SYNTHETIC PEPTIDES FOR DIAGNOSTIC USE

Synthetic peptides representing relevant B-cell epitopes are, potentia lly, ideal antigens to be used in diagnostic assays because of their s uperior properties with respect to quality control as compared to thos e of biologically derived molecules and the much higher specificity th at sometimes can be obtained, It is thus not a surprise than an increa sing number of synthetic peptide based diagnostic assays are being del -eloped or already are commercially available, In this report methods to define useful synthetic peptides, and diagnostic systems that are u nder development or on the market are discussed.