Cell-specific transduction of Prdm1-expressing lineages mediated by a receptor for avian leukosis virus subgroup B

J Virol. 2009 May;83(10):4835-43. doi: 10.1128/JVI.02254-08. Epub 2009 Mar 11.

Abstract

The transcription factor Blimp-1 has emerged as a regulator of cell fate in embryonic (germ cell) and adult (B- and T-cell immune effector and epithelial) lineages. It has also been proposed to act as a tumor suppressor in B-cell malignancy. Here, we present a novel in vivo system enabling the targeted genetic manipulation of cells expressing Prdm1, the gene encoding Blimp-1. We created bacterial artificial chromosome-transgenic mice expressing the avian leukosis virus (ALV) receptor TVB, fused to monomeric red fluorescent protein, under regulation by Prdm1 transcriptional elements, and we achieved transduction of TVB-expressing lymphocytes by ALV vectors bearing a subgroup B envelope. The system presented here incorporates a number of innovations. First, it is the first mammalian transgenic system that employs the ALV receptor TVB, thus expanding the flexibility and scope of ALV-mediated gene delivery. Second, it represents the first ALV-based system that allows gene transfer and expression into in vivo-activated mature lymphocytes, a cell type that has traditionally presented formidable challenges to efficient retroviral transduction. Third, Prdm1:TVB-mRFP transgenic animals could provide an invaluable tool for exploring the diverse roles of Blimp-1 in lineage commitment, immune regulation, and tumorigenesis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Avian Leukosis Virus / genetics*
  • B-Lymphocytes / metabolism*
  • B-Lymphocytes / virology
  • Chromosomes, Artificial, Bacterial
  • Genetic Vectors
  • Luminescent Proteins / genetics
  • Luminescent Proteins / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Positive Regulatory Domain I-Binding Factor 1
  • Receptors, Virus / genetics
  • Receptors, Virus / metabolism*
  • Red Fluorescent Protein
  • Spleen / cytology
  • T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • T-Lymphocytes / virology
  • Transcription Factors / genetics*
  • Transduction, Genetic*

Substances

  • Luminescent Proteins
  • Prdm1 protein, mouse
  • Receptors, Virus
  • Transcription Factors
  • Positive Regulatory Domain I-Binding Factor 1