Inventors:
John H. Vaughan - La Jolla CA
Dennis A. Carson - Del Mar CA
Gary Rhodes - Leucadia CA
Richard A. Houghton - Solana Beach CA
Assignee:
Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation - La Jolla CA
International Classification:
C07K 708
Abstract:
Antigens, immunogens, inocula, antibodies, diagnostic methods and systems relating to Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen (EBNA) are disclosed. Each of the compounds, compositions, methods or systems contains a synthetic, random copolymer polypeptide having about 6 to about 40 residues, or an antibody containing site that immunoreacts with such a polypeptide. The polypeptide includes the five amino acid residue sequence -Gly-R. sup. 1 -Gly-R. sup. 2 -Gly-, wherein R. sup. 1 and R. sup. 2 are the same or different amino acid residues selected from the group consisting of Ala, Asn, Arg, Gly, Leu, Pro, Ser, and Thr, with the provision that R. sup. 1 and R. sup. 2 are not both Gly. The polypeptide contains at least 25 mole percent Gly residues, and when linked to a carrier and introduced in an effective amount into a mammalian host is capable of inducing production of antibodies that immunoreact with EBNA.