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Electron microscopic observations of FL cells infected with herpes simplex virus. III. Dense bodies
Abstract:
FL cells infected with the -GCr Miyama strain of herpes simplex virus at an adsorbed multiplicity of approximately 10 were fixed at late stages of infection and examined by electron microscopy. Dense bodies containing electron-dense material and surrounded by a limiting membrane were occasionally observed in the perinuclear disternae and in intranuclear vacuoles. Budding of electron-dense material to the cisternae with acquisition of a limiting membrane at the inner nuclear membrane was also occasionally observed. These findings are in constrast with observations that in cells infected with cytomegalovirus numerous dense bodies and their budding process were observed only in the cytoplasmic area.
Insights
Herpes simplex virus infection in FL cells shows dense bodies forming in the perinuclear space and nuclear vacuoles, unlike cytomegalovirus which forms them in the cytoplasm. This electron microscopy study reveals distinct viral assembly sites.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Cell Biology
- Microscopy
Background:
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a common human pathogen.
- Understanding viral replication mechanisms is crucial for developing antiviral therapies.
- Previous studies on cytomegalovirus (CMV) reported dense body formation in the cytoplasm.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the ultrastructural localization of dense bodies during herpes simplex virus infection in FL cells.
- To compare the site of dense body formation between HSV and CMV.
Main Methods:
- FL cells were infected with the -GCr Miyama strain of herpes simplex virus.
- Cells were examined at late stages of infection using electron microscopy.
- Observations focused on the perinuclear cisternae and intranuclear vacuoles.
Main Results:
- Dense bodies were occasionally observed in the perinuclear cisternae and intranuclear vacuoles of HSV-infected cells.
- Budding of electron-dense material was also seen at the inner nuclear membrane.
- These structures were not observed in the cytoplasmic area, contrasting with CMV findings.
Conclusions:
- Herpes simplex virus exhibits distinct intracellular localization of dense body formation compared to cytomegalovirus.
- The findings suggest differences in viral assembly pathways between these herpesviruses.
- Electron microscopy is a valuable tool for elucidating viral morphogenesis.