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A study of the measles virus-induced proteins incorporated into the cell membrane
Abstract:
The polypeptide composition of a measles virus isolate from a case of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, the Halle strain, and the distribution of these polypeptides in the cell membrane have been investigated. In purified virus preparations, four major polypeptides were identified with molecular weights corresponding to 80K, 62K, 42K and 37K daltons. A minor band was found at 69K and several others with molecular weights +/- 100K. By specifically labeling the proteins exposed at the surface of BGM cells either persistently or lytically infected with the Halle virus, it was shown that only the 80K and 42K viral polypeptides were present in the cell membrane. Furthermore, it was observed that PAGE profiles of cellular polypeptides differed between infected and noninfected cells.
Insights
This study investigated measles virus (Halle strain) proteins in subacute sclerosing panencephalitis. The 80K and 42K viral polypeptides were identified in the cell membrane of infected cells.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a severe neurological complication of measles virus infection.
- Understanding the measles virus Halle strain's protein composition and cell membrane interactions is crucial for SSPE pathogenesis research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the polypeptide composition of the measles virus Halle strain.
- To investigate the distribution of viral polypeptides within the cell membrane of infected cells.
Main Methods:
- Purification of measles virus Halle strain.
- Analysis of viral polypeptide molecular weights using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE).
- Surface labeling of infected BGM cells (persistently and lytically) to identify cell membrane-associated viral proteins.
Main Results:
- Four major polypeptides (80K, 62K, 42K, 37K) and minor bands were identified in purified Halle strain virus.
- Only the 80K and 42K viral polypeptides were found to be exposed at the surface of infected BGM cell membranes.
- PAGE analysis revealed differences in cellular polypeptide profiles between measles virus-infected and non-infected cells.
Conclusions:
- The measles virus Halle strain possesses a distinct polypeptide profile.
- Specific viral polypeptides (80K and 42K) are localized to the cell membrane during infection.
- Measles virus infection alters the cellular polypeptide composition, suggesting broader cellular effects.