BACTERIAL-CELL WALL COMPONENTS AS IMMUNOMODULATORS - I - LIPOPEPTIDESAS ADJUVANTS FOR PARENTERAL AND ORAL IMMUNIZATION

We investigated the immunostimulatory properties of synthetically prep ared lipopeptides derived from the cell wall of Gram negative bacteria . These compounds constitute potent macrophage activators and polyclon al B-lymphocyte stimulators. They are also immunoadjuvants in parenter al or oral immunization. By coupling the lipopeptides to haptens or lo w molecular weight antigens which are not immunogenic per se, highly i mmunogenic conjugates can be prepared. Lipopeptide antigen conjugates as synthetic vaccines give protection by enhancing the antibody-mediat ed immune response, and they stimulate the cellular immune response in vivo by priming of cytotoxic T-cells. (C) 1998 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd on behalf of the International Society for Immunopharmacol ogy.