Abstract: The complete nucleotide and amino acid sequences of the human MAGE-1 antigen are provided. Peptides from residues of the C-terminal are used to define epitopes that stimulate HLA-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity against MAGE-1 antigens. The peptides are particularly useful in methods for stimulating the immune response of individuals against MAGE-1 antigens associated with melanomas.

Abstract: Cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses are effectively induced to an antigen of interest, particularly viral, bacterial, parasitic and tumor antigens. Compositions, including pharmaceutical compositions, of CTL-inducing peptide and an adjuvant or a lipidated peptide which induces a helper T cell (HTL) response stimulate the antigen specific CTL response. Among the viral antigens to which the CTL responses are effectively induced in humans are those of hepatitis B. The CTL response may be optimized by a regimen of two or more booster administrations. Cocktails of two or more CTL inducing peptides are employed to optimize epitope and/or MHC class I restricted coverage.

Abstract: The present invention is based on peptide binding specificities of HLA DR4w4, DR1 and DR7. Peptides binding to these DR molecules have a motif characterized by a large aromatic or hydrophobic residue in position 1 (Y, F, W, L, I, V, M) and a small, non charged residue in position 6 (S, T, C, A, P, V, I, L, M). In addition, allele-specific secondary effects and secondary anchors are defined, and these results were utilized to derive allele specific algorithms. By the combined use of such algorithms peptides capable of degenerate DR1, 4, 7 binding were identified.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods of inducing immune response in patients. In particular, it provides compositions useful in inducing humoral resposes against desired immunogens, particularly polysaccharides.

Abstract: Cytotoxic T lymphocyte-stimulating peptides induce HLA-restricted responses to hepatitis B virus antigens. The peptides, derived from CTL epitopic regions of both HBV surface and nucleocapsid antigens, are particularly useful in the treatment and prevention of HBV infection, including the treatment of chronically infected HBV carriers. The peptides can be formulated as HBV vaccines and pharmaceutical compositions, such as lipid-containing compositions for enhancing the HLA-restricted CTL responses. The peptides are also useful in diagnostic methods, such as predicting which HBV-infected individuals are prone to developing chronic infection.

Abstract: Methods for making peptides comprising an HLA-A24.1-, HLA-A1-, HLA-A11-, and HLA-A3.2-restricted T cell epitope consisting of about 8-11 amino acid residues, and methods of making a peptide that binds to an HLA-A24.1, HLA-A1, HLA-A11, and HLA-A3.2 molecule at a dissociation constant of less than 500 nM.