The present invention provides for novel immungens that are comprised of
an activated polyhydroxypolymer backbone to which is attached 2 separate
antigenic determinants. The 1st antigenic determinant includes a B-cell
or CTL epitope and the 2nd antigenic determinant includes a T-helper
epitope. In preferred embodiments, the antigenic determinants are derived
from different molecules and species. Exemplary immunogens of the
invention are constituted of a linear tresyl-activated dextran backbone
to which is coupled B-cell or CTL epitopes of an antigen and to which is
also coupled universal T-helper epitopes. Also disclosed are immunogenic
compositions comprising the immunogens, methods of immunization and a
method for identification of suitable immunogens of the invention.