Detection of cells producing surface antigen-specific antibody to influenza viruses.
B cells producing antibodies to influenza virus antigens were detected and quantitated by a hemolytic plaque assay. Responses of mice after primary infection and immunization with influenza viruses were measured and compared with responses after secondary immunization. The B-cell responses were specific and differentiated between A and B influenza viruses and between different subtypes of A influenza viruses. Responses to closely related influenza A virus strains of the H3N2 subtype cross-reacted but could also be differentiated. Cells secreting antibody to either of the virus surface antigens (hemagglutinin and neuraminidase) could be separately enumerated. Evidence that immunoglobulin G- secreting cells are detected in the assay without the use of facilitating anti-immunoglobulin G sera is presented.
D000818:Animals; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D000918:Antibody Specificity; D000954:Antigens, Surface; D000956:Antigens, Viral; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D006462:Hemolytic Plaque Technique; D007114:Immunization; D007117:Immunization, Secondary; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D009975:Orthomyxoviridae / Q000276:immunology*; D009976:Orthomyxoviridae Infections / Q000276:immunology*
D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D000954:Antigens, Surface; D000956:Antigens, Viral