Fusion of Aedes Albopictus Cells, Clone C6/36, by Japanese Encephalitis Virus is Triggered by Low pH

The fusion of Aedes albopictus cells, clone C6/36, by Japanese encephalitis virus (JE) has been investigated. Fusion from without is possible under condition of high multiplicities at a pH below 6.5. Fusion from within (FFWI) is discrete at 30 hours postinfection (hpi), however, it is rapid and complete at 48 hpi. The optimal pH range of the medium to elicit the FFWI is between 5.5 and 6.3. FFWI does not take place below 15℃. Exposition to low pH can be very short (10 sec)