Exemplified on fifty peptides derived from proteins of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), we summarize our experiences with rapid solid-phase multiple peptide synthesis under low-pressure continuous-flow conditions on standard polystyrene-based resin in a series of concatenated flow reactors with adjustable volume. Alternatively, multiple batchwise synthesis in plastic syringes may be used as a still simpler but a more elaborate procedure. Completeness of acylation of resin-bound free amino groups was monitored by the acid-base indicator bromophenol blue. Efficiency of the coupling reaction was increased by exposure to elevated temperature in an ultrasonic bath. Up to 100 mg of crude peptides were purified on a mass-overloaded Vydac C18 reversed-phase semipreparative HPLC column in one run, this procedure ensuring high recovery of homogeneous peptides. The peptides synthesized were serologically relevant to the detection of anti-HIV-1 antibodies in positive sera.

Research Institute for Feed Supplements and Veterinary Drugs Prague Czechoslovakia

Identification of common epitopes on gliadin, enterocytes, and calreticulin recognised by antigliadin antibodies of patients with coeliac disease