Recombination of retrotransposon and exogenous RNA virus results in nonretroviral cDNA integration.
Retroviruses have the potential to acquire host cell-derived genetic material during reverse transcription and can integrate into the genomes of larger, more complex DNA viruses. In contrast, RNA viruses were believed not to integrate into the host's genome under any circumstances. We found that illegitimate recombination between an exogenous nonretroviral RNA virus, lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, and the endogenous intracisternal A-type particle (IAP) retrotransposon occurred and led to reverse transcription of exogenous viral RNA. The resulting complementary DNA was integrated into the host's genome with an IAP element. Thus, RNA viruses should be closely scrutinized for any capacity to interact with endogenous retroviral elements before their approval for therapeutic use in humans.
Geuking
Markus B
MB
Institute of Experimental Immunology, University Hospital Zürich, Schmelzbergstrasse 12, 8091 Zürich, Switzerland. geuking@mcmaster.ca
Weber
Jacqueline
J
Dewannieux
Marie
M
Gorelik
Elieser
E
Heidmann
Thierry
T
Hengartner
Hans
H
Zinkernagel
Rolf M
RM
Hangartner
Lars
L
D000818:Animals; D001117:Arenaviridae Infections / Q000821:virology; D001483:Base Sequence; D002460:Cell Line; D018076:DNA, Complementary / Q000235:genetics*; D007426:Genes, Intracisternal A-Particle / Q000235:genetics*; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D008217:Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus / Q000235:genetics*; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000235:genetics*; D011995:Recombination, Genetic; D048348:Reverse Transcription; D014162:Transfection; D014764:Viral Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D016662:Virus Integration
D018076:DNA, Complementary; D006023:Glycoproteins; D012367:RNA, Viral; D014764:Viral Proteins