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gp13 (EHV-gC): a complement receptor induced by equine herpesviruses
H P Huemer1, N Nowotny, B S Crabb
1Institute for Hygiene, University of Innsbruck, Austria.
Virus Research
|July 1, 1995
Summary
Equine herpesviruses (EHV-1 and EHV-4) create a cell surface protein, glycoprotein 13 (gp13), that binds to complement component C3. This interaction differs from other herpesviruses, suggesting unique binding mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Equine herpesviruses type 1 (EHV-1) and type 4 (EHV-4) are significant pathogens in horses.
- Infected cells express a complement receptor that binds to the third component of complement (C3).
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the viral protein responsible for C3 binding in EHV-1 and EHV-4.
- To characterize the binding properties of this protein and compare it to related herpesviruses.
- To investigate the complement binding activity of an attenuated EHV-1 vaccine strain.
Main Methods:
- Gene expression of EHV-1 glycoprotein 13 (gp13) using a CMV promoter to assess C3 binding.
- Binding assays using EHV-infected cell lysates and solid-phase C3.
- Comparison of gp13 from wild-type and attenuated EHV-1 strains, including restriction enzyme analysis and monoclonal antibody reactivity.
- Inhibition assays using polyanionic substances.
Main Results:
- EHV-1 and EHV-4 glycoprotein 13 (gp13) was identified as the protein mediating C3 binding.
- Exogenous expression of the EHV-gp13 gene conferred C3 binding activity to transfected cells.
- EHV-gp13 demonstrated preferential binding to horse C3, similar to other herpesvirus gC proteins.
- An attenuated EHV-1 vaccine strain also exhibited complement receptor activity, despite genetic and antigenic differences in gp13.
- Unlike HSV-1-gC, EHV-gp13 binding to horse complement was not inhibited by heparin or dextran sulfate.
Conclusions:
- Equine herpesvirus glycoprotein 13 (gp13) functions as a complement receptor, binding C3.
- Structural differences exist in the binding mechanism of EHV-gp13 compared to HSV-1-gC.
- The attenuated EHV-1 vaccine strain's complement receptor activity suggests potential alterations in viral proteins contributing to its reduced virulence.