Induction of antibody responses to breast carcinoma associated mucins using synthetic peptide constructs as immunogens

A strategy for directing and enhancing B cell immune responses against synthetic peptide determinants has been developed in order to produce antibodies specifically against protein epitopes of clinical relevance. A peptide sequence based upon the MUC-1 mucin protein core was selected for this purpose since anti-MUC-1 antibodies have proven diagnostic application and therapeutic potential in human breast and ovarian cancer. Peptide constructs were synthesised co-linearly linking the immunodominant B cell determinant region, PDTRPAP, in the protein core of the MUC-1 mucin, to sequence 111 – 120 of influenza haemagglutinin A/X-31, a determinant recognised by T helper cells through association with MHC class II molecules. Induction of anti-MUC-1 antibodies to the B cell determinant region by immunisation with peptide was shown to be dependent upon both the presence and the position of the T cell determinant. In addition, haplotype mismatching with respect to the T cell determinant resulted in a significant lowering of the anti-MUC-1 antibody response in peptide construct immunised mice. These findings are relevant to the design of immunogens to produce antibodies against peptide epitopes of tumour associated proteins and glycoproteins.