Modification of cell membranes with viral envelopes during fusion of cells with HVJ (Sendai virus): II. Effects of pretreatment with a small number of HVJ

Abstract

Ehrlich ascites tumor cell membranes were completely modified after incubation at 37 °C for 30 min with a small dose of HVJ (about 0.7% of the maximum number of the virus particles that could be adsorbed onto the cells). After this treatment, the cells could adsorb further added HVJ onto their surfaces at 0 °C. But the cell agglutination which was induced by viral adsorption at 0 °C was very weak, and the interaction of the adsorbed virus with the lipid layer of the cell membrane at 37 °C preceding fusion or lysis of the cells was not strong. A discrepancy was observed between acquisition of the modification and liberation of sialic acid (destruction of viral receptors) by viral neuraminidase. The modification proceeded well on incubation at 37 °C but not at lower temperatures. The possibility that the modification is induced by fusion of viral envelopes with cell membranes is discussed.