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Myxoma virus and malignant rabbit fibroma virus encode a serpin-like protein important for virus virulence
C Upton1, J L Macen, D S Wishart
1Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
Abstract:
The leporipoxviruses Shope fibroma virus (SFV), the myxoma virus (MYX), and the SFV/MYX recombinant malignant rabbit fibroma virus (MRV) are closely related yet induce profoundly different diseases in the European rabbit. SFV, which produces a benign tumor at the site of inoculation, is cleared by the immune system after approximately 2 weeks whereas MYX and MRV induce a rapidly lethal systemic infection characterized by generalized suppression of host immune functions. DNA sequencing studies reveal that MRV and MYX possess homologous gene members of the T6/T8/T9 family originally described in the terminal inverted repeat (TIR) of SFV. We also describe a gene present in both MYX and MRV genomes, but which has apparently evolved in the SFV genome into a fragmented pseudogene that appears to contribute to the aggressive nature of MYX and MRV infections. Translation of this open reading frame, designated MYXOMA SERPIN 1 (SERP1), reveals a protein sequence with highly significant homology to the super-family of serine protease inhibitors (serpins) which also includes a number of other poxviral proteins. In the MYX genome the SERP1 gene lies entirely within the TIR sequences and is thus present as two copies, while in the MRV genome SERP1 is present in the unique sequences adjacent to the TIR boundary and hence is a single copy. The amino acid homology between the putative active site of SERP1 and those of other serpins predicts that the target enzyme will be different from the known catalog of serine antiprotease substrates. Deletion of this gene from MRV significantly attenuates the disease spectrum induced by the normally lethal virus. Although the MRV-S1 deletion construct (MRV with SERP1 gene deleted) grows in all tissue culture cells tested in a fashion identical to the MRV parent, the majority of rabbits infected with MRV-S1 are able to mount an effective immune response and totally recover from the virus infection to become resistant to subsequent challenge by MRV or MYX.
Insights
Leporipoxviruses Shope fibroma virus (SFV), myxoma virus (MYX), and malignant rabbit fibroma virus (MRV) cause different rabbit diseases. Deleting the SERP1 gene from MRV attenuates infection, allowing rabbits to recover and gain immunity.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Leporipoxviruses Shope fibroma virus (SFV), myxoma virus (MYX), and malignant rabbit fibroma virus (MRV) are closely related but cause distinct diseases in European rabbits.
- SFV causes benign tumors and is cleared, while MYX and MRV induce lethal systemic infections with immune suppression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic basis for the differing virulence of leporipoxviruses.
- To identify viral genes contributing to the aggressive nature of MYX and MRV infections.
Main Methods:
- DNA sequencing to compare viral genomes.
- Gene identification and characterization, focusing on the MYXOMA SERPIN 1 (SERP1) gene.
- Construction and testing of a SERP1 deletion mutant (MRV-S1) in rabbits.
Main Results:
- A novel gene, MYXOMA SERPIN 1 (SERP1), was identified in MYX and MRV, absent or fragmented in SFV, and contributes to virulence.
- SERP1 encodes a serine protease inhibitor (serpin) with a unique predicted substrate.
- Deletion of SERP1 from MRV (MRV-S1) significantly attenuated disease, enabling rabbit recovery and immunity.
Conclusions:
- The SERP1 gene is a key determinant of MYX and MRV virulence.
- Targeting SERP1 could lead to attenuated viral strains for vaccine development against leporipoxviruses.