scholarly journals The Epstein–Barr virus lytic cycle activator Zta interacts with methylated ZRE in the promoter of host target gene egr1

2009 ◽  
Vol 90 (6) ◽  
pp. 1450-1454 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Heather ◽  
Kirsty Flower ◽  
Samine Isaac ◽  
Alison J. Sinclair
Keyword(s):  
Epstein Barr Virus ◽  
Target Gene ◽  
Distal Part ◽  
Lytic Replication ◽  
Lytic Cycle ◽  
Viral Gene ◽  
Reporter Construct ◽  
Barr Virus ◽  
Epstein Barr ◽  
Host Target

Activation of the host gene egr1 is essential for the lytic replication of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV). egr1 is activated by Zta (BZLF1, ZEBRA). Zta interacts directly with DNA through a series of closely related Zta-response elements (ZREs). Here we dissect the mechanism used by Zta to interact with the egr1 promoter and identify a weak interaction with egr1ZRE that is dependent on the distal part of egr1ZRE. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the ability of Zta to interact with egr1ZRE is enhanced at least tenfold by methylation. The ability of Zta to transactivate a reporter construct driven by the egr1 promoter can be enhanced by methylation. As the ability of Zta to interact with a methylated ZRE in the EBV genome correlates with its ability to activate the expression of the endogenous viral gene BRLF1, this suggests that Zta may also have the capability to overturn epigenetic control of egr1.

scholarly journals Inhibition of the Epstein–Barr virus lytic cycle by Zta-targeted RNA interference

2004 ◽  
Vol 85 (6) ◽  
pp. 1371-1379 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yao Chang ◽  
Shih-Shin Chang ◽  
Heng-Huan Lee ◽  
Shin-Lian Doong ◽  
Kenzo Takada ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rna Interference ◽  
Epstein Barr Virus ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Lytic Replication ◽  
Lytic Cycle ◽  
Viral Gene ◽  
Barr Virus ◽  
Ebv Reactivation ◽  
Epstein Barr

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) reactivation into the lytic cycle plays certain roles in the development of EBV-associated diseases, so an effective strategy to block the viral lytic cycle may be of value to reduce the disease risk or to improve the clinical outcome. This study examined whether the EBV lytic cycle could be inhibited using RNA interference (RNAi) directed against the essential viral gene Zta. In cases of EBV reactivation triggered by chemicals or by exogenous Rta, Zta-targeted RNAi prevented the induction of Zta and its downstream genes and further blocked the lytic replication of viral genomes. This antiviral effect of RNAi was not likely to be mediated by activation of the interferon pathway, as phosphorylation of STAT1 was not induced. In addition, novel EBV-infected epithelial cells showing constitutive activation of the lytic cycle were cloned; such established lytic infection was also suppressed by Zta-targeted RNAi. These results indicate that RNAi can be used to inhibit the EBV lytic cycle effectively in vitro and could also be of potential use to develop anti-EBV treatments.

Epstein-Barr virus miR-BHRF1-3 targets the BZLF1 3’UTR and regulates the lytic cycle

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Devin N. Fachko ◽  
Yan Chen ◽  
Rebecca L. Skalsky
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Epstein Barr Virus ◽  
Lytic Replication ◽  
Lytic Cycle ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Viral Gene ◽  
Epstein Barr Virus Infection ◽  
Barr Virus ◽  
Epstein Barr ◽  
The Impact

Suppression of lytic viral gene expression is a key aspect of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) life cycle to facilitate the establishment of latent infection. Molecular mechanisms regulating transitions between EBV lytic replication and latency are not fully understood. Here, we investigated the impact of viral microRNAs on the EBV lytic cycle. Through functional assays, we found that miR-BHRF1-3 attenuates EBV lytic gene expression following reactivation. To understand the miRNA targets contributing to this activity, we performed Ago PAR-CLIP analysis on EBV-positive, reactivated Burkitt’s lymphoma cells and identified multiple miR-BHRF1-3 interactions with viral transcripts. Using luciferase reporter assays, we confirmed a miRNA interaction site within the 3’UTR of BZLF1 which encodes the essential immediate early (IE) transactivator Zta. Comparison of >850 published EBV genomes identified sequence polymorphisms within the miR-BHRF1-3 locus that deleteriously affect miRNA expression and function. Molecular interactions between the homologous viral miRNA, miR-rL1-17, and IE transcripts encoded by rhesus lymphocryptovirus were further identified. Our data demonstrate that regulation of IE gene expression by a BHRF1 miRNA is conserved amongst lymphocryptoviruses, and further reveal virally-encoded genetic elements that orchestrate viral antigen expression during the lytic cycle. Importance Epstein-Barr virus infection is predominantly latent in healthy individuals, while periodic cycles of reactivation are thought to facilitate persistent lifelong infection. Lytic infection has been linked to development of certain EBV-associated diseases. Here, we demonstrate that EBV miR-BHRF1-3 can suppress lytic replication by directly inhibiting Zta expression. Moreover, we identify nucleotide variants that impact the function of miR-BHRF1-3, which may contribute to specific EBV pathologies.

