Inducing cellular immune responses to prostate cancer antigens using peptide and nucleic acid compositions
This invention uses our knowledge of the mechanisms by which antigen is recognized by T cells to identify and prepare prostate cancer-associated antigen epitopes, and to develop epitope-based vaccines directed towards prostate tumors. More specifically, this application communicates our discovery of pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use in the prevention and treatment of cancer.
1 - 37 . (canceled)
38 . An isolated peptide comprising an oligopeptide less than 13 amino acids in length;
wherein said oligopeptide is RMMNDQLMFL (SEQ ID NO:862); and
wherein said isolated peptide does not encode a full length protein from prostate specific membrane antigen (PSM).
39 . The polypeptide of claim 38 , which further comprises a member selected from the group consisting of:
(a) at least one cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) epitope;
(b) at least one helper T lymphocyte (HTL) epitope; and
(c) at least one of the epitopes of Tables VII-XX.
40 . The peptide of claim 39 , wherein the at least one HTL epitope is a PADRE® epitope.
41 . A homopolymer of the peptide of claim 38 .
42 . A heteropolymer of the peptide of claim 38 and a different peptide.
43 . An isolated polynucleotide encoding the peptide of claim 38 .
44 . A vector comprising the polynucleotide of claim 43 .
45 . The vector of claim 44 , which is a bacterial vector or a viral vector.
46 . The vector of claim 44 , which is a minigene.
47 . A composition comprising the peptide of claim 38 and a pharmaceutical excipient.
48 . A composition comprising the peptide of claim 38 and a carrier.
49 . A composition comprising the peptide of claim 38 and a lipid.
50 . A composition comprising the peptide of claim 38 and one or more other peptides.
51 . The composition of claim 50 , wherein said peptides are linked by spacer or linker amino acids.
52 . The composition of claim 50 , wherein said one or more other peptides comprises a member selected from the group consisting of: (a) at least one cytotoxic T-cell (CTL) epitope; and (b) at least one helper T-cell (HTL) epitope.
53 . The composition of claim 50 , further comprising a member selected from the group consisting of:
(a) a liposome, wherein the epitopes are on or within the liposome; and
(b) an antigen presenting cell, wherein the epitopes are on or within the antigen presenting cell.
54 . A method of inducing an immune response against prostate specific membrane antigen (PSM) comprising administering the composition of claim 47 .
55 . A method of treating and/or preventing cancer comprising administering the composition of claim 47 .
56 . The method of claim 55 , comprising the use of a prime boost protocol, wherein the prime boost protocol comprises administration of a boosting agent.
57 . The method of claim 56 , wherein the boosting agent comprises the peptide.