Characterization of VSV-GP morphology by cryo-EM imaging and SEC-MALS

The recent study “Characterization of VSV-GP morphology by cryo-EM imaging and SEC-MALS” by Dongyue et al., focuses on visualizing the morphology of vesicular stomatitis virus expressing the glycoprotein of the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (VSV-GP).

Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), done by NanoImaging Services, was utilized to directly observe various subpopulations of VSV-GP particles, revealing differences in particle morphology, such as shape, interior density, and surface decoration.

Further, a novel orthogonal method using size exclusion chromatography coupled with a multi-angle light scattering detector (SEC-MALS) was introduced to characterize the shape of virus particles based on a new shape-based separation principle. The combination of cryo-EM and SEC-MALS allowed for in-depth analysis of morphological profiles and enabled the differentiation between intact particles and irregularly shaped particles.

These analytical techniques are crucial for better understanding the structure-function relationship of VSV-GP and could serve as valuable tools in the process development of oncolytic viruses and cancer vaccines.

The study also highlights the potential application of cryo-TEM as a powerful orthogonal analytical method for analyzing other non-spherical viruses or nanoparticles.