APOBEC-mediated viral restriction: not simply editing?

The APOBEC family of cytidine deaminases inhibit the mobility of diverse retroviruses, retrotransposons and other viruses. Initial reports proposed that these effects were due to the DNA editing capabilities of these enzymes; however, many recent studies have provided evidence suggesting that APOBEC proteins can inhibit these elements by several mechanisms, including editing-dependent and editing-independent processes. Investigating these modes of action and the potential contribution that each one makes to the antiviral activities of various APOBEC proteins is vital if we are to understand how APOBEC proteins protect host genomes from invading nucleic acids.

Neutralization of HTLV-III/LAV replication by antiserum to thymosin alpha 1.

An antiserum prepared against thymosin alpha 1, a hormone secreted by the thymus gland, effectively neutralized the AIDS-associated virus [HTLV-III/LAV (clone BH-10)] and blocked its replication in H9 cells. Reverse transcriptase activity and expression of the HTLV-III/LAV antigens p15 and p24 were inhibited by purified immunoglobulin G preparations of antisera to thymosin alpha 1. The antiviral activity of the antiserum was found to be due to a region of homology between thymosin alpha 1 and p17, a product of the gag gene of HTLV-III/LAV. Comparison of the primary sequences of thymosin alpha 1 and the gag protein revealed a 44% to 50% homology in an 18-amino acid region, between positions 11 and 28 on thymosin alpha 1 and 92 and 109 on the gag protein. The effectiveness of the thymosin alpha 1 antiserum and of immunoglobulin G-enriched preparations in blocking replication of HTLV-III(BH-10) in H9 cells suggests a novel approach to the development of an AIDS vaccine. A vaccine directed against the gag protein might overcome the problem of genetic drift in the envelope region of the virus and be useful against all genetic variants of HTLV-III/LAV.

Activation of the AIDS retrovirus promoter by the cellular transcription factor, Sp1.

The nature and position of transcriptional control elements responsible for the expression of genes encoded by the retrovirus associated with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) have not been precisely defined. In this study it is shown that the mammalian Sp1 transcription factor binds to promoter sequences within the AIDS retrovirus long terminal repeat (LTR) and activates RNA synthesis five- to eightfold in reconstituted reactions in vitro. Experiments in which regions of DNA were protected from added reagents by specifically bound proteins (footprinting) indicated that the upstream promoter region of the AIDS virus LTR lies between -45 and -77 (relative to the RNA start site, +1) and contains three tandem, closely spaced SP1 binding sites of variable affinity. Base-substitution mutations targeted to one or all three Sp1 binding sites were found both to eliminate the binding of Sp1 and to cause up to a tenfold reduction in transcriptional efficiency in vitro. These findings suggest that one important component of the AIDS virus transcriptional control region interacts with a cellular transcription factor, Sp1, and that this factor must function in conjunction with transcriptional elements located downstream of the RNA cap site to mediate the response of the LTR to viral trans-activation.

Suramin protection of T cells in vitro against infectivity and cytopathic effect of HTLV-III.

A recently discovered member of the human T-cell leukemia virus (HTLV) family of retroviruses has been etiologically linked to the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). This virus, which has been designated HTLV-III, is tropic for OKT4-bearing (helper-inducer) T cells. Moreover, the virus is cytopathic for these cells. Suramin is a drug used in the therapy of Rhodesian trypanosomiasis and onchocerciasis, and it is known to inhibit the reverse transcriptase of a number of retroviruses. Suramin has now been found to block in vitro the infectivity and cytopathic effect of HTLV-III at doses that are clinically attainable in human beings.

Pharmacological inhibition of in vitro infectivity of human T lymphotropic virus type I.

Human T lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) is an exogenous RNA tumor virus etiologically linked to adult T cell leukemia and related diseases. In this paper, we describe that two 2',3'-dideoxynucleoside analogues, erythro 3'-azido-2',3'-dideoxythymidine (also called azidothymidine) and 2',3'-dideoxycytidine can inhibit the infectivity of HTLV-I against helper/inducer T cells in vitro. Both 2',3'-dideoxynucleoside analogues inhibited the overgrowth of target T cells, which was a consequence of virally mediated transformation, when they were exposed to the virus and cultured with the compounds. A profound decrease in the expression of HTLV-I gag-proteins was also observed. Moreover, we observed that the amount of proviral DNA detected in cellular DNA from the target T cells was substantially reduced when the cells were protected by the compounds against the virus and that at certain concentrations of the compounds the synthesis of viral DNA was completely suppressed. These results may be of value in developing a new pharmacological strategy for preventing the replication and possibly blocking the transmission of HTLV-I and related retroviruses in human beings.

