Molluscum contagiosum virus

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Molluscum contagiosum virus
Molluscum contagiousum virus.jpg
Negatively stained transmission electron micrograph of Molluscum contagiosum virus virions
Virus classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
(unranked): Virus
Realm: Varidnaviria
Kingdom: Bamfordvirae
Phylum: Nucleocytoviricota
Class: Pokkesviricetes
Order: Chitovirales
Family: Poxviridae
Genus: Molluscipoxvirus
Species:
Molluscum contagiosum virus

Molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) is a species of DNA poxvirus that causes the human skin infection molluscum contagiosum. [1] Molluscum contagiosum affects about 200,000 people a year, about 1% of all diagnosed skin diseases. Diagnosis is based on the size and shape of the skin lesions and can be confirmed with a biopsy, as the virus cannot be routinely cultured. [2] Molluscum contagiosum virus is the only species in the genus Molluscipoxvirus. [3] MCV is a member of the subfamily Chordopoxvirinae of family Poxviridae . [4] Other commonly known viruses that reside in the subfamily Chordopoxvirinae are variola virus (cause of smallpox) and monkeypox virus . [3]

Contents

The poxvirus family uniquely contains both non-enveloped particles (mature virions), and enveloped particles (extracellular virions). [5] The structure of the virions is consistent with that of others in the poxvirus family: they are composed of a nucleocapsid, core envelope, lateral body, and an extracellular envelope. Like other poxviruses, MCV is a DNA virus that replicates in the cytoplasm instead of the nucleus. Because of this, the virus must bring all necessary enzymes for replication with it or encode the enzymes in its genome.

Structure

The Molluscum contagiosum virus virion is described as oval-shaped and has the dimension of approximately 320 nm × 250 nm × 200 nm. The virus has two distinct infectious particles called the mature virion (MV) and the enveloped virion (EV), which differ in that the EV contains a second outer cellular membrane. Poxviridae is the only virus family that contains both enveloped and non-enveloped infectious particles. Other structures of the EV and MV virion include the nucleocapsid, core wall, and two lateral bodies. [6] Before the virion is released into the cytosol, the lateral bodies are associated with the virion core through boding interactions. However, during virion release into the cytoplasm, the virion core wall expands and forces the lateral bodies to dissociate. The lateral bodies function to transport one or more vital virion proteins needed for genome replication or expression. [7]

Genome

The genome consists of a linear double-stranded DNA molecule that is approximately 190 kilobases in length. The genome is unique in that the two ends of the double-stranded DNA sequence are inverted repeats of each other. This inverted terminal sequence is 4.7 kilobases in length, but can vary from 0.7–12 kilobases among poxviruses. There are 182 genes that are encoded by Molluscum contagiosum virus. Over 100 of these genes are conserved in other viruses from the poxvirus family, such as Variola virus and Vaccinia virus . The inverted terminal sequence of MCV differs from the sequences of others in the poxvirus family because it contains genus-specific host response evasion genes. The genome contains 64% GC bases, and thus encodes a lesser amount of the stop codons UAA, UGA, and UAG compared to other poxviruses. Further gene analysis has shown the MCV genome contains many long and overlapping open reading frames. [8]

Replication cycle

Entry into cell

Molluscum contagiosum virus, similar to all poxviruses, produces two infectious particles: mature virions (MV) and extracellular virions (EV), with the EV differing from the MV in that they possess an extra cellular membrane. To enter the cell, the membrane of MV fuses to the plasma membrane, specifically glycosaminoglycans, of the host cell and then enters via macropinocytosis. This process is initiated by the presence of phosphatidylserine molecules exposed on the MV cellular membrane. [9] Similarly, the outer membrane of EV fuses to the plasma membrane, specifically glycosaminoglycans, of the host cell and also enters via macropinocytosis. After macropinocytosis, H+ is pumped inside the internalized vacuole containing EV and this acidification breaks down the outer membrane, exposing a MV like particle. For both MV and EV, the cellular membranes then fuse with the vacuole allowing the release of the virus core into the cytosol. [9] [10] The virion is then uncoated, exposing the DNA to commence replication.

