Soluble and virion-associated antigens of vaccinia virus (an Orthopoxvirus), myxoma virus (a Leporipoxvirus) and molluscum contagiosum virus (an unclassified poxvirus) were studied using immunodiffusion and virus neutralisation tests. Virion-associated antigens were prepared by extraction of virus for NP. antigen (Smadel, Rivers and Hoagland 1942), or by extraction at pH 10.5 (A. antigen), followed by NP. extraction (NP.1 antigen). Technical factors greatly affected the results of immunodiffusion tests. Serologically non-specific interference with precipitin line extension was demonstrated in comparative, template immunodiffusion tests. The antigen preparations were all heterogeneous and the antigenic composition of vaccinia soluble and A. antigens varied with the virus growth system. The antigenic fractions of vaccinia NP. antigen were also identified in vaccinia NP.1 antigen and in some, but not all, preparations of vaccinia soluble and A. antigens. The soluble antigens of vaccinia and myxoma viruses contained a common antigenic fraction which was unrelated to vaccinia NP. antigen. A common fraction was also identified in vaccinia NP. and myxoma NP.1 antigens. Limited data suggested restricted cross-reactivity between molluscum antigens and vaccinia soluble and NP. antigens. The three viruses did not show unequivocal cross-reactivity in virus neutralisation tests. Normal rabbit sera reacted with certain antigens of all three viruses and with extracts of human skin. This activity was strongest in tests with myxoma antigens, and was interpreted in terms of natural antibodies. Electron microscopic studies identified at least three putative subpopulations of virions in the virus preparations. Morphological changes were not detected following extraction of virus at pH 10.5, but virions were disrupted by NP. extraction.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:447253 |
| Date | January 1978 |
| Creators | Alcock, S. R. |
| Publisher | University of Aberdeen |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
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