Visualization of cytoskeletal elements and associated retroviral antigens by immunogold transmission electron microscopy of detergent extracted cells.

Several investigators have reported an association between the cytoskeleton and viral antigens. In our laboratory, biochemical immunofluorescence and immuno-gold electron microscopy studies were conducted on TX-100 extracted NIH/3T3 cells infected with Moloney-murine leukemia virus. Cytochalasin B treatment causes reversible microfilament disruption and a concomitant decrease in virus production. No effect on microtubules was seen. Immunogold electron microscopy reveals an association between cytoskeletal actin and the viral antigens gp70 and p15E. The results of these immunocytological and biochemical studies indicate that the cytoskeleton may play an integral role in transport and processing of viral gene-envelope products.