Linear and branched polyacrylates as a delivery platform for peptide-based vaccines

Aim: Peptide-based vaccines are designed to carry the minimum required antigen to trigger the desired immune responses; however, they are usually poorly immunogenic and require appropriate delivery system. Results: Peptides, B-cell epitope (J14) derived from group A streptococcus M-protein and universal T-helper (PADRE) epitope, were conjugated to a variety of linear and branched polyacrylates. All produced conjugates formed submicron-sized particles and induced a high level of IgG titres in mice after subcutaneous immunization. These polymer-peptide conjugates demonstrated high opsonization capacity against group A streptococcus clinical isolates. Conclusion: We have successfully demonstrated that submicron-sized polymer-peptide conjugates were capable of inducing strong humoral immune responses after single immunization.