Reactions between influenza virus and a component of allantoic fluid.

Evidence is presented which shows that there is a component present in normal allantoic fluid, probably mucoprotein in nature, capable of combining with influenza A virus (PR8), and that following combination between this component and the virus only partial dissociation of the complex occurs. Evidence is also presented which strongly suggests that the component is present in virus-infected allantoic fluid in which it is in part combined with the virus and in part free although altered by viral action. The probability that the component is present as well in highly purified preparations of influenza virus, and its effect upon various reactions obtained with this agent are discussed.