Effect of HCMV IE1 Protein on Cytokines Secretion and Apoptosis of Macrophages

Objective： To investigate the effect of human cytomegalovirus （HCMV） IE1 protein on the secretory activity and apoptosis of macrophages. Methods： The eukaryotic expression vector pEGFP-C1/IE1 was used to transfect THP-1-macrophages. 48 h after transfection, the expression and localization of GFP or GFP-IE1 was observed under fluorescent microscope. The levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in the culture media were examined by ELISA, and the mRNA expression of them was analyzed by RT-PCR. Cell undergoing apoptosis were determined by flow cytometry using the propidium iodide （PI） staining method. The data were analyzed by SPSSI3.0. Results： As observed under fluorescent microscope, the expressions of GFP-IEI and GFP by plasmid pEGFP-C1/IE1 or pEGFP-C1 in THP-1-macrophages could be found in nuclei or whole cells. Conclusion： As demonstrated by RT-PCR and ELISA, mRNA and protein expressions of IL-1β and TNF-α and promotes apoptosis in THP-1-macrophages.