Structural analysis of herpes simplex virus by optical super-resolution imaging

Nat Commun. 2015 Jan 22:6:5980. doi: 10.1038/ncomms6980.

Abstract

Herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) is one of the most widespread pathogens among humans. Although the structure of HSV-1 has been extensively investigated, the precise organization of tegument and envelope proteins remains elusive. Here we use super-resolution imaging by direct stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (dSTORM) in combination with a model-based analysis of single-molecule localization data, to determine the position of protein layers within virus particles. We resolve different protein layers within individual HSV-1 particles using multi-colour dSTORM imaging and discriminate envelope-anchored glycoproteins from tegument proteins, both in purified virions and in virions present in infected cells. Precise characterization of HSV-1 structure was achieved by particle averaging of purified viruses and model-based analysis of the radial distribution of the tegument proteins VP16, VP1/2 and pUL37, and envelope protein gD. From this data, we propose a model of the protein organization inside the tegument.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / chemistry
  • Cell Line
  • Cryoelectron Microscopy
  • Female
  • Herpesvirus 1, Human
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Keratinocytes / virology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Microscopy / methods*
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence
  • Optical Imaging / methods*
  • Recombinant Proteins / chemistry
  • Simplexvirus / ultrastructure*
  • Viral Envelope Proteins / chemistry
  • Viral Proteins / chemistry
  • Viral Structural Proteins / chemistry
  • Virion / metabolism

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Viral Envelope Proteins
  • Viral Proteins
  • Viral Structural Proteins