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Antigenic analysis of avian rotavirus VP6 using monoclonal antibodies
N Minamoto1, O Sugimoto, M Yokota
1Department of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Agriculture, Gifu University, Japan.
Abstract:
Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) were prepared to analyze antigens on the major inner capsid protein, VP6 of avian group A rotavirus. Based on the results of a competitive binding assay using 15 MAbs directed against VP6 of the PO-13 rotavirus strain, isolated from a pigeon in Japan, it was found that VP6 of avian rotavirus possesses at least four spatially distinct antigenic sites. Two antigenic sites (I and II) were topologically distinct from the other two (III and IV), which were in close proximity. From the reaction of MAbs in indirect immunofluorescent antibody tests to a series of known rotaviruses, epitopes representing common antigens of all group A rotavirus including avian rotavirus were localized in sites II and III. One epitope in site IV appeared to have a subgroup antigenic specificity that reacted only with rotaviruses belonging to subgroup I. Interestingly, avian rotaviruses isolated from turkeys and chickens in Northern Ireland also reacted only with these subgroup I specific MAbs, but not with subgroup II specific MAb. This indicates that avian rotavirus has subgroup I specific antigen, which is antigenically similar to that of other mammalian rotavirus strains.
Insights
Monoclonal antibodies revealed avian rotavirus VP6 protein has four antigenic sites. Common and subgroup I specific epitopes were identified, showing avian rotavirus shares subgroup I antigens with mammalian strains.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Structural Biology
Background:
- Avian rotaviruses are significant pathogens in poultry.
- Understanding the antigenic structure of rotavirus VP6 is crucial for vaccine development.
- Previous studies have characterized VP6 in mammalian rotaviruses, but avian strains require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the antigenic sites of the major inner capsid protein (VP6) of avian group A rotavirus.
- To identify common and specific epitopes on avian rotavirus VP6.
- To compare the antigenic properties of avian rotavirus VP6 with those of mammalian rotaviruses.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against avian rotavirus VP6.
- Competitive binding assays to determine antigenic sites.
- Indirect immunofluorescent antibody tests to analyze epitope specificity.
Main Results:
- Avian rotavirus VP6 possesses at least four distinct antigenic sites.
- Common epitopes shared by all group A rotaviruses, including avian strains, were localized to sites II and III.
- A subgroup I specific epitope was identified in site IV, reacting with avian rotaviruses from Northern Ireland.
Conclusions:
- Avian rotavirus VP6 exhibits a complex antigenic structure with multiple distinct sites.
- The presence of a subgroup I specific antigen in avian rotavirus suggests antigenic similarity to mammalian rotaviruses.
- These findings contribute to understanding rotavirus diversity and may inform diagnostic and vaccine strategies.