[Proteolytic mechanism of deproteinization of influenza virus by plasmatic membranes].

A mechanism responsible for proteolytic deproteinization of influenza virus A2 Hong-Kong (I)68 by plasmatic membranes of sensitive cells was studied. Presence of trypsinlike protease in plasmatic membranes of white mice lungs was demonstrated. A considerable inhibition of the membrane proteolitic activity was obtained in the presence of epsilon-aminocaproic acid. Disintegration of the virus labeled by [3H]uridine by plasmatic membranes was investigated and it was found that this process required ATP. Inhibition of the protease activity by epsilon-aminocaproic acid led to the suppression of deproteinization of influenza virus. The experimental data obtained indicate that the proteolytic enzymes of plasmatic membranes participate in the complex process of virus "uncoating".