Induction of protective cytotoxic T cells to murine cytomegalovirus by using a nonapeptide and a human-compatible adjuvant (Montanide ISA 720)

Abstract

The use of synthetic peptides representing cytotoxic T-cell (CTL) epitopes for human vaccination requires the identification of a suitable adjuvant formulation. A single immunization with Montanide ISA720/tetanus toxoid/YPHFMPTNL protected mice against murine cytomegalovirus and induced epitope-specific CTL. Such formulations will find application in peptide-based CTL anti-viral vaccines.