Small Reversible Clumps of Bacteriophage and Their Anomalous Serologic Behavior

[摘要] Clumping occurs over a period of several weeks when phage T5 is stored at suitable concentrations in nutrient broth at 4°C. The process requires both salt and an unidentified broth factor, which appears to be nondialyzable and heat stable. The final clumps are moderately uniform, averaging probably not more than 10 virus particles. They are stable at low temperature for many months, even after high dilution in broth. They disperse rapidly and completely in broth at 44°C and more slowly in cold low-salt medium. They do not adsorb to host cells. The constituent particles of the clumps are more sensitive than free virus particles to intense mechanical agitation. Of special interest is the hypersensitivity of clumped virus to specific antiserum. A tail-centered model of clump structure appears capable of coordinating all the available information. Clumping has been demonstrated also with several mutants of T5 and with T2, but tests of T1, T3, and T4 were negative. The significance and application of the findings are discussed. In particular, it is concluded on theoretic grounds that conformity to the percentage law of Andrewes and Elford is not a sufficient criterion for authentic virus neutralization.

[学科分类] 生物科学（综合）