Comparison of capsid polypeptides of group B coxsackie-viruses and polypeptide synthesis in infected cells

Capsid polypeptides of all six types (B1-6) of group B coxsackieviruses were compared by high-resolution gel electrophoresis, and synthesis of protein and RNA in B4- or B5-infected HeLA cells was analyzed. Four polypeptides, VP1-4, were detected in each type. Another polypeptide, VP0, slightly larger than VP1, was also detected in trace amounts in some types. VP1-3 showed different but characteristic molecular weights (VP1, 34,500 to 37,000; VP2, 31,000 to 36,000; VP3, 26,000 to 32,500), and presented well-defined and reproducible differences in electrophoretic mobility. The molecular weight of VP4 ranged from 5,000 to 5,500. VP1 was largest in B2 and B4, smallest in B1, and of intermediate size in the other types. VP2 was largest in B4 and smallest in B2; VP3 was largest in B5 and B6 and smallest in B4. In B4- or B5-infected HeLa cells, host protein synthesis began to decline after 2 hours postinfection and was less than 20 percent of the control by 6 hours postinfection. Actinomycin D-resistant viral RNA synthesis started at about 2 hours postinfection, peaked by 5 hours, and then declined rapidly. Virus-specific protein synthesis began while host protein synthesis was declining, increased during the ensuing period, and declined in late infection. A number of virus-specific proteins with molecular weights from 23,500 to greater than 92,500 were detected in the host cytoplasm. At least three of these proteins were also present in the nucleus. The kinetics pf processing of virus-specific proteins were examined by pulse-chase experiments in B5-infected cells. The relative intensities of [35S]-methionine-labeled polypeptides suggest that a number of smaller, stable chains (MW 23,500 to 38,000) are generated by cleavage of a precursor polypeptide (MW 92,500 to 100,000).