Influenza

Abstract

The author reminds us of the significance of hemagglutinin and neuraminidase, as well as their respective antibodies, in the development of influenza in man and other organisms. These factors are certainly not the only ones responsible for clinical symptomatology. The value of killed or attenuated virus vaccines is then discussed, together with the application of the viruses at the portal of entry, antigenic recombinants and particularly the elaboration of a "master strain" of virus (for example "Alice", WRL 105). Particular attention is devoted to the ts mutants, their genetic stability, transmissibility and protecting power against wild strains. The virus which Chanock and his associates have developed during the last few years offers considerable advantages; nevertheless continued research by several teams is suggested in order to improve still further the qualities of this virus.