The Neutralization of Western Equine Encephalomyelitis Virus by Human Convalescent Serum. The Influence of Heat Labile Substances in Serum on the Neutralization Index

Abstract

Evidence is presented to show that a heat labile accessory substance which augments the activity of neutralizing antibodies to Western equine encephalomyelitis virus is present in normal serum. This substance loses most of its activity when diluted 1:10. Its possible relationship to complement and its bearing on diagnostic neutralization tests are discussed.