Immune response to synthetic peptide analogues of hepatitis B surface antigen specific for the a determinant.

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.79.14.4400
• Publication Date: 2006-05-31T07:13:20Z
• Authors: P K Bhatnagar; E Papas; H E Blum; D R Milich; D Nitecki; M J Karels; G N Vyas
• Keywords: Antigenicity; Keyhole limpet hemocyanin

Recovery from a natural infection with hepatitis B virus or vaccination purified envelope protein leads to production of antibodies against the surface antigen (HBsAg). Such physiologic response in man is generally directed determinant HBsAg common all serotypes virus. To define immunochemical specificity this determinant, secondary structure was derived its sequence 226 amino acids. Hydrophilic stretches expected contain antigenic determinants were located between residues 32 and 76 110 156. Loss activity after chemical modification lysine indicated their critical importance antigenicity. Because lysines are 121 160, we selected region for localization HbsAg determinants. Solid-phase synthesis used prepare seven peptide analogues (PsAs): 122-137, 128-134, 139-147, 139-158, 140-158, 145-158, 150-158. For experimental immunization rabbits synthetic peptides coupled keyhole limpet hemocyanin. We studied antigenicity each analogue by serologic neutralization human specific HBsAg. Analogues 140-158 showed as well function anti-HBsAg. The rabbit inhibited three HbSag, having only common. These results indicate that nonapeptide 139-147 represents total an essential part