[Preparation and investigation of some properties of influenza virus nucleoid]

Abstract

Influenza virus nucleoid ("core") was obtained by the treatment of virions with hydrolytic enzymes without the use of fixing agents. The "core" buoyant density in sucrose density gradient was 1.24 g/cm3. The subvirus particles are completely devoid of surface proteins, glycoproteins, and their polypeptide composition is represented by group P proteins; NP and M proteins. RNA in the core is insensitive to the effect of RNase. Morphological analysis by electron microscopy revealed the presence of spherical compact particles without spikes on their surface.