scholarly journals CD8+ immunodominance among Epstein-Barr virus lytic cycle antigens directly reflects the efficiency of antigen presentation in lytically infected cells

2005 ◽  
Vol 201 (3) ◽  
pp. 349-360 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victoria A. Pudney ◽  
Alison M. Leese ◽  
Alan B. Rickinson ◽  
Andrew D. Hislop
Keyword(s):  
T Cell ◽  
Epstein Barr Virus ◽  
Cd8 T Cell ◽  
Lytic Replication ◽  
Lytic Cycle ◽  
E Proteins ◽  
Barr Virus ◽  
Infected Cells ◽  
Epstein Barr ◽  
L Proteins

Antigen immunodominance is an unexplained feature of CD8+ T cell responses to herpesviruses, which are agents whose lytic replication involves the sequential expression of immediate early (IE), early (E), and late (L) proteins. Here, we analyze the primary CD8 response to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection for reactivity to 2 IE proteins, 11 representative E proteins, and 10 representative L proteins, across a range of HLA backgrounds. Responses were consistently skewed toward epitopes in IE and a subset of E proteins, with only occasional responses to novel epitopes in L proteins. CD8+ T cell clones to representative IE, E, and L epitopes were assayed against EBV-transformed lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) containing lytically infected cells. This showed direct recognition of lytically infected cells by all three sets of effectors but at markedly different levels, in the order IE > E ≫ L, indicating that the efficiency of epitope presentation falls dramatically with progress of the lytic cycle. Thus, EBV lytic cycle antigens display a hierarchy of immunodominance that directly reflects the efficiency of their presentation in lytically infected cells; the CD8+ T cell response thereby focuses on targets whose recognition leads to maximal biologic effect.

scholarly journals The BFRF1 Gene of Epstein-Barr Virus Encodes a Novel Protein

2000 ◽  
Vol 74 (7) ◽  
pp. 3235-3244 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonella Farina ◽  
Roberta Santarelli ◽  
Roberta Gonnella ◽  
Roberto Bei ◽  
Raffaella Muraro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Lines ◽  
Epstein Barr Virus ◽  
Lytic Replication ◽  
Lytic Cycle ◽  
Particle Identification ◽  
Early Gene ◽  
Cell Fractionation ◽  
Barr Virus ◽  
F Region ◽  
Epstein Barr

ABSTRACT Computer analysis of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) genome indicates there are ∼100 open reading frames (ORFs). Thus far about 30 EBV genes divided into the categories latent and lytic have been identified. The BamHI F region of EBV is abundantly transcribed during lytic replication. This region is highly conserved among herpesviruses, thus suggesting that some common function could be retained in the ORFs encompassed within this viral fragment. To identify putative novel proteins and possible new markers for viral replication, we focused our attention on the first rightward ORF in theBamHI F region (BFRF1). Histidine and glutathione S-transferase-tagged BFRF1 fusion proteins were synthesized to produce a mouse monoclonal antibody (MAb). Analysis of human sera revealed a high seroprevalence of antibodies to BFRF1 in patients affected by nasopharyngeal carcinoma or Burkitt's lymphoma, whereas no humoral response to BFRF1 could be detected among healthy donors. An anti-BFRF1 MAb recognizes a doublet migrating at 37 to 38 kDa in cells extracts from EBV-infected cell lines following lytic cycle activation and in an EBV-negative cell line (DG75) transfected with a plasmid expressing the BFRF1 gene. Northern blot analysis allowed the detection of a major transcript of 3.7 kb highly expressed in EBV-positive lytic cycle-induced cell lines. Treatment with inhibitors of viral DNA polymerase, such as phosphonoacetic acid and acyclovir, reduced but did not abolish the transcription ofBFRF1, thus indicating that BFRF1 can be classified as an early gene. Cell fractionation experiments, as well as immunolocalization by immunofluorescence microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and immunoelectron microscopy, showed that BFRF1 is localized on the plasma membrane and nuclear compartments of the cells and is a structural component of the viral particle. Identification of BFRF1 provides a new marker with which to monitor EBV infection and might help us better understand the biology of the virus.

