Evidence that the amantadine-induced, M2-mediated conversion of influenza A virus hemagglutinin to the low pH conformation occurs in an acidic trans golgi compartment

Amantadine treatment of cells infected with H7 strains of influenza A viruses causes an M2 protein-mediated conversion of hemagglutinin (HA) from its native to its low pH conformation. Immunofluorescence and electron microscopic observations showed that the structural alteration and hence drug action occur shortly after HA exits from the Golgi complex during its passage through the trans Golgi region. Using the DAMP/anti-DNP pH probe it is evident that virus infection causes increased acidity of the trans Golgi region and that vesicles containing low pH HA in amantadine-treated virus-infected cells are particularly acidic. These results indicate therefore that the alteration in HA is the direct consequence of exposure to an adverse low pH and provide further support for the conclusion that the M2 protein, the target of amantadine action, is involved in regulating vesicular pH, a function important for the correct maturation of the HA glycoprotein.