Synthetic vaccine against foot-and-mouth disease based on a palmitoyl derivative of the VP sub(1) protein 135-159 fragment of the A sub(22) virus strain

The peptide Palm sub(2)135-159, a dipalmitoyl derivative of the 135-159 fragment of VP sub(1) protein of the foot-and-mouth disease virus strain A sub(22) was synthesized. In the experiments on mice, guinea pigs and sheep Palm sub(2)135-159 possesses greater immunogenic and protective activity than the nonacylated 135-159 peptide. The synthetic vaccine against foot-and-mouth disease for use in sheep was developed on the basis of the lipopeptide. Synthetic polymethylsiloxane oil was found to be a suitable adjuvant for this vaccine. The dependencies of protective and immunogenic effects from the dose of peptide were studied. The vaccine was found to be stable to storage for 1 year at 18 degree C. It was shown that the synthetic vaccine provides 1 year protection of sheep against foot-and-mouth disease after a single administration. The vaccine is allowed for veterinary use in Russia.