Use of a ligand-immunogen conjugate such as folate-FITC for enhancing an endogenous immune response

摘要

The use of a pharmaceutical composition is provided for enhancing the endogenous immune response-mediated elimination of a population of pathogenic cells in a host animal wherein the pathogenic cells preferentially express, uniquely express, or overexpress a binding site for a particular ligand. Described is a ligand, such as a vitamin, particularly folic acid, conjugated to an immunogen to be administered to a host animal harbouring the population of pathogenic cells. Antibodies, pre-existing or administered to the host animal establish a passive immunity, directed against the immunogen bound to the ligand-immunogen conjugate and result in elimination of the pathogenic cell by the host's immune response. The composition may comprise at least one additional compound capable of stimulating an endogenous immune response such as a cytokine.