On the theoretical prediction of protein antigenic determinants from amino acid sequences.

Abstract

The applicability range of a modified version of the Hopp-Woods model for the determination of protein antigenic determinants is estimated by comparing experimental data based on monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. The results indicate a close correlation between the hydrophilicity of protein regions and their antigenicity. The efficiency of various hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity scales for the amino acid side chains is tested. A comment on the recognition factor concept of Fraga is given.