Myxoma virus expresses a TNF receptor homolog with two distinct functions

Virus Genes. 2000;21(1-2):97-109.

Abstract

Myxoma virus, a member of the poxvirus family of DNA viruses, encodes many virulence factors to combat and evade the host immune responses. Among the virus-encoded immuno-modulators is M-T2, a tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNF-R) homologue. M-T2 is secreted as monomeric and dimeric species that bind and inhibit rabbit TNF in a species-specific manner. Deletion analysis indicates that the anti-TNF function is mediated by the first three of four cysteine rich domains (CRDs) of M-T2. In addition, the intracellular form of M-T2 has the ability to block virus-induced apoptosis in lymphocytes, and the first two CRDs appear to be sufficient for this function. Although the mechanisms for the anti-TNF and anti-apoptotic functions of M-T2 are not yet fully defined, we postulate that these dual activities of M-T2 are mediated through different functional motifs and abrogate distinct cellular responses to virus infection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Myxoma virus / genetics
  • Myxoma virus / immunology
  • Myxoma virus / metabolism*
  • Poxviridae Infections / virology
  • Rabbits
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor / chemistry
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor / genetics*
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor / metabolism*
  • Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
  • Tumor Virus Infections / virology
  • Viral Proteins / chemistry
  • Viral Proteins / genetics*
  • Viral Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • M-T2 protein, Myxoma virus
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor
  • Viral Proteins

Associated data

  • GENBANK/M37976
  • GENBANK/M95181