Characterization of influenza virus PR8 strain cultured in embryonated eggs by cryo-electron tomography.

Characterization of influenza virus PR8 strain cultured in embryonated eggs by cryo-electron tomography. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2019 Jun 10;: Authors: Chen Q, Huang X, Wei R, Zhang L, Yin C Abstract Influenza A viruses, as causative agents of seasonal epidemics and periodic worldwide pandemics, cause enormous mortality loss globally. The PR8 strain cultured in chicken eggs is widely used for scientific research and the production of influenza vaccines. Here, based on Cryo-electron Tomography (CET), we analyzed the morphological and structural characteristics of the influenza virus PR8 strain at different pHs. We found that a large number of defective virions were propagated in embryonated eggs. By comparing virions with/without the matrix layer, it was revealed that the matrix layer played an essential role in the structural integrity of virions and RNPs encapsulation during the influenza virus life cycle. We also utilized hemagglutinin receptor-containing liposomes to mimic the membrane fusion process. Several potential intermediates of HA during membrane fusion were observed at acidic pH. Our observations afford insight into the architecture and function of influenza virus. PMID: 31196621 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Biochemical and Biophysical Research communications - Category: Biochemistry Authors: Tags: Biochem Biophys Res Commun Source Type: research