Time-dependent maturation of the simian virus 40 large T antigen-p53 complex studied by using monoclonal antibodies

Newly synthesized simian virus 40 large tumor antigen (T Ag) slowly forms a stable complex with the host tumor antigen, "p53." By the use of immunological and temporal separations and inhibition of aggregation and processing by A locus mutation, we have distinguished specific steps in the reaction sequence leading to formation of the rapidly sedimenting oligomeric complex. The monoclonal antibody PAb101 bound only a fraction of the total soluble pulse-labeled T Ag bound by antitumor serum. After a chase, all T Ag had matured to the form recognized by PAb101. All p53 in the mouse line SVA31E7 was precipitated by the T Ag-specific monoclonal antibody PAb101, even after a short pulse, and is therefore entirely bound to mature T Ag. The p53-specific monoclonal antibody PAb122 precipitates nearly all of the mature T Ag recognized by PAb101, except A locus mutant T Ag, synthesized at the nonpermissive temperature. A locus mutation inhibited entry of newly synthesized T Ag into the oligomeric greater than 28S complex of T Ag and p53.