Isolation of a nucleocapsid polypeptide of herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 possessing immunologically type-specific and cross-reactive determinants

Abstract

A polypeptide (p40) of MW approximately 40,000 was isolated from herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2 nucleocapsids by gel filtration and ion exchange chromatography. This protein appears to be the same as protein 22a described previously. Competition immunoassays were developed by using purified p40 and antisera prepared in guinea pigs. The assays indicated that the p40 from herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 possess type-specific and cross-reactive antigenic determinants. Antibodies to the p40 cross-reactive determinant reacted with antigens in simian herpesvirus SA8-infected cells [African green monkey kidney Vero], but not with antigens induced by pseudorabies virus. A radioimmunoprecipitation test can be used to detect type-specific herpes simplex virus p40 antibodies in human sera.