Protective role of human antibody to the fusion protein of measles virus.

Absorption of a pooled human gamma globulin preparation with acetone-treated measles virus-infected cells removed all antibodies to measles virus antigens except a portion of the antibody to the fusion (F) protein. The residual anti-F antibody had hemolysis-inhibiting and virus-neutralizing activities, inhibited spread of infection through cell fusion, and was effective in protection of passively immunized mice from fatal measles encephalitis, providing evidence for the protective role of human antibody to the F protein of measles virus.