Alteration of the circulating life and antigenic properties of bovine adenosine deaminase in mice by attachment of polyethylene glycol.

Polyethylene glycol was attached covalently to adenosine deaminase (ADA) using cyanuric chloride as the coupling agent. The modified adenosine deaminase (PEG-ADA) appears to lose its immunogenicity in mice following multiple intravenous injections. PEG-ADA does not react with antibodies raised against native ADA. The circulating half-life (T1/2) of PEG-ADA was increased to 28 hr. The lack of detectable antibody formation and long circulating life may make PEG-ADA suitable for treating human ADA deficiency.