Minimal amino acid sequence, recognized by anibodies to the peptide GPQPPQPPQP from the proline-rich region of pertactin

Three antiserum samples obtained from rabbits immunized by the conjugate KLH-10P (keyhole limpet hemocyanine-decapeptide GPQPPQPPQP) were used to study antigenic structure of 10P. Antigenic properties of conjugates 6P (PGPQPP) and 4P (PQPP) with ovalbumine were studied by an indirect immunoassay (ELISA). Also 4P, 6P, PQP and QPP peptides were used for a competition assay. It was found that antibodies to 10P have demonstrated different specificity to short sites. Antibodies recognized such shot peptides as PQP and QPP in the competition assay. The efficiency of serum antibodies reaction with those peptides increased from QPP and PQP to PGPQPP. Only one serum sample had no antibodies to glutaraldehyde. Gly-glutaraldehyde-Gly hapten-like ligand was used to inhibit activity of antibodies to cross-linking agent into two samples. It is allowed to improve analysis of antibodies, which recognize shot sequences PQP and QPP.