JAVELINIZATION OF PROTEIN ANTIGENS TO HEAT SHOCK PROTEINS

摘要

The present invention relates to the use of non-pathogenic multi-cmponent viral particles in vaccines whcih utilize heat shock proteins to enhance the anti-viral immune response. The multi-component viral particles are covalently conjugated to one or more species of "javelin", where javelins are molecules which form non-covalent associatiosn with heat shock proteins. In view of the role of heat shock proteins in the recognition, by the immune system, of antigens, the addition of a javelin "tether" to a multi-component viral particle facilitates complex formation between the particle and a heat shock protein and hence promotes development of an immune reaction to the particle, without requiring the identification of specific epitopes. In addition, the present invention provides for methods of preventing or ameliorating viral infections comprising administering a "javelinized" multi-component viral particle vaccine to a subject at risk of contracting a viral infection or who has already been infected. Because of the diversity of epitopes in the multi-component viral particles, a single vaccine formulation may be used to promote immunity toward multiple viral strains in subjects having various histocompatibility profiles.