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Vaccinia Virus Infection & Temporal Analysis of Virus Gene Expression: Part 2
10:55

Vaccinia Virus Infection & Temporal Analysis of Virus Gene Expression: Part 2

Published on: April 10, 2009

Budding of fowlpox and pigeonpox viruses at the surface of infected cells

Y Hatano1, M Yoshida, F Uno

  • 1Department of Virology, Okayama University Medical School, Japan.

Journal of Electron Microscopy
|May 12, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Fowlpox virus (FWPV) and pigeonpox virus (PPV) primarily exit infected cells through budding at the cell surface. Electron microscopy revealed this budding mechanism is dominant over cytoplasmic wrapping for virus release.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Cell Biology
  • Microscopy

Background:

  • Fowlpox virus (FWPV) and pigeonpox virus (PPV) are significant avian pathogens.
  • Understanding the cellular mechanisms of poxvirus replication and egress is crucial for developing effective control strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the cellular ultrastructure and release mechanisms of FWPV and PPV in infected avian cells.
  • To elucidate the predominant mode of virus egress from infected host cells.

Main Methods:

  • Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to examine infected chick embryo fibroblasts and chorioallantoic membranes.
  • Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) provided surface views of infected cells.

Main Results:

  • Immature and mature virus particles were observed within cytoplasmic "virus factories".
  • Mature virions exhibited characteristic ellipsoidal or brick-shaped morphology with electron-dense cores.
  • A high frequency of virus budding at the plasma membrane was noted, with virions accumulating beneath it.
  • Cytoplasmic wrapping was observed infrequently, suggesting it is not the primary egress route.

Conclusions:

  • Virus budding at the cell surface appears to be the predominant mechanism for FWPV and PPV egress.
  • The accumulation of virions beneath the plasma membrane is closely associated with the budding process.
  • These findings offer insights into the cell exit strategy of Poxviridae family members.

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