Autoantibodies specific for malondialdehyde-modified LDL (MDA-LDL) represent potential biomarkers to predict cardiovascular risk. However, MDA-LDL is a high variability antigen with limited reproducibility. To identify peptide mimotopes of MDA-LDL, phage display libraries were screened and the specificity and antigenic properties of MDA mimotopes were assessed in vitro and in vivo.
UCSD researchers have identified two peptide mimotopes that form a three dimensional representation of critical epitopes of MDA. These mimotopes have been shown to be representative of oxidation-specific epitopes that are proinflammatory and proatherogenic.
In conjunction with different carriers, the newly identified peptides can be used as immunogens to study the mechanistic role of MDA-specific immune responses in immunization studies, and may provide the basis for potential atheroprotective vaccines, and could also be useful as imaging agents for inflammatory sites and/or atherosclerotic lesions.
Country | Type | Number | Dated | Case |
Patent Cooperation Treaty | Reference for National Filings | WO 2013/158841 | 10/24/2013 | 2012-183 |
Patent Pending