Structural Features of Lipidated and Glycosylated Peptides as Vaccine Adjuvants: Review

ABSTRACT An adjuvant is a substance in a medication that enhances or modifies the effectiveness of other ingredients. These agents are frequently used in vaccines to strengthen the immune response. Vaccines work by mimicking the pathogens that cause infectious diseases, thereby training the immune system to recognize and remember these threats. Peptide‐based vaccine adjuvants represent a promising category for further development. While many reviews have addressed peptide‐based adjuvants, this review specifically focuses on the literature concerning peptide conjugate‐based adjuvants, highlighting their structure and immunological assessments. It categorizes peptide‐based conjugates into three groups: lipopeptides, glycopeptides, and lipoglycopeptides. The review outlines the structural features of each category and discusses how various structural components contribute to their adjuvant properties. This approach to peptide conjugation holds significant potential for advancing immunotherapeutic agents, especially in the context of vaccine adjuvants.