Enhanced molecular mimicry of CEA using photoaffinity crosslinked C3d peptide

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Abstract
Antigen mimicry of using anti-idiotypic antibodies for use as cancer vaccines has been disappointing due to the weak immunogenicity of immunoglobulin variable domains. To enhance the immunogenicity of an anti-idiotype vaccine we incorporated a molecular adjuvant peptide into the antibody. The peptide is derived from the C3d region known to bind CR2 receptors on B-cells. A photoreactive peptide is synthesized that affinity-labels a single site in the antibody variable domain. The molecular adjuvant peptide is crosslinked to the anti-idiotype mimetic by chemical means without modifying other sites on the antibody. The C3d-conjugated anti-idiotype antibody induces a strong idiotype and antigen-specific response in mice.