Glycoproteins of human parainfluenza virus type 3: affinity purification, antigenic characterization and reconstitution into lipid vesicles.

Monoclonal antibodies to the envelope glycoproteins, HN and F, of human parainfluenza virus type 3 were coupled to a Sepharose 4B matrix and used for affinity purification of the viral glycoproteins. The purity of the glycoproteins was demonstrated by SDS-PAGE followed by fluorography or silver staining. The antigenicity of the glycoproteins was determined by immunization of rabbits; polyclonal rabbit antisera demonstrated inhibition of functional activities of the virus glycoproteins. The F glycoprotein, when reconstituted into lipid vesicles, showed distinct spike-like projections similar to those of intact virions.