Contribution of N-linked glycans on HSV-2 gB to cell-cell fusion and viral entry

Virology. 2015 Sep:483:72-82. doi: 10.1016/j.virol.2015.04.005. Epub 2015 May 15.

Abstract

HSV-2 is the major cause of genital herpes and its infection increases the risk of HIV-1 acquisition and transmission. HSV-2 glycoprotein B together with glycoproteins D, H and L are indispensable for viral entry, of which gB, as a class III fusogen, plays an essential role. HSV-2 gB has seven potential N-linked glycosylation (N-CHO) sites, but their significance has yet to be determined. For the first time, we systematically analyzed the contributions of N-linked glycans on gB to cell-cell fusion and viral entry. Our results demonstrated that, of the seven potential N-CHO sites on gB, mutation at N390, N483 or N668 decreased cell-cell fusion and viral entry, while mutation at N133 mainly affected protein expression and the production of infectious virus particles by blocking the transport of gB from the endoplasmic reticulum to Golgi. Our findings highlight the significance of N-linked glycans on HSV-2 gB expression and function.

Keywords: Fusion; HSV-2; N-linked glycan; Viral entry; gB.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Fusion*
  • Cell Line
  • DNA Mutational Analysis
  • DNA, Viral / chemistry
  • DNA, Viral / genetics
  • Herpesvirus 2, Human / chemistry*
  • Herpesvirus 2, Human / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Mutation, Missense
  • Polysaccharides / analysis*
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA
  • Viral Envelope Proteins / chemistry*
  • Virus Internalization*

Substances

  • DNA, Viral
  • Polysaccharides
  • Viral Envelope Proteins
  • glycoprotein B, herpes simplex virus type 2

Associated data

  • GENBANK/KP143740