Interaction between poliovirus and immunoglobulins: I. Detection of virus antibodies by partition in aqueous polymer phase systems

Abstract

An aqueous polymer phase system containing 3% w w of dextran sulfate 500 and 3% w w of polyethylene glycol 6000 at a salt concentration of 0.35 M NaCl buffered to pH 7 with 0.02 M phosphate buffer distributes poliovirus type 1 in the top phase with a partition coefficient of 4.5 and human γG-globulin in the bottom phase with a partition coefficient of 0.55. Poliovirus type 1 combined with specific antibodies distribute mainly in the bottom phase of the system. These findings were developed into a rapid and sensitive technique to detect poliovirus antibodies in human, guinea pig, and rabbit sera with the aid of P 32-labeled poliovirus type 1. This technique was 2–4 times more sensitive in detection of antibodies in human sera than the neutralization test. Evidence is presented that the immunoglobulins of human serum are responsible for the redistribution of virus in the phase systems. A difference in activity of γM and γG antibodies in the neutralization and immunoinactivation reactions could be demonstrated with the aid of the phase system technique. This technique also revealed a single instance in which there were only γM antibodies after repeated doses of poliovirus vaccine.