Related Experiment Videos
The effect of membrane-active agents on Sindbis virus morphogenesis
Intervirology
|January 1, 1979
Summary
This study shows that altering membrane fluidity in chicken cells disrupts Sindbis virus processing and release. Membrane-active compounds and specific antisera inhibit viral polypeptide cleavage, preventing virus budding.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Sindbis virus is an enveloped virus that buds from host cells.
- Viral protein processing is essential for virus assembly and release.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of membrane-active compounds on Sindbis virus replication.
- To determine how alterations in membrane properties affect viral polypeptide processing and virus release.
Main Methods:
- Infection of chicken cells with Sindbis virus.
- Treatment of infected cells with membrane-active compounds (retinol, cortisone, Pb++, insulin, menadione) and specific antisera.
- Analysis of viral polypeptide processing and accumulation using biochemical methods.
Main Results:
- Virus release was inhibited by various membrane-active compounds and antisera.
- Processing of Sindbis virus precursor polypeptides (B-protein and PE2) was inhibited.
- Accumulation of B-protein and absence of E2 glycoprotein were observed in treated cells.
- Menadione and anti-chicken cell antiserum also affected E2 glycoprotein levels.
Conclusions:
- Perturbation of normal membrane fluidity interferes with Sindbis virus polypeptide cleavage.
- Disruption of membrane fluidity can inhibit Sindbis virus budding and release.
- Membrane properties play a critical role in the viral life cycle.