title: Neutralization epitope diversity of coxsackievirus B4 isolates detected by monoclonal antibodies.
abstract: Only recently have we begun to fully realize the diversity of virions within a single human isolate of the group B Coxsackieviruses. These intratypic (strain) differences may be one of the important factors influencing pathogenesis, e.g., myocarditis vs. pancreatitis. Yet, until the virion strains within a type can be well differentiated, a thorough analysis of the pathogenic potential of each is not possible. We compared two human isolates, JVB and Edwards, and 15 isolates derived from these two in search of determinants of strain specificity and to evaluate the diversity/stability of neutralization epitopes on the virions comprising each isolate. Polyclonal antisera failed to show strain specific determinants. However, monoclonal antibodies directed to individual neutralization epitopes defined strain specific differences. Plaque reduction neutralization tests with these monoclonal antibodies allowed the quantitation of the expression of epitopes on the virions in each isolate. These data helped to establish the limits of diversity and stability of the neutralization epitopes of Coxsackievirus B4 virions and describe the changes in epitopes among laboratory isolates.
mesh_terms: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D000956:Antigens, Viral / Q000276:immunology*; D003429:Cross Reactions; D029822:Enterovirus B, Human / Q000276:immunology*; D000939:Epitopes / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D009500:Neutralization Tests; D010948:Viral Plaque Assay; D014771:Virion / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D000956:Antigens, Viral; D000939:Epitopes