I. ANTIGENIC RELATIONSHIP OF VIRuS-STRuCTURAL PROTEINS TO VIRUS-SPECIFIC SOLUBLE ANTIGENS FROM INFECTED CELLS*

Infection of mamm~.lian cells with agents of the adenovirus group elicits production of at least three major soluble antigens. These proteins have been separated on the basis of their immunological, biological, and physiochemical properties into: (a) a group-specific antigen common to all adenovirus types; (b) a type-specific antigen unique for each type; and (c) a toxin-like material which also possesses group specificity (1, 2). The exact role of the soluble antigens in the virus synthetic process has been under investigation. Indirect evidence suggests tha t the soluble antigens represent virus-structural protein subunits produced in large excess of the amount utilized for synthesis of infectious virus (3, 4). A rigorous confirmation of this hypothesis requires evidence that the virus particle contains antigens which are identical with the soluble antigens. I t is the purpose of this communication to present data which indicate tha t the antigens of type 5 adenovirus particles are immunologically and physically identical with the soluble antigens produced in mammalian cells infected by this agent.