Close association between interleukin 2 receptor mRNA expression and human T cell leukemia/lymphoma virus type I viral RNA expression in short-term cultured leukemic cells from adult T cell leukemia patients.

Human T cell leukemia/lymphoma (T-lymphotropic) virus type I (HTLV-I) infection has been considered to be closely associated with the leukemogenesis of adult T cell leukemia (ATL), in which interleukin 2 (IL-2) receptors are abnormally expressed. In this study, however, Southern blot analysis revealed no gross rearrangement or obvious amplification of the IL-2 receptor gene in ATL leukemic cells, indicating that abnormal IL-2 receptor expression in ATL is not due to the structural change of its gene. Hence, we studied the expression of the IL-2 receptor and HTLV-I at the RNA level during short-term cultures of leukemic cells from 9 ATL patients. Cytoplasmic dot hybridization and Northern hybridization revealed that fresh leukemic cells from seven of nine patients expressed a small amount of IL-2 receptor mRNA but HTLV-I RNA was undetectable in all cases. After cultures for up to 7 d, both IL-2 receptor mRNA and HTLV-I RNA (including pX message) expression concomitantly increased, whereas the amounts of other cellular genes, except for beta-actin, did not. The increases in their RNA expression were inhibited by early addition (within 12 h after the beginning of the culture) of cycloheximide, indicating that these increases are mediated by newly synthesized protein(s). These results strongly suggested that IL-2 receptor expression is closely associated with HTLV-I expression in leukemic cells from ATL patients.

Human T-cell leukemia virus I induction by 5-iodo-2'-deoxyuridine and N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine: inhibition by retinoids, L-ascorbic acid, and DL-alpha-tocopherol.

Human T-cell leukemia virus type I was induced by N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) and 5-iodo-2'-deoxyuridine (ldUrd) in the MT-1 cell line. Virus expression was monitored by immunofluorescence microscopy with GIN-14, mouse monoclonal antibodies directed toward Mr 19,000 and Mr 28,000 protein-specific virus polypeptides. MNNG (0.1 micrograms/ml) and ldUrd (50 micrograms/ml) both induced virus synthesis in MT-1 cells. MNNG-induced virus expression peaked between 24 and 48 h of incubation, whereas ldUrd induced maximum virus expression between 48 and 72 h of incubation. Superinduction resulted when MNNG was added to cells induced 48 h previously with ldUrd, but not with concomitant treatment. 13-cis-Retinoic acid, retinol, retinol aldehyde, and retinol acetate (10(-6) to 10(-9)M) were concomitantly added with ldUrd to MT-1 cells for 24, 48, and 72 h incubation. All inhibited virus induction to various degrees. The retinoids were ranked as to inhibitory activity: retinol greater than retinoic acid greater than retinol aldehyde greater than retinol acetate. The most sensitive period for inhibiting ldUrd induction by retinoic acid was 24 h postinduction or with concomitant treatment. Vitamin C and vitamin E inhibited ldUrd induction most effectively with 48 h incubation. Retinol and vitamin C also inhibited virus induction by MNNG. None of the retinoids, vitamin C, or vitamin E significantly inhibited virus expression in noninduced cells or were toxic to the cells at the concentrations used in these experiments.

Quantitative assays for evaluation of HTLV-III inactivation procedures: tri(N-butyl)phosphate:sodium cholate and beta-propiolactone.

Human T-lymphotropic retrovirus type III (HTLV-III) can be quantitatively assayed for infectivity by inoculation of serial dilutions into cultures of the H-9 cell line and testing for reverse transcriptase in the culture supernatants. Sequential harvests revealed that 14 days of incubation of cultures fed twice weekly was sufficient to reveal maximal titers. Stocks prepared from unconcentrated H9:HTLV-IIIb supernatants have contained from 10(4.5) to 10(6.0) (TCID50)/ml. Stocks prepared by 100-fold concentration of such fluids by pelleting or by polyethylene glycol precipitation followed by pelleting onto sucrose cushions contained 10(6.0)-10(6.5) TCID50/ml. Preliminary studies are under way to utilize this system for evaluation of sterilization processes which can be applied to blood derivatives. Exposure of HTLV-III suspended in Factor VIII preparations to 0.3% tri(n-butyl)phosphate-0.2% sodium cholate resulted in inactivation of greater than or equal to 10(4.5) TCID50 in 2.5 h at 27 degrees C. Exposure of HTLV-III suspended in 4 g of gamma-globulin per 100 ml to 0.14% beta-propiolactone for 4 h at room temperature at pH 8.0 inactivated greater than or equal to 10(4.5) TCID50. However, exposure to gamma-globulin alone inactivated about 99% of HTLV-III infectivity.

Pharmacological inhibition of infectivity of HTLV-III in vitro.

