Efficient generation of antibodies to oncoproteins by using synthetic peptide antigens.

Abstract
To examine the efficiency of generating protein-reactive antipeptide antibodies, 35 peptides encoded by retroviral or cellular oncogenes were used to immunize rabbits. Peptides (32) elicited antipeptide antibodies, of which 56% reacted with their respective oncoproteins. The length of the immunizing peptide was an important factor in generating antibodies reactive with native protein. Similar peptides differing in a single or a few amino acids could elicit antisera of markedly different reactivities.