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Updated: Sep 9, 2026
Correlative Light Electron Microscopy (CLEM) for Tracking and Imaging Viral Protein Associated Structures in Cryo-immobilized Cells
Published on: September 7, 2018
A correlative study by electron and light microscopy of the development of type 5 adenovirus. II. Light microscopy
Abstract:
The evolution of the intranuclear lesion produced by type 5 adenovirus in HEp-2 and HeLa cells is described as seen in the light microscope and the bodies formed in the course of the infection characterized histochemically. Some 12 hours after infection acidophilic protein bodies, without appreciable nucleic acid, first appear in the nucleus and coalesce into a network. Within or in association with this material, DNA-containing masses (viral aggregates) are formed which rapidly increase in amount and then coalesce. At the same time, a protein is produced, histochemically different from that of the acidophilic or basophilic structures mentioned, within the infected nucleus, which constitutes a matrix within which regular cytstals of a protein, (presumably non-viral) materialize. These structural and histochemical features are correlated with details which have been observed in parallel studies with the electron microscope.
Insights
Type 5 adenovirus infection causes intranuclear lesions in HEp-2 and HeLa cells. Histochemical analysis reveals the formation of protein bodies and viral aggregates within the nucleus during infection.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Virology
- Histochemistry
Background:
- Adenoviruses are common human pathogens.
- Understanding viral replication is crucial for developing antiviral therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the light microscopic and histochemical evolution of intranuclear lesions caused by type 5 adenovirus.
- To characterize the bodies formed during adenovirus infection in HEp-2 and HeLa cells.
Main Methods:
- Light microscopy observation of infected cells.
- Histochemical characterization of intranuclear bodies.
- Correlation with electron microscopy findings.
Main Results:
- Acidophilic protein bodies, lacking nucleic acid, form and coalesce within 12 hours post-infection.
- DNA-containing viral aggregates form and increase rapidly within the nucleus.
- A distinct nuclear protein matrix develops, housing non-viral protein crystals.
Conclusions:
- Type 5 adenovirus infection induces characteristic structural and histochemical changes within the host cell nucleus.
- These changes involve the sequential formation of protein bodies, viral aggregates, and a protein matrix.
- The observed features correlate with electron microscopy data, providing a comprehensive view of adenovirus cytopathology.
