Abstract: The invention relates to the finding that virus like particles (VLPs) can be loaded with immunostimulatory substances, in particular with DNA oligonucleotides containing non-methylated C and G (CpGs). Such CpG-VLPs are dramatically more immunogenic than their CpG-free counterparts and induce enhanced B and T cell responses. The immune response against antigens optionally coupled, fused or attached otherwise to the VLPs is similarly enhanced as the immune response against the VLP itself. In addition, the T cell responses against both the VLPs and antigens are especially directed to the Th1 type. Antigens attached to CpG-loaded VLPs may therefore be ideal vaccines for prophylactic or therapeutic vaccination against allergies, tumors and other self-molecules and chronic viral diseases.

Abstract: The invention relates to the finding that stimulation of antigen presenting cell (APC) activation using substances such as anti-CD40 antibodies or DNA oligomers rich in non-methylated C and G (CpGs) can dramatically enhance the specific T cell response obtained after vaccination with recombinant virus like particles (VLPs) coupled, fused or otherwise attached to antigens. While vaccination with recombinant VLPs fused to a cytotoxic T cell (CTL) epitope of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus induced low levels cytolytic activity only and did not induce efficient anti-viral protection, VLPs injected together with anti-CD40 antibodies or CpGs induced strong CTL activity and full anti-viral protection. Thus, stimulation of APC-activation through antigen presenting cell activators such as anti-CD40 antibodies or CpGs can exhibit a potent adjuvant effect for vaccination with VLPs coupled, fused or attached otherwise to antigens.

Abstract: The invention relates to the finding that stimulation of antigen presenting cell (APC) activation using substances such as anti-CD40 antibodies or DNA oligomers rich in non-methylated C and G (CpGs) can dramatically enhance the specific T cell response obtained after vaccination with recombinant virus like particles (VLPs) coupled, fused or otherwise attached to antigens. While vaccination with recombinant VLPs fused to a cytotoxic T cell (CTL) epitope of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus induced low levels cytolytic activity only and did not induce efficient anti-viral protection, VLPs injected together with anti-CD40 antibodies or CpGs induced strong CTL activity and full anti-viral protection. Thus, stimulation of APC-activation through antigen presenting cell activators such as anti-CD40 antibodies or CpGs can exhibit a potent adjuvant effect for vaccination with VLPs coupled, fused or attached otherwise to antigens.

Abstract: The invention relates to the finding that virus like particles (VLPs) can be loaded with immunostimulatory substances, in particular with DNA oligonucleotides containing non-methylated C and G (CpGs). Such CpG-VLPs are dramatically more immunogenic than their CpG-free counterparts and induce enhanced B and T cell responses. The immune response against antigens optionally coupled, fused or attached otherwise to the VLPs is similarly enhanced as the immune response against the VLP itself. In addition, the T cell responses against both the VLPs and antigens are especially directed to the Th1 type. Antigens attached to CpG-loaded VLPs may therefore be ideal vaccines for prophylactic or therapeutic vaccination against allergies, tumors and other self-molecules and chronic viral diseases.

Abstract: The invention relates to the finding that virus like particles (VLPs) can be loaded with immunostimulatory substances, in particular with DNA oligonucleotides containing non-methylated C and G (CpGs). Such CpG-VLPs are dramatically more immunogenic than their CpG-free counterparts and induce enhanced B and T cell responses. The immune response against antigens optionally coupled, fused or attached otherwise to the VLPs is similarly enhanced as the immune response against the VLP itself. In addition, the T cell responses against both the VLPs and antigens are especially directed to the Th1 type. Antigens attached to CpG-loaded VLPs may therefore be ideal vaccines for prophylactic or therapeutic vaccination against allergies, tumors and other self-molecules and chronic viral diseases.

Abstract: The invention relates to the finding that virus like particles (VLPs) can be loaded with immunostimulatory substances, in particular with DNA oligonucleotides containing non-methylated C and G (CpGs). Such CpG-VLPs are dramatically more immunogenic than their CpG-free counterparts and induce enhanced B and T cell responses. The immune response against antigens optionally coupled, fused or attached otherwise to the VLPs is similarly enhanced as the immune response against the VLP itself. In addition, the T cell responses against both the VLPs and antigens are especially directed to the Th1 type. Antigens attached to CpG-loaded VLPs may therefore be ideal vaccines for prophylactic or therapeutic vaccination against allergies, tumors and other self-molecules and chronic viral diseases.

Abstract: Liposomes are known to enhance the activity of K- (B-) type CpGs which trigger the production of IL-12. In the present invention, the surprising finding was made that liposomes also enhance the activity of D- (A-) type CpGs, leading to the production of IFN? in vivo. These findings are relevant for the humans situation, since IFN? rather than IL-12 is the key cytokine for the induction of Th1 responses and anti-viral protection in humans.

Abstract: Liposomes are known to enhance the activity of K- (B-) type CpGs which trigger the production of IL-12. In the present invention, the surprising finding was made that liposomes also enhance the activity of D- (A-) type CpGs, leading to the production of IFN? in vivo. These findings are relevant for the humans situation, since IFN? rather than IL-12 is the key cytokine for the induction of Th1 responses and anti-viral protection in humans.

Abstract: The invention relates to the finding that virus like particles (VLPs) can be loaded with immunostimulatory substances, in particular with DNA oligonucleotides containing non-methylated C and G (CpGs). Such CpG-VLPs are dramatically more immunogenic than their CpG-free counterparts and induce enhanced B and T cell responses. The immune response against antigens optionally coupled, fused or attached otherwise to the VLPs is similarly enhanced as the immune response against the VLP itself. In addition, the T cell responses against both the VLPs and antigens are especially directed to the Th1 type. Antigens attached to CpG-loaded VLPs may therefore be ideal vaccines for prophylactic or therapeutic vaccination against allergies, tumors and other self-molecules and chronic viral diseases.

Abstract: The invention relates to the finding that stimulation of antigen presenting cell (APC) activation using substances such as anti-CD40 antibodies or DNA oligomers rich in non-methylated C and G (CpGs) can dramatically enhance the specific T cell response obtained after vaccination with recombinant virus like particles (VLPs) coupled, fused or otherwise attached to antigens. While vaccination with recombinant VLPs fused to a cytotoxic T cell (CTL) epitope of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus induced low levels cytolytic activity only and did not induce efficient anti-viral protection, VLPs injected together with anti-CD40 antibodies or CpGs induced strong CTL activity and full anti-viral protection. Thus, stimulation of APC-activation through antigen presenting cell activators such as anti-CD40 antibodies or CpGs can exhibit a potent adjuvant effect for vaccination with VLPs coupled, fused or attached otherwise to antigens.