Virally induced alterations in cellular permeability: a basis of cellular and physiological damage?

Virally induced permeability changes occur when haemolytic paramyxoviruses are added to cells; similar (though not identical) changes take place during infection of cells with viruses from several families (including paramyxoviruses). These changes occur in intact, viable cells, and precede subsequent cytopathic effects, to which they are likely to contribute. There is accumulating evidence to suggest that virally induced permeability changes may also underlie the physiological and clinical consequences of viral infection in certain situations.