scholarly journals Visualizing the Replication Cycle of Bunyamwera Orthobunyavirus Expressing Fluorescent Protein-Tagged Gc Glycoprotein

2010 ◽  
Vol 84 (17) ◽  
pp. 8460-8469 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaohong Shi ◽  
Joël T. van Mierlo ◽  
Andrew French ◽  
Richard M. Elliott
Keyword(s):  
Reverse Genetics ◽  
Fluorescent Protein ◽  
Uv Light ◽  
Virus Assembly ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Viral Attachment ◽  
Virus Attachment ◽  
Recombinant Viruses ◽  
Mammalian Cell Lines ◽  
Golgi Compartment

ABSTRACT The virion glycoproteins Gn and Gc of Bunyamwera virus (BUNV), the prototype of the Bunyaviridae family and also of the Orthobunyavirus genus, are encoded by the medium (M) RNA genome segment and are involved in both viral attachment and entry. After their synthesis Gn and Gc form a heterodimer in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and transit to the Golgi compartment for virus assembly. The N-terminal half of the Gc ectodomain was previously shown to be dispensable for virus replication in cell culture (X. Shi, J. Goli, G. Clark, K. Brauburger, and R. M. Elliott, J. Gen. Virol. 90:2483-2492, 2009.). In this study, the coding sequence for a fluorescent protein, either enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) or mCherry fluorescent protein, was fused to the N terminus of truncated Gc, and two recombinant BUNVs (rBUNGc-eGFP and rBUNGc-mCherry) were rescued by reverse genetics. The recombinant viruses showed bright autofluorescence under UV light and were competent for replication in various mammalian cell lines. rBUNGc-mCherry was completely stable over 10 passages, whereas internal, in-frame deletions occurred in the chimeric Gc-eGFP protein of rBUNGc-eGFP, resulting in loss of fluorescence between passages 5 and 7. Autofluorescence of the recombinant viruses allowed visualization of different stages of the infection cycle, including virus attachment to the cell surface, budding of virus particles in Golgi membranes, and virus-induced morphological changes to the Golgi compartment at later stages of infection. The fluorescent protein-tagged viruses will be valuable reagents for live-cell imaging studies to investigate virus entry, budding, and morphogenesis in real time.

scholarly journals Dynamics of HIV-1 RNA Near the Plasma Membrane during Virus Assembly

2015 ◽  
Vol 89 (21) ◽  
pp. 10832-10840 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luca Sardo ◽  
Steven C. Hatch ◽  
Jianbo Chen ◽  
Olga Nikolaitchik ◽  
Ryan C. Burdick ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Plasma Membranes ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Fluorescent Protein ◽  
Uv Light ◽  
Light Exposure ◽  
Virus Assembly ◽  
Rna Packaging ◽  
Stem Loop ◽  
Hiv 1

ABSTRACTTo increase our understanding of the events that lead to HIV-1 genome packaging, we examined the dynamics of viral RNA and Gag-RNA interactions near the plasma membrane by using total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy. We labeled HIV-1 RNA with a photoconvertible Eos protein via an RNA-binding protein that recognizes stem-loop sequences engineered into the viral genome. Near-UV light exposure causes an irreversible structural change in Eos and alters its emitted fluorescence from green to red. We studied the dynamics of HIV-1 RNA by photoconverting Eos near the plasma membrane, and we monitored the population of photoconverted red-Eos-labeled RNA signals over time. We found that in the absence of Gag, most of the HIV-1 RNAs stayed near the plasma membrane transiently, for a few minutes. The presence of Gag significantly increased the time that RNAs stayed near the plasma membrane: most of the RNAs were still detected after 30 min. We then quantified the proportion of HIV-1 RNAs near the plasma membrane that were packaged into assembling viral complexes. By tagging Gag with blue fluorescent protein, we observed that only a portion, ∼13 to 34%, of the HIV-1 RNAs that reached the membrane were recruited into assembling particles in an hour, and the frequency of HIV-1 RNA packaging varied with the Gag expression level. Our studies reveal the HIV-1 RNA dynamics on the plasma membrane and the efficiency of RNA recruitment and provide insights into the events leading to the generation of infectious HIV-1 virions.IMPORTANCENascent HIV-1 particles assemble on plasma membranes. During the assembly process, HIV-1 RNA genomes must be encapsidated into viral complexes to generate infectious particles. To gain insights into the RNA packaging and virus assembly mechanisms, we labeled and monitored the HIV-1 RNA signals near the plasma membrane. Our results showed that most of the HIV-1 RNAs stayed near the plasma membrane for only a few minutes in the absence of Gag, whereas most HIV-1 RNAs stayed at the plasma membrane for 15 to 60 min in the presence of Gag. Our results also demonstrated that only a small proportion of the HIV-1 RNAs, approximately 1/10 to 1/3 of the RNAs that reached the plasma membrane, was incorporated into viral protein complexes. These studies determined the dynamics of HIV-1 RNA on the plasma membrane and obtained temporal information on RNA-Gag interactions that lead to RNA encapsidation.

