Cis- and cell-type-dependent trans-requirements for Lassa virus-like particle production

J Gen Virol. 2015 Jul;96(Pt 7):1626-35. doi: 10.1099/vir.0.000105. Epub 2015 Feb 25.

Abstract

Lassa virus (LASV) small zinc-finger protein (Z), which contains two L-domain motifs, plays a central role in virus budding. Here, we report that co-expression of glycoprotein (GPC) altered the requirements for cholesterol but not the L-domains and host factor, Tsg101, for Z-induced virus-like particle (VLP) production. In particular, the cholesterol requirement for VLP production was cell-type-dependent. In addition, GPC was found to be important for co-localization of Z with CD63, a late endosomal marker. We also found that the N-terminal region (aa 3-10) of Z was critical for its myristoylation and VLP production. These findings will contribute to our understanding of LASV assembly and budding.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line
  • Cholesterol / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Lassa virus / genetics
  • Lassa virus / physiology*
  • Viral Proteins / genetics*
  • Viral Proteins / metabolism*
  • Virosomes / genetics*
  • Virosomes / metabolism*
  • Virus Assembly*
  • Virus Release*

Substances

  • Viral Proteins
  • Virosomes
  • Cholesterol