Characterization of a myxoma virus-encoded serpin-like protein with activity against interleukin-1 beta-converting enzyme.

A genomic library of myxoma virus (MV) DNA, a leporipoxvirus that causes myxomatosis, was constructed and screened by in vitro transcription-translation. A clone was selected on the basis of its strong reactivity with MV antiserum. Analysis of the corresponding DNA sequence and the deduced amino acid sequence revealed an open reading frame coding for a 34-kDa protein with strong homologies to members of the serpin superfamily. The gene encoding this new protein, called serp2, was localized on the MV genome. Interestingly, this gene is deleted in an attenuated strain. We constructed a baculovirus vector to produce recombinant Serp2 protein and raised specific antisera that allowed the characterization of Serp2 expression during the MV cycle. The biological relevance of this new serpin from MV was monitored, and it was shown that Serp2 could inhibit human interleukin-1 beta-converting enzyme activity.