Activation of Isolated Lysosomes by Poliovirus-infected Cell Extracts

Abstract

SEVERAL reports have presented evidence that lysosomes may be involved in the “rapid degenerative type” of cytopathic effect (CPE) caused by certain viruses^1–3. Although lysosomal enzymes are apparently able to cause cell damage⁴, neither the mechanism by which they are released nor their action on the cell during virus infection is understood. Amako and Dales^5,6, working with the mengovirus-L cell system, speculated that a cytotoxic protein is synthesized under the regulation of the virus genome, which alters the permeability of the lysosomal membrane and allows the enzymes to leak out. We present here evidence that cell extracts from poliovirus-infected HEp-2 cells release twice the amount of (β-glucuronidase (a lysosomal enzyme) than the non-infected cell extract when exposed to isolated lysosomes at 37° C.