The errors in assembly of MuLV in interferon treated cells

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Cell Biology
• Immunology

Background:

• Chronic infection with Rauscher Murine Leukemia Virus (MuLV) in JLSV-6 cells.
• Interferon (IFN) is known to have antiviral properties.
• Understanding the effects of IFN on viral particle production is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of interferon treatment on the production and composition of Rauscher MuLV particles.
• To identify alterations in viral proteins and their assembly in interferon-treated cells.

Main Methods:

• Treatment of chronically infected JLSV-6 cells with interferon.
• Analysis of viral particles (virions) produced.
• Surface iodination of intact virions.
• Immunoprecipitation with specific antisera against MuLV and viral proteins (gp71, p15E).
• Analysis of viral polypeptide patterns.

Main Results:

• Interferon treatment resulted in noninfectious viral particles (interferon virions).
• Interferon virions contained a novel glycoprotein (gp85) and lacked the gp71-p15E complex found in control virions.
• New polypeptides (85k and 65k daltons) were detected in disrupted interferon virions.
• Viral protein synthesis and processing rates were comparable in treated and untreated cells, indicating an assembly defect.

Conclusions:

• Interferon treatment induces significant alterations in Rauscher MuLV virion composition.
• The findings suggest a defect in viral assembly rather than viral protein synthesis or processing.
• Interferon influences the final assembly of viral particles, leading to the production of noninfectious virions.