Journal of General Virology

Occupancy and mechanism in antibody-mediated neutralization of animal viruses

P. J. Klasse and Q. J. Sattentau

Jefferiss Research Trust Laboratories, Wright–Fleming Institute, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, St Mary's Campus, Norfolk Place, London W2 1PG, UK

Neutralization of virus infectivity by antibodies is an important component of immunity to several virus infections. Here, the immunochemical basis for the action of neutralizing antibodies, and what role their induction of conformational changes in the antigen might play, is reviewed. Theories of the mechanisms by which antibodies neutralize virus infectivity in vitro are also presented. The theoretical and empirical foundation of the hypothesis that viruses are neutralized by a single antibody per virion is critically reviewed. The relationship between antibody occupancy on virions and the mechanism of neutralization is explored. Examples of neutralization mediated through antibody interference with virus attachment and entry are discussed and test implications of refined theories of neutralization by antibody coating of virions are formulated.

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© 2002 SGM

This article is now available in the September 2002 print issue of JGV (vol. 83, 2091–2108). The complete issue of the journal may be seen in electronic form on JGV Online.