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Abstract
Antisera were prepared which reacted specifically with different antigens in the capsid of adenovirus type 5, viz. hexons, pentons, fibres and penton bases. A rabbit antiserum was obtained which reacted with another antigen (designated P) formed during the early stages of the infectious process. This antigen is similar to the T antigen associated with infection by the oncogenic adenoviruses. Using the specific antisera and the P antiserum a study was made of the properties and sequence of development of the antigens in single-step infection. The time of appearance of the antigens was a function of the added multiplicity of infection. The P antigen was detected early in infection and was followed 4 hr later by the fibres and hexons and a further 2 hr later by the penton bases. The appearance of the penton bases was accompanied by an increase in infectivity. Haemagglutination and the ability of the antigens to inhibit cell spreading were measured and it is concluded that relatively late in infection the capsid antigens are no longer incorporated into virus particles and can be detected as free antigens.
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- Accepted:
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