Epitope specificity of anti-HA2 antibodies induced in humans during influenza infection.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The conserved, fusion-active HA2 glycopolypeptide (HA2) subunit of influenza A hemagglutinin comprises four distinct antigenic sites. Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) recognizing three of these sites are broadly cross-reactive and protective.

Objectives

This study aimed to establish whether antibodies specific to these three antigenic sites were elicited during a natural influenza infection or by vaccination of humans.

Methods

Forty-five paired acute and convalescent sera from individuals with a confirmed influenza A (subtype H3) infection were examined for the presence of HA2-specific antibodies. The fraction of antibodies specific to three particular antigenic sites (designated IIF4, FC12, and CF2 here) was investigated using competitive enzyme immunoassay.

SUBMITTER: Stanekova Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4941695 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature