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. 1995 Feb;69(2):785–795. doi: 10.1128/jvi.69.2.785-795.1995

A novel translational regulation function for the simian virus 40 large-T antigen gene.

P Rajan 1, S Swaminathan 1, J Zhu 1, C N Cole 1, G Barber 1, M J Tevethia 1, B Thimmapaya 1
PMCID: PMC188643  PMID: 7815544

Abstract

Cells use the interferon-induced, double-stranded-RNA-dependent protein kinase PKR as a defense against virus infections. Upon activation, PKR phosphorylates and thereby inactivates the protein synthesis initiation factor eIF-2, resulting in the cessation of protein synthesis. Viruses have evolved various strategies to counteract this cellular defense. In this paper, we show that simian virus 40 (SV40) large-T antigen can antagonize the translational inhibitory effect resulting from the activation of PKR in virus-infected cells. Unlike the situation with other virus-host cell interactions, SV40 large-T antigen does not block the activation of PKR, suggesting that SV40 counteracts the cellular antiviral response mediated by PKR at a step downstream of PKR activation. Mutational analysis of large-T antigen indicates that a domain located between amino acids 400 and 600 of large-T antigen is responsible for this function. These results define a novel translational regulatory function for the SV40 large-T antigen.

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Selected References

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