Abstract: Disclosed are fragments of oncofetal antigen, otherwise known as immature laminin receptor protein that specifically stimulate one T cell subclass. The fragments may be formulated into compositions for potentiating T cell-mediated response in mammalian cancer patients. They also have therapeutic uses in vitro.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for detecting cancer or determining the success of cancer therapy in an individual. These methods are based on analyzing the presence or frequency of cloned oncofetal antigen (OFA)- or immature laminin receptor protein (iLRP)-specific T lymphocyte subclasses obtained from the individual and which are stimulated with 44 kD OFA or iLRPA. A frequency of CD8 cytotoxic T cells relative to CD8 T suppressor cells indicates effectiveness of therapy, and a likelihood that protective immunity will develop. Also disclosed are kits for conducting these methods. Further disclosed are methods of rendering T suppressor lymphocytes cytotoxic, and methods of clonally expanding cytotoxic T lymphocytes in vivo.