Control of Hepatitis Virus Infections by New Methods
Abstract
During the past contract year, we have continued our investigations with an HBsAg synthetic peptide (SP1) which contains amino acid residues 122-137 associated with the ayw subtype sequences of the major envelope polypeptide, P25. Several important immunochemical parameters associated with SP1 were established: 1) Conjugation of SP1 to a tetanus toxoid (TT) carrier or aggregation of SP1 in micelle form yielded material that produced a good booster response in mice. In fact, similar titers were noted in mice injected with 2 doses of alum-precipitated material of either SP1 conjugated to TT or purified HBsAg 22-nm particles. 2) immunization of a chimpanzee with preexisting anti-HBs with 2 inoculations of SP1-TT in alum produced a significant booster antibody response. 3) SP1 contains a conformational a epitope and a sequential y epitope. We have also produced an anti-idiotype reagent in rabbits that recognizes a common idiotypic determinant on human anti-HBs molecules. Finally, we have demonstrated that mice injected with specifically purified antiidiotype produced to human anti-HBs produce immune cells that secrete antibody which reacts specifically with HGsAg. We are currently investigating the potential of this reagent for the specific modulation of the immune response.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 31, 1983
- Accession Number
- ADB101194
Entities
People
- Joseph L. Melnick
Organizations
- Baylor College of Medicine