Antibodies to HIV-1 gp41 recognize synthetic peptides of human IFN-alpha and IFN-beta

Based on our finding that a common epitope exists between HIV-1 gp41 and hu man type I interferons (IFN-alpha and IFN-beta), and increased levels of an tibodies against human IFN-alpha and IFN-beta were observed in HIV-1-infect ed individuals, we tried to explain the mechanism of increased levels of an tibodies. Mouse antisera recognizing HIV-1 recombinant soluble (rs) gp41 (a a 539-684) interacted with two synthetic peptides sequence-corresponding to the IFN-alpha/beta receptor binding site on human IFN-alpha and IFN-beta, white normal mouse serum (pooled normal sera) did nor. The anti-rspg41 anti sera after adsorption by IFN-beta sepharose column lost the activity of int eraction with both synthetic peptides. In another experiment, rsgp4? could bind to sepharose column conjugated with anti-IFN-beta polyclonal antibodie s (IgG). These results indicate that the common epitope on gp41 and type 1 interferons could induce antibodies recognizing the receptor binding site o n IFN-alpha and IFN-beta, suggesting that increased levels of antibodies ag ainst IFN-alpha and IFN-beta in HIV-1-infected individuals could be induced by gp41. Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.