Mapping neutralizing and non-neutralizing epitopes on the capsid protein of feline calicivirus

Neutralizing epitopes on feline calicivirus (FCV) capsid protein were mapped using chimeric capsid proteins recombinant between two FCV isolates that do not show any cross-neutralization. The three chimeric proteins examined were expressed in murine L929 cells employing an MVA/T7 vaccinia virus expression system and inoculated into major histocompatibility complex haplotype-matched C3/HN mice. Based on the neutralizing antibody titre the neutralizing epitope(s) could be mapped to the 5' hypervariable region of the E region or potentially to the C region. The epitopes of some non-neutralizing antibodies were mapped with the same chimeric proteins to the regions B or D and F of the FCV capsid protein.