Ma. Stoltz et al., SUBCELLULAR-LOCALIZATION OF THE NONSTRUCTURAL PROTEIN NS3 OF AFRICAN HORSESICKNESS VIRUS, Onderstepoort journal of veterinary research, 63(1), 1996, pp. 57-61
The subcellular localization of the minor nonstructural protein NS3 of
Af rican horsesickness virus (AHSV) has been investigated by means of
immunogold electron-microscopical analysis. NS3 was observed in pertu
rbed regions of the plasma membrane of AHSV-infected VERO cells, and i
ts presence appears to be associated with events of viral release. The
se events are budding, whereby released viruses acquire fragments from
the host-cell membrane, as well as by the extrusion of nonenveloped p
articles through the cell membrane. The membrane association of NS3 wa
s confirmed by its detection in the disrupted plasma membranes of cell
s infected with an NS3 baculovirus recombinant. The absence of NS3 on
intact cell membranes suggests that the protein is not exposed extrace
llularly.