METHODS AND NUCLEIC IMMUNOGENIC COMPOSITIONS ENCODING ANTIGENS AND CO-STIMULATORY MOLECULES FOR IMMUNIZATION

摘要

Nucleotide vectors encoding antigens and co-stimulatory molecules, such as B7-1 (CD80) or B7-2 (CD86), are described. These vectors may be administered to a host by a variety of routes to evoke an immune response. Antigens include those from pathogens and tumour-associated antigens. In particular, the immune response may be a cytotoxic T cell response and, if the antigen is from a pathogen, may provide protection against disease caused by the pathogen. To further augment the immune response, a gene encoding a cytokine, such as granulocyte-macrophage stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and interleukin-12 (IL-12), may also be administered. The vectors have utility in vaccination and therapy of infectious or neoplastic disease.