Complement-Fixing Antigens of Herpes Simplex Virus Types 1 and 2: Reactivity of Capsid, Envelope, and Soluble Antigens

Capsid, envelope, and nonvirion-associated soluble components of type 1 and type 2 herpes simplex virus (HSV) were obtained from infected monolayer cell cultures and used as complement fixation (CF) antigens. Capsids were prepared by treatment of cells with the nonionic detergent Nonidet-P40, envelope material by treatment of virions with ether and high pH, and soluble components were obtained from culture fluids of untreated cells. Serological studies with experimental anti-herpesvirus sera indicate that these serotypes share cross-reacting envelope, capsid, and soluble antigens with each other and with herpesvirus B but not with varicella virus. In addition, animals immunized with crude HSV preparations contain high levels of CF antibody (1:32 to 1:64) to soluble antigens, whereas sera from humans who have experienced natural infection contain low levels of antibody (