Replication and transcription

Molluscum contagiosum virus, like other poxviruses, replicates entirely in the cytoplasm of the host cell. This is a property unique to poxviruses, as all other DNA viruses replicate in the nucleus. Therefore, because the host cell proteins for DNA replication are present inside the nucleus, this virus has to bring or encode for all of the proteins needed for replication. [11] Each virion sets up a region in the cytoplasm, called a 'viral factory' where DNA replication, transcription, and translation all occur sequentially.[ citation needed ]

There are three phases of DNA transcription. During the early phase, genes that encode for transcription factors, viral DNA and RNA polymerases, and proteins that stimulate host cell mitosis are transcribed by DNA dependent RNA polymerase that the virion carries with it. [10] The mRNA produced in the early phase is then translated by viral transcriptase that the virion also carries with it. Then during the intermediate phase, the proteins encoded for in the early phase are used to replicate the viral DNA. Additionally, more transcription factors are produced to help transcribe the late phase mRNA. During the late phase, the genes encoding for structural proteins and enzymes needed for future infection are transcribed and then translated. Gene expression is sequential from early to intermediate to late phase of transcription, and it is temporally regulated. [6]

Assembly and release

The virion cytoplasmic factories serve as the place where mature virions are assembled for future infection. Mature virions are released via cell lysis and aid in host to host transmission of the virus. Extracellular virions are made when the MV acquires a second membrane via the Golgi apparatus and then buds out of the cell. Extracellular virions aid in spreading the virus within the epithelial tissue. [6]

Tropism

Molluscum contagiosum virus only infects human epidermal cells. It is not spread throughout the body, which explains why the virus cannot be transmitted through coughing or sneezing. [12] People have attempted to grow the virus in cell culture to study its molecular properties, but have been largely unsuccessful due to it only infecting epidermal cells. [8]

However, there is evidence that it has the ability to adapt and survive in different types of cells in humans with severely compromised immune systems. Using qPCR analysis, it was determined that there was significant Molluscum contagiosum virus in the plasma of one patient who had a large t-cell deficiency. The patient was given CMX-001 antiviral agent as a treatment because of her severe molluscum contagiosum symptoms. Before administering the CMX-001 drug, Molluscum contagiosum virus DNA was found in 50% of her plasma samples, whereas DNA was found in 20% of samples after administering the drug. This is the first time molluscum contagiosum DNA was ever detected in the blood of a patient. [13]

Modulation of host cell processes

Several proteins produced mRNA in the intermediate phase of transcription modulate host cell processes to promote an ideal environment for the viral replication and transcription. Molecular analysis has shown that 77 MCV proteins may potentially interfere with host cell processes. However, only 7 MCV proteins have confirmed host cell functions. These proteins include MC007, MC054, MC066, MC132, MC148, MC159, and MC160. [8] The following list will give an overview of how these proteins modulate host cell processes.

Molluscum contagiosum

Round, hard, flesh colored bumps that are the symptom of Molluscum contagiosum virus infection. Molluscum contagiosum.jpg
Round, hard, flesh colored bumps that are the symptom of Molluscum contagiosum virus infection.

This is a viral infection of the skin that usually presents in children ages 1–10 and immunocompromised patients. [12] The main symptom of this disease is round, hard, flesh colored, painless bumps, with sunken centers that are apparent on the surface of the skin (Figure 1). The bumps are generally less than 6 millimeters in diameter and can become red and inflamed or itchy if a person rubs them. They are generally found on the face, neck, armpits, and hands. However, the bumps may also be found on the genitals of adults if the disease was spread through sexual contact. [4] [12] The virus can be spread directly from person to person through skin to skin contact or through fomites, which are inanimate objects contaminated with the virus. The most common fomites for molluscum contagiosum transmission are clothing, towels, bathing sponges, toys, and sports equipment. Additionally, the virus can spread to other skin areas of one's body through itching or rubbing the virus. It can also be spread in adults through sexual contact. The virus is not circulated throughout the body, and thus, cannot be spread by coughing or sneezing. The transmission of this virus can be prevented by washing hands, not sharing items, refraining from sexual contact and shaving, and by keeping the bumps clean and covered. [4] [12]

