability to mount antiviral immune responses. IMPORTANCE Understanding the genetic basis for production of protective antiviral immune responses is crucial for the development of novel vaccines and adjuvants. Additionally, characterizing the genetic and phenotypic variability in inbred mice has implications for the selection of strains for targeted mutagenesis, choice of controls, and for broader understanding of the requirements for protective immunity.

Patterns of Coevolutionary Adaptations across Time and Space in Mouse Gammaretroviruses and Three Restrictive Host Factors

The classical laboratory mouse strains are genetic mosaics of three Mus musculus subspecies that occupy distinct regions of Eurasia. These strains and subspecies carry infectious and endogenous mouse leukemia viruses (MLVs) that can be pathogenic and mutagenic. MLVs evolved in concert with restrictive host factors with some under positive selection, including the XPR1 receptor for xenotropic/polytropic MLVs (X/P-MLVs) and the post-entry restriction factor Fv1. Since positive selection marks host-pathogen genetic conflicts, we examined MLVs for counter-adaptations at sites that interact with XPR1, Fv1, and the CAT1 receptor for ecotropic MLVs (E-MLVs). Results describe different co-adaptive evolutionary paths within the ranges occupied by these virus-infected subspecies. The interface of CAT1, and the otherwise variable E-MLV envelopes, is highly conserved; antiviral protection is afforded by the Fv4 restriction factor. XPR1 and X/P-MLVs variants show coordinate geographic distributions, with receptor critical sites in envelope, under positive selection but with little variation in envelope and XPR1 in mice carrying P-ERVs. The major Fv1 target in the viral capsid is under positive selection, and the distribution of Fv1 alleles is subspecies-correlated. These data document adaptive, spatial and temporal, co-evolutionary trajectories at the critical interfaces of MLVs and the host factors that restrict their replication.