Influenza virus H5N1 haemagglutinin(HA) T cell epitope conjugates:Design, Synthesis and Immunogenicity
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Skarlas, Th.,
(EN)
Πανεπιστήμιο Ιωαννίνων. Σχολή Θετικών Επιστημών. Τμήμα Χημείας
(EL)
Skarlas, Th.,
(EN)
The influenza virus, major surface glycoprotein hemagglutinin (HA) is one of the principal targets for the development of protective immunity. Aiming at contributing to the development of a vaccine that remains the first choice for prophylactic intervention, a reconstituted model of HA, mimicking its antigenic properties was designed, synthesized and tested in mice for the induction of protective immunity. Four helper T lymphocyte [HTL (T1, T3, T7 and T8)] and four cytotoxic lymphocyte [CTL (T2, T4, T5 and T6)] epitopes were coupled in two copies each to an artificial carrier, SOC4, which was formed by the repeating tripeptide Lys-Aib-Gly. The helical conformation of the SOC4-conjugates preserves the initial topology of the attached epitopes, which is critical for their immunogenic properties. Survival of immunized animals, ranged from 30 to 50%, points out the induction of protective immunity by using the SOC4-conjugates.
(EN)
