Abstract: Mesothelin can be used as an immunotherapeutic target. It induces a cytolytic T cell response. Portions of mesothelin which induce such responses are identified. Vaccines can be either polynucleotide- or polypeptide-based. Carriers for raising a cytolytic T cell response include bacteria and viruses. A mouse model for testing vaccines and other anti-tumor therapeutics and prophylactics comprises a strongly mesothelin-expressing, transformed peritoneal cell line.

Abstract: Mesothelin can be used as an immunotherapeutic target. It induces a cytolytic T cell response. Portions of mesothelin which induce such responses are identified. Vaccines can be either polynucleotide- or polypeptide-based. Carriers for raising a cytolytic T cell response include bacteria and viruses. A mouse model for testing vaccines and other anti-tumor therapeutics and prophylactics comprises a strongly mesothelin-expressing, transformed peritoneal cell line.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting or preventing cancer development by the administration of fatty acid synthase (FAS) inhibitors. In particular, the present invention prohibits or delays the development of invasive cancer from pre-malignant (non-invasive) lesions that express FAS. Compositions containing FAS inhibitors also are provided, as well as methods for administering the FAS inhibitors and compositions to patients in need thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to the identification of prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA) as a target of clinically relevant antitumor immune responses. The invention provides vaccines comprising PSCA, or fragments thereof, which are useful in inducing antitumor immune responses, including PSCA specific CD8+ T cell responses. Methods of using the compositions to treat cancer are also provided. The invention further provides methods of identifying compounds useful in antitumor vaccines and methods of assessing the responses of patients to cancer immunotherapy.

Abstract: Mesothelin can be used as an immunotherapeutic target. It induces a cytolytic T cell response. Portions of mesothelin which induce such responses are identified. Vaccines can be either polynucleotide- or polypeptide-based. Carriers for raising a cytolytic T cell response include bacteria and viruses. A mouse model for testing vaccines and other anti-tumor therapeutics and prophylactics comprises a strongly mesothelin-expressing, transformed peritoneal cell line.

Abstract: A method of stimulating a systemic immune response to a tumor cell or antigen associated with a pathogen by administering a mixture of a controlled release vehicle containing an immunopotentiating agent and antigen is described.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method of treating or protecting against melanoma that comprises (a) obtaining a melanoma cell line that expresses one or more shared immunodominant melanoma antigens, (b) modifying the melanoma cell line to render it capable of producing an increased level of a cytokine relative to the unmodified cell line, and (c) administering the melanoma cell line to a mammalian host that has melanoma or is at risk for developing melanoma. Preferably the melanoma cell line is allogeneic and is not MHC-matched to the host.

Abstract: A method of stimulating a systemic immune response to a tumor cell or antigen associated with a pathogen by administering a mixture of a controlled release vehicle containing an immunopotentiating agent and antigen is described. The method of the invention provides sustained release of therapeutic compounds to allow a host immune system to ameliorate local as well as metastatic tumors in the host. The immunopotentiating agent is typically a cytokine such as tumor necrosis factor, GM-CSF, interleukin or interferon, for example.