Abstract
An important step in the characterization of a virus is its purification and biochemical analysis. Purification can generally be achieved either by column chromatography or by sucrose density gradient centrifugation. The protein components of the purified virions can then be resolved on an acrylamide gel, yielding a biochemical profile of proteins indicated by their molecular weights. In this chapter, protocols are presented related to the techniques of SIV purification and the use of purified viral antigens as substrate for serologic assays. These protocols were developed for use with SIV, but they are also directly applicable to use with HIV. A technique used for long-term storage of titered stock of these retroviruses is also presented.