Vaccines based on targeting antigen to DCIR expressed on antigen-presenting cells
The present invention includes compositions and methods for increasing the effectiveness of antigen presentation using a DCIR-specific antibody or fragment thereof to which an antigen is attached that forms an antibody-antigen complex, wherein the antigen is processed and presented by a dendritic cell that has been contacted with the antibody-antigen complex.
1. A fusion protein comprising an antigen and a recombinant antibody or fragment thereof that specifically binds to Dendritic Cell Immunoreceptor (DCIR).
2. The fusion protein of claim 1 , wherein the antigen comprises a T cell epitope.
3. The fusion protein of claim 1 , wherein the fusion protein comprises at least one viral antigen.
4. The fusion protein of claim 1 , wherein the fusion protein comprises a flu antigen.
5. The fusion protein of claim 1 , wherein the antigen comprises a HIV antigen.
6. The fusion protein of claim 5 , wherein the HIV antigen is from a gag, pol or env gene product.
7. The fusion protein of claim 5 , wherein the HIV antigen is from a Nef protein or reverse transcriptase.
8. A vaccine composition comprising the fusion protein of claim 1 .
9. A vaccine composition comprising the fusion protein of claim 4 .
10. A vaccine composition comprising the fusion protein of claim 5 .