Autoantibodies in sera of rabbits immunized with influenza virus

Rabbits immunized with purified influenza A (H3N2) virus within 4 weeks developed autoantibodies of SMA type (smooth muscle antibodies). In some of them also ABBA (antibodies against brush border of proximal renal tubuli) and ANA (anti-nuclear antibodies) were detected. This autoimmune response was found to be unrelated to either the virus dose or the adjuvant used for immunization. Autoantibodies were not parallel in titre with influenza antibody.