In vitro Studies of Sandfly Fever Viruses and Their Potential Significance for Vaccine Development.
Abstract
The replication of Punta Toro virus (Phlebotomus group) has been studied in cultures of BHK-15 or vero cells in terms of morphogenesis, immunofluorescent localization of viral antigens, and by an electrophoretic analysis of virus-specific proteins. The synthesis of Karimibad virus proteins has also been examined. By thin-section electron microscopy procedures, it has been established that the maturation of Punta Foro virus occurs exclusively on smooth internal membranes and predominately in perinuclear areas. Budding is initiated as early as 15 hours after infection and presumably earlier. Particulate nucleocapsids are not observed prior to their condensation into budding particles at the surface of cytoplasmic vesicles (Golgi vesicles). Viral ribonucleoprotein complexes apparently bind only to membranes which have been modified by viral envelope proteins which are visible as spikes on the lumen (contralateral) side of vesicular membranes; areas of vesicular membrane immediately adjacent to budding complexes manifest neither of these viral structures. These observations suggest some form of transmembranyl recognition, presumably transmembranyl viral glycoprotein(s). Virus release from infected cells is apparently accomplished by exocytosis (fusion of virus-containing vesicles with the plasma membrane). It is not yet known whether this process also results in the integration of virus-specific proteins into cell surface membranes.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1979
- Accession Number
- ADA077374
Entities
People
- Jonathan F. Smith
Organizations
- University of Maryland, Baltimore