Mapping of the epitopes of poliovirus type 2 in complex with antibodies.

The inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) contains poliovirus (PV) samples that belong to serotypes 1, 2 and 3. All three serotypes contain the D-antigen, which induces protective antibodies. The antigenic structure of PVs consists of at least four different antigenic sites and the D-antigen content represents the combined activity of multiple epitopes (Ferguson et al., 1993; Minor, 1990; Minor et al., 1986). The potency of IPV vaccines is determined by measuring the D-antigen content. Several ELISA methods have been developed using polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) in order to quantify the D-antigen content. Characterization of the epitopes recognized by the different Mabs is crucial to map the entire virus surface and ensure the presence of epitopes able to induce neutralizing antibodies. Using a new approach that we developed to study the interaction between monoclonal antibodies and poliovirus type 2, which combines cryo-electron microscopy, image analysis and X-ray crystallography along with identification of exposed amino acids, we have mapped in 3D the epitope sites recognized by three specific Fabs at the surface of poliovirus type 2 (PV2) and characterized precisely the antigenic sites for these Fabs.