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Sindbis virus-mediated cell fusion from without is a two-step event
The Journal of General Virology
|February 1, 1986
Summary
Sindbis virus causes cell fusion in BHK-21 cells, but only after low pH exposure and a return to neutral conditions. Maintaining low pH prevents virus-mediated membrane fusion.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Cell Biology
- Membrane Fusion
Background:
- Sindbis virus is known to induce cell fusion.
- Low pH is implicated in viral processes, including membrane fusion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the specific conditions required for Sindbis virus-induced cell fusion in BHK-21 monolayer cultures.
- To elucidate the role of pH in the virus-mediated membrane fusion process.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of BHK-21 cell monolayers infected with Sindbis virus to varying low pH conditions.
- Monitoring of cell fusion following pH manipulation.
- Analysis of the effect of sustained low pH on fusion.
Main Results:
- Cell fusion requires an initial exposure to low pH followed by a return to near-neutral pH.
- The rate of fusion is dependent on the specific pH conditions after the initial acid exposure.
- Sustained low pH prevents virus-cell complexes from undergoing fusion.
Conclusions:
- Sindbis virus-mediated cell fusion is a dynamic process dependent on a specific pH shift.
- A critical window of neutral pH is necessary for the completion of membrane fusion after initial viral entry and low pH activation.