Structural proteins of La Crosse virus

Abstract

Preparations of La Crosse virus, a member of the California encephalitis group of bunyaviruses, possessed 3 major virion proteins. Two of the proteins were glycosylated (G1 and G2) and were located on the surface of the virus particles. These 2 glycoproteins were present in equimolar amounts and possessed apparent MW of 120 .times. 103 and 34 .times. 103. Virion nucleocapsids, isolated by a nonionic detergent and salt treatment, contained another major protein, N (MW = 23 .times. 103). A large, but minor, protein species L (MW = 180 .times. 103) was also found in virus preparations. The approximate number of protein molecules per virion was determined. EM of purified La Crosse virus indicated that the virus particle (mean diameter, 91 nm) is enveloped and possesses irregular surface projections (length, 10 nm).