Induction of antigen-specific CTL responses using antigens conjugated to short peptide vectors.

Linear peptides (SynB vectors) with specific sequence motifs have been identified that are capable of enhancing the transport of a wide range of molecules into cells. These peptide vectors have been used to deliver exogenous peptides and protein Ags across the cell membrane and into the cytoplasm of cells. Specifically, in vitro analysis indicated that these SynB peptides enhanced the uptake of two 9-mer peptide Ags, NP(147-155) and Mtb(250-258) (T cell epitopes of influenza nucleoprotein and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, respectively) and the M.