Totally synthetic lipid-containing polyoxime peptide constructs are potentimmunogens

A synthetic peptide corresponding to a sequence from influenza hemagglutini n was used as a model antigen to study the immunogenicity of polyoxime cons tructs. In the absence of any adjuvant, tetrameric forms of different polyo xime constructs did not elicit an antibody response. High and long-lasting levels of antibody were induced, however, by polyoxime constructs to which Pam3Cys (tripalmitoyl-S-glyceryl cysteine) was attached. Comparable serum a ntibody levels were achieved with Tetraoxime-Pam3Cys administered by the in traperitoneal or intranasal routes to those obtained when the monomeric pep tide was administered by the intraperitoneal route in complete Freund's adj uvant (CFA). Mice receiving Tetraoxime-Pam3Cys and Pam3Cys-peptide intranas ally developed peptide-specific antibody secreting cells (ASCs) in their lu ngs and mediastinal lymph nodes. At low dose, the Tetraoxime-Pam3Cys induce d higher levels of antibody compared to those elicited by the monomeric Pam 3Cys-peptide delivered by either route. These results show that lipo-tetrao xime constructs assembled by polyoxime chemistry can be potent inducers of systemic and mucosal immunity. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights re served.