Abstract:
The present invention provides T helper cells epitopes and compositions for use in inducing an immune response comprising at least one of these epitopes. The epitopes are contained within a peptide sequence selected from the group consisting of SSKTQTHTQQDRPPQPS (SEQ ID NO:1); QPSTELEETRTSRARHS (SEQ ID NO:2); RHSTTSAQRSTHYDPRT (SEQ ID NO:3); PRTSDRPVSYTMNRTRS (SEQ ID NO:4); TRSRKQTSHRLKNIPVH (SEQ ID NO:5); SHQYLVIKLIPNASLIE (SEQ ID NO:6); IGTDNVHYKIMTRPSHQ (SEQ ID NO:7); YKIMTRPSHQYLVIKLI (SEQ ID NO:8); KLIPNASLIENCTKAEL (SEQ ID NO:9); AELGEYEKLLNSVLEPI (SEQ ID NO:10); KLLNSVLEPINQALTLM (SEQ ID NO:11); EPINQALTLMTKNVKPL (SEQ ID NO:12); FAGVVLAGVALGVATAA (SEQ ID NO:13); GVALGVATAAQITAGIA (SEQ ID NO:14); TMQITAGIALHQSNLN (SEQ ID NO:15); GIALHQSNLNAQAIQSL (SEQ ID NO:16); NLNAQAIQSLRTSLEQS (SEQ ID NO:17); QSLRTSLEQSNKAIEEI (SEQ ID NO:18); EQSNKAIEEIREATQET (SEQ ID NO:19); TELLSIFGPSLRDPISA (SEQ ID NO:20); PRYIATNGYLISNFDES (SEQ ID NO:21); CIRGDTSSCARTLVSGT (SEQ ID NO:22); DESSCVFVSESAICSQN (SEQ ID NO:23); TSTIINQSPDKLLTFIA (SEQ ID NO:24); SPDKLLTFIASDTCPLV (SEQ ID NO:25) and SGRRQRRFAGVVLAGVA (SEQ ID NO:26).

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to T helper cell epitopes derived from Canine Distemper Virus (CDV). The present invention relates to compositions including at least one T helper cell epitope and optionally B cell epitopes and/or CTL epitopes. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     For any peptide to be able to induce an effective antibody response it must contain particular sequences of amino acids known as epitopes that are recognised by the immune system. In particular, for antibody responses, epitopes need to be recognised by specific immunoglobulin (Ig) receptors present on the surface of B lymphocytes. It is these cells which ultimately differentiate into plasma cells capable of producing antibody specific for that epitope. In addition to these B cell epitopes, the immunogen must also contain epitopes that are presented by antigen presenting cells (APC) to specific receptors present on helper T lymphocytes, the cells which are necessary to provide the signals required for the B cells to differentiate into antibody producing cells. 
     In the case of viral infections and in many cases of cancer, antibody is of limited benefit in recovery and the immune system responds with cytotoxic T cells (CTL) which are able to kill the virus-infected or cancer cell. Like helper T cells, CTL are first activated by interaction with APC bearing their specific peptide epitope presented on the surface, this time in association with MHC class I rather than class II molecules. Once activated the CTL can engage a target cell bearing the sane peptide/class I complex and cause its lysis. It is also becoming apparent that helper T cells play a role in this process; before the APC is capable of activating the CTL it must first receive signals from the helper T cell to upregulate the expression of the necessary costimulatory molecules. 
     Helper T cell epitopes are bound by molecules present on the surface of APCs that are coded by class II genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). The complex of the class II molecule and peptide epitope is then recognised by specific T-cell receptors (TCR) on the surface of T helper lymphocytes. In this way the T cell, presented with an antigenic epitope in the context of an MHC molecule, can be activated and provide the necessary signals for the B lymphocyte to differentiate. Traditionally the source of helper T cell epitopes for a peptide immunogen is a carrier protein to which peptides are covalently coupled but this coupling procedure can introduce other problems such as modification of the antigenic determinant during the coupling process and the induction of antibodies against the carrier at the expense of antibodies which are directed toward the peptide (Schutze, M. P., Leclerc, C. Jolivet, M. Audibert, F. Chedid, L. Carrier-induced epitopic suppression, a major issue for future synthetic vaccines. J Immunol. 1985, 135, 2319-2322; DiJohn, D., Torrese, J. R. Murillo, J. Herrington, D. A. et al. Effect of priming with carrier on response to conjugate vaccine. The Lancet. 1989, 2, 1415-1416). Furthermore, the use of irrelevant proteins in the preparation introduces issues of quality control. The choice of appropriate carrier proteins is very important in designing peptide vaccines and their selection is limited by factors such as toxicity and feasibility of their large scale production. There are other limitations to this approach including the size of the peptide load that can be coupled and the dose of carrier that can be safely administered (Audibert, F. a. C., L. 1984. Modern approaches to vaccines. Molecular and chemical basis of virus virulence and immunogenicity., Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, New York.). Although carrier molecules allow the induction of a strong immune response they are also associated with undesirable effects such as suppression of the anti-peptide antibody response (Herzenberg, L. A. and Tokuhisa, T. 1980. Carrier-priming leads to hapten-specific suppression. Nature 285:664; Schutze, M. P., Leclerc, C., Jolivet, M., Audibert, F., and Chedid, L. 1985. Carrier-induced epitopic suppression, a major issue for future synthetic vaccines. J Immunol 135:2319; Etlinger, H. M., Felix, A. M., Gillessen, D., Heimer, E. P., Just, M., Pink, J. R., Sinigaglia, F., Sturchler, D., Takacs, B., Trzeciak, A., and et, a. 1988. Assessment in humans of a synthetic peptide-based vaccine against the sporozoite stage of the human malaria parasite,  Plasmodium falciparum . J Immunol 140:626). 
     In general then, an immunogen must contain epitopes capable of being recognised by helper T cells in addition to the epitopes that will be recognised by surface Ig or by the receptors present on cytotoxic T cells. It should be realised that these types of epitopes may be very different. For B cell epitopes, conformation is important as the B cell receptor binds directly to the native immunogen. In contrast, epitopes recognised by T cells are not dependent on conformational integrity of the epitope and consist of short sequences of approximately nine amino acids for CTL and slightly longer sequences, with less restriction on length, for helper T cells. The only requirements for these epitopes are that they can be accommodated in the binding cleft of the class I or class II molecule respectively and that the complex is then able to engage the T-cell receptor. The class II molecule&#39;s binding site is open at both ends allowing a much greater variation in the length of the peptides bound (Brown, J. H., T. S. Jardetzky, J. C. Gorga, L. J. Stern, R. G. Urban, J. L. Strominger and D. C. Wiley. 1993. Three-dimensional structure of the human class II histocompatibility antigen HLA-DR1, Nature 364:33) with epitopes as short as 8 amino acid residues being reported (Fahrer, A. M., Geysen, H. M., White, D. O., Jackon, D. C. and Brown, L. E. Analysis of the requirements for class II-restricted T-cell recognition of a single determinant reveals considerable diversity in the T-cell response and degeneracy of peptide binding to I-Ed J. Immunol. 1995. 155: 2849-2857). 
     Canine distemper virus (CDV) belongs to the subgroup of morbillivirus of paramyxovirus family of negative-stranded RNA viruses. Other viruses which are members of this group are measles virus and rinderpest virus. Development of peptide based vaccines has aroused considerable interest in identification of B and T cell epitopes from sequences of proteins. The rationale for using T cell epitopes from proteins such as the F protein of CDV is that young dogs are inoculated against CDV in early life and will therefore possess helper T cells specific for helper T cell epitopes present on this protein. Subsequent exposure to a vaccine which contains one or more of the epitopes will therefore result in recruitment of existing helper T cells and consequently an enhanced immune response. Such helper T cell epitopes could, however, be administered to unprimed animals and still induce an immune response. The present inventors aimed to identify canine T cell epitopes from the sequence of CDV fusion protein so that these epitopes can then be used in the design of peptide based vaccines, in particular, for the canine and related species. 
     LHRH (Luteinisiing hormone releasing hormone) is a ten amino acids long peptide hormone whose sequence is conserved in mammals. It is secreted by the hypothalamus and controls the reproductive physiology of both males and females. The principle of development of LHRH-based immunocontraceptive vaccines is based on observations that antibodies to LHRH block the action of the hormone on pituitary secretion of luteinising hormone and follicle stimulating hormone, leading to gonadal atrophy and sterility in mammals. 
     Most LHRH vaccines that have been developed consist of LHRH chemically conjugated to protein carriers to provide T cell help for the generation of anti-LHRH antibodies. It has been shown that upon repeated inoculation of LHRH-protein carrier conjugates the anti-LHRH titre decreases due to the phenomenon known as “carrier induced epitope suppression”. One aim of the present inventors is to replace protein carriers in the vaccines with defined T helper epitopes (TH-epitopes) so as to eliminate “carrier induced epitope suppression”. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present inventors have identified a number of 17 residue peptides each of which includes a T helper cell epitope. As will be readily appreciated the majority of these peptides are not minimal T helper cell epitopes. Typically class II molecules have been shown to be associated with peptides as short as 8 amino acids (Fahrer et al., 1995 ibid) but usually of 12-19 amino acids (Chicz, R. M., Urban, R. G., Gorga, J. C., Vignali, D. A. A., Lane, W. S. and Strominger, J. L. Specificity and promiscuity among naturally processed peptides bound to HLA-DR alleles, J Exp Med 1993, 178, 27-47; Chicz, R. M., Urban, R. G., Lane, W. S., Gorga, J. C., Stern, L. J., Vignali, D. A. A. and Strominger, J. L. Predominant naturally processed peptides bound to HLA-DR1 are derived from MHC-related molecules and are heterogeneous in size. Nature 1992, 358, 754-8), although, peptides up to 25 amino acids in length have been reported to bind to class II (reviewed in Rammensee, H.-G. Chemistry of peptide associated with class I and class II molecules. Curr Opin Immunol 1995, 7, 85-95.). 
     Thus peptide epitopes that range in length between 8 and 25 amino acid residues can bind to class II molecules. The shorter peptides are “core” epitopes that may have less activity than longer sequences but it is a trivial exercise to truncate longer sequences at the N- or the C-terminus to yield shorter sequences that have the same or better activity than the parent sequence . 
     Accordingly in a first aspect the present invention consists in a T helper cell epitope, the epitope being contained within a peptide sequence selected from the group consisting of SSKTQTHTQQDRPPQPS (SEQ ID NO:1); QPSTELEETRTSRARHS (SEQ ID NO:2); RHSTTSAQRSTHYDPRT (SEQ ID NO:3); PRTSDRPVSYTMNRTRS (SEQ ID NO:4); TRSRKQTSHRLKNIPVH (SEQ ID NO:5); SHQYLVIKLIPNASLIE (SEQ ID NO:6); IGTDNVHYKIMTRPSHQ (SEQ ID NO:7); YKIMTRPSHQYLVIKLI (SEQ ID NO:8); KLIPNASLIENCTKAEL (SEQ ID NO:9); AELGEYEKLLNSVLEPI (SEQ ID NO:10); KLLNSVLEPINQALTLM (SEQ ID NO:11); EPINQALTLMTKNVKPL (SEQ ID NO:12); FAGVVLAGVALGVATAA (SEQ ID NO:13); GVALGVATAAQITAGIA (SEQ ID NO:14); TAAQITAGIALHQSNLN (SEQ ID NO:15); GIALHQSNLNAQAIQSL (SEQ ID NO:16); NLNAQAIQSLRTSLEQS (SEQ ID NO:17); QSLRTSLEQSNKAIEEI (SEQ ID NO:18); EQSNKAIEEIREATQET (SEQ ID NO:19); TELLSIFGPSLRDPISA (SEQ ID NO:20); PRYIATNGYLISNFDES (SEQ ID NO:21); CIRGDTSSCARTLVSGT (SEQ ID NO:22); DESSCVFVSESAICSQN (SEQ ID NO:23); TSTIINQSPDKLLTFIA (SEQ ID NO:24); SPDKLLTFIASDTCPLV (SEQ ID NO:25) and SGRRQRRFAGVVLAGVA (SEQ ID NO:26). 
     In a second aspect the present invention consists in a composition for use in raising an immune response in an animal, the composition comprising at least one T helper cell epitope, the at least one T helper cell epitope being contained within a peptide sequence selected from the group consisting of SSKTQTHTQQDRPPQPS (SEQ ID NO:1); QPSTELEETRTSRARHS (SEQ ID NO:2); RHSTTSAQRSTHYDPRT (SEQ ID NO:3); PRTSDRPVSYTMNRTRS (SEQ ID NO:4); TRSRKQTSHRLKNIPVH (SEQ ID NO:5); SHQYLVIKLIPNASLIE (SEQ ID NO:6); IGTDNVHYKIMTRPSHQ (SEQ ID NO:7); YKIMTRPSHQYLVIKLI (SEQ ID NO:8); KLIPNASLIENCTKAEL (SEQ ID NO:9); AELGEYEKLLNSVLEPI (SEQ ID NO:10); KLLNSVLEPINQALTLM (SEQ ID NO:11); EPINQALTLMTKNVKPL (SEQ ID NO:12); FAGVVLAGVALGVATAA (SEQ ID NO:13); GVALGVATAAQITAGIA (SEQ ID NO:14); TAAQITAGIALHQSNLN (SEQ ID NO:15); GIALHQSNLNAQAIQSL (SEQ ID NO:16); NLNAQAIQSLRTSLEQS (SEQ ID NO:17); QSLRTSLEQSNKAIEEI (SEQ ID NO:18); EQSNKAIEEIREATQET (SEQ ID NO:19); TELLSIFGPSLRDPISA (SEQ ID NO:20); PRYIATNGYLISNFDES (SEQ ID NO:21); CIRGDTSSCARTLVSGT (SEQ ID NO:22); DESSCVFVSESAICSQN (SEQ ID NO:23); TSTIINQSPDKLLTFIA (SEQ ID NO:24); SPDKLLTFIASDTCPLV (SEQ ID NO:25) and SGRRQRRFAGVVLAGVA (SEQ ID NO:26). 
     In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the composition comprises at least one peptide selected from the group consisting of SSKTQTHTQQDRPPQPS (SEQ ID NO:1); QPSTELEETRTSRARHS (SEQ ID NO:2); RHSTTSAQRSTHYDPRT (SEQ ID NO:3); PRTSDRPVSYTMNRTRS (SEQ ID NO:4); TRSRKQTSHRLKNIPVH (SEQ ID NO:5); SHQYLVIKLIPNASLIE (SEQ ID NO:6); IGTDNVHYKIMTRPSHQ (SEQ ID NO:7); YKIMTRPSHQYLVIKLI (SEQ ID NO:8); KLIPNASLIENCTKAEL (SEQ ID NO:9); AELGEYEKLLNSVLEPI (SEQ ID NO:10); KLLNSVLEPINQALTLM (SEQ ID NO:11); EPINQALTLMTKNVKPL (SEQ ID NO:12); FAGVVLAGVALGVATAA (SEQ ID NO:13); GVALGVATAAQITAGIA (SEQ ID NO:14); TAAQITAGIALHQSNLN (SEQ ID NO:15); GIALHQSNLNAQAIQSL (SEQ ID NO:16); NLNAQAIQSLRTSLEQS (SEQ ID NO:17); QSLRTSLEQSNKAIEEI (SEQ ID NO:18); EQSNKAIEEIREATQET (SEQ ID NO:19); TELLSIFGPSLRDPISA (SEQ ID NO:20); PRYIATNGYLISNFDES (SEQ ID NO:21); CIRGDTSSCARTLVSGT (SEQ ID NO:22); DESSCVFVSESAICSQN (SEQ ID NO:23); TSTIINQSPDKLLTFIA (SEQ ID NO:24); SPDKLLTFIASDTCPLV (SEQ ID NO:25) and SGRRQRRFAGVVLAGVA (SEQ ID NO:26). 
     It is further preferred that the composition further comprises at least one B cell epitope and/or at least one CTL epitope. 
     In yet another preferred embodiment the at least one B cell epitope and/or the at least one CTL epitope are linked to at least one of the T helper cell epitopes. It is also preferred that the composition comprises a plurality of epitope constructs in which each comprises at least one T helper cell epitope and at least one B cell epitope. Alternatively the composition may comprises a plurality of epitope constructs in which each comprises at least one T helper cell epitope and at least one CTL epitope. 
     It will be understood that the B cell epitope or CTL epitope may be any epitope. A currently preferred B cell epitope is an LHRH B cell epitope. 
     The composition of the present invention may comprises a plurality of T helper cell epitopes. These epitopes may be singular or be linked together to form a single polypeptide. It will be understood that where the epitopes are linked to together in a single polypeptide the epitopes may be contiguous or spaced apart by additional amino acids which are not themselves part of the T helper cell epitopes. 
     As discussed above in one embodiment the T helper cell epitopes and at least one B cell epitope and/or at least one CTL epitope in which the epitopes are linked. This may be done by simple covalent linkage of the peptides. In another embodiment the epitopes are polymerised, most preferably such as described in PCT/AU98/00076, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     In yet another preferred embodiment the composition further comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, preferably an adjuvant. 
     In a further aspect the present invention consists in a method of inducing an immune response in an animal, the method comprising administering to the animal the composition of the second aspect of the present invention. 
     Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or diluents include those used in compositions suitable for oral, rectal, nasal, topical (including buccal and sublingual), vaginal, parenteral (including subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous, intradermal, intrathecal and epidural) administration. They are non-toxic to recipients at the dosages and concentrations employed. Representative examples of pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or diluents include, but are not limited to water, isotonic solutions which are preferably buffered at a physiological pH (such as phosphate-buffered saline or Tris-buffered saline) and can also contain one or more of, mannitol, lactose, trehalose, dextrose, glycerol, ethanol or polypeptides (such as human serum albumin). The compositions may conveniently be presented in unit dosage form and may be prepared by any of the methods well known in the art of pharmacy. 
     As mentioned it is preferred that the composition includes an adjuvant. As will be understood an “adjuvant” means a composition comprised of one or more substances that enhances the immunogenicity and efficacy of a vaccine composition. Non-limiting examples of suitable adjuvants include squalane and squalene (or other oils of animal origin); block copolymers; detergents such as Tween®-80; Quil® A, mineral oils such as Drakeol or Marcol, vegetable oils such as peanut oil; Corynebacterium-derived adjuvants such as  Corynebacterium parvum ; Propionibocterium-derived adjuvants such as  Propionibocterium acne; Mycobactenum bovis  (Bacille Calmette and Guerin or BCG); interleukins such as interleukin 2 and interleukin 12; monokines such as interleukin 1; tumour necrosis factor; interferons such as gamma interferon; combinations such as saponin-aluminium hydroxide or Quil-A aluminium hydroxide; liposomes; ISCOM adjuvant; mycobacterial cell wall extract; synthetic glycopeptides such as muramyl dipeptides or other derivatives; Avridine; Lipid A derivatives; dextran sulfate; DEAE-Dextran or with aluminium phosphate; carboxypolymethylene such as Carbopol′ EMA; acrylic copolymer emulsions such as Neocryl A640 (e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 5,047,238); vaccinia or animal poxvirus proteins, sub-viral particle adjuvants such as cholera toxin, or mixtures thereof. 
     As will be recognised by those skilled in the art modifications may be made to the peptides of the present invention without complete abrogation of biological activity. These modifications include additions, deletions and substitutions, in particular conservative substitutions. It is intended that peptides including such modifications which do not result in complete loss of activity as T helper cell epitopes are within the scope of the present invention. 
     Whilst the concept of substitution is well known in the field the types of substitutions envisaged are set out below. 
     
       
         
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Original 
                 Exemplary 
                 Preferred 
               
               
                   
                 Residue 
                 Substitutions 
                 Substitutions 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 Ala (A) 
                 val; leu; ile 
                 val 
               
               
                   
                 Arg (R) 
                 lys; gln; asn 
                 lys 
               
               
                   
                 Asn (N) 
                 gln; his; lys; arg 
                 gln 
               
               
                   
                 Asp (D) 
                 glu 
                 glu 
               
               
                   
                 Cys (C) 
                 ser 
                 ser 
               
               
                   
                 Gln (Q) 
                 asn 
                 asn 
               
               
                   
                 Glu (E) 
                 asp 
                 asp 
               
               
                   
                 Gly (G) 
                 pro 
                 pro 
               
               
                   
                 His (H) 
                 asn; gln; lvs; arg 
                 arg 
               
               
                   
                 Ile (I) 
                 leu; val; met; ala; phe 
                 leu 
               
               
                   
                   
                 norleucine 
               
               
                   
                 Leu (L) 
                 norleucine, ile; val; met; 
                 ile 
               
               
                   
                   
                 ala; phe 
               
               
                   
                 Lys (K) 
                 arg; gln; asn 
                 arg 
               
               
                   
                 Met (M) 
                 leu; phe; ile; 
                 leu 
               
               
                   
                 Phe (F) 
                 leu; val; ile; ala 
                 leu 
               
               
                   
                 Pro (P) 
                 gly 
                 gly 
               
               
                   
                 Ser (S) 
                 thr 
                 thr 
               
               
                   
                 Thr (T 
                 ser 
                 ser 
               
               
                   
                 Trp (W) 
                 tyr 
                 tyr 
               
               
                   
                 Tyr (Y) 
                 trp; phe; thr; ser 
                 phe 
               
               
                   
                 Val (V) 
                 ile; leu; met; phe ala; 
                 leu 
               
               
                   
                   
                 norleucine 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Another type of modification of the peptides envisaged include, but are not limited to, modifications to side chains, incorporation of unnatural amino acids and/or their derivatives during peptide synthesis and the use of crosslinkers and other methods which impose conformational constraints on the peptides. 
     Examples of side chain modifications contemplated by the present invention include, but are not limited to, modifications of amino groups such as by reductive alkylation by reaction with an aldehyde followed by reduction with NaBH 4 : amidation with methylacetimidate; acylation with acetic anhydride; carbamoylation of amino groups with cyanate; trinitrobenzylation of amino groups with 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS); acylation of amino groups with succinic anhydride and tetrahydrophthalic anhydride; and pyridoxylation of lysine with pyridoxal-5′-phosphate followed by reduction with NaBH 4 . 
     The guanidine group of arginine residues may be modified by the formation of heterocyclic condensation products with reagents such as 2,3-butanedione, phenylglyoxal and glyoxal. 
     The carboxyl group may be modified by carbodiimide activation via O-acylisourea formation followed by subsequent derivitisation, for example, to a corresponding amide. 
     Tryptophan residues may be modified by, for example, oxidation with N-bromosuccinimide or alkylation of the indole ring with 2-hydroxy-5-nitrobenzyl bromide or sulphenyl halides. Tyrosine residues on the other hand, may be altered by nitration with tetranitromethane to form 3-nitrotyrosine derivative. 
     Modification of the imidazole ring of a histidine residue may be accomplished by alkylation with iodoacetic acid derivatives or N-carbethoxylation with diethylpyrocarbonate. 
     Examples of incorporating unnatural amino acids and derivatives during peptide synthesis include, but are not limited to, use of norleucine, 4-amino butyric acid, 4-amino-3-hydroxy-5-phenylpentanoic acid, 6-aminohexanoic acid, t-butylglycine, norvaline, phenylglycine, ornithine. sarcosine, 4-amino-3-hydroxy-6-methylheptanoic acid; 2-thienyl alanine and/or D-isomers of amino acids. 
     The peptides of the present invention may be derived from CDV. Alternatively, the peptide or combination of peptide epitopes may be produced by recombinant DNA technology. It is, however, preferred that the peptides are produced synthetically using methods well known in the field. For example, the peptides may be synthesised using solution synthesis or solid phase synthesis as described, for example, in Chapter 9 entitled “Peptide Synthesis” by Atherton and Sheppard which is included in a publication entitled “Synthetic Vaccines” edited by Nicholson and published by Blackwell Scientific Publications. Preferably a solid phase support is utilised which may be polystyrene gel beads wherein the polystyrene may be cross-linked with a small proportion of divinylbenzene (e.g. 1%) which is further swollen by lipophilic solvents such as dicliloromethane or more polar solvents such as dimethylformamide (DMF). The polystyrene may be functionalised with chloromethyl or aminomethyl groups. Alternatively, cross-linked and functionalised polydimethyl-acrylamide gel is used which may be highly solvated and swollen by DMF and other dipolar aprotic solvents. Other supports can be utilised based on polyethylene glycol which is usually grafted or otherwise attached to the surface of inert polystyrene beads. In a preferred form, use may be made of commercial solid supports or resins which are selected from PAL-PEG-PS, PAC-PEG-PS, KA, KR or TGR. 
     In solid state synthesis, use is made of reversible blocking groups which have the dual function of masking unwanted reactivity in the α-amino, carboxy or side chain functional groups and of destroying the dipolar character of amino acids and peptides which render them inactive. Such functional groups can be selected from t-butyl esters of the structure RCO—OCMe 3 —CO. Use may also be made of the corresponding benzyl esters having the structure RCO—OCH 2 —C 6 H 5  and urethanes having the structure C 6 H 5 CH 2 OCO—NHR which are known as the benzyloxycarbonyl or Z-derivatives and any Me 3 —COCO—NHR, which are known as t-butoxyl carbonyl, or Boc derivatives. Use may also be made of derivatives of fluorenyl methanol and especially the fluorenyl-methoxy carbonyl or Fmoc group. Each of these types of protecting group is capable of independent cleavage in the presence of one other so that frequent use is made, for example, of BOC-benzyl and Fmoc-tertiary butyl protection strategies. 
     Reference also should be made to a condensing agent to link the amino and carboxy groups of protected amino acids or peptides. This may be done by activating the carboxy group so that it reacts spontaneously with a free primary or secondary amine. Activated esters such as those derived from p-nitrophenol and pentafluorophenol may be used for this purpose. Their reactivity may be increased by addition of catalysts such as 1-hydroxybenzotriazole. Esters of triazine DHBT (as discussed on page 215-216 of the abovementioned Nicholson reference) also may be used. Other acylating species are formed in situ by treatment of the carboxylic acid (i.e. the N-alpha-protected amino acid or peptide) with a condensing reagent and are reacted immediately with the amino component (the carboxy or C-protected amino acid or peptide). 
     Dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, the BOP reagent (referred to on page 216 of the Nicholson reference), O′Benzotriazole-N,N,N′N′-tetra methyl-uronium hexafluorophosphate (HBTU) and its analogous tetrafluoroborate are frequently used condensing agents. 
     The attachment of the first amino acid to the solid phase support may be carried out using BOC-amino acids in any suitable manner. In one method BOC amino acids are attached to chloromethyl resin by warming the triethyl ammonium salts with the resin. Fmoc-amino acids may be coupled to the p-alkoxybenzyl alcohol resin in similar manner. Alternatively, use may be made of various linkage agents or “handles” to join the first amino acid to the resin. In this regard, p-hydroxymethyl phenylacetic acid linked to aminomethyl polystyrene may be used for this purpose. 
     Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In order that the nature of the present invention may be more readily understood preferred forms there of will now be described with reference to the following non-limiting examples. 
    
