Analysis of the MCMV resistome by ENU mutagenesis

Mamm Genome. 2006 May;17(5):398-406. doi: 10.1007/s00335-005-0164-2.

Abstract

The mouse cytomegalovirus (MCMV) resistome is the set of host genes with nonredundant functions in resistance to MCMV infection. By screening 3,500 G(3) germline mutant mice ( approximately 1,750 gamete equivalents), we have identified eight transmissible mutations that create MCMV susceptibility in C57BL/6 mice. Among these, a mutation called Domino was noted to cause macrophage susceptibility to vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) in vitro. This accessory phenotype was not corrected by type I interferon (IFN), which suggested a defect of the type I IFN pathway. Domino corresponds to a point mutation that alters the DNA binding domain of STAT1, leading to a defect of STAT1 activation. Identification of the Domino mutation demonstrates that an in vivo MCMV susceptibility screen is feasible and illustrates how it can provide insight into the resistome. Moreover, some mutations are far more deleterious than Domino in MCMV-infected mice, consistent with the interpretation that certain protein(s) unrelated to IFN production or signaling are more important than IFNs with regard to their net antiviral effects.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • DNA Helicases
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Ethylnitrosourea / pharmacology*
  • Germ-Line Mutation
  • Herpesviridae Infections / genetics*
  • Immunity, Innate / genetics*
  • Interferon Type I / genetics
  • Interferon Type I / physiology
  • Macrophages / virology
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Muromegalovirus / genetics*
  • Mutagenesis*
  • Point Mutation
  • Rhabdoviridae Infections / etiology
  • Rhabdoviridae Infections / veterinary
  • STAT1 Transcription Factor / genetics*
  • STAT1 Transcription Factor / physiology
  • Transcription Factors / genetics*
  • Vesicular stomatitis Indiana virus / pathogenicity

Substances

  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Interferon Type I
  • STAT1 Transcription Factor
  • Stat1 protein, mouse
  • Transcription Factors
  • DNA Helicases
  • Ep400 protein, mouse
  • Ethylnitrosourea