Synthesis, immunogenicity, and antigenicity of the glycoprotein E fragments of the tick-borne encephalitis virus

Six peptide fragments of the envelope protein E of the tick-horne encephali tis virus involving the predicted T-helper epitopes were synthesized. Their ability to induce antibodies without conjugation with any high-molecular-m ass carrier was studied in mice of three lines. Five of six synthesized pep tides exhibited immunogenic properties, which differed in dependence on the haplotype of immunized mice. The peptide binding to the antiviral antibodi es was studied, and two peptides were revealed that demonstrated a high abi lity to recognize the viral antibodies in the horse and human sera. These p eptides are promising for the development of diagnostic agents for the tick -borne encephalitis virus.