ALIX/AIP1 is required for NP incorporation into Mopeia virus Z-induced virus-like particles

J Virol. 2011 Apr;85(7):3631-41. doi: 10.1128/JVI.01984-10. Epub 2011 Jan 19.

Abstract

During virus particle assembly, the arenavirus nucleoprotein (NP) associates with the viral genome to form nucleocapsids, which ultimately become incorporated into new virions at the cell membrane. Virion release is facilitated by the viral matrix Z protein through its interaction with the cellular endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) machinery. However, the mechanism of nucleocapsid incorporation into virions is not well understood. Here, we demonstrate that ALIX/AIP1, an ESCRT-associated host protein, is required for the incorporation of the NP of Mopeia virus, a close relative of Lassa virus, into Z-induced virus-like particles (VLPs). Furthermore, we show that the Bro1 domain of ALIX/AIP1 interacts with the NP and Z proteins simultaneously, facilitating their interaction, and we identify residues 342 to 399 of NP as being necessary for its interaction with ALIX/AIP1. Our observations suggest a potential role for ALIX/AIP1 in linking Mopeia virus NP to Z and the budding apparatus, thereby promoting NP incorporation into virions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
  • Animals
  • Arenaviruses, Old World / physiology*
  • Calcium-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Carrier Proteins / metabolism*
  • Cell Cycle Proteins / metabolism*
  • Cell Line
  • Chlorocebus aethiops
  • Endosomal Sorting Complexes Required for Transport / metabolism*
  • Guanylate Kinases
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions
  • Humans
  • Nucleoproteins / metabolism*
  • Viral Structural Proteins / metabolism*
  • Virosomes / metabolism*
  • Virus Assembly*

Substances

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
  • Calcium-Binding Proteins
  • Carrier Proteins
  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • Endosomal Sorting Complexes Required for Transport
  • Nucleoproteins
  • PDCD6IP protein, human
  • Viral Structural Proteins
  • Virosomes
  • Guanylate Kinases
  • MAGI2 protein, human