Mucin as Substrate of Enzyme Action by Viruses of the Mumps Influenza Group

Abstract

In previous work from this laboratory it has been found that the action of influenza viruses on red cells can be paralleled in almost complete detail by an enzyme produced by V. cholerce¹ (Stone, 1947). In the course of work on this enzyme, which we have referred to as receptor-destroying enzyme, it was found that it rapidly destroyed the agent in serum which is responsible for the inhibition of hæmagglutination by heated influenza B virus² (Francis, 1947). Attempts were therefore made to characterize this inhibitor. It was found to be precipitated with the globulins and to be relatively heat-stable. When diluted serum was heated to 70° C. or boiled for 5–10 min., its activity was increased about fourfold. The same increase was found when ‘hardyized’ serum extracted with cold alcohol and ether was reconstituted. The activity of the semi-purified material was destroyed by trypsin and by dilute (M/4,000) solutions of potassium periodate.