[Localization of the immunodominant site in the hepatitis B virus core antigen using synthetic peptides]

Based on theoretical analysis of secondary structure and hydrophilicity data, the region (residues 73-89) of the HBV core-antigen presumably containing the antigenic determinant has been revealed. The epitope mapping of this region with the use of synthetic peptides, obtained by the pin technology and solid phase method, was carried out. Peptides were synthesized in two variants with different amino acids residues in the position 80 (Ala, Ile). Free peptides and their conjugates with bovine serum albumin were tested for antigenicity in ELISA. The results indicate that the fragment 78-83 is the shortest region of the core-antigen which reacts with antibodies from hepatitis B patients sera.