Colinear synthesis of an antigen-specific B-cell epitope with a ‘promiscuous’ tetanus toxin T-cell epitope: a synthetic peptide immunocontraceptive

摘要: Carrier conjugation is commonly used to provide T-cell help for small, linear peptides containing antigen-specific B-cell epitopes. However, carrier expensive, variable and often results in adverse side effects if the conjugate administered repeatedly. To eliminate need conjugation, we examined two synthetic their ability elicit sustained antibody titres female rabbits baboons. One peptide (hC1–20) was based on sequence of sperm-specific isozyme human lactate dehydrogenase (LDH-C4). This stimulates helper responses. The other (bC5–19:TT) a chimera between an LDH-C4 epitope ‘promiscuous’ from tetanus toxin which has been shown bind stimulate many different major histocompatibility complex alleles. Both were immunogenic elicited consistently high tirres 1919 wild-caught When 14 bC5–19:TT immunized baboons mated, fertility reduced by 62% compared with controls (P <0.02). carrier-free construct can be incorporated into biodegradable microspheres may long-term protection pregnancy single dose.