Design of epitope-specific probes for sera analysis and antibody isolation

Abstract

Background The design of gp120 monomeric probes with modified antigenic profiles that are specific for a target epitope has been successfully used for the isolation of broadly neutralizing HIV-1 antibodies. Existing probes, however, do not possess sufficient specificity and can bind antibodies with undesired properties (e.g., weakly neutralizing antibodies targeting an overlapping epitope). To achieve improved epitope specificity, positive and negative design stages can be incorporated into the probe design process.