Further evidence for the involvement of base and base sequence in the antigenic determination of thermally denatured DNA.

The antigenic determinant of thermally denatured salmon sperm (ss) DNA was extensively investigated with a radioimmunoassay technique using the ssDNA immune system. It was demonstrated that mixed sequences of purines and pyrimidines play a key role in the antigenic determination of DNA. On the other hand, the importance of the bases in the manifestation of DNA antigenicity was demonstrated by using brominated, methylated and/or ultraviolet irradiated ssDNA preparations.