MODIFICATION OF THE HOMOTYPIC SPECIFICITY OF POLIOMYELITIS COMPLEMENT-FIXING ANTIGENS BY HEAT

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Abstract
Fluid obtained from HeLa cell cultures infected with poliomy- elitis viruses served as a complement-fixing antigen. When used in the native state, i.e., untreated in any way, the fluids acted as homotypically specific antigens. When heated, however, the antigenicity was broadened and a high degree of heterotypic reactivity was encountered. Heating (56[degree] for 30 minutes) also reduced the antigenicity and sensitivity of the preparations. Data are presented indicating that the observed group reactivity was apparently based on common antigens shared by th.e 3 immunologic types of poliomyelitis virus. This reactivity appeared to be specific for the poliomyelitis viruses. No evidence was obtained in preliminary experiments that heating of the antigens releases a "soluble" antigen responsible for the group reactivity.