Inducing cellular immune responses to hepatitis B virus using peptide compositions
This invention uses our knowledge of the mechanisms by which antigen is recognized by T cells to develop epitope-based vaccines directed towards HBV. More specifically, this application communicates our discovery of pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use in the prevention and treatment of HBV infection.
1. An isolated peptide consisting of the oligopeptide LWFHISCLTF (SEQ ID NO:879).
2. A composition comprising the peptide of claim 1 and a carrier.
3. A composition comprising the peptide of claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
4. A composition comprising the peptide of claim 1 and a liposome.
5. A composition comprising the peptide of claim 1 , wherein the peptide is admixed with at least one other peptide comprising a helper T lymphocyte (HTL) epitope or is joined to at least one other peptide consisting of an HTL epitope.