We propose a new approach that permits correlation
of specific domains defined by their primary sequence with
their location in the structure of complex macromolecular
aggregates. It is based on the combination of well-established
structural analysis methods that incorporate the use of
overlapping peptides on cellulose membranes for the isolation
and purification of specific antibodies from a polyclonal
antiserum. Monospecific antibodies to the connector protein
of bacteriophage φ29 were isolated from polyclonal
antisera using a new development of the spotscan method.
These antibodies can be purified in quantities that allow
antigenicity testing in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays,
Western blotting and immunoprecipitations, demonstrating
the specificity of this isolation procedure. This approach
has allowed us to generate direct antibody probes for immunoelectron
microscopy mapping of different connector protein domains
in a low resolution three-dimensional epitope map.