Oral and parenteral immunization with synthetic retro-inverso peptides induce antibodies that cross-react with native peptides and parent antigens.
The objective of this study was to determine whether certain retro-inverso peptides have the potential to act as synthetic vaccines in mice, when immunized by injection or orally. Immunization of mice parenterally with conjugates of three such retro-inverso peptides and orally with the unconjugated peptides elicited generally high titres of anti-peptide antibodies. Antibodies against the same three peptides cross-reacted by binding strongly in ELISA to the native peptides and vice versa, regardless of the mode of immunization. Antibodies against a retro-inverso diphtheria peptide also reacted strongly with diphtheria toxin. Seven of 8 mice, immunized by injection of the conjugate of a retro-inverso derivative of robustoxin [a lethal spider (Atrax robustus) venom toxin] were protected from challenge involving injection with twice the minimum lethal dose of A. robustus venom containing the toxin.
Fischer
Peter
P
Deakin Research Limited, Hawkesbury Campus, University of Western Sydney, Richmond, NSW 2753, Australia.
Comis
Alfio
A
Tyler
Margaret
M
Howden
Merlin
M
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000818:Animals; D000941:Antigens / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D007114:Immunization / Q000379:methods*; D007263:Infusions, Parenteral; D051379:Mice; D008956:Models, Chemical; D010455:Peptides / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010963:Plasmodium falciparum / Q000378:metabolism; D012694:Serine / Q000737:chemistry; D013111:Spider Venoms; D014611:Vaccination / Q000379:methods; D014614:Vaccines, Synthetic / Q000737:chemistry
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D000941:Antigens; D010455:Peptides; D013111:Spider Venoms; D014614:Vaccines, Synthetic; D012694:Serine