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Journal of Virology, September 2007, p. 9451-9460, Vol. 81, No. 17
0022-538X/07/$08.00+0 doi:10.1128/JVI.00499-07
Copyright © 2007, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Molecular and Integrative Neuroscience Department (MIND), Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037
Received 8 March 2007/ Accepted 13 June 2007
Generation of infectious arenavirus-like particles requires the virus RING finger Z protein and surface glycoprotein precursor (GPC) and the correct processing of GPC into GP1, GP2, and a stable signal peptide (SSP). Z is the driving force of arenavirus budding, whereas the GP complex (GPc), consisting of hetero-oligomers of SSP, GP1, and GP2, forms the viral envelope spikes that mediate receptor recognition and cell entry. Based on the roles played by Z and GP in the arenavirus life cycle, we hypothesized that Z and the GPc should interact in a manner required for virion formation. Here, using confocal microscopy and coimmunoprecipitation assays, we provide evidence for subcellular colocalization and biochemical interaction, respectively, of Z and the GPc. Our results from mutation-function analysis reveal that Z myristoylation, but not the Z late (L) or RING domain, is required for Z-GPc interaction. Moreover, Z interacted directly with SSP in the absence of other components of the GPc. We obtained similar results with Z and GPC from the prototypical arenavirus lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus and the hemorrhagic fever arenavirus Lassa fever virus.
Published ahead of print on 20 June 2007.
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