PubMed Health⌕ Search
Home/Archive/PubMed

PubMed · 2443466

Protein structure and antigenicity.

M H Van Regenmortel
View original source ↗Export metadata ↓

Abstract

The antigenicity of a protein resides in a series of mutually overlapping surface patches known as epitopes which make contact with the combining sites of antibody molecules. Epitopes are usually localized by demonstrating the presence of antigenic cross-reactivity between a protein and some peptide fragments. Since structural features of proteins such as the accessibility, hydrophilicity and mobility of segments of the polypeptide chain have been correlated with the location of epitopes, it is possible to predict from the primary structure which linear peptides are likely to correspond to epitopes of the protein.

Explore related subjects

Cross ReactionsEpitopesPeptide FragmentsProtein ConformationJournal ArticleReview

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeXRIS

M H Van Regenmortel. 1987. Protein structure and antigenicity.. https://doi.org/10.1016/0883-2897(87)90003-1

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related citations

PubMed2006

SuperHapten: a comprehensive database for small immunogenic compounds.

The immune system protects organisms from foreign proteins, peptide epitopes and a multitude of chemical compounds. Among these, haptens are small molecules, eliciting an immune response when conjugated with carrier molecules. Known haptens are xenobiotics or natural compounds, which can induce a number of autoimmune diseases like contact dermatitis or asthma. Furthermore, haptens are utilized in the development of biosensors, immunomodulators and new vaccines. Although hapten-induced allergies account for 6-10% of all adverse drug effects, the understanding of the correlation between structural and haptenic properties is rather fragmentary. We have developed a manually curated hapten database, SuperHapten, integrating information from literature and web resources. The current version of the database compiles 2D/3D structures, physicochemical properties and references for about 7500 haptens and 25,000 synonyms. The commercial availability is documented for about 6300 haptens and 450 related antibodies, enabling experimental approaches on cross-reactivity. The haptens are classified regarding their origin: pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, drugs, natural compounds, etc. Queries allow identification of haptens and associated antibodies according to functional class, carrier protein, chemical scaffold, composition or structural similarity. SuperHapten is available online at http://bioinformatics.charite.de/superhapten.

Cross Reactions↗
PubMed2006

Multiplex real-time reverse transcription-PCR assay for determination of hepatitis C virus genotypes.

A variety of methods have been used to determine hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes. Because therapeutic decisions for chronic HCV-related hepatitis are made on the basis of genotype, it is important that genotype be accurately determined by clinical laboratories. Existing methods are often subjective, inaccurate, manual, time-consuming, and contamination prone. We therefore evaluated real-time reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) reagents that have recently become commercially available (Abbott HCV Genotype ASR). The assay developed by our laboratory starts with purified RNA and can be performed in 4 to 5 h. An initial evaluation of 479 samples was done with a restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) method and the RT-PCR assay, and discrepant samples were sequenced. An additional 1,200 samples were then tested, and data from all assays were used to evaluate the efficiency and specificity of each genotype-specific reaction. Good correlation between results by the two methods was seen. Discrepant samples included those indeterminate by the RT-PCR assay (n = 110) and a subset that were incorrectly called 2a by the RFLP method (n = 75). The real-time RT-PCR assay performed well with genotype 1, 2, and 3 samples. Inadequate numbers of samples were available to evaluate fully genotypes 4, 5, and 6. Analysis of each primer-probe set demonstrated that weak cross-reactive amplifications were common but usually did not interfere with the genotype determination. However, in about 1% of samples, two or more genotypes amplified at roughly equivalent amounts. Further studies are necessary to determine whether these mixed-genotype samples are true mixtures or a reflection of occasional cross-reactive amplifications.

Cross Reactions↗
PubMed2006

Determination of everolimus in whole blood using the Abbott IMx sirolimus microparticle enzyme immunoassay.

OBJECTIVES: Everolimus (Certican) is a new immunosuppressant derived from sirolimus (Rapamune) with a 2-hydroxyethyl chain at position 40 of the macrolide ring. The aim of our study was to evaluate the possible determination of everolimus in whole blood using a commercialized microparticle enzyme immunoassay for sirolimus determination. DESIGN AND METHODS: Everolimus concentrations were determined in blood samples from 11 kidney transplant patients (n=51) and different control materials (n=35) using the Seradyn Innofluor Certican fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA) and the Abbott IMx sirolimus microparticle enzyme immunoassay (MEIA). RESULTS: The MEIA gave a concentration-dependent cross-reactivity with the everolimus, with a linear regression between the assigned values (y) for the Innofluor Certican calibrators and those obtained (x) using this immunoassay: y=0.96x+0.67 (ma68=0.21 microg/L, r=0.974, p<0.001). The within- and between-run coefficients of variation using the MEIA were <or=7.3%. In analyzing the different blood samples from patients and control materials using the MEIA and FPIA, a linear regression was found: MEIA=0.99FPIA-0.46 (ma68=0.32 microg/L, r=0.967, p<0.001). Correcting the MEIA results by means of the linear regression equation found between the assigned values for the Innofluor Certican calibrators and those obtained using this immunoassay led to a reduction in the deviation with respect to the FPIA values. The possible effect of the hematocrit on the results is analogous for both immunoassays. CONCLUSIONS: The Abbott IMx sirolimus MEIA permits the simple and precise determination of everolimus in whole blood, making it a valid alternative for the therapeutic monitoring of this immunosuppressant agent.

Cross Reactions↗