Detection of differentially modified pathogen proteins by western blot after 2D Gel electrophoresis and identification by MALDI-TOF/TOF. In BSL3 and BSL4 Agents: Proteomics, Glycomics, and Antigenicity. (Book Chapter)

The detection of proteomic changes after viral infection, especially those which are due to post-translational modifications of host and pathogen proteins is of particular importance for the understanding of the fast interplay between pathogen and host components in viral infections. The characterization of modified isoforms of such proteins can benefit considerably from the combination of fluorescence labelled monospecific antibodies and 2D-DIGE differential proteomic studies. The potential of this approach is illustrated with a study of essential proteins in a measles virus-host cell system using small 2D gels and low sample amounts.