Peptides of myelin basic protein are encephalitogenic in rats without the aid of emulsions.

Immunization with peptides is usually done with the aid of Freund's adjuvant. Using peptides derived from myelin basic protein, we show that aqueous solutions can be antigenic (encephalitogenic in this instance) in Lewis rats. The first procedure involved multiple doses of aqueous peptide, increased absorption into the lymphatic system from the peritoneal cavity in the postinflammatory state, and the use of pertussis vaccine. Three different peptides containing the major encephalitogenic site were active in this system, with the activity somewhat proportional to the size of the fragment. The second procedure, the direct delivery of peptide to lymph nodes by percutaneous inoculation, was equally successful and did not require the use of pertussis vaccine.