Comparative immunogenicities of tobacco mosaic virus, protein subunits, and reaggregated protein subunits☆

Abstract When TMV protein, either dissociated subunits or reconstituted protein rods, is injected into rabbits, the amount of precipitating antibodies directed against the intact virus is 2–8 times smaller at the peak of synthesis than when similar amounts of TMV are injected. Duration of the synthesis of these TMV antibodies is also shorter (one month instead of more than one year). These differences seem to be related to unequal deposition and rate of degradation of the three antigens in the antibody-producing organs.