scholarly journals Expression of Separate Foreign Proteins from the Rotavirus NSP3 Genome Segment Using a Translational 2A Stop-Restart Element

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asha A. Philip ◽  
John T. Patton
Keyword(s):  
Reverse Genetics ◽  
Fluorescent Protein ◽  
Viral Proteins ◽  
Live Cell ◽  
Nuclear Accumulation ◽  
Foreign Protein ◽  
Fluorescent Reporter ◽  
Recombinant Viruses ◽  
Full Complement ◽  
Foreign Proteins

AbstractThe segmented 18.5-kB dsRNA genome of rotavirus expresses 6 structural and 6 nonstructural proteins. We investigated the possibility of using the recently-developed plasmid-based rotavirus reverse genetics (RG) system to generate recombinant viruses that express a separate foreign protein, in addition to the 12 viral proteins. To address this, we replaced the NSP3 open-reading-frame (ORF) of the segment 7 (pT7/NSP3) transcription vector used in the RG system with an ORF encoding NSP3 fused to a fluorescent reporter protein (i.e., UnaG, mRuby, mKate, or TagBFP). Inserted at the fusion junction was a teschovirus 2A-like self-cleaving element designed to direct the separate expression of NSP3 and the fluorescent protein. Recombinant rotaviruses made with the modified pT7/NSP3 vectors were well growing, generally genetically stable, and expressed NSP3 and a separate fluorescent protein detectable by live cell imaging. NSP3 made by the recombinant viruses was functional, inducing nuclear accumulation of cellular poly(A)-binding protein. Further modification of the NSP3 ORF showed that it was possible to generate recombinant viruses encoding 2 foreign proteins (mRuby and UnaG) in addition to NSP3. Our results demonstrate that, through modification of segment 7, the rotavirus genome can be increased in size to at least 19.8 kB and can be used to produce recombinant rotaviruses expressing a full complement of viral proteins and multiple foreign proteins. The generation of recombinant rotaviruses expressing fluorescent proteins will be valuable for the study of rotavirus replication and pathogenesis by live cell imagining and suggest that rotaviruses may prove useful as expression vectors.ImportanceRotaviruses are a major cause of severe gastroenteritis in infants and young children. Recently, a highly efficient reverse genetics system was developed that allows genetic manipulation of the rotavirus segmented double-stranded RNA genome. Using the reverse genetics system, we show that it is possible to modify one of the rotavirus genome segments (segment 7) such that virus gains the capacity to express a separate foreign protein, in addition to the full complement of viral proteins. Through this approach, we have generated wildtype-like rotaviruses that express various fluorescent reporter proteins, including UnaG (green), mRuby (far red), mKate (red), and TagBFP (blue). Such strains will be of value in probing rotavirus biology and pathogenesis by live-cell imagining techniques. Notably, our work indicates that the rotavirus genome is remarkably flexible and able to accommodate significant amounts of foreign RNA sequence, raising the possibility of using the virus as vaccine expression vector.

scholarly journals Expression of Separate Heterologous Proteins from the Rotavirus NSP3 Genome Segment Using a Translational 2A Stop-Restart Element

2020 ◽  
Vol 94 (18) ◽  
Author(s):  
Asha A. Philip ◽  
John T. Patton
Keyword(s):  
Reverse Genetics ◽  
Heterologous Protein ◽  
Fluorescent Protein ◽  
Viral Proteins ◽  
Live Cell ◽  
Nuclear Accumulation ◽  
Heterologous Proteins ◽  
Fluorescent Reporter ◽  
Recombinant Viruses ◽  
Full Complement

