Cationic peptides immunogenicity

Peptide antigens are, in most cases, poorly immunogenic in their own right, and must be transported and exposed to immune cells with high efficiency to induce a specific and effective activation of the immune system. Therefore, much effort has recently been undertaken to develop new and efficient delivery systems for peptide antigens, and this has led to the development of poly-cationic peptides as novel vaccine adjuvants. 

Figure 19.3 The effectiveness of cBSA as an immunogen can be seen by the comparison of specific antibody response in mice to AV coupled to both nBSA cBSA. The quantity injected was standardized according to the amount of AV present. The cationized carrier results in higher concentrations of antibody produced against the peptide than the immunogen made with nBSA.

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