Protein/Peptide Conjugation

Carrier proteins are large, complex molecules containing T-cell epitopes to stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies. In order to produce antibodies specific to small antigens (i.e., peptides or other compounds), it is essential that these molecules be covalently conjugated to such larger, more complex molecule to make them immunogenic. Carrier proteins are chosen based on immunogenicity, solubility, and whether adequate conjugation with the carrier can be achieved.

Conjugation of synthetic peptides to carrier proteins such as Keyhole Limpet Hemocyanin (KLH), Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA), or Ovalbumin (OVA) is usually performed using a number of different chemistry, depending on the material at hand. Our preferrred procedure is to use maleimide-activated proteins that form covalent crosslinks with sufhydryl (-SH) groups on cysteine residues of peptides and other target molecules. This will ensure reproducibility and specific control of the orientation of the hapten in order to optimise its presentation on the surface of the carrier protein.

We normally require a minimum of 1 mg (preferably 2 mg) of synthetic peptide to perform the conjugation.