Effect of P64k Presensitization on Its Efficacy as an Immunological Carrier in Mice

Abstract

Recently, we have successfully employed the meningococcal P64k protein as a carrier for weak immunogens. Here, we study if presensitization with it can affect the murine antibody response against the hapten chemically coupled to P64k. We found that priming with 10 μg of P64k did not induce epitope-specific suppression against two out of three synthetic peptides, from viral proteins, conjugated to this carrier. Depending on the anti-carrier antibody titers elicited in the presensitized mice, we observed or not a suppressed immune response against the third peptide. Presensitization with 100 μg of P64k resulted in epitope-specific suppression when lower doses of conjugate were administered. In summary, as described for other protein carriers, P64k could induce epitope-specific suppression in mice, but it depends on the hapten and the extent of carrier-specific immunity. Furthermore, this suppression can be overcome by increasing the amount of conjugate administered per dose in the presensitized animals.