Question

Explain, why the neutralizing antibodies are unable to block the recurrent influenza viral infection effectively?

Answer 1

The classical definition of “neutralizing” is to block the ability of a virus to attach to a cell; i.e. to block the first step in viral infection. Such antibodies sterically interfere with the receptor-binding site on the hemagglutinin (HA) so it cannot bind to its sialic acid receptor on the cell surface.