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Mx protein: constitutive expression in 3T3 cells transformed with cloned Mx cDNA confers selective resistance to

P Staeheli, O Haller, W Boll

    Cell
    |January 17, 1986
    PubMed

    Insights

    Mice resistant to influenza virus have the Mx protein, which is induced by interferon (IFN). This protein confers specific resistance to orthomyxoviruses, independent of other IFN effects.

    Area of Science:

    • Virology
    • Immunology
    • Genetics

    Background:

    • Mx+ mice exhibit significant resistance to influenza virus compared to Mx- strains.
    • Interferon (IFN) alpha/beta mediates this resistance.
    • IFN treatment induces Mx protein accumulation in Mx+ cells, conferring resistance to orthomyxoviruses.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the role of Mx protein in conferring resistance to influenza virus.
    • To understand the genetic basis of Mx protein expression and its correlation with viral resistance.

    Main Methods:

    • Cloning and sequencing of the Mx protein cDNA.
    • Southern blot analysis to study Mx alleles.
    • Transformation of Mx- cells with Mx cDNA and assessment of viral resistance.

    Main Results:

    • Mx- alleles result from deletions in Mx+ counterparts.
    • IFN-treated Mx+ cells express a 3.5 kb Mx mRNA, while Mx- cells show only short Mx RNA traces.
    • Transformed Mx- cells constitutively expressed Mx protein, with resistance correlating to expression levels.

    Conclusions:

    • Specific resistance to influenza virus in vivo is attributed to Mx protein expression.
    • Mx protein-mediated resistance is independent of other interferon-induced effects.

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