Generally, if one has a functioning immune system no treatment is needed and the bumps and virus will go away within 6–12 months of contraction. However, treatment is suggested if the bumps are on the genital area or if the person affected is immunocompromised. In healthy (non-immunocompromised) individuals, cryotherapy, curettage, laser therapy, oral therapy, or a topical therapy is suggested to treat the lesions. Cryotherapy involves freezing the lesions with liquid nitrogen, whereas curettage involves piercing the core and scraping the lesion with sterile equipment. Laser therapy involves destroying the lesion with a laser. It is a good idea to not try removing the lesions yourself, as the skin can become infected and the virus can spread to other parts of the body. A commonly prescribed oral medication used to treat the lesions is cimetidine and a topical therapy is Podophyllotoxin cream (0.5%). [12]

People with severely weakened immune systems and molluscum contagiosum may have bumps or lesions that are greater than 15 millimeters and look different from normal. Most typical therapies are ineffective in treating these people. The recommended treatment in this case are therapies that help boost the immune system. [12]

Related Research Articles

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vaccinia</span> Strain of poxvirus

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Viral protein</span>

The term viral protein refers to both the products of the genome of a virus and any host proteins incorporated into the viral particle. Viral proteins are grouped according to their functions, and groups of viral proteins include structural proteins, nonstructural proteins, regulatory proteins, and accessory proteins. Viruses are non-living and do not have the means to reproduce on their own, instead depending on their host cell's machinery to do this. Thus, viruses do not code for most of the proteins required for their replication and the translation of their mRNA into viral proteins, but use proteins encoded by the host cell for this purpose.

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<i>Herpesviridae</i> Family of DNA viruses

