4 CROSS-LINKED HIV GAG PEPTIDES PRIME THE IMMUNE-RESPONSE TO HIV PROTEINS IN MICE

The functional help provided by four cross-linked synthetic peptides f rom HIV-1 Gag structural proteins was investigated in the mouse model. These peptides, selected upon non-self-criteria, are not predicted as T epitopes by classical prediction methods such as the Rothbard conse nsus or the amphipathy rule. Priming mice with these peptides allows t he enhancement of the antibody response to HIV-1 Gag proteins (p55, p1 8, p24) given in the viral particle form. Furthermore, all of them als o induce spleen and lymph node cells from primed mice to proliferate i n vitro, in a MHC class II restricted context. This approach may help to identify relevant immunogenic viral epitopes that may be involved i n a vaccinal strategy.