Electron microscopic study of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) core structure: two RNA strands in the core of mature and budding particles.
The basic structure of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) has been investigated morphologically; however, the internal structure of HIV-1 core is not well understood. We studied the internal structures by transmission electron microscopy. We modified the method for electron staining of ultrathin sections and processed electron microscopic photographs using a computer. We confirmed that a mature HIV-1 particle had two copies of RNA strands in a cone-shaped core. These two RNA strands formed a coiling structure and interwound each other, and were already present in the late budding stage.
Takasaki
T
T
Department of Microbiology, Kinki University School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan.
Kurane
I
I
Aihara
H
H
Ohkawa
N
N
Yamaguchi
J
J
D015497:HIV-1 / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D006801:Humans; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000648:ultrastructure*
D012367:RNA, Viral