    
     FIGURE LEGENDS 
     FIG.  1 . Amino acid sequence of the fusion protein of CDV 
     FIG.  2 . Stimulation indices to Th-epitope P25 and its truncated versions from dogs immunised with P25-LHRH. (X-axis concentration of peptides nmoles/well) 
     FIG.  3 . Stimulation indices to Th-epitope P27 and its truncated 15-mer from dogs immunised with P27-LHRH. (X-axis concentration of peptides nmoles/well) 
     FIG.  4 . Stimulation indices to Th-epitope P35 and its truncated versions from dogs immunised with P35-LHRH. (X-axis concentration of peptides nmoles/well) 
    
    
     EXAMPLE 1 
     Identification of T Helper Cell Epitopes 
     Methods and Results 
     Towards identification of canine T cell epitopes 94, 17 residue overlapping peptides were designed encompassing the entire sequence of fusion protein of canine distemper virus (CDV). The 17 mer peptides were numbered sequentially for identification starting from the N-terminus The sequence of the fusion protein of CDV as determined by Barrett et al 1987 (Virus Res. 8, 373-386) is shown in FIG.  1 . The peptides were used in T-cell proliferation assays using peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBMC) from dogs immunised with Canvac™ 3 in 1 vaccine (CSL Limited) which contains live CDV. 
     Initially, four dogs were used and they were boosted with the Canvac™ 3 in 1 vaccine twice with four to six weeks between each vaccination. The dogs were bled after each booster vaccination and the PBMCs were tested against the peptides. No significant proliferation to peptides was observed. 
     Since CDV has been reported to be lymphotropic and the vaccine consists of live CDV, there was the possibility that it may be sequestered in lymphoid organs preventing significant numbers of precursor T cells entering the peripheral system. To increase the frequency of peripheral blood anti-CDV T cells dogs were boosted with heat killed CDV (obtained as a pellet from virus culture medium, CSL Limited). Two weeks later, the dogs were bled and the PBMCs tested for proliferation against the peptides. Again there was no proliferation to the peptide antigens. 
     An alternate strategy was used to increase the precursor frequency of specific T cells recognising the CDV peptides. Fresh PBMCs obtained from these hyperimmunised dogs were subjected to stimulation in vitro with pools of all 94 peptides for 30 minutes at 37° C. The cells were then washed to remove any excess peptides and cultured for 7 days. This population of T cells was then tested with autologous APCs with every single peptide as the antigen. 
     Table 1 shows the peptides to which significant (stimulation index &gt;2) levels of proliferation were observed. 
     To confirm this observation, the same four dogs were bled again, five weeks after receiving the dose of killed virus. The PBMCs were stimulated in vitro with pools of either all 94 peptides or peptides 21-40 (because most of the activity was in this region) and after 7 days of culture the stimulated T cells were tested against individual peptides. Significant stimulatory indices were obtained with all peptides, confirming the above results. Four more dogs which received only one dose of 3 in 1 vaccine were tested using the in vitro stimulation method and all four dogs responded to the majority of peptides shown in Table 2. 
     The above peptides were also tested on cells from additional dogs, with results shown in Table 3. Peptides P64, P74 and P75 were also shown to react strongly with peripheral blood mononuclear cells from dogs of various breeds immunized with CDV (Table 4), and are therefore identified as strong T-helper epitopes. 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Identification of canine T cell epitopes from the sequence of fusion 
               
               
                 protein of CDV. 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Beagle 
                 Beagle 
                 Beagle 
                 Beagle 
               
               
                   
                 Foxhound 
                 Foxhound 
                 Foxhound 
                 Foxhound 
               
               
                 Peptides 
                 (Dog #18) 
                 (Dog #19) 
                 (Dog #20) 
                 (Dog #21) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 p2 
                 2* 
                 &lt;2 
                 8 
                 3.9 
               
               
                 p4 
                 4.9 
                 &lt;2 
                 3.3 
                 4.6 
               
               
                 p6 
                 2.5 
                 &lt;2 
                 4 
                 5.1 
               
               
                 p10 
                 2.3 
                 &lt;2 
                 3.2 
                 9.1 
               
               
                 p24 
                 5.8 
                 9.9 
                 2.8 
                 29 
               
               
                 p25 
                 3.2 
                 11.9 
                 4.5 
                 17 
               
               
                 p27 
                 3.3 
                 34 
                 6.7 
                 14.8 
               
               
                 p29 
                 3.5 
                 42 
                 4.4 
                 &lt;2 
               
               
                 p35 
                 3.1 
                 57 
                 3.3 
                 22 
               
               
                 p36 
                 6.7 
                 3.7 
                 3.3 
                 16 
               
               
                 p37 
                 6.9 
                 10.9 
                 8.2 
                 26 
               
               
                 p38 
                 2.8 
                 6.7 
                 3.6 
                 4.2 
               
               
                 p47 
                 3.3 
                 85.7 
                 2.9 
                 1.9 
               
               
                 p62 
                 &lt;2 
                 51 
                 5.6 
                 4.2 
               
               
                 p68 
                 6.6 
                 &lt;2 
                 &lt;2 
                 11.7 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 *Stimulatory index  
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Identification of canine T cell epitopes from the sequence of fusion 
               
               
                 protein of CDV. 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Beagle 
                 Beagle 
                 Beagle 
                 Beagle 
               
               
                   
                 Foxhound 
                 Foxhound 
                 Foxhound 
                 Foxhound 
               
               
                 Peptides 
                 (Dog #70) 
                 (Dog #71) 
                 (Dog #72) 
                 (Dog #73) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 p8 
                 2.2 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 p22 
                   
                   
                 2.6 
               
               
                 p24 
                   
                 3.2 
                 2.2 
               
               
                 p25 
                 1.5 
                 2.9 
                 2 
                 12 
               
               
                 p27 
                   
                 2.7 
                 3.5 
                 4.8 
               
               
                 p28 
                   
                 2 
               
               
                 p29 
                   
                 2 
                   
                 6 
               
               
                 p33 
                   
                   
                 1.6 
               
               
                 p35 
                   
                   
                 1.7 
                 6.8 
               
               
                 p37 
                   
                   
                 1.7 
               
               
                 p62 
                   
                 3 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 3 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Identification of canine T cell epitopes from the sequence of fusion 
               
               
                 protein of CDV. 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Kelpie 
                 Kelpie 
               
               
                   
                 Foxhound 
                 Foxhound 
               
               
                 Peptides 
                 (Dog #125) 
                 (Dog #126) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 p23 
                 3.2 
                   
               
               
                 p27 
                 4.5 
                 8.5 
               
               
                 p28 
                 1.9 
               
               
                 p29 
                 3.6 
               
               
                 p33 
                 6 
               
               
                 p34 
                 2.1 
               
               
                 p35 
                 3.8 
                 10 
               
               
                 p36 
                 3 
               
               
                 p37 
                 2.5 
               
               
                 p38 
                 2.2 
               
               
                 p39 
                 2.9 
               
               
                 p47 
                 2.7 
               
               
                 p62 
                 2.4 
               
               
                 p68 
                 2.9 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 4 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Identification of canine T cell epitopes from the sequence of fusion 
               
               
                 protein of CDV. 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                 Beagle 
                 Beagle 
                 Beagle 
                 Beagle 
               
               
                   
                 Poodle 
                 Foxhound 
                 Foxhound 
                 Foxhound 
                 Foxhound 
               
               
                 Peptides 
                 Shitzu 
                 #18 
                 #19 
                 #20 
                 #21 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 p64 
                 50.0 
                   
                 2.5 
                 2.5 
                   
               
               
                 p74 
                 4.0 
                   
                   
                 1.7 
                 6.0 
               
               
                 p75 
                 10 
                 2.5 
                   
                   
                 7.2 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Once again the same peptides and one additional peptide P32 were tested on cells from additional dogs. These peptides were also shown to react strongly with peripheral blood mononuclear cells from dogs of various breeds immunised with CDV (Table 5), and are therefore identified as strong T-helper epitopes. 
     In conclusion, 26 peptides were identified as canine T helper cell epitopes in the fusion protein of CDV. The sequences of each of these peptides are set out in Table 6. 
     These T helper cell epitopes will have usefulness as components of animal, in particular, canine vaccines, either simply as synthetic peptide based vaccines and as additions to vaccines containing more complex antigens. 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 5 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Identification of canine T cell epitopes from the sequence of fusion 
               
               
                 protein of CDV. 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Poodle 
                 Grey 
                 Fox 
                 Terrier 
                 Kelpie 
                 Border 
               
               
                 Peptides 
                 Shitzu 
                 hound 
                 Terrier 
                 Cross 
                 Pointer 
                 Collie 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 P2 
                 140 
                 &lt;2 
                 &lt;2 
                 &lt;2 
                 2.6 
                 2 
               
               
                 P4 
                 44 
                 2 
                 &lt;2 
                 2 
                 3.5 
                 2 
               
               
                 P6 
                 38 
                 &lt;2 
                 &lt;2 
                 &lt;2 
                 &lt;2 
                 2 
               
               
                 P8 
                 100 
                 2 
                 &lt;2 
                 &lt;2 
                 2.8 
                 2 
               
               
                 P10 
                 50 
                 2 
                 2.2 
                 2.1 
                 2.4 
                 3 
               
               
                 P25 
                 &lt;2 
                 &lt;2 
                 2.6 
                 &lt;2 
                 2.6 
                 &lt;2 
               
               
                 P29 
                 2 
                 &lt;2 
                 &lt;2 
                 2 
                 &lt;2 
                 &lt;2 
               
               
                 P32 
                 &lt;2 
                 2 
                 &lt;2 
                 &lt;2 
                 &lt;2 
                 &lt;2 
               
