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Morphogenesis of avian infectious bronchitis virus and a related human virus (strain 229E)
Abstract:
Avian infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) and strain 229E, a virus recently recovered from patients with colds, have been shown to possess a similar distinctive morphology in negatively stained preparations. An electron microscopic study of the morphogenesis of IBV in the chorioallantoic membrane and of strain 229E in WI-38 cells was performed. In infected cells, round electron-dense particles 82 mmu in diameter were observed to form by a process of budding from membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum and cytoplasmic vesicles. The particles in IBV-infected cells were similar in size and shape to those in strain 229E-infected cells but showed certain differences in internal structure. The evidence that the particles represent virions and the implications of these findings in the classification of this virus group are discussed.
Insights
Avian infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) and human coronavirus 229E share similar morphology. Electron microscopy revealed budding virions in infected cells, suggesting a potential link for virus classification.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Avian infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) and human coronavirus strain 229E exhibit similar morphology.
- Strain 229E was recently isolated from patients experiencing common colds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct an electron microscopic investigation of IBV and strain 229E morphogenesis.
- To compare the formation and structure of IBV in the chorioallantoic membrane and strain 229E in WI-38 cells.
Main Methods:
- Electron microscopy was employed to study viral morphogenesis.
- Infected chorioallantoic membranes (for IBV) and WI-38 cells (for strain 229E) were examined.
Main Results:
- Round, electron-dense particles approximately 82 nm in diameter were observed forming via budding.
- Budding occurred from endoplasmic reticulum membranes and cytoplasmic vesicles in infected cells.
- While similar in size and shape, IBV and strain 229E particles displayed distinct internal structures.
Conclusions:
- The observed particles are consistent with virions.
- Morphological similarities suggest implications for the classification of this virus group.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise taxonomic relationship.