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. 1973 Jun;11(6):1004–1012. doi: 10.1128/jvi.11.6.1004-1012.1973

Fusion of Erythrocytes by Sendai Virus Studied by Immuno-Freeze-Etching

Thomas Bächi 1,2, Michel Aguet 1,2, Calderon Howe 1,2
PMCID: PMC355210  PMID: 4351454

Abstract

Extensive fusion of human erythrocytes agglutinated by Sendai virus was observed after 30 s of incubation at 37 C. Electron microscopy of thin sections failed to reveal the presence of virions, viral fragments, or discrete viral antigens reactive with ferritin-labeled antibody at the sites of fusion. Immuno-freezeetching of membrane surfaces demonstrated the dispersal of viral envelope antigens from what appeared to be original sites of viral attachment. Virus-induced clustering of membrane glycoproteins was interpreted as resulting from interaction of viral antigens with membrane receptor proteins and forming the structural basis for fusion of membranes with one another.

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Selected References

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