A water-soluble peptide possessing an immune complex selective affinity was
synthesized and its primary structure established as: Leu-Glu-Gln-Gly-Glu-
Asn-Val-Phe-Leu-Gln-Ala-Thr-Ser-Asp-Asp-Cys. This peptide, designated as C1
q-like peptide (CLP), represents a possible immune complex binding epitope
of complement C1q. CLP has a hydrophilicity value of 0.21. At 0.5 mu M, it
inhibited by 50% natural human C1q from binding to horseradish peroxidase-r
abbit anti-peroxidase immune complex. CLP failed to inhibit Staphylococcus
aureus protein A from binding monomeric IgG. When coated to a microplate, C
LP showed selective binding to the immune complex, and could be used for ap
plication in immunochemical detection of immune complex.