Abstract
Sera from virtually all individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus contain antibodies against the viral envelope glycoproteins. By using a series of synthetic peptide antigens, we identified an immunodominant domain at amino acid position 598-609 of gp41. The minimal essential epitope is a 7-amino-acid sequence (amino acids 603-609) containing two cysteine residues. Both cysteine residues are required for the antigenic conformation of the sequence, possibly due to creation of a cyclic structure via disulfide bond formation.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / immunology
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Amino Acid Sequence
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Antibodies, Viral / analysis
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Antigens, Viral / immunology*
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Epitopes
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Glycoproteins / immunology*
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HIV / immunology*
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Humans
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Membrane Proteins / immunology*
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Peptide Fragments / chemical synthesis
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Peptide Fragments / immunology
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Structure-Activity Relationship
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Viral Proteins / immunology*
Substances
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Antibodies, Viral
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Antigens, Viral
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Epitopes
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Glycoproteins
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Membrane Proteins
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Peptide Fragments
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Viral Proteins