| abstract |
An anti-human influenza virus antibody is provided which recognizes the stem regions of haemagglutinin molecules of the H1N1 and H2N2 subtypes and has a neutralization activity, but does not recognize the stem region of the H3N2 subtype and has no neutralization activity. Also provided is an immunogenic artificial polypeptide having an antigenicity substantially the same as the stem regions of haemagglutinin molecules. Provided further is an immunogenic artificial polypeptide having an antigenicity substantially the same as the stem regions of haemagglutinin molecule and lacking the globular head region of haemagglutinin molecules. The antibody is useful in the diagnosis and treatment of influenza A virus, while the polypeptides are useful as a vaccine. |