[The spatial interrelationships between influenza virus hemagglutinin and the lipid phase in the liposomal membrane]

A scheme has been proposed demonstrating the location of tryptophan residues of hemagglutinin molecule in relation to the middle of the lipid layer 1.2 nm thick with a fluorescent probe pyrene. In the immediate proximity to it, one tryptophanyl of protein molecule is located in a hydrophobic "pocket". At a distance of 2.85 nm from the middle of the lipid zone 3 tryptophanyls are located and the remaining five at a distance over 3.6 nm. After treatment with proteolytic enzyme bromelin of the liposomes with hemagglutinin incorporated into their bilayer, the hydrophobic "anchor" of protein molecule contains one tryptophanyl which is raised by 0.3 nm and its hydrophobic environment is changed.