Mucin antigen vaccine

摘要

Provided are expression vectors for generating an immune response to a mucin. The vectors comprise a transcription unit encoding a secretable polypeptide, the polypeptide comprising a secretory signal, a mucin antigen and CD40 ligand. Also provided are methods of generating an immune response against cells expressing a mucin by administering an effective amount of the vector. Further provided are methods of generating an immune response against cancer cells expressing a mucin in an individual by administering an effective amount of the vector. Still further provided are methods of overcoming anergy to a mucin self antigen by administering an effective amount of the vector.

主权项

1. An expression vector for generating in an individual immunity against a mucin antigen, said vector comprising a transcription unit encoding a polypeptide, said encoded polypeptide comprising from the amino terminus, a secretory signal sequence, the mucin antigen, and CD40 ligand, wherein (i) the mucin antigen does not include a transmembrane domain; (ii) the CD40 ligand does not include a transmembrane domain; (iii) the mucin antigen is attached to the amino terminus of the extracellular domain of said CD40 ligand; and (iv) said encoded polypeptide is configured to promote presentation of Class I MHC and activation with expansion of mucin specific Class I MHC restricted cytotoxic lymphocytes.