Three amino acids of a heptapeptide-induced antibody are responsible for recognition of SV40 structural proteins.

Antibodies were elicited against the heptapeptide Asp-His-Lys-Val-Ser-Thr-Val. The sequence of the heptapeptide corresponds to amino acid residues 105-111 of Simian Virus 40 (SV40) structural protein VP2. The antipeptide antibodies recognize VP2 and amino acid sequence Asp-His-Lys (193-195) in VP1 at different degrees of denaturation. Inhibition experiments were performed with the heptapeptide as well as with the tripeptide Asp-His-Lys. Using this model system, the specificity and selectivity of peptide-induced antibodies can be demonstrated with a resolution of a single amino acid.