Simple strategy to induce antibodies of distinct specificity: Application to the mapping of gp120 and inhibition of HIV‐1 infectivity

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Abstract
In this study 96 15‐mer peptides encompassing the entire sequence of HIV‐1 gp120 were synthesized and used to immunize BALB/c mice (i) alone or (ii) in conjunction with the T helper cell determinant FISEAIIHVLHSR (FIS) from sperm whale myoglobin, which is well recognized by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules of BALB/c. Of these peptides 39 were immunogenic per se and 57 were not. Out of the 57 non‐immunogenic peptides 53 could be rendered immunogenic with the second immunization protocol. With the exception of 4 cases, the anti‐peptide antibody titers induced in (ii) were equal (14 cases) or higher (78 cases) than those induced in (i). From the 96 anti‐peptide antibodies tested, 12 were able to recognize recombinant gp120 with good antibody titers, a result in agreement with previously identified B cell epitopes from gp120 by anti‐peptide antibodies induced with longer peptides conjugated to a carrier protein. Moreover, 4 of the 12 anti‐peptide antisera that recognized gp 120 were able to neutralize HIV‐1 infectivity in vitro, showing that the strategy of co‐immunization with FIS may afford functional antibodies.

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