Immunization with a LEAPS (TM) heteroconjugate containing a CTL epitope and a peptide from beta-2-microglobulin elicits a protective and DTH responseto herpes simplex virus type 1

A ligand epitope antigen presentation system (LEAPS(TM)) heteroconjugate va ccine containing a CTL epitope (H1) From the HSV-1 immediate early protein ICP27 (322-332) and a peptide sequence (J) from beta-2-microglobulin (35-50 ) elicited protection from intraperitoneal viral challenge and promoted DTH responses. The H1 peptide and other H1 containing heteroconjugates did not elicit protection or DTH responses. Antibody to the H1 peptide could not b e detected by ELISA following vaccination with peptide. heteroconjugate or natural infection. The LEAPS(TM) heteroconjugate appears to prime a Th1-lik e response which is subsequently boosted by infection. These studies show t hat attachment of the J peptide can make a CTL epitope into a vaccine which is immunogenic and promotes a protective Th1 type of response. (C) 1999 El sevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.