An analysis of the complement-fixation reaction in influenza

Abstract

1. An analysis of the complement-fixation reaction in influenza has been made by the use of chess-board experiments in which serial dilutions of antigen are tested against serial dilutions of serum with a constant dose of complement.2. The reaction has been shown to be a complex one, involving two different antigens, the virus elementary body and the soluble antigen.3. The soluble antigens of all strains of influenza virus A are identical, and different from the antigen of virus B.4. The elementary body is a complex of several different antigens, and differences in antigenic structure can be detected between different strains of virus A. All elementary body preparations, however, contain soluble antigen which may be an intrinsic part of the elementary body or may be adsorbed.5. The most suitable antigen for use in epidemiological studies is one containing chiefly soluble antigen, and a description is given of the method of preparation and use of such an antigen derived from infected mouse-lung tissue.The author wishes to express his indebtedness to Dr C. H. Andrewes for some of the strains of influenza virus used in this work.