Abstract: The invention relates to methods for the prediction and the treatment of risk of acute graft versus host disease. The inventors demonstrated that an alteration of CD73-mediated regulatory function of DP8? Tregs could contribute to the acute GvHD pathophysiology. In particular, the present invention relates to method of determining whether a subject has or is at 0 a risk of developing graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) comprising the steps of: i) determining the level of CD73 expression by DP8? TREGS in a sample obtained from the subject, ii) comparing the level determined at step i) with a predetermined reference value wherein detecting differential between the level of CD73 expression by DP8? TREGS determined at step i) and the predetermined reference value is indicative of whether a subject has or is at a risk of developing graft-versus-host disease (GvHD).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method comprising a step of determining the number, concentration and/or proportion of T lymphocytes with a CD4+ CD8??low phenotype and further expressing CCR6 and/or CXCR6, for (i) diagnosing, (ii) prognosing outcome of, or (iii) predicting the risk of developing a disease related to a decrease of F. prau. The invention also concerns the treatment of said disease by administering a population of these specific T lymphocytes. The Inventors have indeed identified two markers, CCR6 and CXCR6, enabling to select a population of F. prau-specific cells among CD4+ CD8??low T lymphocytes, from a blood sample and without needing to assess their F. prauspecificity. T lymphocytes with a CD4+ CD8??low CCR6+ CXCR6+ phenotype are for example significantly decreased in IBD patients. The disease related to a decrease of F. prauis particularly an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn's disease.

Abstract: Screening assays and methods of using same for screening to identify modulator agents or compounds that affect matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) mediated activation of toll-like receptor-2 (TLR-2) are described herein. Pharmaceutical and immunogenic compositions comprising agents or compounds that modulate MMP-2 mediated activation of TLR-2 are also encompassed. Methods for modulating MMP-2 mediated activation of TLR-2 using MMP-2 peptides in pharmaceutical and immunogenic compositions, as well as vaccines, are also envisioned. Melanoma is an exemplary tumor type that expresses MMP-2 and for which such pharmaceutical and immunogenic compositions, as well as vaccines, would confer benefit to patients. Also encompassed are methods for reducing MMP-2 mediated activation of TLR-2 and downstream signaling therefrom so as to achieve more effective T cell responses to MMP-2 expressing tumors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to enhancing, modulating or stimulating the immune response to MMP-2 expressing tumors, including melanoma, and to the modulation and application of immune modulators and MMP-2 peptides for melanoma or other MMP-2 expressing tumor vaccines. The invention provides methods and means to activate an effective response to MMP-2 expressing tumors and modulate the ability of MMP-2 to skew CD4+ T cell responses toward that of TH2 cells, which are less effective mediators of tumor cell clearance than TH1 cells. Methods and assays are provided for screening for compounds, agents, or peptides capable of enhancing or activating immune responses, particularly to melanoma.

Abstract: Screening assays and methods of using same for screening to identify modulator agents or compounds that affect matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) mediated activation of toll-like receptor-2 (TLR-2) are described herein. Pharmaceutical and immunogenic compositions comprising agents or compounds that modulate MMP-2 mediated activation of TLR-2 are also encompassed. Methods for modulating MMP-2 mediated activation of TLR-2 using MMP-2 peptides in pharmaceutical and immunogenic compositions, as well as vaccines, are also envisioned. Melanoma is an exemplary tumor type that expresses MMP-2 and for which such pharmaceutical and immunogenic compositions, as well as vaccines, would confer benefit to patients. Also encompassed are methods for reducing MMP-2 mediated activation of TLR-2 and downstream signaling therefrom so as to achieve more effective T cell responses to MMP-2 expressing tumors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to enhancing, modulating or stimulating the immune response to MMP-2 expressing tumors, including melanoma, and to the modulation and application of immune modulators and MMP-2 peptides for melanoma or other MMP-2 expressing tumor vaccines. The invention provides methods and means to activate an effective response to MMP-2 expressing tumors and modulate the ability of MMP-2 to skew CD4+ T cell responses toward that of TH2 cells, which are less effective mediators of tumor cell clearance than TH1 cells. Methods and assays are provided for screening for compounds, agents, or peptides capable of enhancing or activating immune responses, particularly to melanoma.

Abstract: The present invention relates to enhancing, modulating or stimulating the immune response to MMP-2 expressing tumors, including melanoma, and to the modulation and application of immune modulators and MMP-2 peptides for melanoma or other MMP-2 expressing tumor vaccines. The invention provides methods and means to activate an effective response to MMP-2 expressing tumors and modulate the ability of MMP-2 to skew CD4+ T cell responses toward that of TH2 cells, which are less effective mediators of tumor cell clearance than TH1 cells. Methods and assays are provided for screening for compounds, agents, or peptides capable of enhancing or activating immune responses, particularly to melanoma.

Abstract: The present invention relates to enhancing, modulating or stimulating the immune response to MMP-2 expressing tumors, including melanoma, and to the modulation and application of immune modulators and MMP-2 peptides for melanoma or other MMP-2 expressing tumor vaccines. The invention provides methods and means to activate an effective response to MMP-2 expressing tumors and modulate the ability of MMP-2 to skew CD4+ T cell responses toward that of TH2 cells, which are less effective mediators of tumor cell clearance than TH1 cells. Methods and assays are provided for screening for compounds, agents, or peptides capable of enhancing or activating immune responses, particularly to melanoma.

Abstract: Peptides derived from MMP-2 metalloproteinase that form T cell epitopes when presented by MHC Class I molecules. Anti-tumor therapy using these peptides.

Abstract: The invention relates to peptides forming epitopes T of the antigen MMP-2, presented by MHC class I. Said peptides can especially be used in antitumoral immunotherapy.