Significance of long lasting persistence of influenza virus antigens at the portal of infection and in the spleen of mice.

Distribution of virus, its antigens and development of cellular factors of immunity were followed in the course of different forms of acute influenza virus infection in mice. Long term persistence of influenza virus antigens in the portal of entry and spleen were typical for of acute influenza. Lethal effect of influenza infection was caused by massive lesions induced by the virus and due to cell mediated immune response. The fate of infected individual seems to be decided during the first days of post-inoculation and depends on the ability of the virus to modify the cell membranes of the infected individual.