HER-2/neu fusion proteins
The present invention is generally directed to HER-2/neu fusion proteins, nucleic acid molecules encoding HER-2/neu fusion proteins, viral vectors expressing HER-2/neu fusion proteins, and pharmaceutical compositions (e.g., vaccines) comprising the HER-2/neu fusion proteins and/or nucleic acid molecules encoding the HER-2/neu fusion proteins. The present invention is also directed to methods of treating or preventing cancer by eliciting or enhancing an immune response to the HER-2/neu protein, including for uses in the treatment of malignancies associated with the HER-2/neu oncogene.
1. An isolated polypeptide consisting of SEQ ID NO:6.
2. An isolated polypeptide consisting of SEQ ID NO:6 joined directly to an NS1 antigen or an immunogenic fragment thereof.
3. The polypeptide of claim 2 , wherein said NS1 antigen or immunogenic fragment thereof is linked to the N-terminus of SEQ ID NO:6.
4. A pharmaceutical composition comprising the polypeptide of claim 1 , and a physiologically acceptable carrier or diluent.
5. The composition of claim 4 , further comprising an immunostimulatory substance.
6. The composition of claim 5 , comprising an oil-in-water emulsion.
7. The composition of claim 5 , wherein the immunostimulatory substance is 3D-MPL, QS-21, or a combination of 3D-MPL and QS-21.