Virus Particles and Glycoproteins Excreted from Cultured Cells Infected with Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV)

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Virus particles and virus proteins excreted from cultured human embryonic lung (HEL) cells infected with varicella-zoster virus (VZV) were examined by EM and affinity column chromatography using an antibody to VZV followed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Approximately 1-2 .times. 109 virus particles/ml with no detectable infectivity, of which 30-80% were enveloped, were observed in the culture fluid 48 to 72 h after infection, when cytopathic effect appeared. In the sonicated infected cell suspension, 1-2 .times. 109 virus particles/ml, of which 30-50% were enveloped, were observed and the virus particle/infectivity ratio was .apprx. 106:1. The culture fluid of infected HEL cells labeled with [35S]methionine or [3H]glucosamine was centrifuged at 100,000 g for 2 h to remove virus particles and the supernatant was examined for excreted virus proteins. Affinity column chromatography of the supernatant using immobilized human zoster convalescent serum led to the isolation of virus antigens which were analyzed by SDS-PAGE. Polypeptides with MW of .apprx. 115K and 45K, both of which were glycosylated, were detected, suggesting that these VZV glycoproteins were excreted from the infected cells.