Localization of rubella virus core particles in vero cells

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Detection of Infectious Virus from Field-collected Mosquitoes by Vero Cell Culture Assay
07:23

Detection of Infectious Virus from Field-collected Mosquitoes by Vero Cell Culture Assay

Published on: June 9, 2011

J Y Lee1, J A Marshall, D S Bowden

  • 1Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, North Melbourne, Victoria, 3051, Australia. jia-yee.lee@nwhcn.org.au

Virology
|December 22, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Rubella virus (RV) infection alters host cell structures, forming replication complexes and affecting mitochondria. RV core particles associate with these complexes and uniquely with mitochondria, a finding not seen in related viruses.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Cell Biology
  • Microscopy

Background:

  • Rubella virus (RV) infection causes significant host cell morphological changes.
  • Lysosomes are modified into replication complexes, and mitochondria undergo alterations in morphology and distribution.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize Rubella virus morphogenesis.
  • To determine the localization of Rubella virus core particles within infected host cells.

Main Methods:

  • Thin-section electron microscopy (TSEM) was employed to visualize viral structures.
  • Immunogold-labeling electron microscopy (EM) using specific antibodies confirmed the identity of viral components.

Main Results:

  • RV core-like particles (approx. 33 nm) were observed associated with replication complexes.
  • RV core particles were also found associated with mitochondria.
  • Localization of RV core particles near replication complexes resembles that of alphaviruses.

Conclusions:

  • RV core particle localization relative to replication complexes is similar to alphaviruses.
  • The association of RV core particles with mitochondria is a unique characteristic within the Togaviridae family.

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