Evolution of recombinant lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus/Lassa virus in vivo highlights the importance of the GPC cytosolic tail in viral fitness.

ABSTRACT:

Unlabelled

A key characteristic of arenaviruses is their ability to establish persistent infection in their natural host. Different factors like host age, viral dose strain, and route of infection may contribute to the establishment of persistence. However, the molecular mechanisms governing persistence are not fully understood. Here, we describe gain-of-function mutations of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) expressing Lassa virus (LASV) GP, which can prolong viremia in mice depending on the sequences in the GP-2 cytoplasmic tail. The initial mutant variant (rLCMV/LASV mut GP) carried a point mutation in the cytosolic tail of the LASV glycoprotein GP corresponding to a K461G substitution. Unlike what occurred with the original rLCMV/LASV wild-type (wt) GP, infection of C57

SUBMITTER: Sommerstein R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4135970 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature