Neuraminidase and Anti‐Neuraminidase Serum: Effect on the Cell Surface Properties

Abstract
Neuraminidase lowers the electrical cell surface charge by cleavage of N‐acetylneuraminic acid (NANA) from the cell periphery. Neuraminidase antisera prepared in rabbits increase the surface charge density of neuraminidase‐treated cells. It is suggested that the lowering of the cell surface charge is due not only to enzymatic splitting of NANA but also to some masking of the surface sites by adsorbed enzyme on the cell surface.