title: Identification of a neutralization epitope in the VP1 capsid protein of SV40.
abstract: Three SV40 escape mutants were identified by selection in the presence of monoclonal antibodies with neutralizing activity. The VP1 amino acid alterations in these mutants were: (1) K73-->E (in loop BC); (2) D77-->E (in loop BC); (3) K171-->R (in loop EF); and (4) Q175-->H (in loop EF). These residues are clustered in close proximity to each other on the surface of the native capsid protein, strongly suggesting that they form a conformational epitope directly recognized by the neutralizing antibody. To our knowledge, the present study represents the first experimental mapping of a neutralization epitope of a polyomavirus family member. Structural information regarding the neutralization epitope should be useful for clarifying the extent of cross-reactivity exhibited by the humoral immune response towards related primate polyomaviruses (e.g., SV40, BKV, and JCV).
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of DNA Viruses, Division of Viral Products CBER, FDA Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
authors.forename: Haruhiko
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Murata
authors.forename: Belete
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Teferedegne
authors.forename: Li
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Sheng
authors.forename: Andrew M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Lewis
authors.forename: Keith
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Peden
mesh_terms: D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D036022:Capsid Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D002460:Cell Line; D018604:Epitope Mapping; D000939:Epitopes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D009154:Mutation / Q000235:genetics; D009500:Neutralization Tests; D010641:Phenotype; D013539:Simian virus 40 / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D036022:Capsid Proteins; D000939:Epitopes