Homologous interference induced by a temperature-sensitive mutant derived from an HVJ (Sendai virus) carrier culture

Abstract

Homologous interference between a temperature-sensitive small plaque mutant (HVJ-pB) derived from an HVJ (haemagglutinating virus of Japan - the Sendai strain of parainfluenza I virus) carrier culture of BHK cells and the original wild-type virus (HVJ-W) has been investigated. Prior infection of LLCMK2, HeLa, BHK or mouse L cells with HVJ-pB, both at permissive and non-permissive temperatures, for 24 h resulted in a reduced yield of superinfecting HVJ-W, reflecting a smaller number of cells capable of producing the superinfecting virus. However, HVJ-pB did not interfere with the replication of vesicular stomatitis virus, Sindbis virus or Newcastle disease virus. Interference in this system seems to be due to inhibition of the attachment of superinfecting HVJ-W as a result of intracellular mechanisms operating at a late stage in the replication of the interfering virus. There is also blocking or destruction of cellular receptors by extra-cellular particles of the interfering virus. Protein synthesis coded for by the complete virus genome is required to establish and maintain the interference, and treatment with actinomycin D has no effect on the interference phenomenon.