Characterization of immunoreactive octapeptides of human-cytomegalovirus gp58

We have mapped continuous epitopes, for positions 591–673 of the human cytomegalovirus 58‐kDa glycoprotein using overlapping synthetic peptides and human sera. This region contains a fragment previously described as including the dominant site for induction of human‐cytomegalovirus antibodies. Since the selected sequence is highly conserved among herpes viruses, we have considered the possible presence of antigenic cross‐reactivity, particularly with the Epstein‐Barr virus. Several peptides in the studied region were antigenic and two main continuous epitopes have been identified. Serological cross‐reactions observed with Epstein‐Barr virus are discussed, focussing on the possible implications of structural features and sequence similarity between human‐cytomegalovirus and Epstein‐Barr‐virus glycoproteins.