TAT-BASED TOLEROGEN COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING SAME
A Tat-based tolerogen composition comprising at least one immunogenic antigen coupled to at least one human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) trans-activator of transcription (Tat) molecule wherein the immunogenic antigen can be a foreign or endogenous antigen or fragments thereof. Additionally methods of suppressing organ transplant rejection and methods of treating autoimmune diseases are provided.
1 . A Tat-based tolerogen composition comprising at least one immunogenic antigen coupled to at least one human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) trans-activator of transcription (Tat) molecule.
2 . The Tat-based tolerogen composition of claim 1 wherein said immunogenic antigen is a foreign antigen or an endogenous antigen.
3 . The Tat-based tolerogen composition of claim 1 wherein said immunogenic antigen comprises a full length protein or a fragment thereof.
4 . The Tat-based tolerogen composition of claim 1 wherein said immunogenic antigen is insulin or portions thereof.
5 . The Tat-based tolerogen composition of claim 1 wherein said immunogenic antigen is a monoclonal antibody or portions thereof.
6 . The Tat-based tolerogen composition of claim 1 wherein said immunogenic antigen is Factor VIII or portions thereof.
7 . The Tat-based tolerogen composition of claim 1 wherein said immunogenic antigen is a carbohydrate antigen.
8 . The Tat-based tolerogen composition of claim 1 wherein said Tat protein and said immunogenic antigen are physically linked via a protein conjugation method.
9 . The Tat-based tolerogen composition of claim 1 wherein said Tat protein and said immunogenic antigen are linked through genetic engineering of their DNA to provide a recombinant protein.
10 . A method for suppressing organ transplant rejection comprising administering at least one Tat-based tolerogen composition to a patient in need of an organ transplant.
11 . The method for suppressing organ transplant rejection according to claim 10 comprising perfusing said organ with said Tat-based tolerogen composition.
12 . The method for suppressing organ transplant rejection according to claim 10 comprising implanting a device saturated with said Tat-based tolerogen composition wherein said Tat-based tolerogen composition is released into a transplanted organ.
13 . The method for suppressing organ transplant rejection according to claim 11 additionally comprising implanting a device saturated with said Tat-based tolerogen composition wherein said Tat-based tolerogen composition is released into a transplanted organ.
14 . A method for reducing inflammation comprising administering at least one Tat-based tolerogen composition to a patient in need thereof.
15 . A method for treating autoimmune diseases comprising administering at least one Tat-based tolerogen composition to a patient in need thereof.
16 . The method according to claim 15 wherein said autoimmune disease is rheumatoid arthritis.