title: Expression and stability of the Mx protein in different tissues of mice, in response to interferon inducers or to influenza virus infection.
abstract: We have defined some characteristics of the mouse Mx protein as a marker of biological response to interferon (IFN) and to virus infection in A2G mice. The Mx protein has been detected and quantitated by Western immunoblot analysis. Upon induction by poly(I):poly(C) or with Newcastle disease virus, the Mx protein is expressed and accumulated in a variety of organs, such as liver, lungs, spleen, kidneys, heart, and brain. In some organs the expression of the Mx protein is detected readily, as soon as 4 h after treatment. The highest protein level is reached at 24 h, and it remains stable for several days declining slowly to return to preinduced levels 2-3 weeks after treatment. Infection with an hepatotropic or a pneumotropic strain of influenza virus resulted in a systemic induction of Mx protein, the highest levels being found in the target organ for virus replication. Our results indicate that the Mx protein is a sensitive, quantitative, and stable marker to follow IFN activity or virus infection in an animal model.
authors: Pharmaceuticals Research, Ciba-Geigy Ltd., Basle, Switzerland.
authors: M A
authors: MA
authors: Horisberger
authors: K
authors: K
authors: De Staritzky
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015415:Biomarkers; D019204:GTP-Binding Proteins; D009980:Influenza A virus / Q000276:immunology*; D007369:Interferon Inducers / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051379:Mice; D064547:Myxovirus Resistance Proteins; D009522:Newcastle disease virus / Q000276:immunology*; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D007369:Interferon Inducers; C579070:Mx1 protein, mouse; D064547:Myxovirus Resistance Proteins; D019204:GTP-Binding Proteins