Bovine embryonic kidney cells were infected with bovine herpesviruses (BHV1, 2, or 3), suid herpesvirus 1 (SHV1), or were
sham-inoculated. When cytopathic effect was apparent, the cells were solubilized using
Triton X-100 detergent. Resulting
antigen preparations were tested by 2-dimensional immunoelectrophoresis using bovine fetal serum and
antisera directed against BHV1, BHV2, BHV3, SHV1 or a restricted spectrum of BHV1
antigens. Interaction of BHV1 antiserum with BHV1
antigen preparations resulted in 11 precipitation
arcs. The same antiserum produced 3
arcs with BHV2, none with BHV3, and 5 with SHV1. The interaction of BHV1
antigen preparations with BHV2, BHV3, or SHV1
antisera failed to produce demonstrable
arcs. However, when
heterologous antigen or antibody preparations were added to BHV1 homologous 2-dimensional immunoelectrophoresis tests, all 11 BVH1
arcs were modified by BHV1, 2 by BHV2, 4 by BHV3 and 4 by SHV1 preparations. Two
antigens were common to the 4 herpesviruses.
Antigen preparations were tested for their ability to inhibit virus neutralization by BHV1 antiserum; only the BHV1 preparation was active. Sera were tested for BHV1 neutralizing activity; only BHV1 antiserum and a serum specific for a restricted spectrum of BHV1
antigens were active. A
glycoprotein antigen associated with BHV1 neutralization was identified which may be important in the protection of animals against disease.