Interaction between human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) M2-1 and P proteins is required for reconstitution of M2-1-dependent RSV minigenome activity

J Virol. 2003 Oct;77(19):10670-6. doi: 10.1128/jvi.77.19.10670-10676.2003.

Abstract

We have investigated protein-protein interactions among the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) RNA polymerase subunits using affinity chromatography. Here we demonstrate a novel interaction of P and M2-1 proteins. Phosphorylation of either M2-1 or P appears to be dispensable for this interaction. Internal deletions within P mapped the M2-1-binding domain to a region between residues 100 and 120. Alanine-scanning mutagenesis within this region of P revealed that substitution of any one of the three residues, L101, Y102, and F109, prevented both M2-1 and P binding and expression of an M2-1-dependent luciferase reporter gene. However, these same mutations did not prevent the activity of an M2-1-independent chloramphenicol acetyltransferase minigenome, suggesting that these residues of P specifically affect M2-1-P interaction. On the basis of these observations, it is possible that the interaction between RSV M2-1 and P proteins is important for viral replication.

MeSH terms

  • Chromatography, Affinity
  • Genome, Viral*
  • Humans
  • Phosphorylation
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human / genetics*
  • Transcription, Genetic
  • Viral Proteins / chemistry
  • Viral Proteins / physiology*
  • Virus Replication

Substances

  • Viral Proteins