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Fine structure and morphogenesis of Borna disease virus
1Department of Microbiology, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-8686, Japan.
Journal of Virology
|December 16, 1998
Summary
This study reveals the first detailed ultrastructure of Borna disease virus (BDV), a negative-stranded RNA virus. Findings show BDV particles bud from infected cells, offering new insights into viral morphogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Cell Biology
- Microscopy
Background:
- Borna disease virus (BDV) is a negative nonsegmented single-stranded RNA virus.
- The detailed morphology and morphogenesis of BDV remain incompletely understood.
- Previous studies lacked comprehensive ultrastructural characterization of BDV.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the first data on the fine ultrastructure and morphogenesis of Borna disease virus (BDV).
- To characterize the morphological features of BDV particles.
- To investigate the replication mechanism of BDV at the ultrastructural level.
Main Methods:
- Culturing MDCK cells persistently infected with BDV.
- Treatment of infected cells with n-butyrate to enhance virus production.
- Analysis of viral particles in cell supernatant using electron microscopy.
- Immunoreaction with BDV p40 antibody to confirm viral specificity.
Main Results:
- Virus-like particles were abundant in the supernatant of n-butyrate-treated infected cells.
- BDV particles are spherical, enveloped, approximately 130 nm in diameter, with 7 nm spikes.
- A thin, peripheral nucleocapsid (4 nm width) was observed, differing from other viruses.
- BDV particles were observed to reproduce via budding from the cell surface.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first detailed ultrastructural description of Borna disease virus.
- The findings elucidate key aspects of BDV morphogenesis, including budding replication.
- The characterization of BDV particle structure offers a foundation for further virological research.
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