ABSTRACT The segmented 18.5-kbp dsRNA genome of rotavirus expresses 6 structural and 6 nonstructural proteins. We investigated the possibility of using the recently developed plasmid-based rotavirus reverse genetics (RG) system to generate recombinant viruses that express a separate heterologous protein in addition to the 12 viral proteins. To address this, we replaced the NSP3 open reading frame (ORF) of the segment 7 (pT7/NSP3) transcription vector used in the RG system with an ORF encoding NSP3 fused to a fluorescent reporter protein (i.e., UnaG, mRuby, mKate, or TagBFP). Inserted at the fusion junction was a teschovirus translational 2A stop-restart element designed to direct the separate expression of NSP3 and the fluorescent protein. Recombinant rotaviruses made with the modified pT7/NSP3 vectors were well growing and generally genetically stable, and they expressed NSP3 and a separate fluorescent protein detectable by live cell imaging. NSP3 made by the recombinant viruses was functional, inducing nuclear accumulation of cellular poly(A)-binding protein. Further modification of the NSP3 ORF showed that it was possible to generate recombinant viruses encoding 2 heterologous proteins (mRuby and UnaG) in addition to NSP3. Our results demonstrate that, through modification of segment 7, the rotavirus genome can be increased in size to at least 19.8 kbp and can be used to produce recombinant rotaviruses expressing a full complement of viral proteins and multiple heterologous proteins. The generation of recombinant rotaviruses expressing fluorescent proteins will be valuable for the study of rotavirus replication and pathogenesis by live cell imagining and suggest that rotaviruses will prove useful as expression vectors. IMPORTANCE Rotaviruses are a major cause of severe gastroenteritis in infants and young children. Recently, a highly efficient reverse genetics system was developed that allows genetic manipulation of the rotavirus segmented double-stranded RNA genome. Using the reverse genetics system, we show that it is possible to modify one of the rotavirus genome segments (segment 7) such that virus gains the capacity to express a separate heterologous protein in addition to the full complement of viral proteins. Through this approach, we have generated wild-type-like rotaviruses that express various fluorescent reporter proteins, including UnaG (green), mRuby (far red), mKate (red), and TagBFP (blue). Such strains will be of value in probing rotavirus biology and pathogenesis by live cell imagining techniques. Notably, our work indicates that the rotavirus genome is remarkably flexible and able to accommodate significant amounts of heterologous RNA sequence, raising the possibility of using the virus as a vaccine expression vector.

scholarly journals Effects of Green Fluorescent Protein or β-Glucuronidase Tagging on the Accumulation and Pathogenicity of a Resistance-Breaking Lettuce mosaic virus Isolate in Susceptible and Resistant Lettuce Cultivars

2000 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 316-324 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sylvie German-Retana ◽  
Thierry Candresse ◽  
Emmanuel Alias ◽  
René-Pierre Delbos ◽  
Olivier Le Gall
Keyword(s):  
Green Fluorescent Protein ◽  
Mosaic Virus ◽  
Fluorescent Protein ◽  
Uv Light ◽  
Wild Type Virus ◽  
Lettuce Mosaic Virus ◽  
Recombinant Viruses ◽  
Virus Accumulation ◽  
Resistance Breaking ◽  
Green Fluorescent

The RNA genome of a resistance-breaking isolate of Lettuce mosaic virus (LMV-E) was engineered to express the jellyfish green fluorescent protein (GFP) or β-glucuronidase (GUS) fused to the helper-component proteinase (HC-Pro) to study LMV invasion and spread in susceptible and resistant lettuce cultivars. Virus accumulation and movement were monitored by either histochemical GUS assays or detection of GFP fluorescence under UV light. The GFP- and GUS-tagged viruses spread systemically in the susceptible lettuce cultivars Trocadero and Vanguard, where they induced attenuated symptoms, compared with the wild-type virus. Accumulation of the GFP-tagged virus was reduced but less affected than in the case of the GUS-tagged virus. Systemic movement of both recombinant viruses was very severely affected in Vanguard 75, a lettuce cultivar nearly isogenic to Vanguard but carrying the resistance gene mo12 . Accumulation of the recombinant viruses in systemically infected leaves was either undetectable (GUS-tag) or erratic, strongly delayed, and inhibited by as much as 90% (GFP-tag). As a consequence, and contrary to the parental virus, the recombinant viruses were not able to overcome the protection afforded by the mo12 gene. Taken together, these results indicate that GUS or GFP tagging of the HC-Pro of LMV has significant negative effects on the biology of the virus, abolishing its resistance-breaking properties and reducing its pathogenicity in susceptible cultivars.

