Virus versus antibody.
Variation in the proteins produced by animal viruses allows the virus to reinfect the same host, but is constrained by the requirement to maintain critical viral functions, in particular engagement with cellular receptors. The fundamental characteristics of proteins and their interactions with each other suggest that this may not be so much of a constraint at all.
Colman
P M
PM
Biomolecular Research Institute, 343 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia. peter.colman@mel.dbe.csiro.au
D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000276:immunology*; D000940:Antigenic Variation; D009975:Orthomyxoviridae / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D012229:Rhinovirus / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*
D000914:Antibodies, Viral