The effect of iodination on the haemolytic property and the fatty acids of Newcastle disease virus.

Treatment of Newcastle disease virus with iodine inhibits haemolysis and infectivity, but has no effect on haemagglutination. This is shown to be concurrent with the incorporation of iodine in the hydrocarbon chain of fatty acyl residues of the viral membrane lipid. It is concluded that iodine incorporation, by reducing membrane fluidity, is responsible for these biological phenomena.