Viral membrane glycoproteins: comparison of the amino terminal amino acid sequences of the precursor and mature glycoproteins of three serotypes of vesicular stomatitis virus.

The NH2-terminal amino acid sequences of the envelope glycoproteins and the in vitro synthesized, nonglycosylated precursors of the glycoproteins of three serotypes, namely Indiana (Toronto), Cocal, and New Jersey (Concan) of vesicular stomatitis virus were determined. A comparison of the sequences showed little homology in the signal peptides present in the nonglycosylated precursors except for their high hydrophobic amino acid content. In contrast, the NH2-terminal amino acid sequences of the mature envelope glycoproteins revealed extensive homology suggesting that this region is conserved and may be involved in essential biological function(s) of the rhabdovirus.