Abstract: There is provided an MHC class I peptide epitope from 5T4 antigen. In particular, there is provided a peptide epitope of 5T4 which comprises one of the following: (i) the amino acid sequence shown as SEQ ID No. 2; (ii) the minimal epitope from the amino acid sequence shown as SEQ ID No. 3; (iii) the minimal epitope from the amino acid sequence shown as SEQ ID No. 4. (iv) the minimal epitope from the amino acid sequence shown as SEQ ID No. 5. (v) the minimal epitope from the amino acid sequence shown as SEQ ID No. 6. (vi) the minimal epitope from the amino acid sequence shown as SEQ ID No. 7. There is also provided a vaccine comprising such a peptide (or precursor thereof) and its use to treat and/or prevent a disease, in particular a cancerous disease. There is also provided a nucleic acid molecule encoding a MHC class I peptide epitope from the human 5T4 tumor-associated antigen and vector comprising the nucleic acid molecule.

Abstract: Modular antigen transporter molecules (MAT molecules), which are used as vaccines and for the treatment of allergies, include three modules: a translocation module which brings about transport of the MAT molecule into the interior of the cell; a targeting module which directs the MAT molecule to intracellular organelles involved in antigen processing and loading; and an antigen module which contains an allergen.

Abstract: ULBP4, a novel member of the ULBP family has been isolated and characterized. ULBP4 is a useful activator of immune effector cells, particularly of NK cells.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for eliciting an in vivo cytotoxic lymphocyte (CTL) response against a modified soluble protein antigen are disclosed. The modified soluble protein antigen comprises an added peptidic sequence which facilitates entry of the modified antigen into antigen presenting cells (APC).

Abstract: The invention relates to the method for producing antipeptide cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) by attaching a complex of a class I HLA and a peptide to antigen presenting cell(s) (APCs) present in a sample of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs), optionally removing excess class I HLA/peptide complex, and incubating with proliferative cytokine. The invention further relates to a CTL obtainable by these methods and to a method of treating a subject by administering such a CTL to the subject.

Abstract: Nucleic acid-immunoliposome compositions useful as therapeutic agents are disclosed. These compositions preferably comprise (i) cationic liposomes, (ii) a single chain antibody fragment which binds to a transferrin receptor, and (iii) a nucleic acid encoding a wild type p53. These compositions target cells which express transferrin receptors, e.g., cancer cells. These compositions can be used therapeutically to treat persons or animals who have cancer, e.g., head and neck cancer, breast cancer or prostate cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tumor antigen peptide capable of inducing and/or activating HLA-A24-restricted and/or HLA-A2-restricted and tumor-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes. The present invention also relates to a method of providing a polynucleotide encoding the peptide and a complementary strand thereto, a recombinant vector containing the polynucleotide, a transformant containing the recombinant vectors. The present invention also relates to a method for producing the peptide, an antibody against the peptide, a compound interacting with these entities and a method for screening for the compound, a pharmaceutical composition utilizing these entities, and a means for the diagnosis utilizing these entities.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of lipid oxidizing abzymes as a key pathogenic factor in atherosclerotic disorders. Methods and means for the reduction of abzyme mediated lipid oxidation in the vascular system are provided as therapeutic approaches for the treatment of atherosclerotic disorders. Methods are provide for determining the efficacy of treatment.