Effect on fusion induction of point mutations introduced into the F protein of mumps virus.

We have tested the effect of substitution of an amino acid at position 195 of the F protein of mumps virus on cell-to-cell fusion caused by the virus. Introduction of amino acids with aromatic side chains into this position resulted in reduction of fusion induction. Furthermore the F protein was not cleaved when the amino acid at this position was substituted by several amino acids, suggesting that the amino acid at this position was essential to keep the tertiary structure of the protein that might be required not only for proper folding of the protein but also for induction of membrane fusion.