scholarly journals Epstein–Barr virus origin of lytic replication mediates association of replicating episomes with promyelocytic leukaemia protein nuclear bodies and replication compartments

2006 ◽  
Vol 87 (5) ◽  
pp. 1133-1137 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wolfgang Amon ◽  
Robert E. White ◽  
Paul J. Farrell
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Epstein Barr Virus ◽  
Lytic Replication ◽  
Nuclear Bodies ◽  
Lytic Cycle ◽  
Promyelocytic Leukaemia ◽  
Late Gene ◽  
Barr Virus ◽  
Pml Nuclear Bodies ◽  
Epstein Barr

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) establishes a latent persistence from which it can be reactivated to undergo lytic replication. Late lytic-cycle gene expression is linked to lytic DNA replication, as it is sensitive to the same inhibitors that block lytic replication, and it has recently been shown that the viral origin of lytic replication (ori lyt) is required in cis for late-gene expression. During the lytic cycle, the viral genome forms replication compartments, which are usually adjacent to promyelocytic leukaemia protein (PML) nuclear bodies. A tetracycline repressor DNA-binding domain–enhanced green fluorescent protein fusion was used to visualize replicating plasmids carrying a tetracycline operator sequence array. ori lyt mediated the production of plasmid replication compartments that were associated with PML nuclear bodies. Plasmids carrying ori lyt and EBV itself were visualized in the same cells and replicated in similar regions of the nucleus, further supporting the validity of the plasmids for studying late-gene regulation.

scholarly journals Evidence for DNA Hairpin Recognition by Zta at the Epstein-Barr Virus Origin of Lytic Replication

2010 ◽  
Vol 84 (14) ◽  
pp. 7073-7082 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew J. Rennekamp ◽  
Pu Wang ◽  
Paul M. Lieberman
Keyword(s):  
Dna Replication ◽  
Inverted Repeat ◽  
Epstein Barr Virus ◽  
Lytic Replication ◽  
Lytic Cycle ◽  
Productive Infection ◽  
Dna Hairpin ◽  
Barr Virus ◽  
Early Protein ◽  
Epstein Barr

ABSTRACT The Epstein-Barr virus immediate-early protein (Zta) plays an essential role in viral lytic activation and pathogenesis. Zta is a basic zipper (b-Zip) domain-containing protein that binds multiple sites in the viral origin of lytic replication (OriLyt) and is required for lytic-cycle DNA replication. We present evidence that Zta binds to a sequence-specific, imperfect DNA hairpin formed by an inverted repeat within the upstream essential element (UEE) of OriLyt. Mutations in the OriLyt sequence that are predicted to disrupt hairpin formation also disrupt Zta binding in vitro. Restoration of the hairpin rescues the defect. We also show that OriLyt DNA isolated from replicating cells contains a nuclease-sensitive region that overlaps with the inverted-repeat region of the UEE. Furthermore, point mutations in Zta that disrupt specific recognition of the UEE hairpin are defective for activation of lytic replication. These data suggest that Zta acts by inducing and/or stabilizing a DNA hairpin structure during productive infection. The DNA hairpin at OriLyt with which Zta interacts resembles DNA structures formed at other herpesvirus origins and may therefore represent a common secondary structure used by all herpesvirus family members during the initiation of DNA replication.

scholarly journals Identification of a Lytic-Cycle Epstein-Barr Virus Gene Product That Can Regulate PKR Activation

2003 ◽  
Vol 77 (1) ◽  
pp. 228-236 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeremy Poppers ◽  
Matthew Mulvey ◽  
Cesar Perez ◽  
David Khoo ◽  
Ian Mohr
Keyword(s):  
Gene Product ◽  
Epstein Barr Virus ◽  
Viral Gene Expression ◽  
Lytic Cycle ◽  
Viral Gene ◽  
Barr Virus ◽  
Epstein Barr ◽  
Pkr Kinase ◽  
Sm Protein ◽  
Hsv 1