scholarly journals Requirement of the N-Terminal Region of Orthobunyavirus Nonstructural Protein NSm for Virus Assembly and Morphogenesis

2006 ◽  
Vol 80 (16) ◽  
pp. 8089-8099 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaohong Shi ◽  
Alain Kohl ◽  
Vincent H. J. Léonard ◽  
Ping Li ◽  
Angela McLees ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reverse Genetics ◽  
Fluorescent Protein ◽  
Virus Assembly ◽  
Signal Sequence ◽  
Nonstructural Protein ◽  
Intracellular Localization ◽  
Integral Membrane Protein ◽  
Terminal Region ◽  
Coding Region ◽  
Hydrophobic Domain

ABSTRACT The nonstructural protein NSm of Bunyamwera virus (BUNV), the prototype of the Bunyaviridae family, is encoded by the M segment in a polyprotein precursor, along with the virion glycoproteins, in the order Gn-NSm-Gc. As little is known of its function, we examined the intracellular localization, membrane integrality, and topology of NSm and its role in virus replication. We confirmed that NSm is an integral membrane protein and that it localizes in the Golgi complex, together with Gn and Gc. Coimmunoprecipitation assays and yeast two-hybrid analysis demonstrated that NSm was able to interact with other viral proteins. NSm is predicted to contain three hydrophobic (I, III, and V) and two nonhydrophobic (II and IV) domains. The N-terminal nonhydrophobic domain II was found in the lumen of an intracellular compartment. A novel BUNV assembly assay was developed to monitor the formation of infectious virus-like-particles (VLPs). Using this assay, we showed that deletions of either the complete NSm coding region or domains I, II, and V individually seriously compromised VLP production. Consistently, we were unable to rescue viable viruses by reverse genetics from cDNA constructs that contained the same deletions. However, we could generate mutant BUNV with deletions in NSm domains III and IV and also a recombinant virus with the green fluorescent protein open reading frame inserted into NSm domain IV. The mutant viruses displayed differences in their growth properties. Overall, our data showed that the N-terminal region of NSm, which includes domain I and part of domain II, is required for virus assembly and that the C-terminal hydrophobic domain V may function as an internal signal sequence for the Gc glycoprotein.

scholarly journals Rotavirus Virus-Like Particles as Surrogates in Environmental Persistence and Inactivation Studies

2004 ◽  
Vol 70 (7) ◽  
pp. 3904-3909 ◽  
Author(s):  
Santiago Caballero ◽  
F. Xavier Abad ◽  
Fabienne Loisy ◽  
Françoise S. Le Guyader ◽  
Jean Cohen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fluorescent Protein ◽  
Uv Light ◽  
Expression System ◽  
Baculovirus Expression System ◽  
Virus Removal ◽  
Virus Like Particles ◽  
Reverse Transcription Pcr ◽  
Actual Field ◽  
Uv Dose ◽  
Green Fluorescent

ABSTRACT Virus-like particles (VLPs) with the full-length VP2 and VP6 rotavirus capsid proteins, produced in the baculovirus expression system, have been evaluated as surrogates of human rotavirus in different environmental scenarios. Green fluorescent protein-labeled VLPs (GFP-VLPs) and particles enclosing a heterologous RNA (pseudoviruses), whose stability may be monitored by flow cytometry and antigen capture reverse transcription-PCR, respectively, were used. After 1 month in seawater at 20°C, no significant differences were observed between the behaviors of GFP-VLPs and of infectious rotavirus, whereas pseudovirus particles showed a higher decay rate. In the presence of 1 mg of free chlorine (FC)/liter both tracers persisted longer in freshwater at 20°C than infectious viruses, whereas in the presence of 0.2 mg of FC/liter no differences were observed between tracers and infectious rotavirus at short contact times. However, from 30 min of contact with FC onward, the decay of infectious rotavirus was higher than that of recombinant particles. The predicted Ct value for a 90% reduction of GFP-VLPs or pseudoviruses induces a 99.99% inactivation of infectious rotavirus. Both tracers were more resistant to UV light irradiation than infectious rotavirus in fresh and marine water. The effect of UV exposure was more pronounced on pseudovirus than in GFP-VLPs. In all types of water, the UV dose to induce a 90% reduction of pseudovirus ensures a 99.99% inactivation of infectious rotavirus. Recombinant virus surrogates open new possibilities for the systematic validation of virus removal practices in actual field situations where pathogenic agents cannot be introduced.

