Digital fluorescence imaging of fusion of influenza virus with erythrocytes.
Fusion of influenza virus with human erythrocytes at pH 5.2 was followed by fluorescence microscopy using a cooled slow-scan CCD camera. The high sensitivity of the CCD permits repetitive digital imaging of the same cells with minimal photobleaching. The experimental conditions were such that only a small number of virus particles were adsorbed per cell. Quantitative analysis of the data indicated that for most cells only a single fusion event took place. This was, however, sufficient to cause haemolysis within 30 min at 20-22 degrees C for about 60% of cells. There was a highly variable time lag between fusion and haemolysis. The lateral diffusion coefficient of virus particles on the cell surface when bound at pH 7.4 was less than 2 x 10(-13) cm2.s-1. The technique should be of value for more detailed studies of the dynamics of viral and other membrane fusion events.
Georgiou
G N
GN
Department of Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, University of Essex, Colchester, England.
Morrison
I E
IE
Cherry
R J
RJ
D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000032:analysis / Q000382:microbiology*; D006461:Hemolysis; D006801:Humans; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence / Q000295:instrumentation; D009975:Orthomyxoviridae / Q000032:analysis*