               
                 P33 
                 &lt;2 
                 &lt;2 
                 &lt;2 
                 &lt;2 
                 2 
                 2 
               
               
                 P35 
                 &lt;2 
                 &lt;2 
                 2.2 
                 &lt;2 
                 2 
                 2 
               
               
                 P37 
                 &lt;2 
                 &lt;2 
                 &lt;2 
                 2 
                 2 
                 &lt;2 
               
               
                 P62 
                 24 
                 &lt;2 
                 &lt;2 
                 &lt;2 
                 &lt;2 
                 &lt;2 
               
               
                 P64 
                 50 
                 &lt;2 
                 &lt;2 
                 &lt;2 
                 &lt;2 
                 &lt;2 
               
               
                 P68 
                 5 
                 &lt;2 
                 &lt;2 
                 &lt;2 
                 &lt;2 
                 &lt;2 
               
               
                 P74 
                 4 
                 &lt;2 
                 &lt;2 
                 &lt;2 
                 &lt;2 
                 &lt;2 
               
               
                 P75 
                 10 
                 &lt;2 
                 &lt;2 
                 &lt;2 
                 &lt;2 
                 &lt;2 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 P2 
                 SSKTQTHTQQDRPPQPS (SEQ ID NO:1) 
               
               
                   
                 P4 
                 QPSTELEETRTSRARHS (SEQ ID NO:2) 
               
               
                   
                 P6 
                 RHSTTSAQRSTHYDPRT (SEQ ID NO:3) 
               
               
                   
                 P8 
                 PRTSDRPVSYTMNRTRS (SEQ ID NO:4) 
               
               
                   
                 P10 
                 TRSRKQTSHRLKNIPVH (SEQ ID NO:5) 
               
               
                   
                 P24 
                 SHQYLVIKLIPNASLIE (SEQ ID NO:6) 
               
               
                   
                 P22 
                 IGTDNVHYKIMTRPSHQ (SEQ ID NO:7) 
               
               
                   
                 P23 
                 YKIMTRPSHQYLVIKLI (SEQ ID NO:8) 
               
               
                   
                 P25 
                 KLIPNASLIENCTKAEL (SEQ ID NO:9) 
               
               
                   
                 P27 
                 AELGEYEKLLNSVLEPI (SEQ ID NO:10) 
               
               
                   
                 P28 
                 KLLNSVLEPINQALTLM (SEQ ID NO:11) 
               
               
                   
                 P29 
                 EPINQALTLMTKNVKPL (SEQ ID NO:12) 
               
               
                   
                 P32 
                 SGRRQRRFAGVVLAGVA (SEQ ID NO:26) 
               
               
                   
                 P33 
                 FAGVVLAGVALGVATAA (SEQ ID NO:13) 
               
               
                   
                 P34 
                 GVALGVATAAQITAGIA (SEQ ID NO:14) 
               
               
                   
                 P35 
                 TAAQITAGIALHQSNLN (SEQ ID NO:15) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 GIALHQSNLNAQAIQSL (SEQ ID NO:16) 
               
               
                   
                 P37 
                 NLNAQAIQSLRTSLEQS (SEQ ID NO:17) 
               
               
                   
                 P38 
                 QSLRTSLEQSNKAIEEI (SEQ ID NO:18) 
               
               
                   
                 P39 
                 EQSNKAIEEIREATQET (SEQ ID NO:19) 
               
               
                   
                 P47 
                 TELLSIFGPSLRDPISA (SEQ ID NO:20) 
               
               
                   
                 P62 
                 PRYIATNGYLISNFDES (SEQ ID NO:21) 
               
               
                   
                 P68 
                 CIRGDTSSCARTLVSGT (SEQ ID NQ:22) 
               
               
                   
                 P64 
                 DESSCVFVSESAICSQN (SEQ ID NO:23) 
               
               
                   
                 P74 
                 TSTIINQSPDKLLTFIA (SEQ ID NO:24) 
               
               
                   
                 P75 
                 SPDKLLTFIASDTCPLV (SEQ ID NO:25) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Selected sequences of the identified T-cell epitopes were tested for their ability to induce an antibody response to a linked B-cell epitope. Trials were conducted in dogs for assessment of antibody responses. The T-cell epitopes were linked to the B cell epitope LHRH (leuteinising hormone releasing hormone), with the T-cell epitope at the N-terminus and LHRH positioned at the carboxy terminus. 
     Peptides were synthesised using standard chemistry with Fmoc protection. All peptides were purified to at least 50% purity and the product checked by mass spectroscopy. 
     The peptides were produced as contiguous T-cell-B cell determinants. The LHRC sequence of Pyro Glu-His-Trp-Ser-Tyr-Gly-Leu Arg Pro-Gly, or variations of it, was linked to the carboxyl terminus of each respective CDV T helper epitope. 
     In-vivo evaluation of some of the T-helper epitopes was conducted in two trials, by vaccination of dogs with T-helper-LHRH sequences. 
     EXAMPLE 2(TRIAL K9-5) 
     A total of 14 dogs of mixed sex were used in this trial. All had been previously vaccinated with a live CDV vaccine and had also been vaccinated against LHRH. 
     Vaccine Formulation 
       
     Test peptides P25, P27, P35 from CDV were synthesised with LHRH at the C terminus of each T-helper epitope. The LHRH sequence used was the full 10 amino acids of the native LHRH. Each of the vaccine constructs, together with a control peptide comprising a mouse influenza T-cell epitope linked to a repeat malarial B-cell epitope (sequence shown in table below) were purified to −50-90% purity. All peptides were dissolved in 4M urea before dilution with sterile saline to an appropriate volume to give 40nmoles per 1 mL dose. Iscomatrix™ was added to a final concentration of 150 μg /1 mL dose as adjuvant together with thiomersal preservative (0.01%). 
     ISCOM™ or Immunostimulating Complex (Barr, Sjolander and Cox, 1998, Advanced Drug Delivery Systems 32: 247-271) are a well characterised class of adjuvant comprised of a complex of phospholipid, cholesterol and saponin, usually with a protein incorporated into the complex. Where the complex is formed in the absence of protein antigen, then this complex is termed Iscomatrix™. The saponin used in the preparation of this adjuvant was Quil A. 
     Vaccination, Blood Samples and Assays 
     All dogs were vaccinated with a 1 mL dose, delivered in the scruff of the neck. Vaccinations were given at 0 and 4 weeks and venous blood samples were obtained at intervals during the trial. 
     Effective T-cell help was determined by measuring the antibody response to LHRH by ELISA. Biological effectiveness of the peptide based vaccine was determined by measuring the levels of progesterone in female dogs and testosterone in male dogs. 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 7 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Trial Groups 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Peptide 
                 Dog Nos. 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Control (SEQ ID NO:30) -ALNNRFQIKGVELKS-(NANP)3 
                 104, 998 
               
               
                 P26 -LHRH 1-10 
                 70, 73, 
               
               
                   
                 127, 993 
               
               
                 P27 -LHRH 1-10 
                 20, 94, 
               
               
                   
                 101, 105 
               
               
                 P35 -LHRH 1-10 
                 19, 96, 
               
               
                   
                 100, 102 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Results 
     Pre-existing low antibody levels to LHRH were present in all dogs due to immunisation previously with a different vaccine. The control group of dogs exhibited a slow decrease in antibody levels. 
     Dogs immunised with P25-LHRH, P27-LHRH and P35-LHRH all showed strong antibody responses to the B-cell epitope (LHRH). This response persisted to 6 weeks post boost vaccination (see Table 8). 
     The biological potency of the vaccine was demonstrated by a significant reduction in progesterone or testosterone levels (see Tables 9 and 10). 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 8 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Anti LHRH Titres 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Anti LHRH Titres 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                 2 wks post 
                 6wks post 
               
               
                 Peptide 
                 Dog No 
                 Prebleeds 
                 boost 
                 boost 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Control 
                 104 
                 1258 
                 1975 
                 1936 
               
               
                   
                 998 
                 2559 
                 1982 
                 1947 
               
               
                 Average 
                   
                 1794 
                 1978 
                 1941 
               
               
                 Range 
                   
                 1258-2559  
                 1975-1982 
                 1936-1947 
               
               
                 P25-LHRH 
                 70 
                 856 
                 24245 
                 16697 
               
               
                 (1-10) 
               
               
                   
                 73 
                   
                 42665 
                 16922 
               
               
                   
                 127 
                 1361 
                 21485 
                 19662 
               
               
                   
                 993 
                 577 
                 24879 
                 15119 
               
               
                 Average 
                   
                 886 
                 23120 
                 17242 
               
               
                 Range 
                   
                  0-1361 
                 21485-42665 
                 15119-19662 
               
               
                 p27-LHRH 
                 20 
                 747 
                 29653 
                 8423 
               
               
                 (1-10) 
               
               
                   
                 94 
                   
                 41247 
                 22759 
               
               
                   
                 101 
                 4256 
                 52724 
                 17353 
               
               
                   
                 105 
                 944 
                 12600 
                 8366 
               
               
                 Average 
                   
                 2004 
                 25774 
                 12049 
               
               
                 Range 
                   
                 747-4256 
                 12600-52724 
                  8366-22759 
               
               
                 p35-LHRH 
                 19 
                 665 
                 18033 
                 6228 
               
               
                 (1-10) 
               
               
                   
