Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) causes chickenpox and shingles. Virus infection of cells is known to trigger several signaling pathways that are important for cell proliferation and prevention of programmed cell death (also known as apoptosis). We have used a virus genome wide approach to identify functions of VZV proteins. Nearly all of the 71 VZV genes were individually expressed in tissue culture cells along with a reporter system that responds to specific signaling proteins. Using this approach, last year we showed that VZV ORF12 protein activates two protein kinases (ERK1/2 and p38). ORF12 protein was shown to localize in the virus tegument (between the virus envelope and the protein structure surrounding the viral DNA). We also found that ORF12 inhibits programmed cell death (apoptosis) induced by chemical treatment of the cells. This year we extended our studies of VZV ORF12 and showed that the protein also activates the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway (a cell signaling pathway) to regulate cell cycle progression (important for cell division). Expression of ORF12 protein in cells induced phosphorylation of Akt to its active form. In addition infection of cells with wild-type VZV triggered phosphorylation of Akt, while infection with an VZV ORF12 deletion mutant induced less phosphorylation of Akt. Activation of Akt by ORF12 protein was associated with its binding to the p85 subunit of PI3K. Infection of cells with wild-type VZV resulted in increased levels of cyclin B1, cyclin D3, and phosphorylated glycogen synthase kinase 3-beta, while infection with the VZV ORF12 deletion mutant induced lower levels of these proteins. Wild-type VZV infection reduced the number of cells in the G1 phase of the cell cycle and increased the number of cells in the M phase of the cell cycle. Infection of cells with the VZV ORF12 deletion mutant had a reduced effect on the differences in the number of cells in the G1 and M phase of the cell cycle compared with infection with wild-type VZV. Inhibition of Akt activity in cells also reduced differences in the number of cells in the G1 and M phase of the cell cycle observed in cells infected with wild-type VZV. Thus, we have found that the VZV ORF12 protein activates the PI3K/Akt pathway to regulate progression through the cell cycle. Since VZV replicates in both dividing (keratinocytes) and non-dividing (neurons) cells, the ability of the VZV ORF12 protein to regulate the cell cycle is likely important for VZV replication in various cell types in the body. We have also been developing a more sensitive assay to detect antibody to VZV in recipients of the varicella vaccine. We are comparing our assay using sera from persons who received the vaccine, with results obtained from the fluorescent antibody to membrane antigen (FAMA) assay, to determine the sensitivity and specificity of our assay.
Showing the most recent 10 out of 24 publications
