Synthesis of viral proteins in polymorphonuclear leukocytes infected with influenza A virus

Various reports have indicated that infection of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) with influenza virus causes depression of their metabolic and chemotactic responses, but the effect the PMNL has on the life cycle of influenza virus has not been well defined. The studies reported here were undertaken to determine whether influenza virus could replicate within PMNL. Virus-infected and uninfected PMNL were labeled with [35S]methionine and analyzed by gel electrophoresis and fluorography for detection of newly synthesized proteins. Both host- and virus-specific proteins were produced within PMNL. By using indirect immunofluorescence techniques combined with flow cytometry, the expression of newly synthesized viral antigens was detected in virus-infected PMNL. Plaque assays on supernatant fluid from infected PMNL showed that infectious progeny were not produced, indicating that influenza virus infection of PMNL is abortive.