Abstract: The present invention relates, generally, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising Heat Shock Proteins (HSPs) and HSP complexes recovered from heterohybrid cells that are generated from the fusion of a first type of cell (Type I) with a second type of cell (Type II). In further embodiments, the present invention relates to preparing HSPs and/or HSP complexes recovered from heterohybrid, and to methods to treat and/or prevent diseases, such as cancer and infectious diseases by administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising a HSP and/or HSP complex recovered from heterohybrid cells that are generated from the fusion of a first type of cell (Type I) with a second type of cell (Type II).

Abstract: The present invention is based on the discovery that inactivation of the heat shock response in cancer cells significantly enhances their sensitivity to proteasome and Hsp90 inhibitors. The inventors have discovered novel compounds which exhibit low toxicity, inhibit the heat shock protein response and sensitize cancer cells to anti-cancer therapies. In general, the heat shock protein inhibitors of the present invention share a common structure, namely a 2H-benzo[a]quinolizine tricyclic ring. Also encompassed are methods for a high throughput screen to identify heat shock inhibitors that sensitize cancer cells to anti-cancer therapies.

Abstract: The antiproliferative effects of Icaritin or Desmethylicaritin on cancer cell lines, both in vitro, and in vivo, are disclosed. Experimental data show that Icaritin and Desmethylicaritin dramatically inhibit the growth of most malignant cells. In addition, both Icaritin and Desmethylicaritin have significant Anti-agiogenesis properties, inhibiting or eliminating entirely the development of new malignant cells. Further, no obvious side effects including nausea, hair loss or body weight loss were found in the animals treated with Icaritin or Desmethylicaritin, making both highly effective anti cancer drugs.