                 96 
                 1621 
                 26583 
                 5744 
               
               
                   
                 100 
                 580 
                 17255 
                 4829 
               
               
                   
                 102 
                 180 
                 11740 
                 2963 
               
               
                 Average 
                   
                 323 
                 14233 
                 3783 
               
               
                 Range 
                   
                 180-1621 
                 11740-26583 
                 2963-6228 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 9 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Progesterone results (nmol/L) 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                 Dog 
                 4wks post 
                 2wks post 
                 6wks post 
               
               
                   
                 Peptide 
                 No. 
                 primary 
                 boost 
                 boost 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Control 
                 998 
                 5.17 
                 4.28 
                 &lt;0 
               
               
                   
                 p25-LHRH 
                 127 
                 3.04 
                 4.83 
                 &lt;0 
               
               
                   
                 (1-10) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 993 
                 1.7 
                 0.87 
                 &lt;0 
               
               
                   
                 p27-LHRH 
                 101 
                 0.42 
                 0.14 
                 &lt;0 
               
               
                   
                 (1-10) 
               
               
                   
                 p35-LHRH 
                 96 
                 31.76 
                 2.15 
                 &lt;0 
               
               
                   
                 (1-10) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 100 
                 &lt;0 
                 &lt;0 
                 &lt;0 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 10 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Testosterone results (nmol/L) 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                 Dog 
                 4wks post 
                 2wks post 
                 6wks post 
               
               
                   
                 Peptide 
                 No. 
                 primary 
                 boost 
                 boost 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Control 
                 104 
                 9.69 
                 2.51 
                 3.31 
               
               
                   
                 p25-LHRH 
                 70 
                 &lt;0 
                 &lt;0 
                 &lt;0 
               
               
                   
                 (1-10) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 73 
                 5.38 
                 &lt;0 
                 &lt;0 
               
               
                   
                 p27-LHRH 
                 20 
                 1.04 
                 &lt;0 
                 &lt;0 
               
               
                   
                 (1-10) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 94 
                 3.33 
                 &lt;0 
                 &lt;0 
               
               
                   
                   
                 105 
                 &gt;47.7 
                 &lt;0 
                 &lt;0 
               
               
                   
                 p35-LHRH 
                 19 
                 4.3 
                 2.77 
                 4.55 
               
               
                   
                 (1-10) 
               
               
                   
                   
                 102 
                 6.72 
                 &lt;0 
                 &lt;0 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     The effectiveness of selected T-cell epitopes from the F-protein of CDV in providing T-cell help to elicit antibody responses in dogs proves that the identified sequences are functional. These results also validate the scientific approach and usefulness of the in vitro screening method for identifying T-helper epitope sequences within vivo activity. 
     EXAMPLE 3 (TRIAL K9-8) 
     A total of 35 dogs mixed sex were used in this trial. All had been previously vaccinated with a live CDV vaccine but had not been vaccinated against LHRH. 
     Vaccine Formulation 
     The T-Helper epitopes were linked to a truncated form of LHRH, containing amino acids 2 to 10 of the native 10 amino acid sequence, as shown below: 
     2-10 (SEQ ID NO:29)His-Trp-Ser-Tyr-Gly-Leu-Arg-Pro-Gly. 
     All vaccines were formulated as for Example 2, ie each 1 mL dose of vaccine contained 40 nmoles of peptide, 150 μg Iscomatrix™, and thiomersal as preservative. 
     Where dogs were vaccinated with a pool of peptides, the concentration of each peptide was adjusted to give equal concentrations and a total amount of 40 nmoles of LHRH epitope per 1 mL dose. 
     Vaccination, Blood Samples and Assays 
     All dogs were vaccinated with a 1 mL dose, delivered in the scruff of the neck. Vaccinations were given at 0 and 4 weeks and venous blood samples were obtained at intervals during the trial. Effective T-cell help was determined by measuring the antibody response to LHRH by ELISA. Biological effectiveness of the peptide based vaccine was determined by measuring the levels of progesterone in female dogs and testosterone in male dogs. 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 11 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Trial Groups 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Peptide Group 
                 Dog Nos. 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 P25-LHRH 2-10 
                 211, 195, 197, 181 
               
               
                   
                 P27-LHRH 2-10 
                 203, 191, 186, 201 
               
               
                   
                 P35-LHRH 2-10 
                 217, 198, 187, 196 
               
               
                   
                 Pool: P25-LHRH 2-10, 
                 212, 193, 178, 216, Y3 
               
               
                   
                 P27-LHRH 2-10, P35-LHRH 2-10 
               
               
                   
                 P2-LHRH 2-10 
                 194, 199, 179, 220 
               
               
                   
                 P8-LHRH 2-10 
                 Y4, Y6, 160, 200 
               
               
                   
                 P62-LHRH 2-10 
                 219, 185, 221, 177 
               
               
                   
                 P75-LHRH 2-10 
                 189, 222, 202, 176 
               
               
                   
                 Unvaccinated controls 
                 190, 159 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Results 
     Strong antibody responses to LHRH were demonstrated in dogs immunised with the T-cell-LHRH constructs with the T-cell epitopes P25, P27, P35, P62, P75, and the pool of T-cell-LHRH peptides comprising a combination of T-cell epitopes P25, P27 and P35 (see Table 1Z). 
     Low to undetectable antibody responses were seen in dogs immunised with P2 and P8-LHRH peptides (see Table 12). This was concluded to indicate that these T-cell peptides were not well recognised by Beagle-Foxhound dogs, which is consistent with their identification using PBMCs&#39; from other dog breeds. The initial screening in Beagle foxhound dogs indicated that this breed of dog does not respond to these 2 T-cell epitopes. 
     As is well understood by those skilled in the art of peptide vaccines the response to individual peptides is genetically determined. The class II Major Histocompatability Complex (MHC II) is polymorphic. Class II molecules at the cell surface function to bind peptides for presentation to T-cells, which is required as part of the activation process for T-cells, including helper T-cells. The allelic forms of MHC class II bind discrete sets of peptide antigens, and thus the response to those antigens is genetically determined. Thus the results are interpreted to indicate that the Beagle—Foxhound breed of dog does not possess the appropriate MHC-II alleles to respond to P2 and P8, but that other breeds of dog do, eg. the Poodle Shitzu breed that were used to identify these peptides. 
     Control dogs showed no change in antibody levels to LHRH during the trial period and hormone levels were within normal ranges for the age and sex of the dogs (see Table 12). 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 12 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Anti-LHRH Titres 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Anti LHRH Titres 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                 4 wks after 
                 2 wks post 
                 4 wks post 
               
               
                 Peptide 
                 Group 
                 Dog No 
                 primary 
                 boost 
                 boost 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Control 
                 1 
                 159 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
               
               
                   
                 1 
                 190 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
               
               
                   
                 GMT 
               
               
                 Pool 
                 2 
                 Y3 
                 1860 
                 55659 
                 95038 
               
               
                   
                 2 
                 178 
                 17900 
                 416036 
                 486793 
               
               
                   
                 2 
                 193 
                 8770 
                 211369 
                 189143 
               
               
                   
                 2 
                 212 
                 3766 
                 121411 
                 135293 
               
               
                   
                 2 
                 216 
                 8378 
                 294769 
                 642293 
               
               
                   
                 GMT 
                   
                 6207 
                 177292 
                 237798 
               
               
                 P25-LHRH 
                 3 
                 181 
                 1893 
                 152264 
                 131643 
               
               
                   
                 3 
                 195 
                 31197 
                 205906 
                 455193 
               
               
                   
                 3 
                 197 
                 14423 
                 337698 
                 240543 
               
               
                   
                 3 
                 211 
                 20607 
                 142798 
                 131643 
               
               
                   
                 GMT 
                   
                 11510 
                 193037 
                 214229 
               
               
                 P27-LHRH 
                 4 
                 186 
                 0 
                 11206 
                 17263 
               
               
                   
                 4 
                 191 
                 0 
                 59154 
                 125493 
               
               
                   
                 4 
                 201 
                 0 
                 17041 
                 34103 
               
               
                   
                 4 
                 203 
                 0 
                 1000 
                 857 
               
               
                   
                 GMT 
                   
                 0 
                 18523 
                 26698 
               
               
                 P35-LHRH 
                 5 
                 187 
                 2009 
                 141775 
                 55797 
               
               
                   
                 5 
                 196 
                 4868 
                 237208 
                 158040 
               
               
                   
                 5 
                 198 
                 1539 
                 154375 
                 68307 
               
               
                   
                 5 
                 217 
                 0 
                 121050 
                 40822 
               
               
                   
                 GMT 
                   
                 2469 
                 103085 
                 58002 
               
               
                 P2-LHRH 
                 6 
                 179 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
               
               
                   
                 6 
                 194 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
               
               
                   
                 6 
                 199 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
               
               
                   
                 6 
                 220 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
               
               
                   
                 GMT 
               
               
                 P8-LHRH 
                 7 
                 Y4 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
               
               
                   
                 7 
                 Y6 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0 
               
               
                   
                 7 
                 160 
                 0 
                 1200 
                 ND 
               
               
                   
                 7 
                 200 
                 0 
                 8000 
                 2227 
               
               
                   
                 GMT 
               
               
                 P62-LHRH 
                 8 
                 177 
                 1242 
                 3821 
                 2985 
               
               
                 8 
                 185 
                 0 
                 146581 
                 67461 
               
