Enhancement of antigen immunogenicity
AssigneeConnaught Laboratories Limited
InventorsBrian H. Barber, George Carayannotis
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A new method is described for eliciting IgG antibody response to proteins or synthetic peptides, particularly those that are weakly immunogenic, without the requirement for the use of adjuvants, thereby making it easier and safer to confer protection against pathogenic organisms. The antigen is coupled to a monoclonal antibody, specific for membrane determinants expressed on certain types of mammalian recipient cells, called antigen presenting cells. The monoclonal antibody acts as a "vector" or "delivery vehicle" for targeting foreign antigens onto such recipient cells. This targeting facilitates subsequent antigen recognition by helper T-cells, which are pivotal in helping the induction of antigen-specific IgG responses.
Claims19
A novel conjugate physiologically suitable for administration to a mammal to elicit an immune response, comprising at least one antigen which is a peptide or protein against which an immune response is to be elicited conjugated to a monoclonal antibody specific for a surface structure of antigen-presenting cells of the mammal.
A vaccine physiologically suitable for administration to a mammal to elicit an IgG antibody response to an antigen, which consists essentially of a conjugate comprising at least one normally weakly-immunogenic antigen which is a peptide or protein against which the IgG antibody response is to be elicited conjugated to a monoclonal antibody specific for surface structures of antigen-presenting cells of the mammal and suitable carrier therefor, whereby said antibody response occurs without an immunogenicity-enhancing adjuvant.
A method of immunization of a mammal against a pathogenic disease by the administration to the mammal of at least one antigen which is a peptide or protein and which elicits an antibody response to said pathogenic disease, which comprises administering said antigen in the form of a conjugate wherein said antigen is conjugated to a monoclonal antibody specific for surface structures of antigen-presenting cells of the mammal.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.