Neutralization epitope in the envelope glycoprotein of simian retrovirus-1 (SRV-1) and identification of the virus receptor.

We previously demonstrated that the area encompassing residues 147-162 of the envelope protein of simian retrovirus serotype-1 (SRV-1) is the target for rhesus anti-SRV-1 neutralizing antibodies. A peptide representing amino acids 142-167 of envelope protein (gp70) is capable of inducing virus-neutralizing antibodies in mice. The virus receptor was immunoprecipitated from Raji cells using gp70 as the ligand. Antibodies to peptide 142-167 inhibit the immunoprecipitation, indicating that the receptor recognizes residues 142-167 of the viral envelope protein.