Page 876 - Veterinary Immunology, 10th Edition

VetBooks.ir Virus Structure and Antigens

Virus particles, called virions, consist of a nucleic acid core
surrounded by a layer of proteins (see Figs. 9.2 and 40.2). This

protein layer, called the capsid, is made up of subcomponents
called capsomeres. The virions may also be covered by a lipid
envelope. The complexity of viruses varies. Some, such as
poxviruses, are complex, whereas others, such as foot-and-mouth
disease virus, are relatively simple. Antibodies can be produced

against all these viral proteins. Antibodies against the nucleoprotein
components are not usually protective, but they may be useful for
serologic diagnosis.

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