Research

Vaccinia virus replication is not affected by APOBEC3 family members

Melanie Kremer , Yasemin Suezer , Yolanda Martinez-Fernandez , Carsten Münk , Gerd Sutter and Barbara S Schnierle

Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 51–59, 63225 Langen, Germany

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Virology Journal 2006, 3:86doi:10.1186/1743-422X-3-86

Published:	19 October 2006

Abstract

Background

The APOBEC3G protein represents a novel innate defense mechanism against retroviral infection. It facilitates the deamination of the cytosine residues in the single stranded cDNA intermediate during early steps of retroviral infection. Most poxvirus genomes are relatively A/T-rich, which may indicate APOBEC3G-induced mutational pressure. In addition, poxviruses replicate exclusively in the cytoplasm where APOBEC3G is located. It was therefore tempting to analyze whether vaccinia virus replication is affected by APOBEC3G.

Results

The replication of vaccinia virus, a prototype poxvirus, was not, however, inhibited in APOBEC3G-expressing cells, nor did other members of the APOBEC3 family alter vaccinia virus replication. HIV counteracts APOBEC3G by inducing its degradation. However, Western blot analysis showed that the levels of APOBEC3G protein were not affected by vaccinia virus infection.

Conclusion

The data indicate that APOBEC3G is not a restriction factor for vaccinia virus replication nor is vaccinia virus able to degrade APOBEC3G.