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Nucleotide sequence of equine MxA cDNA
P M Chesters1, M Steele, A Purewal
1Department of Pathology and Infectious Diseases, The Royal Veterinary College, London, UK.
DNA Sequence : the Journal of DNA Sequencing and Mapping
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Researchers identified a novel equine MxA protein from horse leucocytes stimulated with interferon-alpha. This protein shares significant homology with mammalian Mx proteins, suggesting a conserved antiviral defense role in horses.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
- Virology
Background:
- Interferon-alpha (IFN-α) is a key cytokine in antiviral immunity.
- Mx proteins are interferon-induced antiviral proteins found in mammals.
- The antiviral mechanisms of equine immune cells are not fully elucidated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize interferon-stimulated genes in equine peripheral blood leucocytes.
- To identify novel equine Mx protein homologs.
- To investigate the potential antiviral role of equine MxA.
Main Methods:
- Construction and screening of a cDNA library from IFN-α stimulated equine leucocytes.
- Nucleotide sequencing of a 2.6 kb cDNA species.
- Bioinformatic analysis to determine protein homology and functional motifs.
Main Results:
- Isolation of a 2.6 kb cDNA encoding a 660 amino acid polypeptide.
- The deduced protein, designated equine MxA, exhibits high homology to mammalian Mx proteins.
- Equine MxA possesses three conserved GTP-binding motifs, characteristic of functional Mx proteins.
Conclusions:
- A novel equine MxA protein has been identified and characterized.
- Equine MxA is likely involved in the interferon-mediated antiviral response in horses.
- This finding contributes to understanding the molecular basis of antiviral immunity in equids.