Immunoelectron-microscopical labelling of glycolipids in the envelope of a demyelinating brain-derived RNA virus (Semliki Forest) by anti-glycolipid sera.

Immunoelectron-microscopical techniques using gold-labelled antibodies were used to localize the glycolipids ganglioside, glucocerebroside and galactocerebroside, and spike glycoprotein antigens, in the envelope of the RNA virus Semliki Forest which had replicated in mouse brain cell cultures. The demonstration of host cell membrane glycolipid antigens in viruses is discussed in relation to the possibility of an autoimmune reaction to central nervous system cells.