scholarly journals Regulation of Mineralocorticoid Receptor Expression during Neuronal Differentiation of Murine Embryonic Stem Cells

Endocrinology ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 151 (5) ◽  
pp. 2244-2254 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mathilde Munier ◽  
Geri Meduri ◽  
Say Viengchareun ◽  
Philippe Leclerc ◽  
Damien Le Menuet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neuronal Differentiation ◽  
Mineralocorticoid Receptor ◽  
Fluorescent Protein ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Embryonic Stem ◽  
Embryoid Bodies ◽  
Receptor Expression ◽  
Neuronal Markers ◽  
Mature Neurons

Mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) plays a critical role in brain function. However, the regulatory mechanisms controlling neuronal MR expression that constitutes a key element of the hormonal response are currently unknown. Two alternative P1 and P2 promoters drive human MR gene transcription. To examine promoter activities and their regulation during neuronal differentiation and in mature neurons, we generated stably transfected recombinant murine embryonic stem cell (ES) lines, namely P1-GFP and P2-GFP, in which each promoter drove the expression of the reporter gene green fluorescent protein (GFP). An optimized protocol, using embryoid bodies and retinoic acid, permitted us to obtain a reproducible neuronal differentiation as revealed by the decrease in phosphatase alkaline activity, the concomitant appearance of morphological changes (neurites), and the increase in the expression of neuronal markers (nestin, β-tubulin III, and microtubule-associated protein-2) as demonstrated by immunocytochemistry and quantitative PCR. Using these cell-based models, we showed that MR expression increased by 5-fold during neuronal differentiation, MR being preferentially if not exclusively expressed in mature neurons. Although the P2 promoter was always weaker than the P1 promoter during neuronal differentiation, their activities increased by 7- and 5-fold, respectively, and correlated with MR expression. Finally, although progesterone and dexamethasone were ineffective, aldosterone stimulated both P1 and P2 activity and MR expression, an effect that was abrogated by knockdown of MR by small interfering RNA. In conclusion, we provide evidence for a tight transcriptional control of MR expression during neuronal differentiation. Given the neuroprotective and antiapoptotic role proposed for MR, the neuronal differentiation of ES cell lines opens potential therapeutic perspectives in neurological and psychiatric diseases.

Cdk5 mediates changes in morphology and promotes apoptosis of astrocytoma cells in response to heat shock

2001 ◽  
Vol 114 (6) ◽  
pp. 1145-1153 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Gao ◽  
S. Negash ◽  
H.S. Wang ◽  
D. Ledee ◽  
H. Guo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heat Shock ◽  
Cell Line ◽  
Fluorescent Protein ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Normal Growth ◽  
Dominant Negative ◽  
Specific Expression ◽  
Cell Matrix ◽  
Dominant Negative Mutation ◽  
U373 Cells

The cyclin-dependent kinase member, Cdk5, is expressed in a variety of cell types, but neuron-specific expression of its activator, p35, is thought to limit its activity to neurons. Here we demonstrate that both Cdk5 and p35 are expressed in the human astrocytoma cell line, U373. Cdk5 and p35 are present in the detergent-insoluble cytoskeletal fraction of this cell line and Cdk5 localizes to filopodia and vinculin-rich regions of cell-matrix contact in lamellopodia. When exposed to a 46(o)C heat shock, U373 cells change shape, lose cell-matrix contacts and show increased levels of apoptosis. To test whether Cdk5 activation might play a role in these events, U373 cells were stably transfected with histidine-tagged or green fluorescent protein-tagged constructs of Cdk5 or a dominant negative mutation, Cdk5T33. Under normal growth conditions, growth characteristics of the stably transfected lines were indistinguishable from untransfected U373 cells and Cdk5 localization was not changed. However, when subjected to heat shock, cells stably transfected with Cdk5-T33 remained flattened, showed little loss of cell-matrix adhesion, and exhibited significantly lower levels of apoptosis. In contrast, cells that overexpressed wild-type Cdk5 showed morphological changes similar to those seen in untransfected U373 cells in response to heat shock and had significantly higher levels of apoptosis. Heat-shocked cells showed changes in p35 mobility and stability of the Cdk5/p35 complex consistent with endogenous Cdk5 activity. Together these findings suggest that endogenous Cdk5 activity may play a key role in regulating morphology, attachment, and apoptosis in U373 cells, and raise the possibility that Cdk5 may be a general regulator of cytoskeletal organization and cell adhesion in both neuronal and non-neuronal cells.

