Neutralization of T-even bacteriophage: the role of tail-sheath antigen in indirect neutralization

Abstract

Characterization of an indirect, or enhanced, neutralization of T-even phage is reported. It is concluded that addition of anti-Fab, but not anti-Fcγ, converts a complex of phage and anti-phage from an infectious plaque former to a noninfectious, or neutralized, phage. It is also concluded that the antiphage involved in this indirect neutralization reacts with the T-even tail sheath, and not with the tail fibers as is the case with direct neutralization.