Evidence for a New Type-specific Structural Antigen of the Influenza Virus Particle

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Abstract
Three virus-coded structural antigens of the influenza virus have been previously described. The ribonucleoprotein (RNP) antigen, identified as the ‘soluble’ antigen of influenza by Hoyle & Fairbrother (1937), is located internally in the virus particle and is antigenically invariant and type-specific, providing the basis for the division of influenza viruses into types A, B and C. The haemagglutinin and neuraminidase antigens occur at the virus surface and are immunologically and morphologically (Laver & Valentine, 1969) distinct proteins which show a considerable degree of antigenic variation. In addition, Dimmock & Watson (1969) have presented evidence for a non-structural antigen induced by the influenza virus which appeared to be present in the nucleoli of cells early after infection with influenza. This report describes studies on an additional antigen of the virus which appears to be located internally in the particle.

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