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a pandemic immunosuppressive disease that predisposes to life-threatening opportunistic infections and unusual forms of neoplasms. A recently discovered member of the human T-lymphotrophic virus (HTLV) family, designated HTLV-III, has been shown to be the etiological agent of AIDS. We have shown previously that a trypanosomicidal drug, suramin, can block the in vitro infectivity and cytopathic effect of HTLV-III at doses that are attainable in human beings. In the present work we report our findings that suramin can block the cytopathic effect of HTLV-III even after a defined exposure of the target helper/inducer T-cells to the virus and that the T-cells protected by suramin remain immunologically functional.

Implications of the discovery of HTLV-III for the treatment of AIDS.

The recent discovery of HTLV-III, a cytopathic member of the family of human T-cell lymphotropic viruses (HTLV), and its identification as the etiological agent of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) have important implications for the treatment of this disorder. The pathogenesis of AIDS involves the destruction of helper/inducer T-lymphocytes by active viral infection, and drugs which inhibit the replication of HTLV-III or monoclonal antibodies directed at viral antigens may be important components of future therapeutic strategies. There are a number of steps in the replication of HTLV-III which might potentially be susceptible to antiviral agents. One drug, suramin, which was originally developed as an antitrypanosomal agent, has been found to be an inhibitor of reverse transcriptase. This drug has been shown to block the infectivity and cytopathic effect of HTLV-III [Mitsuya, H., Popovic, M., Yarchoan, R., Matsushita, S., Gallo, R. C., and Broder, S. Science (Wash. DC), 266: 172-174, 1984]; in addition, it is able to block the in vitro replication of another member of the HTLV family, HTLV-I, at concentrations of 25 to 75 micrograms/ml. Lymphocyte proliferation in vitro is minimally inhibited at these concentrations of suramin, and the ratios of helper/inducer to cytotoxic/suppressor T-lymphocytes are not affected. Clinical trials are being initiated to study the effect of suramin on patients with AIDS. Evaluation of this and other antiviral treatments for AIDS will optimally involve direct assessment of its effects on HTLV-III replication in vivo. Recent evidence, however, suggests that these patients have a low level of viral replication in lymphoid tissue which may spontaneously fluctuate, making such evaluation complex.

CD4 receptor binding peptides that block HIV infectivity cause human monocyte chemotaxis. Relationship to vasoactive intestinal polypeptide.

The octapeptide Ala-Ser-Thr-Thr-Thr-Asn-Tyr-Thr (peptide T) and two structural analogs are potent agonists of human monocyte chemotaxis, evincing identical rank potency orders as was previously shown for their inhibition of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) envelope binding and T cell infectivity. Chemotactic activity could be inhibited by anti-CD4 monoclonal antibodies (Mabs), but not other mononuclear cell Mabs. The core peptide required for chemotactic activity is a pentapeptide related to the sequence Thr-Thr-Asn-Tyr-Thr. Homologous pentapeptides, identified by computer search, were detected in several other non-HIV-related viruses as well as the neuropeptide vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP). The CD4 molecule, therefore, appears to be a recognition molecule for a small signal peptide ligand whose active sequence is a homolog of peptide T and which may be the neuropeptide VIP.

Antiviral agents with activity against human retroviruses.

The ability of various known anti-HIV antivirals to inhibit four different strains of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), a strain of type 2 (HIV-2), and a human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) was tested. The tested substances included two sulfated polysaccharides (lentinan sulfate and dextran sulfate) and a nonsulfated polysaccharide PSK, E-P-LEM, glycyrrhizin sulfate, and nucleoside analogues (AZT and DHT). The effects of the substances were measured quantitatively with two different assays: (i) inhibition of cell-free viral infection and (ii) inhibition of the fusion reaction induced by cell-to-cell infection. The results showed that cell-free infection of HIV-1 and HIV-2 was almost completely blocked in the presence of all of the substances tested. However, cell-to-cell infection by HIV-1, HIV-2, and HTLV-I was inhibited only by the polysaccharides, E-P-LEM, and glycyrrhizin sulfate but not by the two nucleoside analogues. Moreover, the extent of inhibition of the fusion reaction by the substances varied significantly from strain to strain in HIV-1.

Utility of formaldehyde fixation for flow cytometry and inactivation of the AIDS associated retrovirus.

To maximize safety in the setting of an increasing number of requests for flow cytometric analysis of specimens potentially contaminated with the AIDS retrovirus, we evaluated some commonly used fixatives for their ability to inactivate the infectious potential of the virus. We found that both formaldehyde (0.37% v/v) and paraformaldehyde (0.5% w/v) completely inactivated the infectious activity of both free and cell-associated lymphadenopathy associated virus (LAV), the etiologic agent for the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Based on encouraging preliminary results we formally evaluated the effect of formaldehyde fixation on flow cytometric parameters. In addition to inactivating LAV, 0.37% formaldehyde in phosphate buffered saline preserved light scatter and fluorescence properties of cells stained with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) and beta-phycoerythrin (PE) conjugated monoclonal antibodies. These findings suggest that formalin fixation may be useful for laboratories performing flow cytometric analysis of specimens potentially contaminated with the AIDS virus.

