The immunodominance of epitopes within the transmembrane protein (gp41) of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 may be determined by the host's previous exposure to similar epitopes on unrelated antigens.

Six major epitopes have been recognized within the transmembrane gp41 molecule of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). The immunodominant epitope is also recognized by antibodies in sera from laboratory personnel and is similar to a linear sequence of amino acids in the genome protein of two rhinovirus serotypes. The hypothesis is presented that immunodominance is produced by multiple priming of the host, following repeated infections with viruses unrelated to HIV-1, which share similar epitopes.