| abstract |
(57) [Summary]nThe present invention relates to a chemical conjugate having a polysaccharide backbone capable of binding to the cell surface of an antigen presenting cell (APC) (referred to herein as a polysaccharide adjuvant-antigen conjugate), , (A) one or more molecules having a stable carbonyl group (ie, an aldehyde group and a ketone group that can react with an amino group to form an imine or Schiff base), and (b) covalently bonded to a polysaccharide backbone. One or more polypeptides or peptides that are capable of eliciting an immunogenic response when covalently bound. Also disclosed are methods of making the conjugate, and methods of using the conjugate to enhance the synergistic effect of an immune response in a mammal. Also disclosed are methods of vaccination, and pharmaceutical and veterinary compositions comprising one or more polysaccharide adjuvant-antigen conjugates of the invention. |