摘要：SummaryEfficient delivery of subunit vaccines to dendritic cells (DCs) is necessary to improve vaccine efficacy, because the vaccine antigen alone cannot induce sufficient protective immunity. Here, we identified DC-targeting peptides using a phage display system and demonstrated the potential of these peptides as antigen-delivery carriers to improve subunit vaccine effectiveness in mice. The fusion of antigen proteins and peptides with DC-targeting peptides induced strong antigen-specific IgG responses, even in the absence of adjuvants. In addition, the DC-targeting peptide improved the distribution of antigens to DCs and antigen presentation by DCs. The combined use of an adjuvant with a DC-targeting peptide improved the effectiveness of the vaccine. Furthermore, nucleolin, located on the DC surface, was identified as the receptor for DC-targeting peptide, and nucleolin was indispensable for the vaccine effect of the DC-targeting peptide. Overall, the findings of this study could be useful for developing subunit vaccines against infectious diseases.Graphical abstractDisplay OmittedHighlights•We successfully identified an efficient DC-targeting peptide using a phage display system•Fusion of the peptide improves the efficacy of vaccine even in the absence of adjuvants•The peptide improves the distribution of antigens to DCs and antigen presentation by DCs•Nucleolin is indispensable for the vaccine effect of the DC-targeting peptideBiological sciences; Immune response; Immunology.
