IMMUNOFERRITIN STUDIES ON MULTIPLICATION OF SINDBIS VIRUS IN CHICK-EMBRYO FIBROBLASTS

Abstract

Replication of Sindbis virus in chick embryo fibroblasts was studied by means of the immunoferritin technique. Virus specific antigens, diffusely distributed in the cytoplasm, were observed after the 1st 3 h postinfection. At the same time, in other cells ferritin particles occurred in a linear arrangement at the surface of vesicles. At these places, heavily labeled nucleocapsids were observed later, indicating that the surface of vesicles is a site of nucleocapsid assembly. Maturation of virus takes place at the cell surface, as well as at the vesicles, by budding. In early stages of replication, maturation at the cell membrane predominates.