LOCALIZATION OF A SEQUENTIAL B-EPITOPE IN THE VP2 PROTEIN OF HEPATITIS-A VIRUS

A set of synthetic peptides derived from the capsid proteins of hepati tis A virus was used to search for B-epitopes. Peptides from the 115-1 39 region of the VP1 protein, from the 69-99 region of the VP2 protein and peptide 137-150 from the VP3 protein were found to react with mon oclonal and polyclonal anti-HAV antibodies. MAPs based on 64-80 and 66 -80 fragments of VP3 were reactive as well. Peptides, their conjugates with protein carriers and MAPs were used for antipeptide antibody pro duction. Only free peptide 69-99 from the VP2 protein caused formation of HAV binding antibodies.