Characterization of retrovirus-induced SC-1 cell fusion

Virus-mediated cell-cell fusion with Moloney MLV and SC-1 cells was characterized. The level of fusion was highly dependent on the cell line used for propagation of the virus. Efficient fusion appeared to be very sensitive to negative charges on the cell surface and surroundings. Addition of polycations, removal of serum, and treatment with neuramindase or hyaluronidase all stimulated fusion. Conversely, fusion was inhibited by fibronectin. Kinetic results and the time of action of inhibitors indicated that virus particles (or virus material) on the cell surface lead directly to fusion. The fusion then proceeded rapidly and required actin movement as shown by cytochalasin inhibition.