Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026
07:24
In Vitro Disassembly of Influenza A Virus Capsids by Gradient Centrifugation
Published on: March 27, 2016
CENTRIFUGATION AND ULTRAFILTRATION STUDIES ON ALLANTOIC FLUID PREPARATIONS OF INFLUENZA VIRUS.
1Laboratories of the International Health Division of The Rockefeller Foundation, New York.
The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|October 30, 2009
Summary
This study used a synthetic density gradient technique to analyze influenza virus strains. Researchers determined the size and infectivity of virus particles, revealing insights into influenza virus composition and infection dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Biophysics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Influenza virus characterization is crucial for understanding infection mechanisms.
- Previous methods for studying virus particles were limited by convective disturbances.
Purpose of the Study:
- To apply a synthetic density gradient technique for improved influenza virus analysis.
- To determine the physical properties and infectivity of PR8 and Lee influenza virus strains.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a synthetic density gradient technique in an angle centrifuge to study influenza virus.
- Counteracted convective disturbances for enhanced separation and analysis of virus particles.
- Correlated sedimentation boundaries with optical observations from ultracentrifugation.
Main Results:
- Determined sedimentation constants and approximate diameters for infective Lee (800 S, 85 nm) and PR8 (700 S, 80 nm) virus particles.
- Identified non-infective particles and soluble antigens in PR8 virus preparations.
- Estimated that approximately 10 influenza virus particles are needed for PR8 infection.
Conclusions:
- The synthetic density gradient technique significantly improves the study of influenza virus.
- Influenza virus preparations contain infective particles, non-infective components, and soluble antigens.
- Infectivity of influenza virus varies by strain and host, with differing particle requirements for infection.
