Influenza Virus-cell Fusion Inhibition Assay

Abstract

During viral infection to host cells, several viruses undergo the process of endocytosis and pH-dependent fusion. By fusion of viral membrane with host cellular membrane, the viral core invades to host cytoplasm. A part of monoclonal antibodies against viral membrane protein have potential to inhibit the viral fusion step. Here we describe in vitro influenza virus-cell fusion inhibition assay. The infected cells expressing viral membrane protein, such as hemagglutinin (HA), on cellular surface are incubated with monoclonal antibodies targeting viral membrane protein. Then the cells are incubated under low pH condition. If the antibody does not inhibit the fusion step, we can see multinucleated giant cells.