Studies on unusual cytoplasmic structures which contain rabies virus envelope proteins.

We investigated unusual structures produced in BHK-21 cells infected with rabies virus (HEP-Flury strain). Sellers' staining of the cells revealed, in addition to Negri body-like structures (inclusion bodies), production of a fuchsin-stained cytoplasmic structure (FCPS) which encircled the nucleus. The frequency of the FCPS-forming cells increased as replication progressed. The FCPS was different from the inclusion body because the former contained the viral glycoprotein (G) and matrix protein (M2) antigens, while the latter contained nucleocapsid antigens. In the early phase of infection, we observed accumulation of viral envelope antigens in a cytoplasmic structure that was considered to be expanded rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER) because of its concomitant increase in BiP content. Time-course studies suggested that the envelope antigen-containing structure, which was not stained with basic fuchsin, translocated to the perinuclear region to form the FCPS. FCPS formation was dependent on incubation temperature and was decreased at 30 degrees C, while the development of virus-induced cytopathic effect (CPE) was delayed. When the incubation temperature was shifted up to 37 degrees C, FCPS formation was induced again and progression of CPE was accelerated in approximate proportion to the increasing number of FCPS-positive cells. From these studies, we conclude that viral G proteins gradually accumulate in the rER with M2 protein and the expanded rER converts eventually into the FCPS, which may be closely related to accelerated host cell death.