Identification and characterization of mimotopes of classical swine fever virus E2 glycoprotein using specific anti-E2 monoclonal antibodies

Classical swine fever virus (CSFV) shares high nucleic acid and amino acid sequence homology with the other members of the pestivirus genus, namely bovine viral diarrhea virus and border disease virus. All three viruses are able to infect swine and generate cross reactive antibodies, which is problematic during differential diagnosis for classical swine fever (CSF). Toward the development of a new generation of CSF specific diagnostic tools, monoclonal antibodies specific for CSFV were mapped using phage display technology. Six mimotopes were identified, some of which were found to be antigenic and/or specific for CSF when used as coating antigens in an ELISA for the detection of CSF antibodies in swine serum. Two mimotopes in particular termed V2-2 and V7-1 recognized numerous strains of CSF antisera and bound fewer BVD and BD antisera compared to a commercial CSF antibody ELISA. These two mimotopes may be useful to the pestivirus field in the development of a highly specific CSF antibody ELISA as well as in the development of other potential diagnostic technologies.