Identification of a recombinant HTLV-II envelope protein for serological detection of HTLV-II carriers.

Abstract

To understand the pathogenic potential and the true extent of human T-cell leukemia virus type II (HTLV-II) infection, it is important to develop a specific HTLV-II antigen-based serological test. Plasmid pIIB was constructed and induced in Escherichia coli to express a recombinant protein (RP) containing 140 amino acids (amino acid residues 96 to 235) from the middle region of the HTLV-II exterior envelope glycoprotein gp52. Serum samples from polymerase chain reaction-confirmed HTLV-II-infected people, HTLV-I carriers, and adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) patients were tested for antibody reactivity to RP-IIB by Western blot assay. The results showed all 27 HTLV-II carriers, 10 of 20 HTLV-I carriers, and 4 of 17 (23.5%) ATL patients had antibody reactivities to RP-IIB. The difference in rates of seropositivity to RP-IIB between HTLV-II carriers (100%) and HTLV-I-infected people (carriers plus ATL patients) (37.8%) is statistically significant (Fisher's exact test, p = 4.30E-08).

• Authors: Y M Chen, M Essex
• Journal: AIDS research and human retroviruses (AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses) Vol. 7 Issue 5 Pg. 453-7 (May 1991) ISSN: 0889-2229 [Print] United States
• PMID: 1873080 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Gene Products, env
• Recombinant Proteins

Topics

• Carrier State (blood, diagnosis)
• Gene Products, env (blood)
• HTLV-II Infections (blood, diagnosis)
• Human T-lymphotropic virus 2 (genetics)
• Humans
• Recombinant Proteins (blood)
• Serologic Tests