Surface of HIV infected microphage. - Stock-Grafiken

3D representation of the surface and interior of an HIV-infected macrophage obtained using newly developed tools for 3D imaging using ion-abrasion scanning electron microscopy. Sections that would appear to contain filopodia when imaged by transmission electron microscopy of individual sections can actually correspond to large wavelike membrane processes as illustrated by the cut-away view of the slice. These surface protrusions may potentially fold back to the surface of the cell, creating viral compartments (viruses shown in red) by trapping the contents of the aqueous environment within the invaginated folds of the membrane.