NEW TYPE OF HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS PRODUCED BY INTERTYPIC CROSS

I. ANTIGENIC PROPERTIES

Abstract

One recombinant virus was obtained from a cross between herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2 which was neutralized well by both antisera to parent viruses. Reciprocal neutralization kinetic studies on the recombinant revealed that it was neutralized more rapidly than homologous viruses by any antiserum not only to parent viruses but also to the other type 1 and 2 strains examined. Conversely, the antiserum to the recombinant could neutralize only very slowly the other virus strains including parents. Such the characteristics and heat lability of the “new” virus suggests that the surface of the virion consists of antigenically mosaic structure mixed with various components which build up the antigenic structures of type 1 and 2.