Abstract: The invention describes HLA class II binding peptides encoded by the SSX-2 tumor associated gene, as well as nucleic acids encoding such peptides and antibodies relating thereto. The peptides stimulate the activity and proliferation of CD4+ T lymphocytes. Methods and products also are provided for diagnosing and treating conditions characterized by expression of the SSX-2 gene.

Abstract: Immunostimulatory NY-ESO-1 epitopes recognized by MHC-DRB3*0202 (DR52b) or DRB1*0101 (DR1) restricted T cells are described. Methods for their use in diagnostic and therapeutic approaches are also provided. Further, methods for the generation and isolation of MHC class II molecules, either “empty” or peptide-loaded, are provided. Methods for the assembly of MHC class II multimers, for example, tetramers, are also provided. Methods for the detection of T cells binding to specific peptide-loaded MHC class II molecules are also described herein.

Abstract: The invention describes HLA class II binding peptides encoded by the SSX-2 tumor associated gene, as well as nucleic acids encoding such peptides and antibodies relating to the peptides. The peptides stimulate the activity and proliferation of CD4+ T lymphocytes. Methods and products also are provided for diagnosing and treating conditions characterized by expression of the SSX-2 gene.

Abstract: The invention describes HLA class II binding peptides encoded by the SSX-4 tumor associated gene, as well as nucleic acids encoding such peptides and antibodies relating thereto. The peptides stimulate the activity and proliferation of CD4+ T lymphocytes. Methods and products also are provided for diagnosing and treating conditions characterized by expression of the SSX-4 gene.

Abstract: The invention describes HLA class II binding peptides encoded by the SSX-2 tumor associated gene, as well as nucleic acids encoding such peptides and antibodies relating to the peptides. The peptides stimulate the activity and proliferation of CD4+T lymphocytes. Methods and products also are provided for diagnosing and treating conditions characterized by expression of the SSX-2 gene.

Abstract: The invention describes HLA class II binding peptides encoded by the SSX-2 tumor associated gene, as well as nucleic acids encoding such peptides and antibodies relating thereto. The peptides stimulate the activity and proliferation of CD4+ T lymphocytes. Methods and products also are provided for diagnosing and treating conditions characterized by expression of the SSX-2 gene.

Abstract: The invention describes HLA class II binding peptides encoded by the SSX-4 tumor associated gene, as well as nucleic acids encoding such peptides and antibodies relating thereto. The peptides stimulate the activity and proliferation of CD4+ T lymphocytes. Methods and products also are provided for diagnosing and treating conditions characterized by expression of the SSX-4 gene.

Abstract: The invention describes HLA class II binding peptides encoded by the SSX-2 tumor associated gene, as well as nucleic acids encoding such peptides and antibodies relating thereto. The peptides stimulate the activity and proliferation of CD4+ T lymphocytes. Methods and products also are provided for diagnosing and treating conditions characterized by expression of the SSX-2 gene.

Abstract: The invention describes HLA class II binding peptides encoded by the SSX-4 tumor associated gene, as well as nucleic acids encoding such peptides and antibodies relating thereto. The peptides stimulate the activity and proliferation of CD4+ T lymphocytes. Methods and products also are provided for diagnosing and treating conditions characterized by expression of the SSX-4 gene.

Abstract: A method for inducing proliferation of cytolytic T cells is described.

Abstract: The invention describes HLA class II binding peptides encoded by the SSX-2 tumor associated gene, as well as nucleic acids encoding such peptides and antibodies relating to the peptides. The peptides stimulate the activity and proliferation of CD4+T lymphocytes. Methods and products also are provided for diagnosing and treating conditions characterized by expression of the SSX-2 gene.

Abstract: The invention describes HLA class II binding peptides encoded by the SSX-2 tumor associated gene, as well as nucleic acids encoding such peptides and antibodies relating to the peptides. The peptides stimulate the activity and proliferation of CD4+ T lymphocytes. Methods and products also are provided for diagnosing and treating conditions characterized by expression of the SSX-2 gene.

Abstract: Nucleic acid molecules which encode decapeptides which are defined by an HLA-A2 binding motif are disclosed. Also disclosed are expression vectors which include these nucleic acid molecules.

Abstract: The invention related to peptides which bind to HLA molecules and are reactive with T cells that also react with complexes of HLA-A2 molecules and the peptide of SEQ ID NO: 17. Various uses of the peptides are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention describes HLA class II binding peptides encoded by the SSX-2 tumor associated gene, as well as nucleic acids encoding such peptides and antibodies relating thereto. The peptides stimulate the activity and proliferation of CD4+ T lymphocytes. Methods and products also are provided for diagnosing and treating conditions characterized by expression of the SSX-2 gene.

Abstract: The invention describes HLA class II binding peptides encoded by the SSX-4 tumor associated gene, as well as nucleic acids encoding such peptides and antibodies relating thereto. The peptides stimulate the activity and proliferation of CD4+ T lymphocytes. Methods and products also are provided for diagnosing and treating conditions characterized by expression of the SSX-4 gene.

Abstract: The invention describes HLA class II binding peptides encoded by the SSX-2 tumor associated gene, as well as nucleic acids encoding such peptides and antibodies relating thereto. The peptides stimulate the activity and proliferation of CD4+ T lymphocytes. Methods and products also are provided for diagnosing and treating conditions characterized by expression of the SSX-2 gene.

Abstract: Nonapeptides and decapeptides which bind to HLA molecules and provoke proliferation of cytolytic T cells are disclosed. The decapeptides terminate in Valine, and are restricted in their first three amino acid positions. Other useful nonapeptides are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to variant peptides which bind to HLA molecules, leading to lysis of cells via cytolytic T cell lines. The variants are based upon NY-ESO-1 peptides. The peptides can be incorporated into immune tetramers, which are useful as T cell sorters.

Abstract: Nonapeptides and decapeptides which bind to HLA molecules and provoke proliferation of cytolytic T cells are disclosed. The decapeptides terminate in Valine, and are restricted in their first three amino acid positions. Other useful nonapeptides are also disclosed.