3′-aminomethyl nicotine-P. aeruginosa r-exoprotein A conjugate vaccine

A hapten-carrier immunoconjugate composed of the hapten trans-3′-aminomethyl nicotine conjugated to a recombinant P. aeruginosa exoprotein A, rendered nontoxic through amino acid depletion, with potential immunostimulating activity. Upon vaccination with 3′-aminomethyl nicotine-P. aeruginosa r-exoprotein A conjugate vaccine, the immune system may produce anti-nicotine antibodies. Antibody-bound nicotine cannot pass the blood brain barrier (BBB) to activate brain nicotine receptors. Nicotine, a small organic molecule that is notimmunogenic, must be haptenized and conjugated to a carrierprotein, such as nontoxic recombinant P. aeruginosa exoprotein A, to induce an antibody response. Aluminiumhydroxide may be used as an adjuvant for this vaccine.