               
                   
                 8 
                 219 
                 0 
                 29353 
                 28282 
               
               
                   
                 8 
                 221 
                 2697 
                 231473 
                 156549 
               
               
                   
                 GMT 
                   
                 1830 
                 44167 
                 30728 
               
               
                 P75-LHRH 
                 9 
                 176 
                 0 
                 12177 
                 5559 
               
               
                   
                 9 
                 189 
                 0 
                 15795 
                 17155 
               
               
                   
                 9 
                 202 
                 0 
                 2121 
                 2216 
               
               
                   
                 9 
                 222 
                 0 
                 9787 
                 7879 
               
               
                   
                 GMT 
                   
                   
                 11201 
                 8746 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     EXAMPLE 4 
     In Vitro T Cell Proliferation Assays to Demonstrate Recognition of Th-epitope Incorporated in the Peptide Vaccines 
     To demonstrate recognition of the Th-epitope within the peptide immunogen PBMCs obtained from dogs immunised with peptide vaccines (dogs from Example 2) were tested against the respective Th-epitopes. The assay was carried out without the enrichment of PBMCs. PBMCs obtained from Ficoll gradient purification were directly tested against the respective Th-epitope and its truncated versions. The study demonstrated that all the dogs immunised with peptide vaccines responded to the Th-epitope incorporated confirming that T-cell activity resides in the respective sequences (FIGS.  2 - 4 ). Truncated versions of the respective Th-epitopes were also tested to more closely define the T-cell activity within the sequences. It was observed that for P25 the full sequence of 17 residues was better than the shorter peptides of 15 and 12 residues, each truncated from the N-terminus of the sequence (FIG.  2 ). This implies that the T-cell activity is towards the N-terminus or middle of the 17-residue peptide. 
     A similar observation was made with P27, the 17 residue long peptide was a better simulator than the 15-mer truncated from the N-terminus (FIG.  3 ). This observation again suggested that the T-cell activity may reside towards the middle or the N-terminus of the full length peptide. 
     In the case of P35 and its shorter versions, except for one dog (#102), the other three dogs responded as well to the 12 residue peptide as to the full length 17 residue one (FIG.  4 ). In dog #102 the 15 residue peptide was more stimulatory than the full length peptide. From this it can be deduced that that the first two residues in the sequence of P35 may not be essential and that the activity is towards the middle or C-terminus of the peptide. 
     EXAMPLE 5 
     Trial in BALB/c Mice 
     The canine vaccines with CDV-F derived Th-epitopes and LHRH used in Example 3 were also used to immunise BALB/c mice to investigate if the Th-epitopes would be functional in a different animal species. 
     Vaccine Formulation 
     All vaccines were formulated as for Example 3 except that they were diluted further so that 100 μl doses contained 2.7 nmoles of peptide and 10 μg of Iscomatrix™ and thiomersol as preservative. 
     Vaccination, Blood Samples and Assays 
     Mice were vaccinated with 100 μl of the vaccine at the base of tail. Vaccinations were given at 0 and 4 weeks and animals bled at intervals after each vaccination from the retro-orbital plexus. Effective T-cell help was determined by measuring the antibody response to OHM by ELISA. 
     Results 
     Mice immunised with P25-LHRH and pool of peptides comprising of P25-LHRH P27-LHRH and P35-LHRH generated high antibody titres to LHRH Peptides P35 and P75 generated low antibody titres whereas mice immunised P2, P8 and P62 had undetectable levels of anti-LHRH antibodies (Table 13). 
     It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 13 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Anti-LHRH Antibody titers in mice immunised with CDV-F derived T cell epitope-LHRH vaccines 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 4 weeks post first vaccination 
                 2 weeks post second vaccination 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Mouse 
                 Mouse 
                 Mouse 
                 Mouse 
                 Mouse 
                 Mouse 
                 Mouse 
                 Mouse 
                 Mouse 
                 Mouse 
               
               
                 Groups 
                 1 
                 2 
                 3 
                 4 
                 5 
                 1 
                 2 
                 3 
                 4 
                 5 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Group 
                 &lt;100 
                 &lt;100 
                   
                   
                   
                 &lt;100 
                 &lt;100 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 1 (control) 
               
               
                 Group 2 
                 100 
                 126 
                 200 
                 126 
                 200 
                 16,000 
                 16,000 
                 16,000 
                 16,000 
                 16,000 
               
               
                 (pool) 
               
               
                 Group 3 
                 126 
                 400 
                 282 
                 100 
                 282 
                 16,000 
                 16,000 
                 16,000 
                 16,000 
                 16,000 
               
               
                 (p25-LHRH) 
               
               
                 Group 5 
                 &lt;100 
                 &lt;100 
                 &lt;100 
                 &lt;100 
                 &lt;100 
                 1,412 
                 800 
                 &lt;100 
                 &lt;100 
                 &lt;100 
               
               
                 (p35-LHRH) 
               
               
                 Group 6 
                 &lt;100 
                 &lt;100 
                   
                   
                   
                 &lt;100 
                 &lt;100 
               
               
                 (p2-LHRH) 
               
               
                 Group 7 
                 &lt;100 
                 &lt;100 
                 &lt;100 
                 &lt;100 
                   
                 &lt;100 
                 &lt;100 
                 &lt;100 
                 &lt;100 
               
               
                 (p6-LHRH 
               
               
                 Group 8 
                 &lt;100 
                 &lt;100 
                 &lt;100 
                   
                   
                 126 
                 126 
                 &lt;100 
               
               
                 (p62-LHRH 
               
               
                 Group 9 
                 &lt;100 
                 &lt;100 
                 &lt;100 
                 &lt;100 
                 &lt;100 
                 &lt;100 
                 &lt;100 
                 316 
                 3,162 
                 &lt;100 
               
               
                 (p75-LHRH 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
             30 
           
           
             1 
             17 
             PRT 
             canine distemper virus 
           
            1
Ser Ser Lys Thr Gln Thr His Thr Gln Gln Asp Arg Pro Pro Gln Pro
  1               5                  10                  15
Ser
 
           
             2 
             17 
             PRT 
             canine distemper virus 
           
            2
Gln Pro Ser Thr Glu Leu Glu Glu Thr Arg Thr Ser Arg Ala Arg His
  1               5                  10                  15
Ser
 
           
             3 
             17 
             PRT 
             canine distemper virus 
           
            3
Arg His Ser Thr Thr Ser Ala Gln Arg Ser Thr His Tyr Asp Pro Arg
  1               5                  10                  15
Thr
 
           
             4 
             17 
             PRT 
             canine distemper virus 
           
            4
Pro Arg Thr Ser Asp Arg Pro Val Ser Tyr Thr Met Asn Arg Thr Arg
  1               5                  10                  15
Ser
 
           
             5 
             17 
             PRT 
             canine distemper virus 
           
            5
Thr Arg Ser Arg Lys Gln Thr Ser His Arg Leu Lys Asn Ile Pro Val
  1               5                  10                  15
His
 
           
             6 
             17 
             PRT 
             canine distemper virus 
           
            6
Ser His Gln Tyr Leu Val Ile Lys Leu Ile Pro Asn Ala Ser Leu Ile
  1               5                  10                  15
Glu
 
           
             7 
             17 
             PRT 
             canine distemper virus 
           
            7
Ile Gly Thr Asp Asn Val His Tyr Lys Ile Met Thr Arg Pro Ser His
  1               5                  10                  15
Gln
 
           
             8 
             17 
             PRT 
             canine distemper virus 
           
            8
Tyr Lys Ile Met Thr Arg Pro Ser His Gln Tyr Leu Val Ile Lys Leu
  1               5                  10                  15
Ile
 
           
             9 
             17 
             PRT 
             canine distemper virus 
           
            9
Lys Leu Ile Pro Asn Ala Ser Leu Ile Glu Asn Cys Thr Lys Ala Glu
  1               5                  10                  15
Leu
 
           
             10 
             17 
             PRT 
             canine distemper virus 
           
            10
Ala Glu Leu Gly Glu Tyr Glu Lys Leu Leu Asn Ser Val Leu Glu Pro
  1               5                  10                  15
Ile
 
           
             11 
             17 
             PRT 
             canine distemper virus 
           
            11
Lys Leu Leu Asn Ser Val Leu Glu Pro Ile Asn Gln Ala Leu Thr Leu
  1               5                  10                  15
Met
 
           
             12 
             17 
             PRT 
             canine distemper virus 
           
            12
Glu Pro Ile Asn Gln Ala Leu Thr Leu Met Thr Lys Asn Val Lys Pro
  1               5                  10                  15
Leu
 
           
             13 
             17 
             PRT 
             canine distemper virus 
           
            13
Phe Ala Gly Val Val Leu Ala Gly Val Ala Leu Gly Val Ala Thr Ala
  1               5                  10                  15
Ala
 
           
             14 
             17 
             PRT 
             canine distemper virus 
           
            14
Gly Val Ala Leu Gly Val Ala Thr Ala Ala Gln Ile Thr Ala Gly Ile
  1               5                  10                  15
Ala
 
           
             15 
             17 
             PRT 
             canine distemper virus 
           
            15
Thr Ala Ala Gln Ile Thr Ala Gly Ile Ala Leu His Gln Ser Asn Leu
  1               5                  10                  15
Asn
 
