Enhancement of the influenza A hemagglutinin (HA)-mediated cell-cell fusion and virus entry by the viral neuraminidase (NA).

ABSTRACT:

Background

The major role of the neuraminidase (NA) protein of influenza A virus is related to its sialidase activity, which disrupts the interaction between the envelope hemagglutinin (HA) protein and the sialic acid receptors expressed at the surface of infected cells. This enzymatic activity is known to promote the release and spread of progeny viral particles following their production by infected cells, but a potential role of NA in earlier steps of the viral life cycle has never been clearly demonstrated. In this study we have examined the impact of NA expression on influenza HA-mediated viral membrane fusion and virion infectivity.

Methodology/principal findings

The role of NA in the early stages of influenza virus replication was examined using a cell-cell fusion ass

SUBMITTER: Su B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2795206 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature