Abstract: Herein we provide cDNA extracted from tumor cells, normal cells or treatment resistant tumor cells that have been transduced with virus capable of altering self and/or tumor associated antigens (VASTA) fused recombinantly to nucleic acids encoding wild type superantigens, superantigens, superantigen homologues and superantigen-tumor specific targeting molecules and further linked to a costimulatory molecule. The extracted cDNA is linked to a VASTA and delivered to tumor bearing hosts parenterally wherein they induce a tumoricidal response. These agents are also incorporated into a tumor tropic cell carrier for protected delivery to tumor.

Abstract: Herein we provide cDNA extracted from tumor cells, normal cells or treatment resistant tumor cells that have been transduced with virus capable of altering self and/or tumor associated antigens (VASTA) fused recombinantly to nucleic acids encoding wild type superantigens, superantigens, superantigen homologues and superantigen-tumor specific targeting molecules and further linked to a costimulatory molecule. The extracted cDNA is linked to a VASTA and delivered to tumor bearing hosts parenterally wherein they induce a tumoricidal response. These agents are also incorporated into a tumor tropic cell carrier for protected delivery to tumor.

Abstract: The present invention comprises the use of sickle cells or sickle cell precursors loaded with a therapeutic agent that localizes in tumors and induces a tumoricidal response.

Abstract: The present invention comprises the use of sickle cells or sickle cell precursors loaded with a therapeutic agent that localize in tumors and induce a tumoricidal response.

Abstract: The presence of tumor nodules in organs often results in serious clinical manifestations and the permeation by cancer cells of sheaths surrounding organs often produces clinical manifestations of pleural effusion, ascites or cerebral edema. The present invention addresses this problem by providing a method for treating tumors comprising (a) intratumoral administration of a superantigen and/or (b) intrathecal or intracavitary administration of a superantigen directly into the sheath. Intratumoral superantigen results in significant and sustained reduction of the tumor size. Intrathecal administration produces significant sustained reduction of the fluid accumulation associated with clinical improvement and prolonged survival. Useful superantigen compositions for intrathecal and intratumoral injection include tumoricidally effective homologues, fragments and fusion proteins of native superantigens.

Abstract: The present invention comprises compositions and methods for treating a tumor or neoplastic disease in a host, The methods employ conjugates comprising superantigen polypeptides or nucleic acids with other structures that preferentially bind to tumor cells and are capable of inducing apoptosis. Also provided are superantigen-glycolipid conjugates and vesicles that are loaded onto antigen presenting cells to activate both T cells and NKT cells. Cell-based vaccines comprise tumor cells engineered to express a superantigen along with glycolipids products which, when expressed, render the cells capable of eliciting an effective anti-tumor immune response in a mammal into which these cells are introduced. Included among these compositions are tumor cells, hybrid cells of tumor cells and accessory cells, preferably dendritic cells. Also provided are T cells and NKT cells activated by the above compositions that can be administered for adoptive immunotherapy.