Studies on vaccinia haemagglutinin: I. Some physico-chemical properties

Abstract

1. Specific vaccinia haemagglutinin has been identified in vaccinia materials derived from chick embryo, rabbit skin, rabbit testis and sheep skin.2. The haemagglutinin is distinct from, and apparently unassociated with, the elementary bodies.3. Centrifugation studies indicate that the haemagglutinin activity is associated with particles of the order of 65 μ in diameter and having an approximate density value of 1·;1.4. Vaccinia haemagglutinin retains its haemagglutinating activity after boiling for 10 min. It is stable within the pH range 5·92–9·79.5. The behaviour of vaccinia haemagglutinin to various chemical procedures and an attempt at its purification are described.