Recognition of a multiple antigen peptide containing sequence from mimotope of the dengue type 3 virus NS4B protein by human antibodies

ObjectiveTo evaluate the recognition of NS4B mimotope, as multiple antigen peptide (MAP), by dengue antibodies presents in serum samples from patients with different serotype infections.MethodsA MAP containing mimotope sequence was synthesized and used to evaluate the recognition of NS4B mimotope as MAP by a panel of 66 human sera from dengue cases by an indirect ELISA assay.ResultsThe MAP differentiated between sera from dengue viruses infected patients and sera from healthy individuals and the best reactivity was shown by serum from dengue type 3 virus patients. The recognition was more intense with serum from patients with secondary infection.ConclusionsThe findings suggest the potential use of NS4B mimotope on the development of a multi-epitope diagnostic tool. These results are important for further immunogenicity studies.