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[Rubella virus. III. Purification of infected or non-infected Vero cell membranes]
Canadian Journal of Microbiology
|May 1, 1975
Abstract:
Separation of Vero cell membrane in a discontinuous sucrose gradient reveals five fractions. After infection a sixth fraction appears. It contains virioins but mostly modified membranes with subunits 5-6 nm in diameter, probably the hemagglutinin. None of the enzymes used was associated with this fraction. No modification of the other fractions was observed after infection.
Insights
Vero cell membrane separation identified six fractions after infection, with the sixth containing virions and modified membranes likely housing hemagglutinin subunits. Other membrane fractions remained unchanged, indicating specific viral modifications.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Virology
- Membrane Biochemistry
Background:
- Vero cells are a widely used cell line for viral propagation and vaccine production.
- Understanding viral interactions with host cell membranes is crucial for studying viral entry and assembly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the changes in Vero cell membrane composition following viral infection.
- To identify specific viral components or modifications associated with infected cell membranes.
Main Methods:
- Separation of Vero cell membranes using discontinuous sucrose gradient ultracentrifugation.
- Analysis of membrane fractions before and after viral infection.
Main Results:
- Five distinct membrane fractions were identified in uninfected Vero cells.
- Viral infection induced a sixth membrane fraction containing virions.
- This sixth fraction was enriched in modified membranes with 5-6 nm subunits, likely hemagglutinin.
- No enzymatic activity was detected in the sixth fraction.
- Other membrane fractions showed no significant modifications post-infection.
Conclusions:
- Viral infection specifically alters a subset of Vero cell membrane components.
- The observed modified membranes in the sixth fraction are likely involved in viral assembly or budding.
- Hemagglutinin subunits are implicated in these membrane modifications.