A sialic acid analogue acting as a receptor determinant for binding but not for infection by influenza C virus.
We describe a synthetic sialic acid analogue, 9-thioacetamido-N-acetylneuraminic acid (9-thioacetamido-Neu5Ac), which is recognized by the receptor-binding activity of influenza C virus, but is resistant to the receptor-destroying enzyme (acetylesterase) of this virus. Following transfer of the analogue to the surface of receptor-negative cells, influenza C virus is able to attach to these cells, but is unable to infect the cells. This result suggests that inactivation of virus receptors by the receptor-destroying enzyme is essential for initiation of infection. Because of their unique properties such analogues promise to be powerful chemotherapeutic agents.
Institut für Biochemie II, Universität Heidelberg, Germany.
R
R
Brossmer
R
R
Isecke
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G
Herrler
D000115:Acetylesterase / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D002460:Cell Line; D002645:Chickens; D004285:Dogs; D009982:Gammainfluenzavirus / Q000378:metabolism*; D015394:Molecular Structure; D011991:Receptors, Virus / Q000378:metabolism; D012794:Sialic Acids / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*
D011991:Receptors, Virus; D012794:Sialic Acids; C025676:9-O-acetyl-N-acetylneuraminic acid; D000115:Acetylesterase