Synthesis and antiviral activity of certain nucleoside 5'-phosphonoformate derivatives.

(Ethoxycarbonyl)phosphonic dichloride (3) was synthesized by chlorination of bis(trimethylsilyl) (ethoxycarbonyl)phosphonate with thionyl chloride. Adenosine 5'-(ethoxycarbonyl)phosphonate (4), guanosine 5'-(ethoxycarbonyl)phosphonate (5), 2'-deoxyadenosine 5'-(ethoxycarbonyl)phosphonate (18) and 2'-deoxyguanosine 5'-(ethoxycarbonyl)phosphonate (19) were synthesized by coupling of compound 3 with adenosine, guanosine, 2'-deoxyadenosine, and 2'-deoxyguanosine, respectively. Alkaline treatment of 4, 5, 18, and 19 gave the corresponding adenosine 5'-(hydroxycarbonyl)phosphonate (14), guanosine 5'-(hydroxycarbonyl) phosphonate (15), 2'-deoxyadenosine 5'-(hydroxycarbonyl)phosphonate (20), and 2'-deoxyguanosine 5'-(hydroxycarbonyl) phosphonate (21). Treatment of 4 and 5 with methanolic ammonia resulted in the production of adenosine 5'-(aminocarbonyl)phosphonate (12) and guanosine 5'-(aminocarbonyl)phosphonate (13), respectively. The nucleotide analogue 20 exhibited the most potent antiviral activity of this group of nucleotide tested in vitro and was most active against herpes viruses especially HSV-2. The nucleotide analogue 21 had lower, but significant, activity against HSV-2. All of the compounds tested were nontoxic to confluent Vero cells at concentrations as high as 5000 microM.

Effect of tumor promoters on human T cell leukemia/lymphoma virus (HTLV)-structural protein induction in adult T-cell leukemia cells.

We assayed the capacity of tumor promoters to induce human T-cell leukemia/lymphoma virus (HTLV) structural proteins p19 and p24 from the HTLV genome-carrying adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) cell lines, MT-1 and KH-2Lo, and fresh ATL cells. Among the tested substances, 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate (TPA), 12-hexadecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (HPA) and teleocidin induced HTLV structural protein p19 and p24. This suggests that certain environmental substances, especially those known to be tumor promoters, may activate the HTLV-gene in ATL cells.

The effects of tumor promoters on HTLV-1 expression in a low-virus producer and a non-virus producer cell line.

Chemical agents including 5-iodo-2'-deoxyuridine (IUdR), 4-O-methyl 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate (TPA), phorbol, and the tumor promoters teleocidin and TPA were tested for their ability to induce Human T-cell leukemia-lymphoma virus Type I (HTLV-I) expression in the low-virus producer MT-1 cell line and in the non-virus producer C63/CRII-2 cell line, which contains at least one integrated HTLV-I genome equivalent per cell [26]. Viral antigen expression increased from 0.3% to 8.7% in the MT-1 cell line after treatment with IUdR, while TPA and teleocidin were marginally or non-effective as inducers. Chemicals did not induce HTLV-I antigen expression in the C63/CI(II-2) cell line. No enhancement of reverse transcriptase activity or alteration of proviral organization was observed after chemical treatment of MT-1 cells.

Clinical pharmacokinetics of suramin in patients with HTLV-III/LAV infection.

Suramin has been reported to inhibit the reverse transcriptase activity of a number of retroviruses and to reduce the in vitro infectivity and cytopathic effect of HTLV-III/LAV, the etiologic agent of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). The clinical pharmacokinetics of suramin were investigated as part of a pilot study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this drug for the treatment of patients with diseases caused by HTLV-III/LAV. A dose of suramin 6.2 g was given intravenously over a five-week period to four patients. After the last dose, the plasma half-life of suramin was 44 to 54 days. This is among the longest half-lives reported for any therapeutic substance given to humans. Total plasma levels of suramin were greater than 100 micrograms/mL for several weeks. In vitro activity of suramin was found at concentrations as low as 50 micrograms/mL. Metabolites were not found in plasma, and urinary excretion accounts for elimination of most of the drug. Suramin is approximately 99.7% bound to plasma proteins. The results from these initial clinical pharmacokinetic studies might assist the design of further therapeutic trials of suramin, especially the selection of frequency of dosing and adjustments for renal impairment.