Immunogenic compositions to the CCK-B/gastrin receptor and methods for the treatment of tumors

摘要

The invention concerns immunogens, immunogenic compositions and method for the treatment of gastrin-dependent tumors. The immunogens comprise a gastrin receptor immunomimic peptide conjugated to an immunogenic carrier. The immunogens are capable of inducing antibodies in vivo which bind to the gastrin-receptor (GR) in gastrin responsive malignant or premalignant tumor, thereby preventing growth stimulating peptide hormones from binding to the receptors, and inhibiting tumor cell growth. The invention also comprises specific antibodies against the gastrin-receptor for passive immunization. Furthermore, the invention comprises cytotoxic molecule derivatized anti-GR antibodies. The invention also concerns diagnostic methods for detecting gastrin-dependent tumors in vivo or from a tissue biopsy using the antibodies of the invention. Active and passive immunization can be combined providing an immune response against GR, G17 and/or G17-Gly.