The effect of trypsin on the growth and infectivity of human rotavirus.

The effect of trypsin on the infectivity of human rotavirus (HRV) was examined using HRV strains that are cultivable only when treated with trypsin. Their infectivity in cell culture systems was enhanced in relation to enzyme concentration. The primary effect of trypsin appeared to be on the virus. Trypsin untreated HRV virions were capable of being adsorbed on the cell (MA104) but not of passing into it without trypsin. For multiple cycles of replication the presence of trypsin in the maintenance medium was required.