Proteins Induced by Infection with Caliciviruses

Abstract
Three polypeptides with MW 100 (P100), 80 (P80) and 65 (P65) .times. 103 were found in calicivirus [vesicular exanthema virus and feline calicivirus] infected [pig kidney IBRS-2 and feline embryo lung cells] cells. P100 and P80 were present in sub-molar amounts compared with P65 and no precursor product relationship between the 3 polypeptides could be demonstrated using pulse-chase experiments or selective inhibitors of protein synthesis and of proteases. In the presence of protease inhibitors a polypeptide with MW 120 .times. 103 (P120) was demonstrated which appeared to be the precursor of P100. Possible mechanisms of translation in the caliciviruses are discussed.