Immunogen preparation proteins

Vaccination of lambs with a contortin-enriched preparation gave a mean reduction in worm burdens of 78% (Table 13.1) (Munn et al., 1987). This result was particularly significant because it showed that proteins expressed on the surface of the gut, albeit from a blood-feeding nematode, could induce high levels of protective immunity when used as an immunogen. These proteins are not normally accessible to the host immune system during the course of infection they are termed hidden or concealed antigens and the immunity conferred by them is described as artificial immunity. 

Kitagawa, T., Kawasaki, T., and Munechika, H. (1982) Enzyme immunoassay of blasticidin S with high sensitivity a new and convenient method for preparation of immunogenic (hapten-protein) conjugates. J. Biochem. (Tokyo) 92, 585-590. 

Immunogenicity may be affected by the route of administration. Extravascular injection has been shown to stimulate antibody formation more than IV application, but this is most likely due to the increased immunogenicity of protein aggregates and precipitates formed at the injection site [44]. A recent study investigated the effect of the route of administration of INF-P preparations on inducing anti-INF-P antibodies in multiple sclerosis patients. The results indicate that IM injections appear less immunogenic compared to SC injections, resulting in both a lower serum level of anti-INF-P antibodies as well as a delay in their appearance [45]. 

Immunogens Prepared by Covalent Linkage of Nucleic Acid Components to Proteins... 

Metzger 1, WiesmuUer K-H, Schaude R, Bessler WG, Jung G (1991) Synthesis of novel immunologically active tripaknitoyl-S-glycerylcysteinyl lipopeptides as useful intermediates for immunogen preparations. Int 1 Pept Protein Res 37 46-57. 

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