Antigenic activity of a synthetic peptide comprising the "loop" region of influenza virus hemagglutinin

Abstract

A peptide representing the linear sequence 123-151 (the "loop") within the hemagglutinin of X-31 (H3N2) influenza virus was synthesized and its immunogenic and antigenic properties investigated. When inoculated into rabbits, the synthetic peptide alone, or conjugated to high-molecular-weight carriers, elicited the production of antibody which bound to the peptide in a solid phase radioimmunoassay. No significant binding was detected between antipeptide antibodies and X-31 virus particles. However, antibodies raised against X-31 virus did exhibit some binding to the synthetic peptide. © 1982.