RHESUS EPITHELIAL CELL ADHESION MOLECULE, NUCLEIC ACID ENCODING THE SAME, AND USES THEREOF

摘要

DNAs encoding rhesus monkey epithelial cell adhesion molecule (rhEp-CAM) have been isolated, cloned and sequenced. The gene encoding Ep-CAM is commonly associated with the development of epithelial-derived human carcinomas. The present invention provides compositions and methods to elicit or enhance immunity to the protein product expressed by the Ep-CAM tumor-associated antigen, wherein aberrant Ep-CAM expression is associated with a carcinoma or its development. This invention specifically provides adenoviral vector constructs carrying rhEp-CAM and discloses their use in vaccines and pharmaceutical compositions for preventing and treating cancer.