scholarly journals Hierarchy among Viral RNA (vRNA) Segments in Their Role in vRNA Incorporation into Influenza A Virions

2006 ◽  
Vol 80 (5) ◽  
pp. 2318-2325 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yukiko Muramoto ◽  
Ayato Takada ◽  
Ken Fujii ◽  
Takeshi Noda ◽  
Kiyoko Iwatsuki-Horimoto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Influenza A ◽  
Fluorescent Protein ◽  
Virus Assembly ◽  
Viral Rna ◽  
Green Fluorescent Protein Gene ◽  
Influenza A Viruses ◽  
Coding Regions ◽  
Virion Incorporation ◽  
Green Fluorescent ◽  
Efficient Viral Replication

ABSTRACT The genome of influenza A viruses comprises eight negative-strand RNA segments. Although all eight segments must be present in cells for efficient viral replication, the mechanism(s) by which these viral RNA (vRNA) segments are incorporated into virions is not fully understood. We recently found that sequences at both ends of the coding regions of the HA, NA, and NS vRNA segments of A/WSN/33 play important roles in the incorporation of these vRNAs into virions. In order to similarly identify the regions of the PB2, PB1, and PA vRNAs of this strain that are critical for their incorporation, we generated a series of mutant vRNAs that possessed the green fluorescent protein gene flanked by portions of the coding and noncoding regions of the respective segments. For all three polymerase segments, deletions at the ends of their coding regions decreased their virion incorporation efficiencies. More importantly, these regions not only affected the incorporation of the segment in which they reside, but were also important for the incorporation of other segments. This effect was most prominent with the PB2 vRNA. These findings suggest a hierarchy among vRNA segments for virion incorporation and may imply intersegment association of vRNAs during virus assembly.

scholarly journals Recombinant subtype A and B human respiratory syncytial virus clinical isolates co-infect the respiratory tract of cotton rats

2020 ◽  
Vol 101 (10) ◽  
pp. 1056-1068
Author(s):  
Linda J. Rennick ◽  
Sham Nambulli ◽  
Ken Lemon ◽  
Grace Y. Olinger ◽  
Nicholas A. Crossland ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Reverse Genetics ◽  
Fluorescent Protein ◽  
Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽  
Subtype B ◽  
Cotton Rats ◽  
Syncytial Virus ◽  
Subtype A

Human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) is an important respiratory pathogen causing a spectrum of illness, from common cold-like symptoms, to bronchiolitis and pneumonia requiring hospitalization in infants, the immunocompromised and the elderly. HRSV exists as two antigenic subtypes, A and B, which typically cycle biannually in separate seasons. There are many unresolved questions in HRSV biology regarding the interactions and interplay of the two subtypes. Therefore, we generated a reverse genetics system for a subtype A HRSV from the 2011 season (A11) to complement our existing subtype B reverse genetics system. We obtained the sequence (HRSVA11) directly from an unpassaged clinical sample and generated the recombinant (r) HRSVA11. A version of the virus expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) from an additional transcription unit in the fifth (5) position of the genome, rHRSVA11EGFP(5), was also generated. rHRSVA11 and rHRSVA11EGFP(5) grew comparably in cell culture. To facilitate animal co-infection studies, we derivatized our subtype B clinical isolate using reverse genetics toexpress the red fluorescent protein (dTom)-expressing rHRSVB05dTom(5). These viruses were then used to study simultaneous in vivo co-infection of the respiratory tract. Following intranasal infection, both rHRSVA11EGFP(5) and rHRSVB05dTom(5) infected cotton rats targeting the same cell populations and demonstrating that co-infection occurs in vivo. The implications of this finding on viral evolution are important since it shows that inter-subtype cooperativity and/or competition is feasible in vivo during the natural course of the infection.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document