| abstract |
The synthetic polypeptides disclosed comprise at least one antigenic property of the envelope protein of at least one strain of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). A preferred sequence is X-Asp-Gln-Ser-Leu-Lys-Gly-Ile-Trp-Gly-Cys-Ser-Gly-Lys-Leu-Ala-Cys-Y wherein X and Y may each independently be absent or independently be one or more additional amino acid residues, and the Cys residues at positions 10 and 16 may optionally be linked by an intra-molecular disulphide bridge. Such polypeptides may be used in the diagnosis, treatment and prophylaxis of HIV infection. Antibodies and binding fragments thereof which specifically bind the peptides are also claimed. |