Characterization of N-polyhedrin of two baculovirus strains pathogenic for Orgyia pseudotsugata.

N-polyhedrin of inclusion bodies of two nucleopolyhedrosis viruses of Orgyia pseudotsugata was characterized. Alkali-dissolved N-polyhedrin from both virus strains was of similar size and consisted of 12S molecule of 209 000 daltons. Eight subunits of approximately 26 000 daltons were found to form the 12S molecules. N-polyhedrin from both viruses showed two main antigens by immunodiffusion. The subunits appear to possess one antigen and, upon formation of the 12S molecule, a new antigen is created. Both the subunit and 12S antigens from the two virus strains were shown to be antigenically related. The 12S molecule of both viruses also appears to possess a minor antigen unique to each virus.