Serological differentiation of brome mosaic virus morphomers

Summary

The effects of solution conditions and of formalinisation on the antigenicity of “native” and “pseudo-top” virions of brome mosaic virus (BMV) were studied by double-antibody “sandwich” enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DAS-ELISA). Physically characterised BMV morphomers differed serologically from one another and from free coat protein, proving that capsid swelling or lack of RNA cause conformational changes affecting antibody binding. Formaldehyde treatment reduced the antigenicity of virions relative to “native” forms. The results indicate that ELISA detection of viruses is affected both by their physical environment and by chemical treatment.

DAS-ELISA, BMV assembly, cryptotopes