ADENOVIRUS-ASSOCIATED VIRUS POLYPEPTIDES SYNTHESIZED IN CELLS CO-INFECTED WITH EITHER ADENOVIRUS OR HERPESVIRUS

One major and two minor structural polypeptides of adenovirus-associated virus (AAV) were synthesized in AAV-infected cells coinfected with either adenovirus or herpesvirus as helper. The molar proportions of these polypeptides appeared to be the same as those found in the virion. Transport of these polypeptides from the cytoplasm to the nucleus occurred rapidly. No evidence was found for the synthesis of a large precursor protein in either system. Since complete AAV virions are not found in AAV-infected cells coinfected with herpesvirus, these findings indicate a failure in virus assembly in this system. This failure may be expressed at the level of DNA strand segregation or encapsidation of DNA, or in faulty capsid assembly. © 1979.