Studies on the Structure of Vaccinia Virus

Abstract

SUMMARY: Vaccinia virus has been examined with the electron microscope by several techniques in conjunction with experimental modifications of structure. Negative staining revealed that over 80% of the virus in highly purified preparations were particles which appeared to have a beaded surface like a mulberry and were termed M forms. The beading was formed by loops of thread-like structures 90 Å wide which were themselves double helices formed from two 30 Á strands coiled to a 120 Å pitch. Twenty per cent or less of the particles appeared as larger more electron-dense bodies with a capsule of complex structure; these have been termed C forms. Experimental interconversion of the two forms showed that both were structurally mature virus. The relationship of structures seen in C forms to those revealed by thin sectioning is considered. Experimental findings and the results of shadowing and replica examinations indicate the presence of a superficial protein layer of antigenic material not revealed by negative staining. The relationship of this layer to the structure of the virus and the nature of the ribbon structure of the M form are discussed.