Selection of continuous epitope sequences and their incorporation into poly(ethylene glycol)-peptide conjugates for use in serodiagnostic immunoassays: Application to Lyme disease

Continuous epitope sequences were selected from immunogenic Bb proteins by epitope mapping. The identified epitope sequences were synthesized by solid phase peptide synthesis and purified by high performance liquid chromatogr aphy. Each epitope was conjugated individually to a multifunctional poly(et hylene glycol) (PEG) carrier. The result PEG-peptide conjugates were used a s antigens in ELISA for diagnosis of Lyme disease. The results showed that the defined epitope peptides were Lyme disease specific and could be used i n a format of PEG-peptide conjugate as the antigen to achieve improved sens itivity and specificity. (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.