Topographic Changes in SARS Coronavirus–infected Cells during Late Stages of Infection

Topographic Changes in SARS Coronavirus–infected Cells during Late Stages of Infection

Mah-Lee Ng, J.W.M. Lee, M.L.N. Leong, A.-E. Ling, H.-C. Tan, E.E. Ooi

Scanning electron and atomic force microscopy was used for the first time to view the maturation of the severe acute respiratory syndrome–associated coronavirus at the cell surface. The surface form of the cells at advanced infection displayed prolific pseudopodia that, in addition to the rest of the plasma membrane, were also active sites of virus release. High magnification of the maturing virus particles showed a rosette appearance with short knoblike spikes under both the scanning electron and atomic force microscopes. The final expulsion step of the maturing virus particles seemed to result in some disruptions to the plasma membrane. The cytoskeletal network along the edge of the infected cells was enhanced and could be involved in transporting and expelling the progeny virus particles. Thickening of the actin filaments at the cell edge provided the bending force to extrude the virus particles.

2004

SARS coronavirus replication, Atomic Force Microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, research, Singapore

DOI: 10.3201/eid1011.040195

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Infectious and parasitic diseases, Medicine

EN