[Subunit immunogen of the tick-borne encephalitis virus. The immunological characteristics of glycoprotein V3 from 2 antigenic types of tick-borne encephalitis virus].

V3 glycoprotein isolated from virions of two antigenic types of TBE virus was found to be a valuable immunogen in experimental immunizations of rabbits and mice. The immune sera contained high titres of antibodies to TBE virus and other viruses of the TBE antigenic complex detectable in three serological tests. Species-, type-, and group-specific antibodies to TBE viruses were demonstrated. Mice vaccinated with TBE V3 glycoprotein developed immunity to TBE virus challenge. The isolated V3 glycoprotein of TBE virus, like whole TBE virus virions, carries several antigenic determinants.