Identification and characterization of the feline herpesvirus type 1 glycoprotein C gene.

The feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1) gene encoding glycoprotein C (gC) has been sequenced and identified based on its genomic location and comparative analysis to other alphaherpesvirus gCs, and the expressed gC protein was also identified by using specific monoclonal antibodies. The FHV-1 gC gene was located within a 7.0 kbp EcoRI fragment, and was 1602 bp in length. The amino acid sequence deduced from the nucleotide sequence was predicted to encode a membrane glycoprotein containing a characteristic N-terminal hydrophobic signal sequence, nine potential N-linked glycosylation sites, and C-terminal transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains. The FHV-1 gC was expressed in COS-7 cells. When flowcytometric analysis was carried out, the gC expressed in COS-7 cells reacted with a panel of monoclonal antibodies against gp113: By immunoprecipitation analysis, the gC expressed in COS-7 cells possessed molecular masses of 125-150 kilodalton, and was similar in size to that in FHV-1-infected CRFK cells.