SYNTHETIC WATER-SOLUBLE POLYMERS IN SELF-ORGANIZING NANOSYSTEMS FOR IMMYNOLOGY

摘要

This work presents our results in application of water-soluble polymers in immunology-related areas: design of antigenic erythrocytic diagnosticums and adjuvants for production of hyperimmune serums. We found that long-chain polymeric acids (polymerization degree >6000) can give composite particles with erythrocytes and antigens. The resulting product works as diagnosticum in the reaction of passive haemagglutination. Introduction of hydrophobic or weakly basic imidazole units into polymer chain allows to decrease working concentration of the polymer to 0.01 mg/mL. New test-systems are more sensitive, reproducible and stable than the known analogs. Tetrazole- and imidazole-containing polymers are active as immunologic adjuvants. Their complexes with antigens stimulate production of antibodies to diphtheria, encephalitis, hepatitis and chicken Marek's disease. The polymeric adjuvants provides 2-10 times higher antibody titers comparing with standard (complete Freund's adjuvant). Low polymer concentration (0.03-0.6 mg/mL) in adjuvant solutions gives rise to cheapness and high usability of the new adjuvants. The distinguishing feature of the used polymers is their ability to give target products without covalent bonding with antigens. Formation of the polymer-antigen complexes and their self-organization proceeds by multiple cooperative hydrogen/ionic bonds.