CONJUGATION OF SYNTHETIC PEPTIDES TO CARRIER ISCOMS - FACTORS AFFECTING THE IMMUNOGENICITY OF THE CONJUGATE

This study was designed to explore optimal conditions for the conjugat ion of a synthetic peptide to preformed influenza virus iscoms using M HS (maleimidohexanoyl-N-hydroxy-succinimide ester) as coupling agent. The peptide used in this study comprised amino acids 122-138 of porcin e growth hormone (pGH). Different ratios of peptide to carrier iscoms were tested and the resulting conjugates were analysed for composition , antigenicity and immunogenicity. The problem of low solubility and p oor immunogenicity of high-density peptide conjugates is discussed and a general protocol for conjugation of peptides to carrier iscoms is p roposed.