title: Detection of influenza viruses through selective adsorption and detection of the M-protein antigen.
abstract: A model system has been developed which permits rapid detection of influenza viruses through targeting of the M (membrane or matrix)-protein; a type-specific antigen, in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay system. This technique exploits the hydrophobic properties of M-protein; the M-protein is selectively and rapidly adsorbed to polystyrene surfaces even in the presence of a 5000-fold excess of bovine serum albumin. Hyperimmune antiserum prepared to purified M-protein is used as the detecting reagent. All type A influenza viruses could be detected by this technique, type B influenza viruses reacted to a slight extent and Sendai virus (parainfluenza virus, type 1) did not react. Virus could be detected to levels as low as 3 ng. Purification of M-protein and preparation of hyperimmune sera from other related virus groups, such as type B influenza viruses, paramyxoviruses and rhabdoviruses should permit detection of these agents by a similar technique.
mesh_terms: D000327:Adsorption; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000276:immunology; D000956:Antigens, Viral / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / Q000379:methods*; D009975:Orthomyxoviridae / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D010222:Parainfluenza Virus 1, Human; D011137:Polystyrenes; D014763:Viral Matrix Proteins; D014764:Viral Proteins / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D000956:Antigens, Viral; D011137:Polystyrenes; D014763:Viral Matrix Proteins; D014764:Viral Proteins