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Restriction of virus-specific protein synthesis in a persistent paramyxovirus infection
Abstract:
Synthesis of virus-specific proteins in a persistent, nonproductive paramyxovirus infection derived from the peripheral blood leukocytes of a patient with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) was investigated. The persistently infected cells expressed cytoplasmic virus-specific antigens and generated paramyxovirus nucleocapsids throughout long-term passage. When analyzed by specific immunoprecipitation and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, most of the virus structural proteins were synthesized in acutely infected cells, but only three of the proteins could be readily detected in persistently infected cells. The two structural proteins whose synthesis was most clearly restricted had molecular weights of 69,000 and 41,000 daltons and represented the putative HN and M virus proteins. The similarities between the restriction of virus protein synthesis in this system and that reported previously for other persistent paramyxovirus infections derived from SSPE suggest that a common mechanism may be involved in the maintenance of such infections.
Insights
Persistent paramyxovirus infections in subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) show restricted synthesis of specific viral proteins. This restriction, particularly of HN and M proteins, may indicate a common mechanism maintaining these long-term infections.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a persistent, nonproductive paramyxovirus infection.
- Peripheral blood leukocytes from SSPE patients can harbor persistent paramyxovirus infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the synthesis of virus-specific proteins in persistent paramyxovirus infections derived from SSPE patients.
- To identify which viral proteins are synthesized and which are restricted in these persistent infections.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of persistently infected cells derived from SSPE patient leukocytes.
- Specific immunoprecipitation and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) to detect viral proteins.
- Comparison of protein synthesis in acutely versus persistently infected cells.
Main Results:
- Persistently infected cells expressed cytoplasmic virus-specific antigens and generated nucleocapsids.
- Most virus structural proteins were synthesized in acutely infected cells.
- Only three viral proteins were readily detected in persistently infected cells, with synthesis of 69,000 and 41,000 dalton proteins (putative HN and M) being most restricted.
Conclusions:
- Restricted synthesis of specific paramyxovirus proteins occurs in persistent SSPE-derived infections.
- The restriction of HN and M protein synthesis is a key feature of these persistent infections.
- A common mechanism may underlie the maintenance of persistent paramyxovirus infections in SSPE.