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Virus-like particles in MDCK cells persistently infected with Borna disease virus
R W Compans1, L R Melsen, J C de la Torre
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322.
Abstract:
A line of Madin Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells persistently infected with Borna disease virus was examined by electron microscopy. Thin sections revealed the presence of intracytoplasmic virus-like particles ranging from 50-100 nm in diameter. Nuclei of the infected cells exhibited accumulation of electron-dense granular structures 15-18 nm in diameter. The intracytoplasmic particles were roughly spherical with a limiting membrane, suggesting the presence of a lipid-containing envelope. The internal structure consisted of strand-like material which in some cases was condensed underneath the envelope. The possible relationship of these particles to Borna disease virions is discussed.
Insights
Electron microscopy revealed virus-like particles within Borna disease virus-infected Madin Darby canine kidney cells. These particles, 50-100 nm in diameter, possess characteristics suggesting a lipid envelope and internal strand-like material.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Cell Biology
- Microscopy
Background:
- Borna disease virus (BDV) is a non-segmented negative-sense RNA virus.
- Persistent infection of Madin Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells provides a model for studying BDV replication.
- Understanding the ultrastructural morphology of virus-associated particles is crucial for viral pathogenesis research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the morphology of virus-like particles in persistently BDV-infected MDCK cells using electron microscopy.
- To investigate the ultrastructural features of intracytoplasmic and intranuclear structures in infected cells.
- To discuss the potential relationship of observed particles to Borna disease virions.
Main Methods:
- Persistent infection of MDCK cells with Borna disease virus.
- Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of thin-sectioned infected cells.
- Morphological analysis of intracytoplasmic and intranuclear structures.
Main Results:
- Intracytoplasmic, roughly spherical particles (50-100 nm) with a limiting membrane and internal strand-like material were observed.
- These particles suggest the presence of a lipid-containing envelope.
- Electron-dense granular structures (15-18 nm) accumulated within the nuclei of infected cells.
Conclusions:
- The observed intracytoplasmic particles share morphological characteristics consistent with enveloped viruses.
- The findings provide ultrastructural evidence of virus-associated structures within infected MDCK cells.
- Further investigation is warranted to confirm the identity and role of these particles in Borna disease virus infection.