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Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus. II. Characterization of extractable complement-fixing activity
Medical Microbiology and Immunology
|June 1, 1976
Summary
This study purified a Lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM) virus antigen (ECFA). ECFA induces complement-fixing antibodies but not protective immunity, indicating it is an internal viral component.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM) virus poses a significant public health concern.
- Understanding LCM virus antigens is crucial for developing effective diagnostics and therapeutics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the Lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM) virus-specific complement-fixing (CF) antigen (ECFA).
- To determine the immunological properties and location of ECFA within the LCM virus structure.
Main Methods:
- Solubilization, concentration, and partial purification of ECFA.
- Immunization studies with ECFA in Freund's adjuvant.
- Double diffusion tests (Ouchterlony) using ECFA and specific antisera.
- Analysis of ECFA's presence on virions and infected cells.
- Disruption of infectious LCM virus to release internal antigens.
Main Results:
- ECFA induced complement-fixing (CF) antibodies but not neutralizing antibodies or protective immunity.
- ECFA demonstrated immunological identity across different species and preparations.
- ECFA was not found on the surface of the virion or infected cells.
- Disruption of infectious LCM virus released a CF antigen immunologically identical to ECFA.
Conclusions:
- ECFA is an internal component of the infectious LCM virus.
- ECFA's role is primarily in inducing CF antibodies, not protective immunity.
- Further research into internal viral components may yield new targets for LCM virus control.