The effect of limited proteolysis on the antigenic stability of cauliflower mosaic virus.

Serological differences between several isolates of cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) were shown by double antibody enzyme immunoassays and serum cross-absorption. Relationships established in this way were not consistent, and as a possible reason, the effect of naturally occurring proteolysis of the CaMV capsid polypeptide on the serological reactivity of the virus was investigated. Changes in serological reactivity due to proteolysis were of a similar magnitude as the differences in reactivity between different isolates.