Identification of Citrus Tristeza Virus Strains by Peptide Maps of Virion Coat Protein

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Abstract
Virion coat proteins (CP) from six strains of citrus tristeza virus (CTV) were purified by gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) of semipurified extracts and electroelution of the specific protein band from the gels. Peptide maps obtained by digestion of CPs with five endopeptidases (papain, trypsin, V8 protease, chymotrypsin, and thermolysin) and separation by SDS-PAGE distinguished the six CTV strains. Fewer differences among strains were observed in Western blots when the same digests were reacted with monoclonal antibodies, but Western blots provided additional information about the antigenic properties of peptides. Peptide maps and Western blot analysis enabled differentiation of CTV strains having similar biological properties and the same double-stranded RNA pattern.