Random-peptide libraries and antigen-fragment libraries for epitope mapping and the development of vaccines and diagnostics

Random peptide libraries and antigen-fragment libraries (also known as gene -fragment libraries) have been used to identify epitopes on protein antigen s. These technologies promise to make significant contributions to diagnost ic and vaccine development. Researchers in a number of labs have shown that phage selected from libraries with protective antibodies, raised against w hole antigen, can be used as immunogens to stimulate antibody responses tha t bind native antigen and provide protection in vivo. Others have used the sera of patients with idiopathic diseases to screen libraries, and by this approach have identified candidate antigens involved in immune disease. The se may prove useful for diagnosis and, possibly, in determining disease eti ology.