Summary auto-generated
This 1968 study characterized herpes simplex virus (HSV) strains based on their effects on infected cell behavior. Researchers classified laboratory strains and fresh isolates from patients into four groups: strains causing cell rounding without adhesion or fusion (VR 3 prototype), loose aggregation of rounded cells (G prototype), tight adhesion of rounded cells (F prototype), and cell fusion into polykaryocytes (MP prototype). These groups were distinguished by their cytopathic effects in HEp-2 cell cultures. The four prototype strains differed significantly in physical and immunological properties. Cesium chloride density gradient centrifugation revealed distinct buoyant densities, with F and G strains banding at higher densities than MP, and VR 3 at intermediate density. Thermal stability tests at 40°C showed F and G strains were more readily inactivated than MP, while VR 3 proved more stable. Immunological analysis using rabbit antisera demonstrated antigenic differences between strains, with anti-F and anti-G sera showing differential neutralization patterns. The authors proposed that viral products modify cellular membranes during envelopment, and this membrane modification correlates with both the altered social behavior of infected cells and the immunological and physical properties of the virions.
Key findings
- Four HSV strains were classified into distinct groups based on cytopathic effects: rounding only, loose aggregation, tight adhesion, and cell fusion into polykaryocytes
- Prototype strains differed in buoyant density in CsCl solutions, with F and G strains denser than MP and VR 3 at intermediate density
- Thermal stability at 40°C varied significantly, with F and G strains more labile than MP and VR 3 more stable than MP
- Rabbit antisera showed distinct antigenic differences between strains, with cross-reactivity patterns supporting antigenic relationships
- Viral envelope modification of host cell membranes likely accounts for observed correlations between virion physical properties and altered cell social behavior
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Abstract
Established (laboratory) strains and fresh isolates of herpes simplex virus from patients with skin and genital lesions were classified into four groups depending on their effects on the social interaction among infected HEP-2 cells. The groups comprised strains causing (1) rounding of cells but no adhesion or fusion, (2) loose aggregation of rounded cells, (3) tight adhesion of rounded cells, and (4) fusion of cells into polykaryocytes. Protype strains from each group were found to differ with respect to immunologic specificity, buoyant density in CsCl solutions and stability at 40°.