ABSTRACT The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) SM protein is a posttranscriptional regulator of viral gene expression. Like many transactivators encoded by herpesviruses, SM transports predominantly unspliced viral mRNA cargo from the nucleus to the cytosol, where it is subsequently translated. This activity likely involves a region of the protein that has homology to the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) ICP27 gene product, the first member of this class of regulators to be discovered. However, SM also contains a repetitive segment rich in arginine and proline residues that is dispensable for its effects on RNA transport and splicing. This portion of SM, comprised of RXP triplet repeats, shows homology to the carboxyl-terminal domain of Us11, a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) binding protein encoded by HSV-1 that inhibits activation of the cellular PKR kinase. To evaluate the intrinsic ability of SM to regulate PKR, we expressed and purified several SM protein derivatives and examined their activity in a variety of biochemical assays. The full-length SM protein bound dsRNA, associated physically with PKR, and prevented PKR activation. Removal of the 37-residue RXP domain significantly compromised all of these activities. Furthermore, the SM RXP domain was itself sufficient to inhibit PKR activation and interact with the kinase. Relative to its Us11 counterpart, the SM RXP segment bound dsRNA with reduced affinity and responded differently to single-stranded competitor polynucleotides. Thus, SM represents the first EBV gene product expressed during the lytic cycle that can prevent PKR activation. In addition, the RXP repeat segment appears to be a conserved herpesvirus motif capable of associating with dsRNA and modulating activation of the PKR kinase, a molecule important for the control of translation and the cellular antiviral response.

scholarly journals The SWI/SNF Chromatin Regulator BRG1 Modulates the Transcriptional Regulatory Activity of the Epstein-Barr Virus DNA Polymerase Processivity Factor BMRF1

2017 ◽  
Vol 91 (9) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mei-Tzu Su ◽  
Ya-Ting Wang ◽  
Yen-Ju Chen ◽  
Su-Fang Lin ◽  
Ching-Hwa Tsai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Dna Replication ◽  
Dna Polymerase ◽  
Epstein Barr Virus ◽  
Lytic Replication ◽  
Viral Gene ◽  
Viral Dna ◽  
Viral Dna Replication ◽  
Barr Virus ◽  
Epstein Barr

ABSTRACT During the lytic phase of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), binding of the transactivator Zta to the origin of lytic replication (oriLyt) and the BHLF1 transcript, forming a stable RNA-DNA hybrid, is required to initiate viral DNA replication. EBV-encoded viral DNA replication proteins form complexes to amplify viral DNA. BMRF1, the viral DNA polymerase accessory factor, is essential for lytic DNA replication and also known as a transcriptional regulator of the expression of BHLF1 and BALF2 (single-stranded DNA [ssDNA]-binding protein). In order to determine systematically how BMRF1 regulates viral transcription, a BMRF1 knockout bacmid was generated to analyze viral gene expression using a viral DNA microarray. We found that a subset of Rta-responsive late genes, including BcLF1, BLLF1, BLLF2, and BDLF3, were downregulated in cells harboring a BMRF1 knockout EBV bacmid (p2089ΔBMRF1). In reporter assays, BMRF1 appears to transactivate a subset of viral late promoters through distinct pathways. BMRF1 activates the BDLF3 promoter in an SP1-dependent manner. Notably, BMRF1 associates with the transcriptional regulator BRG1 in EBV-reactivated cells. BMRF1-mediated transactivation activities on the BcLF1 and BLLF1 promoters were attenuated by knockdown of BRG1. In BRG1-depleted EBV-reactivated cells, BcLF1 and BLLF1 transcripts were reduced in number, resulting in reduced virion secretion. BMRF1 and BRG1 bound to the adjacent upstream regions of the BcLF1 and BLLF1 promoters, and depletion of BRG1 attenuated the recruitment of BMRF1 onto both promoters, suggesting that BRG1 is involved in BMRF1-mediated regulation of these two genes. Overall, we reveal a novel pathway by which BMRF1 can regulate viral promoters through interaction with BRG1. IMPORTANCE The cascade of viral gene expression during Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) replication is exquisitely regulated by the coordination of the viral DNA replication machinery and cellular factors. Upon lytic replication, the EBV immediate early proteins Zta and Rta turn on the expression of early proteins that assemble into viral DNA replication complexes. The DNA polymerase accessory factor, BMRF1, also is known to transactivate early gene expression through its interaction with SP1 or Zta on specific promoters. Through a global analysis, we demonstrate that BMRF1 also turns on a subset of Rta-regulated, late structural gene promoters. Searching for BMRF1-interacting cellular partners revealed that the SWI/SNF chromatin modifier BRG1 contributes to BMRF1-mediated transactivation of a subset of late promoters through protein-protein interaction and viral chromatin binding. Our findings indicate that BMRF1 regulates the expression of more viral genes than thought previously through distinct viral DNA replication-independent mechanisms.

