Mapping of functional domains on the influenza A virus RNA polymerase PB2 molecule using monoclonal antibodies

Summary.

 Monoclonal antibodies against the PB2 of A/Puerto Rico/8/34 (A/PR/ 8/34) (H1N1) were prepared in order to define the functional domains of the RNA polymerase of influenza virus. The fifteen monoclonal antibodies that were generated were divided into 4 groups on the basis of ELISA binding to PB2 or its peptide fragments. Six Group I antibodies that bound to the PB2 N-terminal region (amino acids 1–104) did not inhibit transcription by the viral ribonucleoprotein complex. A single Group II antibody recognizing the region of amino acids 206–259 inhibited ApG-primed transcription. Groups III and IV antibodies bound to the C-terminal region of amino acids 660–759. Of these, Group III antibodies inhibited transcription. The present results identify multiple monoclonal antibody binding domains in PB2, two of which, when bound by antibodies, negatively affect viral RNA transcription.