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'Phagocytosis' of sendai virus by model membranes
The Journal of General Virology
|October 1, 1975
Abstract:
Sendai viruses were attached to liposomes (vesicular model membranes) at 0 to 4 degrees C, and were then incubated at 37 degrees C. Liposomes made of phosphatidylcholine, cholesterol and gangliosides enveloped the viruses at 37 degrees C to give a picture that resembles the ingestion step of phagocytosis. Virus particles were enveloped only by liposomes that contained gangliosides which serve as Sendai virus receptors.
Insights
Sendai viruses were enveloped by liposomes containing gangliosides, mimicking phagocytosis. Gangliosides are essential for liposome-virus interaction, acting as viral receptors.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Membrane Biophysics
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Sendai virus is an enveloped virus known for its ability to fuse with cell membranes.
- Liposomes serve as model systems to study membrane interactions and viral entry mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interaction between Sendai virus and liposomes (vesicular model membranes).
- To determine the role of liposome composition, specifically gangliosides, in virus envelopment.
Main Methods:
- Sendai viruses were incubated with liposomes composed of phosphatidylcholine, cholesterol, and gangliosides at varying temperatures (0-4°C and 37°C).
- Visual observation of virus-liposome interaction and envelopment was performed.
Main Results:
- Liposomes enveloped Sendai viruses at 37°C, resembling the phagocytosis process.
- Only liposomes containing gangliosides facilitated the envelopment of virus particles.
- Gangliosides were identified as crucial receptors for Sendai virus binding and liposome interaction.
Conclusions:
- Gangliosides in liposomes are essential for mediating the interaction and envelopment of Sendai virus.
- This liposome-virus interaction model provides insights into the initial steps of viral entry, akin to phagocytosis.