Characterization of KI-24, a novel murine monoclonal antibody with specific reactivity for the human immunodeficiency virus-1 p24 protein

Abstract

The HIV-1 p24(202-221) sequence ETINNEEEWDRVHPV HAGP contains a B-cell epitope with the earliest immune response and the highest antibody titer against anti-mouse sera obtained by immunization with p24 antigens. A novel mouse monoclonal antibody (mAb) was generated against the immunodominant B-cell epitope of the HIV-1 p24 capsid protein, p24(202-221). BALB/c mice were immunized with the four branched multiple antigenic peptide (MAP) containing the HIV-1 p24(202-221) sequence, and antibody-secreting hybridoma were produced by fusion of mouse splenocytes with P3X63Ag8.653, mouse myeloma cells. One clone which produced the antigen-specific mAb named KI-24 (Isotype IgG1, light chain: κ) was identified. mAb KI-24 was highly specific for both the p24(202-221) and p24 proteins when analyzed by ELISA and Western blotting. Since p24(202-221) also contains a cytotoxic T-lymphocyte epitope, this specfic peptide epitope and the monoclonal antibody with specific reactivity against the p24 protein and p24(202-221) can be used in peptide vaccine development and p24 antigen detection from HIV patients.