Johnson & Johnson Gmbh

Erling C Norrby

Richard A Lerner

D Elliot Parks

The simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) is genotypically and phenotypically similar to the human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2). Both viruses display similar structural, biological, and immunological properties. The external envelope glycoprotein (EMP) and transmembrane envelope glycoprotein (TMP) appear to be formed from the cleavage of a precursor glycoprotein. Despite these similarities, a number of differences exist as evidenced by the different migratory properties of the envelope glycoproteins. The present invention discloses novel SIV peptides, obtained from the transmembrane envelope glycoprotein, that display immunological cross-reactivity with HIV-2-specific antisera. Epitope mapping studies revealed that the amino acid sequence --CAFRQVC--, which corresponds to amino acid residues 614-620, is a sine qua non for the retention of this immunological cross-reactivity. These peptides are useful in diagnostic methods for the detection of HIV-2-specific antibodies in infected patients.

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Lidingo, Sweden

Erling C Norrby