Chlorella viruses evoke a rapid release of K+ from host cells during the early phase of infection.

Infection of Chlorella NC64A cells by PBCV-1 produces a rapid depolarization of the host probably by incorporation of a viral-encoded K(+) channel (Kcv) into the host membrane. To examine the effect of an elevated conductance, we monitored the virus-stimulated efflux of K(+) from the chlorella cells. The results indicate that all 8 chlorella viruses tested evoked a host specific K(+) efflux with a concomitant decrease in the intracellular K(+).

Potassium ion channels of Chlorella viruses cause rapid depolarization of host cells during infection.

Previous studies have established that chlorella viruses encode K(+) channels with different structural and functional properties. In the current study, we exploit the different sensitivities of these channels to Cs(+) to determine if the membrane depolarization observed during virus infection is caused by the activities of these channels. Infection of Chlorella NC64A with four viruses caused rapid membrane depolarization of similar amplitudes, but with different kinetics.