ASSOCIATION OF THE ENVELOPE GLYCOPROTEINS OF INFLUENZA-VIRUS WITH LIPOSOMES - MODEL STUDY ON VIRAL ENVELOPE ASSEMBLY

Envelope glycoproteins of virus N (an avian influenza virus) were artificially associated with liposomes, using octylglucoside as detergent which could be readily removed by dialysis. The prepared liposomes, about 0.1-1 μm in diameter, contained specific hemagglutinin and neuraminidase activities. The total amounts of proteins incorporated into liposomes were about the same irrespective of the lipid composition. Similarly, the neuraminidase activity of liposomes remained unchanged by altering lipids. However, the hemagglutinating and cell-adsorbing properties of liposomes varied greatly depending on the composition of lipids. As both lipid and protein components can be altered, the present system may be elaborated for the study of protein-lipid interactions and functions of viral membranes. © 1979.