Abstract: The present invention provides a tumor-homing peptide that can target cancer and or tumor tissues. The peptide is uptaken by certain specific cancer cell types. The invention describes methods to achieve targeted delivery of anticancer drugs conjugated to this peptide for anticancer therapy. The invention also describes methods for using the peptide for the diagnosis and imaging of cancer and tumor tissues.

Abstract: Peripheral blood leucocytes incubated with a semi-synthetic phage antibody library and fluorochrome-labeled CD3 and CD20 antibodies were used to isolate human single chain Fv antibodies specific for subsets of blood leucocytes by flow cytometry. Isolated phage antibodies showed exclusive binding to the subpopulation used for selection or displayed additional binding to a restricted population of other cells in the mixture. At least two phage antibodies appeared to display hithereto unknown staining patterns of B lineage cells. This approach provides a subtractive procedure to rapidly obtain human antibodies against known and novel surface antigens in their native configuration, expressed on phenotypically defined subpopulations of cells. Importantly, this approach does not depend on immunization procedures or the necessity to repeatedly construct phage antibody libraries.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for identifying peptide compounds derived from hsp70, having at least one mutation relative to the hsp70 natural sequence, said compounds bringing about a response T specific of tumours, and the peptide compounds obtainable by said method. The invention also concerns the use of said peptide compounds for performing repeated immunization in a subject so as to interrupt immune tolerance for the corresponding natural (non-mutated) peptide. Said peptide compounds are useful for preparing a medicine designed in particular for treating cancer optionally in combination with any agent provoking tumour cell stress.

Abstract: The invention discloses the use of low molecular weight hyaluronic acid fragments, which can be suitably modified, where appropriate, for producing vaccines. The vaccines are particularly suitable for controlling cancer diseases. Surprisingly, it has been found that low molecular weight hyaluronic acid fragments, which can be suitably modified, where appropriate, can be used both for preparing mature dendritic cells and directly, together with antigens or peptides or carrier systems, as an adjuvant in vaccines. It is likewise possible to couple the low molecular weight hyaluronic acid fragments, which can be suitably modified, where appropriate, to an antigen, peptide or carrier system. The coupled system can then be advantageously employed as a vaccine, in particular for treating cancer diseases.