LINEAR ANTIGEN SUPPORTING UNITS

摘要

The present invention concerns a synthetic construct comprising a linear core chain having two or more side chains pending directly from different points on the linear core chain. Each of the side chains comprises an epitopic site of an antigen or a peptide. The synthetic constructs are monomeric units that can be linked together or polymerized to form a polymer. In this embodiment the epitopic sites of the side chains may be the same or different. The linear core chain may be a linear sequence of amino acids having two or more of the same peptide pending directly from different points on the linear sequence. Another aspect of the present invention concerns a support having one or more of the above synthetic constructs or polymers coupled thereto. Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to antibodies raised against the above synthetic constructs or polymers. The antibodies can be purified using the above mentioned supports. Another aspect of the present invention is a vaccine comprising the above synthetic construct. The present invention also includes methods for synthesizing the above constructs and polymers.