Localization of a new neutralizing epitope on the mumps virus hemagglutinin-neuraminidase protein

Four protein fragments which span the entire hemagglutinin-neuraminidase pr otein (HN) of mumps virus were expressed in HeLa cells and cell extracts we re tested for their capability to induce neutralizing antibodies in mice. F ragment HN3 (aa 213-372) was able to induce the production of hemagglutinat ion-inhibiting and neutralizing antibodies. When a subfragment of HN3, the synthetic peptide NSTLGVKSAREF (aa 329-340 of HN) was used for immunization , hemagglutination-inhibiting and neutralizing antibodies against mumps wil d type virus but not against the Urabe Am9 vaccine virus were raised. The p eptide could, therefore: contain a new epitope, which may be critical for p rotective host humoral immune response. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.