Ii-KEY HYBRID PEPTIDES THAT MODULATE THE IMMUNE RESPONSE TO INFLUENZA

摘要

The present invention provides an MHC class II antigen presentation enhancing hybrid polypeptide. The hybrid has an N-terminus comprising the mammalian Ii-key peptide LRMKLPKPPKPVSKMR (SEQ ID NO: 1) and modifications thereof which retain antigen presentation enhancing activity, a C-terminus comprising an antigenic epitope in the form of a polypeptide or peptidomimetic structure which binds to the antigenic peptide binding site of an MHC class II molecule, and an intervening chemical structure covalently linking the N-terminal and C-terminal components. In a particular embodiment, the hybrid peptides of the present invention comprise influenza MHC class II epitopes identified herein as being effective in generating an immune response and provide immunity to the individual.