Abstract
Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) is indispensable for the structural studies of enveloped viruses: dangerous pathogens of humans and animals. Yet, it requires highly specialized equipment as well as careful sample preparation. In this work, the capabilities of a JEOL JEM-2100 transmission electron microscope equipped with a cryo-transfer holder are used, and preliminary cryo-EM data for influenza A and B virus strains and SARS-CoV-2 inactivated with beta-propiolactone are presented. Image analysis allows us to (1) distinguish “empty” viral particles from “full” ones (containing nucleocapsid); (2) visualize the lipid bilayer of the viral envelope; (3) identify influenza virus surface antigens and the M1 protein layer combined with the inner lipid monolayer; and (4) distinguish different morphology of S-spikes on the surface of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 virions. The developed approach provides good image quality for both fundamental and applied research.
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This work was carried out with financial support from the Russian Foundation for Basic Research (project no. 20-54-14006).
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Kordyukova, L.V., Moiseenko, A.V., Timofeeva, T.A. et al. Cryo-Electron Microscopy of Enveloped Viruses Using an Upgraded Transmission Electron Microscope: Influenza Type A and B Viruses and SARS-CoV-2. Moscow Univ. Biol.Sci. Bull. 78 (Suppl 1), S17–S21 (2023). https://doi.org/10.3103/S0096392523700153
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3103/S0096392523700153