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An Optimized Hemagglutination Inhibition (HI) Assay to Quantify Influenza-specific Antibody Titers
Published on: December 1, 2017
PRECIPITIN REACTIONS OF HIGHLY PURIFIED INFLUENZA VIRUSES AND RELATED MATERIALS
1Department of Animal and Plant Pathology of The Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research, Princeton, New Jersey.
The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|October 30, 2009
Summary
Influenza virus preparations contain normal antigens from their host environment. These normal antigens are integral parts of the virus particles, impacting purification and characterization of influenza viruses.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Influenza virus purification aims to isolate infectious viral particles.
- Understanding the composition of purified virus is crucial for accurate characterization.
- Previous studies have focused on viral components, with less attention to host-derived contaminants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and significance of normal antigens in purified influenza virus preparations.
- To determine if host-derived antigens are integral components of influenza virus particles.
- To quantify the proportion of normal antigens in highly purified influenza virus.
Main Methods:
- Production of antisera against purified PR8 virus, normal allantoic fluid protein, and normal mouse lung particles.
- Quantitative precipitin tests using various purified influenza virus preparations and related materials as antigens.
- Ultracentrifugation and electrochemical methods to assess viral homogeneity.
Main Results:
- Highly purified PR8 and Lee influenza viruses contained antigens characteristic of normal allantoic fluid.
- Purified mouse lung PR8 virus preparations exhibited antigens from normal mouse lungs.
- Infectivity of homogeneous virus preparations was precipitated by antisera to normal antigens.
- Estimated 20-30% of purified influenza virus preparations consisted of normal antigenic structures.
Conclusions:
- Normal antigens are integral components of the 100-millimicron particles associated with influenza virus activity.
- Purified influenza virus preparations are not solely composed of viral antigens.
- The presence of normal antigens must be considered in the interpretation of influenza virus studies.
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