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Exposure to acidic pH causes irreversible conformational changes in the measles virus hemagglutinin
1Department of Virology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
Abstract:
Temporary exposure to acidic pH caused the hemagglutinin (H) protein of measles virus to lose hemagglutinating activity and undergo antigenic changes. The antigenic changes, detected as alterations in reactivity of several anti-H protein monoclonal antibodies, were characterised by ELISA and radioimmune precipitation assay. The possible biological instances of such conformational changes within the paramyxovirus H protein are discussed.
Insights
Temporary acidic pH exposure alters measles virus hemagglutinin protein, reducing its activity and changing its antigenicity. These findings reveal conformational changes in the paramyxovirus H protein under specific conditions.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Protein Chemistry
- Immunology
Background:
- Measles virus hemagglutinin (H) protein is crucial for viral entry and immune recognition.
- Understanding protein conformational changes is vital for vaccine development and antiviral strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of temporary acidic pH exposure on measles virus hemagglutinin (H) protein activity and antigenicity.
- To characterize the conformational and antigenic alterations induced by acidic conditions.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of measles virus to temporary acidic pH.
- Assay of hemagglutinating activity.
- Characterization of antigenic changes using ELISA and radioimmune precipitation assays with monoclonal antibodies.
Main Results:
- Temporary acidic pH exposure led to a loss of hemagglutinating activity of the measles virus H protein.
- Significant antigenic changes were observed, indicated by altered reactivity with specific anti-H protein monoclonal antibodies.
- ELISA and radioimmune precipitation assays confirmed these conformational and antigenic alterations.
Conclusions:
- Acidic conditions can induce significant conformational and antigenic changes in the measles virus H protein.
- These findings highlight the potential for environmental factors to modulate viral protein structure and function.
- The study discusses potential biological implications of these conformational changes within paramyxoviruses.