Inhibition of Protein Synthesis in Reticulocyte Lysates by Poliovirus

Addition of 1 x 10¹⁰ p.f.u. purified poliovirus to 100 µl of a rabbit reticulocyte lysate protein synthesizing system causes a complete inhibition of initiation of protein synthesis. This inhibition is not due to the viral RNA nor to any contaminants of the preparation, but is most likely caused by the viral coat protein.