           
             16 
             17 
             PRT 
             canine distemper virus 
           
            16
Gly Ile Ala Leu His Gln Ser Asn Leu Asn Ala Gln Ala Ile Gln Ser
  1               5                  10                  15
Leu
 
           
             17 
             17 
             PRT 
             canine distemper virus 
           
            17
Asn Leu Asn Ala Gln Ala Ile Gln Ser Leu Arg Thr Ser Leu Glu Gln
  1               5                  10                  15
Ser
 
           
             18 
             17 
             PRT 
             canine distemper virus 
           
            18
Gln Ser Leu Arg Thr Ser Leu Glu Gln Ser Asn Lys Ala Ile Glu Glu
  1               5                  10                  15
Ile
 
           
             19 
             17 
             PRT 
             canine distemper virus 
           
            19
Glu Gln Ser Asn Lys Ala Ile Glu Glu Ile Arg Glu Ala Thr Gln Glu
  1               5                  10                  15
Thr
 
           
             20 
             17 
             PRT 
             canine distemper virus 
           
            20
Thr Glu Leu Leu Ser Ile Phe Gly Pro Ser Leu Arg Asp Pro Ile Ser
  1               5                  10                  15
Ala
 
           
             21 
             17 
             PRT 
             canine distemper virus 
           
            21
Pro Arg Tyr Ile Ala Thr Asn Gly Tyr Leu Ile Ser Asn Phe Asp Glu
  1               5                  10                  15
Ser
 
           
             22 
             17 
             PRT 
             canine distemper virus 
           
            22
Cys Ile Arg Gly Asp Thr Ser Ser Cys Ala Arg Thr Leu Val Ser Gly
  1               5                  10                  15
Thr
 
           
             23 
             17 
             PRT 
             canine distemper virus 
           
            23
Asp Glu Ser Ser Cys Val Phe Val Ser Glu Ser Ala Ile Cys Ser Gln
  1               5                  10                  15
Asn
 
           
             24 
             17 
             PRT 
             canine distemper virus 
           
            24
Thr Ser Thr Ile Ile Asn Gln Ser Pro Asp Lys Leu Leu Thr Phe Ile
  1               5                  10                  15
Ala
 
           
             25 
             17 
             PRT 
             canine distemper virus 
           
            25
Ser Pro Asp Lys Leu Leu Thr Phe Ile Ala Ser Asp Thr Cys Pro Leu
  1               5                  10                  15
Val
 
           
             26 
             17 
             PRT 
             canine distemper virus 
           
            26
Ser Gly Arg Arg Gln Arg Arg Phe Ala Gly Val Val Leu Ala Gly Val
  1               5                  10                  15
Ala
 
           
             27 
             662 
             PRT 
             canine distemper virus 
           
            27
Met His Arg Gly Ile Pro Lys Ser Ser Lys Thr Gln Thr His Thr Gln
  1               5                  10                  15
Gln Asp Arg Pro Pro Gln Pro Ser Thr Glu Leu Glu Glu Thr Arg Thr
             20                  25                  30
Ser Arg Ala Arg His Ser Thr Thr Ser Ala Gln Arg Ser Thr His Tyr
         35                  40                  45
Asp Pro Arg Thr Ser Asp Arg Pro Val Ser Tyr Thr Met Asn Arg Thr
     50                  55                  60
Arg Ser Arg Lys Gln Thr Ser His Arg Leu Lys Asn Ile Pro Val His
 65                  70                  75                  80
Gly Asn His Glu Ala Thr Ile Gln His Ile Pro Glu Ser Val Ser Lys
                 85                  90                  95
Gly Ala Arg Ser Gln Ile Glu Arg Arg Gln Pro Asn Ala Ile Asn Ser
            100                 105                 110
Gly Ser His Cys Thr Trp Leu Val Leu Trp Cys Leu Gly Met Ala Ser
        115                 120                 125
Leu Phe Leu Cys Ser Lys Ala Gln Ile His Trp Asp Asn Leu Ser Thr
    130                 135                 140
Ile Gly Ile Ile Gly Thr Asp Asn Val His Tyr Lys Ile Met Thr Arg
145                 150                 155                 160
Pro Ser His Gln Tyr Leu Val Ile Lys Leu Ile Pro Asn Ala Ser Leu
                165                 170                 175
Ile Glu Asn Cys Thr Lys Ala Glu Leu Gly Glu Tyr Glu Lys Leu Leu
            180                 185                 190
Asn Ser Val Leu Glu Pro Ile Asn Gln Ala Leu Thr Leu Met Thr Lys
        195                 200                 205
Asn Val Lys Pro Leu Gln Ser Leu Gly Ser Gly Arg Arg Gln Arg Arg
    210                 215                 220
Phe Ala Gly Val Val Leu Ala Gly Val Ala Leu Gly Val Ala Thr Ala
225                 230                 235                 240
Ala Gln Ile Thr Ala Gly Ile Ala Leu His Gln Ser Asn Leu Asn Ala
                245                 250                 255
Gln Ala Ile Gln Ser Leu Arg Thr Ser Leu Glu Gln Ser Asn Lys Ala
            260                 265                 270
Ile Glu Glu Ile Arg Glu Ala Thr Gln Glu Thr Val Ile Ala Val Gln
        275                 280                 285
Gly Val Gln Asp Tyr Val Asn Asn Glu Leu Val Pro Ala Met Gln His
    290                 295                 300
Met Ser Cys Glu Leu Val Gly Gln Arg Leu Gly Leu Arg Leu Leu Arg
305                 310                 315                 320
Tyr Tyr Thr Glu Leu Leu Ser Ile Phe Gly Pro Ser Leu Arg Asp Pro
                325                 330                 335
Ile Ser Ala Glu Ile Ser Ile Gln Ala Leu Ile Tyr Ala Leu Gly Gly
            340                 345                 350
Glu Ile His Lys Ile Leu Glu Lys Leu Gly Tyr Ser Gly Ser Asp Met
        355                 360                 365
Ile Ala Ile Leu Glu Ser Arg Gly Ile Lys Thr Lys Ile Thr His Val
    370                 375                 380
Asp Leu Pro Gly Lys Phe Ile Ile Leu Ser Ile Ser Tyr Pro Thr Leu
385                 390                 395                 400
Ser Glu Val Lys Gly Val Ile Val His Arg Leu Glu Ala Val Ser Tyr
                405                 410                 415
Asn Ile Gly Ser Gln Glu Trp Tyr Thr Thr Val Pro Arg Tyr Ile Ala
            420                 425                 430
Thr Asn Gly Tyr Leu Ile Ser Asn Phe Asp Glu Ser Ser Cys Val Phe
        435                 440                 445
Val Ser Glu Ser Ala Ile Cys Ser Gln Asn Ser Leu Tyr Pro Met Ser
    450                 455                 460
Pro Leu Leu Gln Gln Cys Ile Arg Gly Asp Thr Ser Ser Cys Ala Arg
465                 470                 475                 480
Thr Leu Val Ser Gly Thr Met Gly Asn Lys Phe Ile Leu Ser Lys Gly
                485                 490                 495
Asn Ile Val Ala Asn Cys Ala Ser Ile Leu Cys Lys Cys Tyr Ser Thr
            500                 505                 510
Ser Thr Ile Ile Asn Gln Ser Pro Asp Lys Leu Leu Thr Phe Ile Ala
        515                 520                 525
Ser Asp Thr Cys Pro Leu Val Glu Ile Asp Gly Ala Thr Ile Gln Val
    530                 535                 540
Gly Gly Arg Gln Tyr Pro Asp Met Val Tyr Glu Gly Lys Val Ala Leu
545                 550                 555                 560
Gly Pro Ala Ile Ser Leu Asp Arg Leu Asp Val Gly Thr Asn Leu Gly
                565                 570                 575
Asn Ala Leu Lys Lys Leu Asp Asp Ala Lys Val Leu Ile Asp Ser Ser
            580                 585                 590
Asn Gln Ile Leu Glu Thr Val Arg Arg Ser Ser Phe Asn Phe Gly Ser
        595                 600                 605
Leu Leu Ser Val Pro Ile Leu Ser Cys Thr Ala Leu Ala Leu Leu Leu
    610                 615                 620
Leu Ile Tyr Cys Cys Lys Arg Arg Tyr Gln Gln Thr Leu Lys Gln His
625                 630                 635                 640
Thr Lys Val Asp Pro Ala Phe Lys Pro Asp Leu Thr Gly Thr Ser Lys
                645                 650                 655
Ser Tyr Val Arg Ser Leu
            660
 
           
             28 
             10 
             PRT 
             Canis sp. 
             
               MOD_RES 
               (1) 
               pyroglutamic acid 
             
           
            28
Glu His Trp Ser Tyr Gly Leu Arg Pro Gly
  1               5                  10
 
           
             29 
             9 
             PRT 
             Canis sp. 
           
            29
His Trp Ser Tyr Gly Leu Arg Pro Gly
  1               5
 
           
             30 
             27 
             PRT 
             Artificial Sequence 
             
               Description of Artificial Sequence Control
      peptide 
             
           
            30
Ala Leu Asn Asn Arg Phe Gln Ile Lys Gly Val Glu Leu Lys Ser Asn
  1               5                  10                  15
Ala Asn Pro Asn Ala Asn Pro Asn Ala Asn Pro
             20                  25