Abstract: The present invention is a recombinant vector encoding and expressing at least three or more costimulatory molecules. The recombinant vector may additionally contain a gene encoding one or more target antigens or immunological epitope thereof. The synergistic effect of these costimulatory molecules on the enhanced activation of T cells is demonstrated. The degree of Tell activation using recombinant vectors containing genes encoding three costimulatory molecules was far greater than the sum of recombinant vector constructs containing one costimulatory molecule and greater than the use of two costimulatory molecules. Results employing the triple costimulatory vectors were most dramatic under conditions of either low levels of first signal or low stimulator to T-cell ratios. This phenomenon was observed with both isolated CD4+ and CD8+ T cells.
Type:
Application
Filed:
March 21, 2007
Publication date:
February 12, 2009
Applicant:
The Gov. of the USA, as represented by Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services
Inventors:
Jeffrey Schlom, James Hodge, Dennis Panicali
Abstract: The invention provides methods for using local heat to control gene expression. The heat shock protein (hsp) gene promoter is recombined with a selected therapeutic gene and expressed in selected cells. Local controlled heating is used to activate the hsp promoter, for example by using focused ultrasound controlled by MRI.
Type:
Application
Filed:
June 9, 2004
Publication date:
March 17, 2005
Applicant:
The GOV of the USA as represented by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services
Abstract: This invention relates to conjugates of the Vi polysaccharide of S. typhi with the carrier Pseudomonas aeruginosa recombinant exoprotein A (rEPA), and compositions thereof, and to methods of using of these conjugates and/or compositions thereof for eliciting an immunogenic response in humans, including responses which provide protection against, or reduce the severity of, S. typhi bacterial infections. The conjugates, and compositions thereof, are useful as vaccines to induce serum antibodies againt S. typhi and are useful to prevent and/or treat illnesses caused by S. typhi.
Type:
Application
Filed:
June 10, 2004
Publication date:
November 11, 2004
Applicant:
The Gov. of the USA, as represented by the Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services
Inventors:
Zuzana Kossaczka, Shousun Chen Szu, John B. Robbins, Rachel Schneerson, Joseph Shiloach