Monoclonal antibodies directed against the influenza A virus are described,which have the property of being ableto bind a plurality of subtypes of the influenza A virus. One preferredembodiment is the antibody designated as Fab28, which displaysa neutralizing activity against a plurality of subtypes of the influenza Avirus. Anti-idiotype antibodies directed against themonoclonal antibodies of the invention, immunogenic or vaccine compositionscomprising the monoclonal antibodies of the inventionare also described, as well as therapeutic, prophylactic and diagnosticapplications for the monoclonal antibodies of theinvention. The monoclonal antibodies of the invention can also be used fortesting antibody preparations to be used as vaccines.
