A Fully Synthetic Glycopeptide Antitumor Vaccine Based on Multiple Antigen Presentation on a Hyperbranched Polymer

For antitumor vaccines both the selected tumor‐associated antigen, as well as the mode of its presentation, affect the immune response. According to the principle of multiple antigen presentation, a tumor‐associated MUC1 glycopeptide combined with the immunostimulating T‐cell epitope P2 from tetanus toxoid was coupled to a multi‐functionalized hyperbranched polyglycerol by “click chemistry”. This globular polymeric carrier has a flexible dendrimer‐like structure, which allows optimal antigen presentation to the immune system. The resulting fully synthetic vaccine induced strong immune responses in mice and IgG antibodies recognizing human breast‐cancer cells. Branching out: A tumor‐associated MUC1 glycopeptide as a B‐cell epitope combined with a tetanus toxoid T‐cell epitope was coupled to hyperbranched polyglycerol (see figure). Due to the dendritic carrier structure, the antigen is presented in an optimal multiple display to the immune system. The fully synthetic and water‐soluble vaccine induced antibodies that recognize human breast‐tumor cells.