[Antigenic structure of Ebola virus VP35 protein]

Antigenic structure of Ebola virus (EV) (strain Mayinga) nucleocapsid protein VP35 was analyzed using monoclonal antibodies to EV VP35 and polyclonal antibodies to EV. EV protein VP35 was shown to have antigenic sites inducing the production of antibodies in animals. For better characterization of protein VP35 antigenic structure. EV gene encoding the full-length VP35 was cloned in vector pQE31 as a recombinant fusion protein (rec.VP35). The antigenic and immunogenic properties of rec.VP35 and EV VP35 were compared by ELISA and Western blot analysis with polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies. Antibodies of positive sera and VP35 MAbs cross reacted with the analyzed antigens. The topography of epitopes on EV VP35 and rec.VP35 was studied using MAbs and polyclonal antibodies to rec.VP35 in a competitive antibody binding assay. Two epitopes of one site were identified on these proteins. These epitopes are present on infectious virion protein VP35 and are stable during physicochemical exposures.