Chimeric matrix proteins encoded by defective proviruses with large internal deletions in human T-cell leukemia virus type 1-infected humans.

ABSTRACT: Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is the etiologic agent of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL), HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP), and other diseases. The mechanisms of virus pathogenesis are still obscure. The occurrence of defective proviruses in HTLV-1-infected cell lines and the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of infected individuals is a frequent feature of virus infection. We detected defective proviruses with large internal deletions in PBMC from ATLL and HAM/TSP patients and in asymptomatic HTLV-1 carriers. Seventeen PCR-amplified defective proviruses were sequenced, and three types of deletions were found. Besides truncated MA and the 5' end of the genome, truncated CA, truncated SU, and more frequently truncated TM linked t

SUBMITTER: Morozov VA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC111906 | biostudies-literature | 2000 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature