Peptide amphiphile micelles for vaccine delivery

Abstract

Peptide subunit vaccines enable the specific activation of an immune response without the shortcomings of killed or attenuated pathogens. However, peptide subunit vaccines tend to be less immunogenic than those based on whole organisms. To improve peptide immunogenicity, biomaterials-based platforms have been developed. One such platform, the peptide amphiphile micelle platform, has displayed a unique ability to dramatically improve observed immune responses. Here we describe the design, synthesis, characterization, and application of peptide amphiphile micelles to elicit a robust immune response.