RESUMEN
How hantaviruses assemble and exit infected cells remains largely unknown. Here, we show that the expression of Andes (ANDV) and Puumala (PUUV) hantavirus Gn and Gc envelope glycoproteins lead to their self-assembly into virus-like particles (VLPs) which were released to cell supernatants. The viral nucleoprotein was not required for particle formation. Further, a Gc endodomain deletion mutant did not abrogate VLP formation. The VLPs were pleomorphic, exposed protrusions and reacted with patient sera.
Asunto(s)
Orthohantavirus/metabolismo , Virus Puumala/metabolismo , Proteínas del Envoltorio Viral/metabolismo , Virión/metabolismo , Western Blotting , Reacciones Cruzadas/inmunología , Cartilla de ADN/genética , Ensayo de Inmunoadsorción Enzimática , Orthohantavirus/genética , Humanos , Virus Puumala/genética , Virión/genéticaRESUMEN
We report a case of hantavirus infection (nephropathia epidemica) diagnosed in a Belgian backpacker returning from a trekking expedition in Ecuador, after likely heavy exposure to rodents. Because of epidemiological inconsistency, molecular investigation was performed and revealed a Puumala infection acquired during very limited exposure in Belgium upon return.