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References

  1. ↑ Rao, K; Priya, N; Umadevi, H; Smitha, T (January 2013). "Molluscum contagiosum". Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology. 17 (1): 146–7. doi: 10.4103/0973-029X.110726 . PMC   3687174 . PMID   23798852.
  2. ↑ "Molluscum Contagiosum | Johns Hopkins Medicine Health Library". www.hopkinsmedicine.org. Retrieved 2019-03-10.
  3. 1 2 "Virus Taxonomy: 2018b Release". International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV). February 2019. Retrieved 14 March 2019.
  4. 1 2 3 "Molluscum contagiosum - Symptoms and causes". Mayo Clinic. Retrieved 2019-03-05.
  5. ↑ Humansandviruses (2015-03-24). "Poxviridae". humansandviruses. Retrieved 2019-03-10.
  6. 1 2 3 "Molluscipoxvirus ~ ViralZone page". viralzone.expasy.org. Retrieved 2019-03-11.
  7. ↑ Schmidt, Florian Ingo; Bleck, Christopher Karl Ernst; Reh, Lucia; Novy, Karel; Wollscheid, Bernd; Helenius, Ari; Stahlberg, Henning; Mercer, Jason (August 2013). "Vaccinia Virus Entry Is Followed by Core Activation and Proteasome-Mediated Release of the Immunomodulatory Effector VH1 from Lateral Bodies". Cell Reports. 4 (3): 464–476. doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2013.06.028 . hdl: 20.500.11850/70158 . ISSN   2211-1247. PMID   23891003.
  8. 1 2 3 Senkevich, Tatiana G.; Koonin, Eugene V.; Bugert, Joachim J.; Darai, Gholamreza; Moss, Bernard (June 1997). "The Genome of Molluscum Contagiosum Virus: Analysis and Comparison with Other Poxviruses". Virology. 233 (1): 19–42. doi: 10.1006/viro.1997.8607 . ISSN   0042-6822. PMID   9201214.
  9. 1 2 Schmidt, Florian Ingo; Bleck, Christopher Karl Ernst; Helenius, Ari; Mercer, Jason (2011-08-31). "Vaccinia extracellular virions enter cells by macropinocytosis and acid-activated membrane rupture: Cell entry of vaccinia extracellular virions". The EMBO Journal. 30 (17): 3647–3661. doi:10.1038/emboj.2011.245. PMC   3181475 . PMID   21792173.
  10. 1 2 Burrell, Christopher J.; Howard, Colin R.; Murphy, Frederick A. (January 2017). Fenner and White's Medical Virology. Academic Press. pp. 229–236. doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-375156-0.00016-3. ISBN   9780123751560.
  11. ↑ Moss, B. (2013-09-01). "Poxvirus DNA Replication". Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology. 5 (9): a010199. doi:10.1101/cshperspect.a010199. ISSN   1943-0264. PMC   3753712 . PMID   23838441.
  12. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Molluscum Contagiosum | Poxvirus | CDC". www.cdc.gov. 2019-01-03. Retrieved 2019-03-10.
  13. ↑ Cohen, Jeffrey I.; Davila, Wilmer; Ali, Mir A.; Turk, Siu-Ping; Cowen, Edward W.; Freeman, Alexandra F.; Wang, Kening (2012-01-19). "Detection of Molluscum Contagiosum Virus (MCV) DNA in the Plasma of an Immunocompromised Patient and Possible Reduction of MCV DNA With CMX-001". The Journal of Infectious Diseases. 205 (5): 794–797. doi:10.1093/infdis/jir853. ISSN   1537-6613. PMC   3274371 . PMID   22262788.
  14. ↑ Mohr, S.; Grandemange, S.; Massimi, P.; Darai, G.; Banks, L.; Martinou, J.-C.; Zeier, M.; Muranyi, W. (2008-08-13). "Targeting the Retinoblastoma Protein by MC007L, Gene Product of the Molluscum Contagiosum Virus: Detection of a Novel Virus-Cell Interaction by a Member of the Poxviruses". Journal of Virology. 82 (21): 10625–10633. doi:10.1128/jvi.01187-08. ISSN   0022-538X. PMC   2573180 . PMID   18701596.
  15. ↑ Xiang, Y.; Moss, B. (2003-02-15). "Molluscum Contagiosum Virus Interleukin-18 (IL-18) Binding Protein Is Secreted as a Full-Length Form That Binds Cell Surface Glycosaminoglycans through the C-Terminal Tail and a Furin-Cleaved Form with Only the IL-18 Binding Domain". Journal of Virology. 77 (4): 2623–2630. doi:10.1128/jvi.77.4.2623-2630.2003. ISSN   0022-538X. PMC   141116 . PMID   12552001.
  16. ↑ Shisler, J. L. (1998-01-02). "Ultraviolet-Induced Cell Death Blocked by a Selenoprotein from a Human Dermatotropic Poxvirus". Science. 279 (5347): 102–105. Bibcode:1998Sci...279..102S. doi:10.1126/science.279.5347.102. ISSN   0036-8075. PMID   9417017.
  17. ↑ Brady, Gareth; Haas, Darya A.; Farrell, Paul J.; Pichlmair, Andreas; Bowie, Andrew G. (2015-06-03). "Poxvirus Protein MC132 from Molluscum Contagiosum Virus Inhibits NF-κB Activation by Targeting p65 for Degradation". Journal of Virology. 89 (16): 8406–8415. doi:10.1128/jvi.00799-15. ISSN   0022-538X. PMC   4524246 . PMID   26041281.
  18. ↑ Jin, Qingwen; Altenburg, Jeffrey D.; Hossain, Mohammad M.; Alkhatib, Ghalib (September 2011). "Role for the conserved N-terminal cysteines in the anti-chemokine activities by the chemokine-like protein MC148R1 encoded by Molluscum contagiosum virus". Virology. 417 (2): 449–456. doi:10.1016/j.virol.2011.07.001. ISSN   0042-6822. PMC   3760151 . PMID   21802105.
  19. ↑ Randall, C. M. H.; Jokela, J. A.; Shisler, J. L. (2012-02-01). "The MC159 Protein from the Molluscum Contagiosum Poxvirus Inhibits NF- B Activation by Interacting with the I B Kinase Complex". The Journal of Immunology. 188 (5): 2371–2379. doi:10.4049/jimmunol.1100136. ISSN   0022-1767. PMC   3288875 . PMID   22301546.
  20. ↑ Nichols, D. B.; Shisler, J. L. (2009-01-21). "Poxvirus MC160 Protein Utilizes Multiple Mechanisms To Inhibit NF- B Activation Mediated via Components of the Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor 1 Signal Transduction Pathway". Journal of Virology. 83 (7): 3162–3174. doi:10.1128/jvi.02009-08. ISSN   0022-538X. PMC   2655573 . PMID   19158250.
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