Envelope Protein of Influenza Virus

Abstract

Immunological characteristics of envelope protein derivatives have been tested in the mouse. In contrast to the identity of the serological reactions of whole virus and the several forms of envelope protein, the hemagglutination inhibition titers of the sera of immunized mice varied markedly depending on the nature of the inoculum. One type of envelope protein, the acetic acid extracted, was as effective an antigen as the formalinized intact virus, provided aluminum phosphate was included in the inoculum. An apparent dependence on the molecular size organization of the antigen was observed. Further advances depend on the utilization of superior adjuvant systems or assembly of the protein into colloidal states conducive to augmented immune responses.