[Template activity of poly(A+) and poly(A-) messenger RNA of pathogenic arenaviruses].

The total RNA from cells infected with Machupo and Lassa viruses as well as poly(A+) and poly(A-) fractions of the RNA were translated in the cell-free protein synthesizing system from rabbit reticulocytes. The translated products were treated with specific antibodies and analyzed in polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Only poly(A-) fraction of RNA coded for the synthesis of NP protein in vitro. The mRNAs for NP protein of Machupo and Lassa viruses are supposed to contain no poly(A) sequences at 3'end, or if they really do, the size of the sequences is not adequate for binding with oligo(dT)-cellulose.