Role of type specific herpes simplex virus serology in the diagnosis and management of genital herpes

Chromogenic hexapeptides Dnp-Ala-Ala/Ser-Phe-Phe-Ala-Arg-NH2 containing a Phe-Phe bond, which is sensitive to aspartic proteinases, were used as substrates for assaying the activity of pepsin, chymosin, and aspergillopepsin A. The assay was performed after the separation of hydrolyzates on SP-Sephadex by measuring at 360 nm the absorbance of the dinitrophenylpeptide lacking the cationic group, which was formed upon the cleavage of the substrate. The kinetic parameters of the hydrolysis of the substrates were evaluated. It is shown that replacing the Ala residue with Ser in the P2 position does not substantially change the kinetic parameters. The substrates were hydrolyzed by pepsin several times faster than by aspergillopepsin A or chymosin. The method is sensitive and enables the activity of aspartic proteinases to be determined easily.