Mapping of a neutralizing epitope in the surface envelope protein of porcine endogenous retrovirus subgroup B

Pigs are thought to be the most suitable donor animal for xenotransplantation. However, pigs harbour potentially hazardous infectious agents, termed porcine endogenous retroviruses (PERVs), in their genome. In this study, we generated a mAb against PERV-B surface (SU) envelope protein (Env), designated KRT1. KRT1 binding was detected by an indirect immunofluorescence assay and flow cytometric analysis on cells infected with PERV-B. KRT1 neutralized PERV-B pseudotype virus and specifically recognized PERV-B SU Env, but not PERV-A SU Env by immunoblotting analysis. The peptide-ELISA revealed that KRT1 recognized a linear peptide sequence (ALEPPHNLPVP) residing in a proline-rich region that is one of the subdomains of SU Env. In conclusion, the KRT1 antibody will serve as a useful tool for the study of PERV-B and, more importantly, it may provide new protective strategies against PERV-B infection in xenotransplantation.