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Identification of a second interferon-regulated murine Mx gene
1Department of Molecular Biology, Research Institute of Scripps Clinic, La Jolla, California 92037.
Molecular and Cellular Biology
|October 1, 1988
Summary
Researchers identified a second mouse Mx gene (Mx2) involved in influenza virus resistance. While similar to Mx1, Mx2 transcripts in resistant strains showed mutations, suggesting a complex genetic basis for viral immunity.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Immunology
- Virology
Background:
- The mouse Mx locus confers resistance to influenza viruses.
- This locus contains multiple interferon-responsive transcription units.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and sequence transcripts of a second Mx gene, Mx2.
- To investigate the role of Mx2 in influenza virus resistance across different mouse strains.
Main Methods:
- Cloning and sequencing of Mx2 gene transcripts.
- Analysis of Mx2 mRNA sequences and open reading frames.
- Detection of Mx2 transcripts in interferon-treated cells from various mouse strains.
Main Results:
- Mx2 mRNA shares high sequence identity (>90%) with Mx1 mRNA at the amino terminus.
- Mx2 genes in BALB/c and CBA mouse strains contain mutations interrupting their open reading frames.
- Influenza virus-resistant strains (e.g., A2G) showed no detectable Mx2 transcripts after interferon treatment.
Conclusions:
- The Mx2 gene is closely linked to the known influenza resistance gene Mx1.
- Mutations in Mx2 may contribute to varying levels of influenza resistance in different mouse strains.
- Mx2 expression is absent in interferon-treated cells of resistant mouse strains, suggesting differential regulation or function.

