Self-assembling small-molecule adjuvants as antigen nano-carriers

The effective co-delivery of antigens and immune potentiators (adjuvants) and the high degree of antigen presentation have been two major challenges in the development of subunit vaccines. Here, we address these issues by conjugating peptide antigens with cholicamide, a self-assembling small molecule adjuvant. Co-assemblies of the conjugates and cholicamide achieved high levels of both cytokine induction and MHC class II peptide presentation.

Automated summary

The effective co-delivery of antigens and immune potentiators, as well as high antigen presentation, are two major challenges in subunit vaccine development. In this study, peptide antigens were conjugated with cholicamide, a self-assembling small molecule adjuvant, to address these issues. Co-assemblies of the conjugates and cholicamide achieved high levels of both cytokine induction and MHC class II peptide presentation.