Related Experiment Videos
Characterization of the human cytomegalovirus envelope glycoproteins
Abstract:
Virions of human cytomegalovirus were shown to contain two discrete membranes. An outer, loose fitting, membrane was sensitive to osmotic shock and could be partially removed by diluting buffered preparations of virions with water. Purified virions were shown, by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of virion membranes labelled by carbohydrate-specific procedures, to contain five glycoproteins with molecular weights of 52, 67, 95, 130 and 250, all X 10(3). Digestion of virions with endoglycosidases revealed that there were structural differences between the carbohydrate portions of the glycoproteins. All five glycoproteins were recognized by antibodies present in pools of human convalescent sera.
Insights
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) virions possess two membranes, with the outer one being osmotically sensitive. Five HCMV glycoproteins were identified, differing in carbohydrate structures and recognized by human antibodies.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a significant human pathogen.
- Understanding the structural components of HCMV virions is crucial for developing antiviral strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the membrane structure of HCMV virions.
- To identify and analyze the glycoproteins present in HCMV virions.
Main Methods:
- Osmotic shock was used to assess membrane sensitivity.
- Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) was employed to analyze viral glycoproteins.
- Carbohydrate-specific labeling and endoglycosidase digestion were utilized to study glycoprotein structures.
Main Results:
- HCMV virions contain two distinct membranes, with the outer membrane being sensitive to osmotic changes.
- Five glycoproteins (52, 67, 95, 130, and 250 kDa) were identified in purified HCMV virions.
- Structural variations in the carbohydrate moieties of these glycoproteins were observed.
- All five identified glycoproteins were recognized by antibodies from human convalescent sera.
Conclusions:
- The outer membrane of HCMV virions exhibits osmotic lability.
- HCMV virions harbor five distinct glycoproteins with unique carbohydrate compositions.
- These glycoproteins are immunogenic and elicit antibody responses in infected individuals.