Molecular Recognition of Alpha-Neurotoxins
Abstract
Peptides representing all the loops and surface regions of a- bungarotoxin were synthesized. Control peptide analogs were also prepared in which these sequences were randomized. The peptides were used to map the profiles of the antibodies and T cells obtained after BgTX immunization. Also, the abilities of anti-peptide antibodies and T cells to recognize the immunizing peptide and BgTX were determined. Immunization of mice with the individual peptides afforded significant protection against BgTX challenge. The most protective peptides, Ll, L2 and C-tail, allowed the mice to survive three times the LD50 of the controls (i.e., Protective Index = 3). Immunization with an equimolar mixture of the three peptides gave better protection (P.I. = 4.6), while an ovalbumin conjugate carrying these three peptides simultaneously afforded enormous protection (P.I. = 18.1) which was much higher than the protection by BgTX immunization (P.I. = 9.7). It is concluded that the multi- peptide conjugate should serve as an excellent vaccine against BgTX. The work is being prepared for a patent application. RA 1; Synthetic peptides; Alpha- neurotoxins.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 15, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA254742
Entities
People
- M. Z. Atassi
Organizations
- Baylor College of Medicine