Arenavirus Z-glycoprotein association requires Z myristoylation but not functional RING or late domains

J Virol. 2007 Sep;81(17):9451-60. doi: 10.1128/JVI.00499-07. Epub 2007 Jun 20.

Abstract

Generation of infectious arenavirus-like particles requires the virus RING finger Z protein and surface glycoprotein precursor (GPC) and the correct processing of GPC into GP1, GP2, and a stable signal peptide (SSP). Z is the driving force of arenavirus budding, whereas the GP complex (GPc), consisting of hetero-oligomers of SSP, GP1, and GP2, forms the viral envelope spikes that mediate receptor recognition and cell entry. Based on the roles played by Z and GP in the arenavirus life cycle, we hypothesized that Z and the GPc should interact in a manner required for virion formation. Here, using confocal microscopy and coimmunoprecipitation assays, we provide evidence for subcellular colocalization and biochemical interaction, respectively, of Z and the GPc. Our results from mutation-function analysis reveal that Z myristoylation, but not the Z late (L) or RING domain, is required for Z-GPc interaction. Moreover, Z interacted directly with SSP in the absence of other components of the GPc. We obtained similar results with Z and GPC from the prototypical arenavirus lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus and the hemorrhagic fever arenavirus Lassa fever virus.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Arenavirus / physiology*
  • Carrier Proteins / chemistry
  • Carrier Proteins / metabolism
  • Cell Line
  • Cytoplasm / chemistry
  • Glycoproteins / chemistry
  • Glycoproteins / metabolism
  • Immunoprecipitation
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Microscopy, Confocal
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Processing, Post-Translational*
  • RNA-Binding Proteins
  • Viral Envelope Proteins / chemistry
  • Viral Envelope Proteins / metabolism
  • Viral Matrix Proteins / metabolism
  • Viral Proteins / chemistry
  • Viral Proteins / metabolism*
  • Virus Assembly / physiology*

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • Glycoproteins
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • RNA-Binding Proteins
  • Viral Envelope Proteins
  • Viral Matrix Proteins
  • Viral Proteins
  • glycoprotein C, lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus
  • p11 Z protein, Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus
  • protein Z, Lassa virus