Immunological characterization of BLV proteins synthesized in Escherichia coli.

Hybrid proteins composed of beta-galactosidase and polypeptides of the bovine leukaemia virus (BLV) including those of the main core protein p24, the envelope protein gp51 and the transmembrane protein gp30 were produced in Escherichia coli and immunologically characterized. The hybrid proteins were immunologically reactive with sera from cattle naturally infected with BLV, demonstrating a possible use for diagnosis of BLV infection. Detection of antibodies was most sensitive with the p24 derivative.