Electron microscopy of herpes simplex virus. IV. Studies with ferritin-conjugated antibodies.

Small aggregates of viral antigen were encountered in the nuclear matrix. The capsids did not tag with antibodies specific for the virus or for the host cell. This observation remains unexplained. Nuclear and cytoplasmic membranes, as well as the envelope of the virus, reacted with both types of antibodies and appear, therefore, to contain host cell and viral protein. Large amounts of viral antigen are synthesized within the cytoplasm. This antigen was either diffusely spread or localized at the surface of membranes. The surface of infected cells contains viral antigen, which accumulates as infection progresses. At circumscribed sites, the cell wall becomes altered antigenically and structurally so as to resemble the envelope of the virus. Hypotheses are presented regarding the manner in which cell fusion occurs.