Recent work on the intrinsic qualities of influenza virus; somatic and genetic aspects

Abstract

The intrinsic qualities of influenza virus particles may be studied at the biological level from two points of view:(1) The surface structures associated with adsorption to the surface of the susceptible cell and entry into its substance are regarded as essentially somatic in character. Infection is possible only when these are present and functionally active.(2) The somatic qualities are controlled by a genetic mechanism composed of functional units equivalent to the genes of higher organisms. Recombination experiments based on multiple infection of a single cell can provide a technical approach to the genetic analysis of influenza virus.Work in these two fields is reviewed with special reference to that carried out in the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne.