Abstract: This invention relates to chimeric virus-like particles (VLPs) assembled from a polypeptide comprising a papilloma virus (PV) L1 protein or L1/L2 protein and a target peptide comprising a CD8+ T cell epitope derived from a human pathogen. This invention also relates to methods using the chimeric VLPs as antigen-specific redirectors of immune responses.

Abstract: Disclosed are virus-inspired compositions and preparation methods thereof, where the compositions comprise mutant papillomavirus L1 proteins that spontaneously form capsid backbones and that are conjugated to a peptide comprising an epitope to form immune redirector capsids (IRCs). The epitopes on the peptides are designed to be recognized by a subject's immune system based on the subject's preexisting immune memory developed from the subject's past exposure to the epitope through infection or vaccination. The mutant papillomavirus L1 proteins possess three mutations including an amino-terminal truncation, a carboxy-terminal truncation, and a truncation at helix four. These mutations in the L1 protein yield capsomeres that are form non-canonical T=1 geometry capsid backbones. Disclosed are uses and methods of using the compositions in treating and/or preventing cancers in subjects in need thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a new class of conjugated virus-like particles (VLPs). These conjugated VLPs bind a wide variety of tumors and comprise epitopes recognized by a prior T cell immune response already existing in a host. These epitopes are derived from pathogens or previous vaccinations (such as early childhood vaccines). This provokes the body's pre-existing cytotoxic immunity obtained through previous infection or previous childhood vaccination to be redirected to the tumor cells for the elimination of cancer, and form long-term anti-tumor immunity. The described conjugated VLPs are useful for tailoring a broad range of tumors towards a response from existing immunity circumventing the need to identify tumor antigens or generate tumor-specific immune responses.

Abstract: This invention relates to chimeric virus-like particles (VLPs) assembled from a polypeptide comprising a papilloma virus (PV) L1 protein or L1/L2 protein and a target peptide comprising a CD8+ T cell epitope derived from a human pathogen. This invention also relates to methods using the chimeric VLPs as antigen-specific redirectors of immune responses.