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. 1996 Oct 15;93(21):11327–11333. doi: 10.1073/pnas.93.21.11327

Human cytomegalovirus US3 impairs transport and maturation of major histocompatibility complex class I heavy chains.

T R Jones 1, E J Wiertz 1, L Sun 1, K N Fish 1, J A Nelson 1, H L Ploegh 1
PMCID: PMC38057  PMID: 8876135

Abstract

The human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) early glycoprotein products of the US11 and US2 open reading frames cause increased turnover of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I heavy chains. Since US2 is homologous to another HCMV gene (US3), we hypothesized that the US3 gene product also may affect MHC class I expression. In cells constitutively expressing the HCMV US3 gene, MHC class I heavy chains formed a stable complex with beta 2-microglobulin. However, maturation of the N-linked glycan of MHC class I heavy chains was impaired in US3+ cells. The glycoprotein product of US3 (gpUS3) occurs mostly in a high-mannose form and coimmunoprecipitates with beta 2-microglobulin associated class I heavy chains. Mature class I molecules were detected at steady state on the surface of US3+ cells, as in control cells. Substantial perinuclear accumulation of heavy chains was observed in US3+ cells. The data suggest that gpUS3 impairs egress of MHC class I heavy chains from the endoplasmic reticulum.

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