Prediction of the B cell epitope for the S protein of SARS coronavirus / 第三军医大学学报

ABSTRACT

Objective To predict the B cell epitopes for S protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus. Methods Based on SARS coronavirus genome sequence and the analysis of the flexible regions of secondary structure for S protein, the B cell epitopes for S protein were predicted by methods of Kyte Doolittle hydrophilicity plot, Emini, and Jameson Wolf. Results The computer predicted most possible epitopes for S protein were located within or nearby its N terminal No. 91-98, 1121-1153 and 185-193. The N terminal No. 1050-1059, 752-765, 41-50, 666-674, 264-287, 340-348, 408-416, and 424-439 may be the possible B cell epitopes. Conclusion Prediction of the B cell epitopes for the S protein based on multiple parameters is helpful for the identification of B cell epitopes using experimental methods.