Dendritic Cell with HIV
Classic images of dendritic cells show long finger-like appendages flowing around and circling the cell body; these appendages, called dendrites, are the feature that gave rise to the cell type’s name. But in studies published by our lab in 2010-2011, new high-resolution 3D images revealed that the appendages are more like flaps than fingers, and […]
Visualizing Ebola Virus
As with most viruses, the Ebola virus itself is very small – too small to be seen even in a high-powered light microscope. But when visualized in an electron microscope, the surface of the filament-shaped virus particle (also known as a virion) can be seen, studded with small proteins on its surface (upper right of […]
Inhibiting Influenza
The surface of the influenza (flu) virus is covered with two proteins: hemagglutinin (HA), and neuraminidase (NA). While the immune system can recognize both surface proteins, because HA is the protein that enables viral entry into cells, it is a high priority target for researchers trying to create a long-lasting, universal flu vaccine. The HA […]