Polymer-metal complexes of protein antigens--new highly effective immunogens.

The mechanism of interaction of the copolymers N-vinylpyrrolidone-acrylic acid and N-vinylpyrrolidone-maleic anhydride with bovine serum albumin, influenza virus total surface antigen (haemagglutinin and neuraminidase), and the BCG protein fraction in the presence of divalent copper ions was investigated. Novel water-soluble triple polymer-metal complexes of the above protein antigens were formed. These complexes showed high immunogenicity and conferred high levels of immunological protection. Study of the replication of pathogenic influenza A virus in animal lungs showed that, in mice immunised with the triple complex containing surface glycoprotein influenza virus A antigens, reproduction of the homologous virus was sharply inhibited, and immunisation of B mice, exhibiting pronounced T-cell deficiency, with complexes containing the BCG protein fraction ensured development of a high level of protection with respect to BCG infection.