Adenovirus 36 hexon epitope identification
Abstract
Adenovirus 36 (AdV36) is associated with obesity in humans, but current testing methods for the virus are complex and time-consuming. The purpose of this study was to identify AdV36-specific antibody binding sites (epitopes) for use in a rapid ELISA to test for AdV36 antibodies in human sera. To this end, 24 peptides corresponding to eight AdV36 hexon hypervariable regions (HVRs) were generated and screened by ELISA for antibody recognition by adult human sera (n = 60) of known AdV36 antibody status. Four peptides (L1-1E, L1-4A, L1-6A, L2-7) were recognized by many (77%) neutralizing sera and few (47%) non-neutralizing sera. Optimum sensitivity and specificity (both 70%) were achieved with a panel of three peptides (L1-4A, L1-5B, L1-6A). Comparison of peptide sequences to other adenovirus hexons revealed 39 adenoviruses with similarity to one or more peptides. Four peptides (L1-2B, L1-2C, L2-8B, L2-9) were <90% similar to all subgroup D adenoviruses. These results suggest the presence of AdV36-specific epitopes in the AdV36 hexon. However a panel of peptides, rather than a single peptide, may be needed to achieve the desired sensitivity and specificity. This study represents a significant step forward in the development of a rapid test for AdV36 infection.
Subject Area
Epidemiology|Immunology
Recommended Citation
Wilbourn, Heather K, "Adenovirus 36 hexon epitope identification" (2014). Texas Medical Center Dissertations (via ProQuest). AAI1586842.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/dissertations/AAI1586842