Action of Ammonium Ion on an Early Phase of Viral Infection.

Following adsorption of influenza virus by Krebs 2 ascites cells there is a brief period of sensitivity to inhibition of viral replication by ammonia. After an hour at 35 °C addition of ammonium phosphate causes no inhibition. The period of ammonium sensitivity is prolonged by low temperature, cyanide, or 2-4 dinitrophenol, but the presence of glucose in the medium prevents this effect of CN and DNP. The results suggest that the ammonium-sensitive phase of infection is an energy-requiring process which occurs soon after adsorption and penetration, and comprises initial integration of the viral inoculum with cell components.