A comparison of immune cytolysis and virus-induced fusion of sensitive and resistant cell types.

Abstract

SummaryThe relative sensitivities to immune cytolysis of rhesus monkey kidney (MK) cells and baby hamster kidney (BHK21-F) cells have been investigated. BHK21-F cells are significantly more sensitive to lysis by anticellular antibodies and complement than are MK cells. BHK21-F cells infected with the parainfluenza virus SV5 are susceptible to lysis by antiviral antibodies and complement, where MK cells are resistant. Previous studies indicated that BHK21-F cells are extremely sensitive to cell fusion induced by SV5, and that MK cells are resistant. Thus, the relative sensitivities of these two cell types to one membrane injury, immune cytolysis, parallels their sensitivities to another membrane alteration, virus-induced cell fusion. Some biological implications of these differences in the plasma membranes of the two cell types are discussed.