Transcription of the human cytomegalovirus natural killer decoy gene, UL18, in vitro and in vivo.
Multiplex RT-PCR analysis of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) replication in human fibroblasts showed transcription of the natural killer (NK) cell decoy gene, UL18, from 72 h onwards. Transcription of glycoprotein B (gpUL55; a late gene) occurred from early time-points and peaked at 24 h post-infection. UL18 mRNA was also detected in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of organ transplant recipients with HCMV viraemia, especially those with HCMV DNA virus loads greater than 10(5) genomes/ml whole blood. Thus, UL18 is produced via a low abundance transcript late during the infectious cycle at a time coincidental with the increased risk of NK cell lysis as a consequence of class I HLA down-regulation.
Hassan-Walker
A F
AF
Department of Virology, Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine, London, UK.
Cope
A V
AV
Griffiths
P D
PD
Emery
V C
VC
D001483:Base Sequence; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003587:Cytomegalovirus / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology; D003586:Cytomegalovirus Infections / Q000276:immunology / Q000821:virology; D017931:DNA Primers / Q000235:genetics; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D015536:Down-Regulation; D005814:Genes, Viral; D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D014158:Transcription, Genetic; D014181:Transplantation Immunology; D014766:Viremia / Q000276:immunology / Q000821:virology; D014779:Virus Replication
D017931:DNA Primers; D004279:DNA, Viral; D006680:HLA Antigens; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D012367:RNA, Viral