Work

The use of novel epitope-tagged arenaviruses reveals that Rab5c-positive endosomal membranes are targeted by the LCMV matrix protein

Year: 2018

Type: article

Abstract: We report the development of recombinant New World (Junín; JUNV) and Old World (lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus; LCMV) mammarenaviruses that encode an HA-tagged matrix protein (Z). These viruses permit the robust affinity purification of Z from infected cells or virions, as well as the detection of Z by immunofluorescent microscopy. Importantly, the HA-tagged viruses grow with wild-type kinetics in a multi-cycle growth assay. Using these viruses, we report a novel description of JUNV Z localization in infected cells, as well as the first description of colocalization between LCMV Z and the GTPase Rab5c. This latter result, when combined with our previous findings that LCMV genome and glycoprotein also colocalize with Rab5c, suggest that LCMV may target Rab5c-positive membranes for preassembly of virus particles prior to budding. The recombinant viruses reported here will provide the field with new tools to better study Z protein functionality and identify key Z protein interactions with host machinery.

Source: Journal of General Virology

DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001004

Authors: Christopher M. Ziegler, Emily A. Bruce, Jamie A. Kelly, Benjamin R. King, Jason W. Botten

Institution: University of Vermont

Language: English

Topic: Viral Infections and Vectors

Subfield: Infectious Diseases

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institute of General Medical Sciences, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Center for Research Resources