The effects of UK2054 on the multiplication of influenza viruses.

The isoquinoline compound UK2054 prevents the uptake of influenza virus by susceptible cells. Pre-incubation of virus particles with 500 mug./ml. UK2054 at 37 degrees C. for 2 hr. does not reduce virus infectivity. Host cells vary in their responsiveness to the inhibitory effect of UK2054; virus multiplication is inhibited in chick allantoic cells by lower concentrations than those required to inhibit virus growth in chick embryo fibroblasts. The effectiveness of UK2054 is reduced by the presence of serum.It is concluded that inhibition of influenza virus multiplication by UK2054 might result from interaction of the inhibitor with both virus and cells. Any direct combination between inhibitor and virus is completely reversible.