scholarly journals B Cell Receptor-Responsive miR-141 Enhances Epstein-Barr Virus Lytic Cycle via FOXO3 Inhibition

mSphere ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yan Chen ◽  
Devin N. Fachko ◽  
Nikita S. Ivanov ◽  
Rebecca L. Skalsky
Keyword(s):  
B Cells ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Epstein Barr Virus ◽  
Cell Receptor ◽  
Lytic Replication ◽  
B Cell Receptor ◽  
Lytic Cycle ◽  
Cross Linking ◽  
Barr Virus ◽  
Epstein Barr

ABSTRACT Antigen recognition by the B cell receptor (BCR) is a physiological trigger for reactivation of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and can be recapitulated in vitro by cross-linking of surface immunoglobulins. Previously, we identified a subset of EBV microRNAs (miRNAs) that attenuate BCR signal transduction and subsequently dampen lytic reactivation in B cells. The roles of host miRNAs in the EBV lytic cycle are not completely understood. Here, we profiled the small RNAs in reactivated Burkitt lymphoma cells and identified several miRNAs, such as miR-141, that are induced upon BCR cross-linking. Notably, EBV encodes a viral miRNA, miR-BART9, with sequence homology to miR-141. To better understand the functions of these two miRNAs, we examined their molecular targets and experimentally validated multiple candidates commonly regulated by both miRNAs. Targets included B cell transcription factors and known regulators of EBV immediate-early genes, leading us to hypothesize that these miRNAs modulate kinetics of the lytic cascade in B cells. Through functional assays, we identified roles for miR-141 and EBV miR-BART9 and one specific target, FOXO3, in progression of the lytic cycle. Our data support a model whereby EBV exploits BCR-responsive miR-141 and further mimics activity of this miRNA family via a viral miRNA to promote productive lytic replication. IMPORTANCE EBV is a human pathogen associated with several malignancies. A key aspect of lifelong virus persistence is the ability to switch between latent and lytic replication modes. The mechanisms governing latency, reactivation, and progression of the lytic cycle are only partly understood. This study reveals that specific miRNAs can act to support the EBV lytic phase following BCR-mediated reactivation triggers. Furthermore, this study identifies a role for FOXO3, commonly suppressed by both host and viral miRNAs, in modulating progression of the EBV lytic cycle.

scholarly journals Functional Analysis of Epstein-Barr Virus SM Protein: Identification of Amino Acids Essential for Structure, Transactivation, Splicing Inhibition, and Virion Production

2004 ◽  
Vol 78 (1) ◽  
pp. 340-352 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vivian Ruvolo ◽  
Liang Sun ◽  
Karilynn Howard ◽  
Seung Sung ◽  
Henri-Jacques Delecluse ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Amino Acids ◽  
Epstein Barr Virus ◽  
Protein Identification ◽  
Lytic Replication ◽  
Viral Gene ◽  
Barr Virus ◽  
Virion Production ◽  
Epstein Barr ◽  
Sm Protein

ABSTRACT The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) SM protein is a posttranscriptional regulator of cellular and viral gene expression that binds and stabilizes target mRNAs and shuttles from nucleus to cytoplasm. SM enhances expression of several EBV genes required for lytic replication and is essential for virion production. SM increases accumulation of specific mRNAs but also inhibits expression of several intron-containing transcripts. The mechanism by which SM inhibits gene expression is poorly understood. The experiments described here had several aims: to determine whether specific domains of SM were responsible for activation or inhibition function; whether these functions could be separated; and whether one or more of these functions were essential for virion production. A mutational analysis of SM was performed, focusing on amino acids in SM that are evolutionarily conserved among SM homologs in other herpesviruses. Mutation of the carboxy-terminal region of SM revealed a region that is likely to be structurally important for SM protein conformation. In addition, several amino acids were identified that are critical for activation and inhibition function. A specific mutation of a highly conserved cysteine residue revealed that it was essential for gene inhibition but not for transactivation, indicating that these two functions operate through independent mechanisms. Furthermore, the ability of wild-type SM and the inability of the mutant to inhibit gene expression were shown to correlate with the ability to inhibit splicing of a human target gene and thereby prevent accumulation of its processed mRNA. Surprisingly, some mutations which preserved both activation and inhibition functions in vitro nevertheless abolished virion production, suggesting that other SM functions or protein-protein interactions are also required for lytic replication.

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