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Adsorption of mycoplasma virus P1 to host cells
K Dybvig1, J Alderete, H L Watson
1Department of Comparative Medicine, University of Alabama, Birmingham 35294.
Abstract:
The adsorption of mycoplasma virus P1, a virus which infects some strains of Mycoplasma pulmonis, to host cells was examined. Mutants of M. pulmonis to which P1 virus did not adsorb were isolated. Proteins from the mutants and from wild-type cells were compared by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and the only observed difference was in the surface antigen V-1. The electrophoretic properties of V-1 also correlated with the host range of the virus. These data strongly suggest that the V-1 antigen affects adsorption of P1 virus to host cells.
Insights
Mycoplasma virus P1 adsorption to host cells was studied. The V-1 surface antigen was identified as crucial for P1 virus attachment to Mycoplasma pulmonis cells.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Mycoplasma pulmonis is a bacterium that can be infected by Mycoplasma virus P1.
- Understanding virus-host interactions is key to controlling infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanism of Mycoplasma virus P1 adsorption to its host cells.
- To identify host cell factors involved in P1 virus binding.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of Mycoplasma pulmonis mutants resistant to P1 virus infection.
- Comparison of proteins from wild-type and mutant strains using two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.
Main Results:
- A specific surface antigen, V-1, was found to be different in mutant strains.
- The electrophoretic properties of V-1 correlated with the virus's host range.
Conclusions:
- The V-1 surface antigen plays a significant role in the adsorption of Mycoplasma virus P1 to host cells.
- This finding provides insight into the molecular basis of P1 virus-host interactions.