Targeted identification of immunogenic peptides
This invention relates generally to identifying peptide sequences involved in antibody binding to any protein for synthesis of vaccine treatments. This novel method allows for a more manageable vaccine peptide discovery and specific generation of unique immunogenic peptides from self-tumor associated proteins and/or foreign proteins from infectious organisms for specific and/or enhanced expression only in the presence of the antibody.
1. A method for treating a patient having tumor cells that express a Her2/neu antigen, the method comprising, administering to the patient in any order an immunotherapy consisting of:
(a) a therapeutically effective amount of trastuzumab; and
(b) a therapeutically effective amount of a peptide vaccine comprising a Her2/neu peptide antigen that consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17 (GP 2 =IISAVVGIL) or SEQ ID NO: 18 (GP 2 ′=IVSAVVGIL), as the sole peptide antigen in the vaccine.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the Her2/neu peptide antigen is administered before, after or at the same time as administration of the trastuzumab.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the patient is a breast cancer patient.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the Her2/neu peptide antigen consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the Her2/neu peptide antigen consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the Her2/neu peptide antigen is administered after the trastuzumab.
7. The method of claim 4 , wherein the patient is a breast cancer patient.
8. The method of claim 5 , wherein the patient is a breast cancer patient.
9. The method of claim 7 , wherein the Her2/neu peptide antigen is administered after the trastuzumab.
10. The method of claim 8 , wherein the Her2/neu peptide antigen is administered after the trastuzumab.