Abstract: The invention relates to the finding that virus like particles (VLPs) can be loaded with immunostimulatory substances, in particular with DNA oligonucleotides containing non-methylated C and G (CpGs). Such CpG-VLPs are dramatically more immunogenic than their CpG-free counterparts and induce enhanced B and T cell responses. The immune response against antigens optionally coupled, fused or attached otherwise to the VLPs is similarly enhanced as the immune response against the VLP itself. In addition, the T cell responses against both the VLPs and antigens are especially directed to the Th1 type. Antigens attached to CpG-loaded VLPs may therefore be ideal vaccines for prophylactic or therapeutic vaccination against allergies, tumors and other self-molecules and chronic viral diseases.
Type:
Application
Filed:
November 10, 2011
Publication date:
November 29, 2012
Applicant:
CYTOS BIOTECNOLOGY AG
Inventors:
MARTIN BACHMANN, TAZIO STORNI, PATRIK MAURER, ALAIN TISSOT, KATRIN SCHWARZ, EDWIN MEIJERINK, GERD LIPOWSKY, PAUL PUMPENS, INDULIS CIELENS, REGINA RENHOFA