A conserved region at the COOH terminus of human immunodeficiency virus gp120 envelope protein contains an immunodominant epitope.

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.84.8.2479
• Publication Date: 2006-05-31T10:34:29Z
• Authors: T J Palker; T J Matthews; M E Clark; G J Cianciolo; R R Randall; A J Langlois; G C White; B Safai; R Snyderman; D P Bolognesi
• Keywords: HIV Antigens; Antigenicity

A highly immunogenic epitope from a conserved COOH-terminal region of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) gp120 envelope protein has been identified with antisera HIV-seropositive subjects and synthetic peptide (SP-22) containing 15 amino acids this (Ala-Pro-Thr-Lys-Ala-Lys-Arg-Arg-Val-Val-Gln-Arg-Glu-Lys-Arg). Peptide SP-22 absorbed up to 100% anti-gp120 antibody reactivity select HIV+ patient sera in immunoblot assays 79% serum competition RIA. In RIA, 45% had antibodies that bound SP-22. Human anti-SP-22 were eluted an affinity column reacted RIA but did not neutralize HIV or inhibit HIV-induced syncytium formation vitro, even though these comprised 70% all test serum. contrast, remaining 30% nonreactive react neutralized vitro. Thus, approximately 50% patients make high titers nonneutralizing immunodominant antigen on defined by Moreover, COOH terminus contains major antigens assays.