Studies on the Antigenicity, in Man, of Calcium Phosphate Adsorbed Influenza Virus; with Comments on the Question of Dose of Virus Needed in Vaccines for Human Use

[摘要] The results of experiments carried out thus far on the antigenicity in man of calcium phosphate adsorbed influenza virus have been presented and discussed.In no instance was the adsorbed virus a less effective antigen, and in 2 of 3 experiments higher mean antibody titers developed in subjects given the adsorbed, as compared with a corresponding amount of unadsorbed antigen.Certain of the data suggest the possibility that a small amount of antigen adsorbed on calcium phosphate may produce an antibody response similar in degree to that resulting from the use of a relatively larger amount of unadsorbed virus. The trends observed require further study.Since an opportunity has not yet been had for direct observation of immunizing effect during an epidemic, an indirect approach was employed for obtaining some estimate of the degree to which the vaccines examined in the present studies may satisfy the requirements for an immunizing agent. By comparison with sera from the 1943–44 study in which the effectiveness of vaccination was demonstrated against influenza A, it appears that the vaccines studied would have been at least as effective as those which had been proved effective in trials during an epidemic, had they been tested under similar circumstances. Moreover, from the degree of the antibody response and the degree of persistence of the elevated titers, in relation to antibody zones associated with different degrees of susceptibility, it would appear that the immunizing effect would have been maintained at a high level for at least 7 months (the longest interval tested thus far).In view of the indications that it is possible to achieve and maintain what appear to be adequate levels of antibody, with the quantities of virus present in unconcentrated allantoic fluid, the question of the optimal concentration of virus for vaccines has been discussed.With the quantities of virus contained in the vaccines studied, no systemic reactions occurred and the concentrations of calcium phosphate employed in combination with these quantities of virus produced no untoward effects.

[学科分类] 生物科学（综合）