Sub-genomic replicon and virus-like particles of Omsk hemorrhagic fever virus

Arch Virol. 2009;154(4):573-80. doi: 10.1007/s00705-009-0345-5. Epub 2009 Mar 10.

Abstract

Omsk hemorrhagic fever virus (OHFV) is a member of the tick-borne encephalitis serocomplex of flaviviruses, and causes hemorrhagic disease in humans. To investigate the molecular mechanisms involved in OHFV pathogenesis, we constructed several subgenomic OHFV replicons containing large deletions in the structural region. Replicon RNA was introduced into BHK cells by transfection and the production of viral proteins was monitored by IFA. GFP and luciferase genes were inserted into the OHFV replicon, and these reporter genes were expressed in cells harboring replicating replicon RNA. OHFV replicons were packaged into single-round infectious virus-like particles (VLPs) by sequential transfection with replicon RNA and a plasmid expressing the viral structural proteins. Reporter genes were expressed in cells infected with VLPs, and the infection was inhibited by neutralizing antibodies. These replicon and VLP systems will be useful tools for investigating the molecular mechanism of OHFV pathogenicity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line
  • Cricetinae
  • Encephalitis Viruses, Tick-Borne / genetics
  • Encephalitis Viruses, Tick-Borne / physiology*
  • Genes, Reporter
  • Genome, Viral*
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / biosynthesis
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / genetics
  • Luciferases / biosynthesis
  • Luciferases / genetics
  • Replicon*
  • Sequence Deletion
  • Viral Structural Proteins / genetics
  • Viral Structural Proteins / metabolism
  • Virosomes*
  • Virus Assembly
  • Virus Replication

Substances

  • Viral Structural Proteins
  • Virosomes
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins
  • Luciferases