Conformational changes in influenza virus haemagglutinin and its monomer detected by monoclonal antibodies

Abstract

Exposure of influenza virus haemagglutinin to pH 5 results in conformational changes occurring in the molecule which are accompanied by antigenic modifications. Furthermore, isolated haemagglutinin (HA) at a concentration of 0.1 nM undergoes dissociation from the trimeric to a monomeric form when exposed to pH 5. Whether present on intact virus or as the isolated monomer, each form of haemagglutinin from pH 5 exhibits similar alterations in antigenic characteristics. These forms of HA show modifications in the antigenic sites located in the hinge (site C), tip (site B) and subunit interface (site D) regions. Whereas binding of monoclonal antibodies recognizing the tip and interface is abroga..