Abstract: Disclosed herein are chimeric antigens, comprising an hepatitis C virus (HCV) antigen and a Fc fragment of an immunoglobulin for eliciting an immune response against said antigen. The immune response is enhanced by presenting the host immune system with an immune response domain (HCV antigen from HVC core, envelope, or non-structural protein fragments) and a target binding domain (an Fc fragment). By virtue of the target binding domain, antigen presenting cells internalize and process the chimeric antigens for antigen presentation, thereby eliciting both a humoral and cellular immune response.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are chimeric antigens, comprising an hepatitis C virus (HCV) antigen and a Fc fragment of an immunoglobulin for eliciting an immune response against said antigen. The immune response is enhanced by presenting the host immune system with an immune response domain (HCV antigen from HCV core, envelope, or non-structural protein fragments) and a target binding domain (an Fc fragment). By virtue of the target binding domain, antigen presenting cells internalize and process the chimeric antigens for antigen presentation, thereby eliciting both a humoral and cellular immune response.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of CI-MPR as the receptor responsible for binding and internalization of grB into cells. In addition, the present invention relates to the binding and/or internalization of grB by CI-MPR as an event necessary to enable grB-mediated apoptosis in cells. The present invention further identifies the binding and/or internalization of grB through CI-MPR as a target which is used by cancer cells to evade the grB-mediated apoptosis and clearing by the immune system. The present invention further provides assays to identify modulators of grB binding to CI-MPR and/or internalization of grB thereby. In addition, the invention provides methods to correct a disease or condition associated with a defect in grB binding to CI-MPR and/or internalization of grB thereby, which comprises an administration of an effective amount of a modulator of grB-CI-MPR interaction.