The conformational specificity of viral epitopes.
Four types of antigenic sites found in viruses are discussed: cryptotopes, neotopes, metatopes and neutralization epitopes. The role played by conformation on the specificity of viral epitopes is illustrated in the case of tobacco mosaic virus and influenza virus. It appears that mechanisms reminiscent of induced fit contribute to the recognition of viral epitopes by antibodies.
D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D000956:Antigens, Viral / Q000737:chemistry*; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D000939:Epitopes / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D009975:Orthomyxoviridae / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology; D011487:Protein Conformation; D014027:Tobacco Mosaic Virus / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology; D014764:Viral Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology
D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D000956:Antigens, Viral; D000939:Epitopes; D014764:Viral Proteins