Evaluation of the structural proteins of the hamster neurotropic strain of measles virus with monoclonal antibodies.

The virus-specified proteins produced by cells persistently infected with hamster neurotropic strain (HNT) of measles virus were assessed by a panel of monoclonal antibodies. In comparison to the Edmonston strain a number of differences were detected. The HA protein lacks epitopes identified by certain monoclonal antibodies. Some of the absent epitopes may relate to agglutination, because this biological phenomenon is not produced by HNT virus. Phosphoprotein (P) of the usual size (70 kDa) was not detected. Instead a protein with an approximate MW of 36 kDa which reacted with one monoclonal anti-P was identified. Although matrix protein (M) was not detected, mRNAs for P and M proteins were present. However, these in contrast to the mRNAs from Edmonston strain, did not translate in vitro. These abnormalities may relate to neurotropism and the capacity of HNT to produce persistent CNS infection.