title: Dextran sulfate inhibits the fusion of influenza virus with model membranes, and suppresses influenza virus replication in vivo.
abstract: The effect of dextran sulfate and related compounds on the fusion of influenza A virus with model membranes, composed of dioleylphosphatidyl-choline and cholesterol (1:0.5), was investigated by a fusion assay based on de-quenching of fluorescence of octadecyl-rhodamine-HC1 (R18). Dextran sulfate samples of molecular weight of 500,000, 8,000 and 5,000 were found to be potent inhibitors of the virus-liposome fusion process. Polygalacturonic acid also showed anti-fusion activity, but to a lesser extent. Uncharged dextran, positively charged diethylaminoethyldextran, and the monomer glucosamin-1,6-disulfate were ineffective. It was shown that dextran sulfate interacts with the virus. Our results suggest that dextran sulfate binds to and inactivates the viral fusion protein.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Biochemistry, University of Berne, Switzerland.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lüscher-Mattli
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Glück
mesh_terms: D003588:Cytopathogenic Effect, Viral / Q000187:drug effects; D016264:Dextran Sulfate / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004563:Electrochemistry; D005453:Fluorescence; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D009980:Influenza A virus / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development; D007700:Kinetics; D008081:Liposomes; D008970:Molecular Weight; D014779:Virus Replication / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D008081:Liposomes; D016264:Dextran Sulfate