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Published on: March 1, 2012

Effect of cytochalasin B on the maturation of enveloped viruses

J A Griffin, R W Compans

    The Journal of Experimental Medicine
    |August 1, 1979
    PubMed

    Insights

    Cytochalasin B treatment affects viral glycoprotein synthesis and function but does not impede enveloped virus infectivity. These findings suggest viral maturation does not require an intact actin cytoskeleton.

    Area of Science:

    • Virology
    • Cell Biology
    • Biochemistry

    Background:

    • Viral maturation and release are complex processes often involving host cell machinery.
    • The role of the actin cytoskeleton in enveloped virus assembly and egress remains an area of investigation.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the impact of cytochalasin B (CB) on the maturation and infectivity of influenza and vesicular stomatitis viruses.
    • To determine if an intact actin cytoskeleton is essential for enveloped virus assembly and release.

    Main Methods:

    • Enveloped viruses (influenza, vesicular stomatitis) were cultured in cells treated with cytochalasin B.
    • Viral infectivity, glycoprotein synthesis (hemagglutinin, neuraminidase), glycosylation, and enzymatic activity were analyzed.
    • Electrophoretic analysis was used to assess glycoprotein alterations.

    Main Results:

    • Cytochalasin B treatment did not affect viral infectivity, indicating polymerized actin is not required for functional viral components.
    • CB treatment inhibited influenza virus release, linked to aberrant neuraminidase (NA) glycoprotein synthesis and a 90% reduction in NA activity.
    • Viral glycoproteins showed altered electrophoretic mobility and heterogeneity, with inhibited glucosamine incorporation, impacting NA function but not hemagglutination.

    Conclusions:

    • Enveloped virus maturation, including assembly and release, is not dependent on an intact actin cytoskeletal network.
    • Alterations in viral glycoprotein glycosylation due to CB treatment can affect specific viral functions like neuraminidase activity without significantly impacting infectivity.

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