Multivalent immunogenic molecules comprise a carrier molecule containing
at least one functional T-cell epitope and multiple different carbohydrate fragments
each linker to the carrier molecule and each containing at least one functional
B-cell epitope. The carrier molecule inputs enhanced immunogenicity to the multiple
carbohydrate fragments. The carbohydrate fragments may be capsular oligosaccharide
fragments from Streptococcus pneumoniae, which may be serotypes 1, 4, 5,
6B, 9V, 14, 18C, 19F or 23F, or Neisseria meningitidis, which may be serotype
A, B, C, W-135 or Y. Such oligosaccharide fragments may be sized from 2 to 5 kDa.
Alternatively, the carbohydrate fragments may be fragments of carbohydrate-based
tumor antigens, such as Globo H, LeY or STn. The multivalent molecules
may be produced by random conjugation or site-directed conjugation of the carbohydrate
fragments to the carrier molecule. The multivalent molecules may be employed in
vaccines or in the generation of antibodies for diagnostic application.