Epstein-Barr virus latent membrane protein LMP-2A is sufficient for transactivation of the human endogenous retrovirus HERV-K18 superantigen.
Superantigens are microbial proteins that strongly stimulate T cells. We described previously that the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) transactivates a superantigen encoded by the human endogenous retrovirus, HERV-K18. We now report that the transactivation is dependent upon the EBV latent cycle proteins. Moreover, LMP-2A is sufficient for induction of HERV-K18 superantigen activity.
Sutkowski
Natalie
N
Department of Pathology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA.
Chen
Gang
G
Calderon
German
G
Huber
Brigitte T
BT
D000818:Animals; D002460:Cell Line; D020077:Endogenous Retroviruses / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D015967:Gene Expression Regulation, Viral; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D018089:Superantigens / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D015533:Transcriptional Activation; D014759:Viral Envelope Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D014763:Viral Matrix Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D017735:Virus Latency
C037662:EBV-associated membrane antigen, Epstein-Barr virus; D018089:Superantigens; D014759:Viral Envelope Proteins; D014763:Viral Matrix Proteins