Using self-assembling peptides as a platform to create new human papillomavirus vaccine candidates

Morales, Crystal Georgina (2022) Using self-assembling peptides as a platform to create new human papillomavirus vaccine candidates. Masters thesis, Northern Arizona University.

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Abstract

Self-assembling proteins commonly occur in nature and have been shown to have potential as a vaccine platform with displayed peptide antigens. Beta-strand peptides that alternate hydrophobic and hydrophilic amino acids self-assemble into a beta-sheet bilayer. This format may cause an immunogenic response with an antigen and therefore be an effective vaccine for HPV. Current HPV vaccines are virus-like particles which are not as robust or as easily stored as the peptides. In addition, current HPV vaccines do not protect against all types of HPV. The goal is to create Q11 (Ac-QQKFQFQFEQQ-NH2) and KFE8 (Ac-FKFEFKFE-NH2) peptide sequences alongside HPV L2 protein sequences. We hypothesize that these peptides will cause an immune system response with B cells. Standard Fmoc solid phase peptide synthesis was utilized to synthesize all peptides. Preliminary animal models to test immunogenicity and effectiveness of the vaccine was completed. Data consists of peptide synthesis, HPLC purification, MALDI-TOF and CD spectroscopy, TEM imaging, and ELISA assays. TEM results showed fibril formation with HPV antigen and ELISA results have shown the potential of this peptide platform, but further studies are needed. In conclusion, self-assembling peptides with multivalent display of antigens could be an efficient way to make next generation HPV vaccines with potential for developing vaccines for other diseases as well.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Publisher’s Statement:	© Copyright is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the Cline Library, Northern Arizona University. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author.
Keywords:	Fibrils; Health Disparity; HPV; Self-assembling peptides; Vaccine
Subjects:	R Medicine > RM Therapeutics. Pharmacology
MeSH Subjects:	D Chemicals and Drugs > D26 Pharmaceutical Preparations
NAU Depositing Author Academic Status:	Student
Department/Unit:	Graduate College > Theses and Dissertations College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences > Biological Sciences
Date Deposited:	25 May 2023 22:34
Last Modified:	25 May 2023 22:34
URI:	https://openknowledge.nau.edu/id/eprint/5910

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