Protection from foot-and-mouth disease virus in naturally-susceptible animals by a linear polymer of a synthetic peptide]

Linear polymer of a peptide corresponding to the fragment 142-155 of the foot-and-mouth disease virus A22(550) protein (VP1) was synthesized. Whereas the monomeric peptide was only slightly immunogenic, the polymer induced virus-neutralizing antibodies in rabbits and protected 100% guinea pigs. Sheep vaccinated once and cattle vaccinated twice were stable against infection with the homologous virulent foot-and-mouth disease virus.