Original Antigenic Sin in Ferrets: the Response to Sequential Infections with Influenza Viruses

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Abstract
Summary: Infection of ferrets with influenza viruses resulted in the production of large numbers of antibody molecules of low avidity. With the passage of time the number of antibody molecules decreased while the average avidity increased. Sequential infection of ferrets with serologically related viruses caused a marked increase in the number of antibody molecules reacting with the first virus. The avidity of this antibody was similar to that of the antibody before reinfection. The antibody reacting with the second virus was of secondary quality. The antibody population 18 to 21 days after secondary infection with a related virus was heterogeneous in terms of avidity, some of the antibodies reacting with either one or the other of the infecting viruses and some reacting with both viruses.