Proteins induced by infection with caliciviruses

Abstract

Three polypeptides with mol. wt. 100 (P100), 80 (P80) and 65 (P65) X 10(3) were found in calicivirus infected cells. P100 and P80 were present in sub-molar amounts compared with P65 and no precursor product relationship between the three 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 mol. wt. 120 X 10(3) (P120) was demonstrated which appeared to be the precursor of P100. Possible mechanisms of translation in the caliciviruses are discussed.