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Antiviral agent from lambda-infected Escherichia coli K-12. I. Isolation
Abstract:
Phagicin, which is an antiviral agent active against deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) viruses such as vaccinia and herpes simplex, has been identified as a phage internal protein. It was found in infected Escherichia coli lysates, but could also be obtained by disruption of the purified infective particles after incubation with LiCl at 46 C for 15 min or by sonic treatment. After centrifugation at high speed, the antiviral activity was found in the DNA phase and could be separated by chromatography on Sephadex gels with 0.2 M phosphate buffer (pH 7.5) as the eluent. Phagicin present in lysates after removal of infective particles was nondialyzable and was bound to nucleic acids. It could be released during precipitation of nucleic acids by streptomycin sulfate, and in this form it could be easily dialyzed. The antiviral activity of phagicin was specific for herpes simplex and vaccinia viruses.
Insights
Phagicin, an antiviral protein, effectively targets deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) viruses like vaccinia and herpes simplex. This internal phage protein was isolated from infected E. coli and purified for antiviral applications.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Phagicin is an antiviral agent effective against deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) viruses.
- It has been identified as an internal protein of bacteriophages.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize phagicin as an antiviral agent.
- To determine its source and purification methods.
- To investigate its specificity against different viruses.
Main Methods:
- Isolation from infected Escherichia coli lysates.
- Purification via LiCl treatment or sonication of infective particles.
- Separation using Sephadex gel chromatography.
- Assessment of nucleic acid binding and release.
Main Results:
- Phagicin was found in infected E. coli and purified infective particles.
- Chromatography yielded an active antiviral fraction.
- Phagicin in lysates was bound to nucleic acids and released by streptomycin sulfate precipitation.
- Activity was specific for herpes simplex and vaccinia viruses.
Conclusions:
- Phagicin is a phage internal protein with specific antiviral activity against DNA viruses.
- Its purification and characterization provide insights into phage biology and antiviral strategies.