Mature, cell-associated HN protein of Newcastle disease virus exists in two forms differentiated by posttranslational modifications.

Characterization of the posttranslational modifications of the mature, cell-associated hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) protein of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) revealed that the HN protein exists in two forms differentiated by disulfide bonds and glycosylation. One form, HNa, contains intermolecular disulfide bonds and is endoglycosidase H partially resistant. The other form, HNb, is not linked by disulfide bonds and is endoglycosidase H sensitive. Both forms of the protein are modified with fucose indicating transport to the Golgi membranes. Both forms are detected at the cell surface by monoclonal antibody. Furthermore, both forms are transported to the cell surface with identical kinetics. HNa is incorporated into virions. HNb is not incorporated into virions and is presumably degraded. The cDNA derived from the HN gene was expressed from a retrovirus vector. The majority of the protein expressed was in the nonvirion-associated form b. Evidence is presented that the level of gene expression determines the ratio of the two forms of HN protein. At high levels of expression, the virion-associated form is favored while at low levels of expression the nonvirion-associated form is favored. The results presented have implications for persistent infections as well as expression of viral genes from different vectors.