Highly conserved epitope domain in major core protein p24 is structurally similar among human, simian and feline immunodeficiency viruses

Linear B cell epitopes were mapped on the major core protein p24 of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), simian immunodeficiency virus (SIVAGM) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) using a fusion protein-based method and murine monoclonal antibodies reactive against the p24 antigens expressed on the surface of HIV-1- and FIV-infected cells. The results suggest that the sites identified here are encoded at similar positions in the three virus genomes and consist of highly conserved epitopes, which could exhibit immunodominance.