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Analysis of host response modifier ORFs of ectromelia virus, the causative agent of mousepox
1Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University Health Sciences Center, 1402 South Grand Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA.
Abstract:
From the right-hand end of the ectromelia virus (strain Moscow) genome, 32318 bps have been sequenced, and characterized to include a total of 18 open reading frames (ORFs) and six regions which apparently no longer code for functional proteins. At least six of the ORFs appear to be involved in blocking the inflammatory/immune host response to infection, and therefore probably contribute significantly to the virulence of this virus in its natural host, the mouse. One of these genes encoded an isolog of the poxvirus chemokine binding protein, and was shown to be the most abundant protein secreted from ectromelia virus infected cells. Two regions were found to have significant similarity to poxvirus genes encoding tumor necrosis factor (TNF) binding proteins. Both are distinct from cytokine response modifier (crm)B and crmC but only one is predicted to encode a functional TNF binding protein. A novel similarity between the C-terminal domain of poxvirus TNF binding proteins and several other poxvirus proteins is also presented. The results are discussed in the context of ectromelia virus pathogenesis of mice.
Insights
Researchers sequenced 32,318 base pairs of the ectromelia virus genome, identifying 18 open reading frames (ORFs). Six ORFs likely inhibit the host immune response, contributing to ectromelia virus virulence in mice.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Genomics
Background:
- Ectromelia virus (strain Moscow) causes disease in mice.
- Understanding viral pathogenesis is crucial for controlling infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To sequence and characterize a portion of the ectromelia virus genome.
- To identify genes involved in immune evasion and virulence.
Main Methods:
- DNA sequencing of the ectromelia virus genome.
- Bioinformatic analysis to identify open reading frames (ORFs).
- Comparative genomics to identify similarities with known poxvirus genes.
Main Results:
- Sequenced 32,318 base pairs, identifying 18 ORFs and 6 non-functional regions.
- Six ORFs implicated in blocking host inflammatory/immune responses.
- Identified a poxvirus chemokine binding protein homolog and two tumor necrosis factor (TNF) binding protein homologs.
Conclusions:
- The sequenced viral genes likely contribute to ectromelia virus virulence in mice.
- The identified immune evasion proteins are key targets for understanding pathogenesis.
- Further research into poxvirus TNF binding proteins reveals novel similarities.