Principles of selective inactivation of viral genome. VIII. The influence of beta-propiolactone on immunogenic and protective activities of influenza virus.

The influence of beta-propiolactone action on the immunogenic and protective activity of the influenza virus A/WSN/33 (H1N1) has been studied. The production of antibodies against virion surface antigens in mice immunized intramuscularly by the modified virus was enhanced with the increase of inoculating dose from 6 x 10(7) to 1.5 x 10(8) viral particles per animal. The immunizing dose of 6 x 10(7) produced complete protection of immunized animals against a lethal challenge of A/WSN/33 virus. The inhibition of virus reproduction in animal lungs was increased with the increase of the virus immunizing dose up to 6 x 10(8). At a constant dose the inhibition of virus reproduction decreases with the increase of the virus modification extent.