Penetration of host cell membranes by adenovirus 2.

Highly purified human adenovirus type 2 directly penetrated the plasma membranes of KB cells. The process of membrane penetration resulted in the appearance of large numbers of adenovirions free in the cytoplasm of the infected cells. The virions underwent a morphological change as they penetrated the cell surface. Penetration of the plasma membranes and the accompanying alteration in virion morphology was dependent on a function associated with the intact cells, because neither event occurred when purified virions were added to isolated cell membranes. Inactivation of the adenovirions with heat or antibodies before inoculation of the cells reduced the infectivity of the virus population and prevented the appearance of virions free in the cytoplasm. The inactivation of the virions did not significantly reduce the number of virus particles which were found in cell vacuoles and pinocytotic vesicles.