Abstract:
This invention provides methods for silencing a pre-existing immune response in a mammal, as for example, in the setting of autoimmune diseases. The method comprises administering to a mammal immature dendritic cells which have been contacted in vitro with an antigen, or to target the antigen to immature dendritic cells in vivo, in order to silence and/or suppress a pre-existing CD8+T cell immune response and induce IL-10 producing CD8+T cells in said mammal. This invention further relates to methods for propagating immature dendritic cells, for maintaining immaturity by modification ex vivo, and uses thereof, including generation of regulatory T cells for passive immunotherapy. The present invention also relates to compositions and kits comprising immature dendritic cells and antigens.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to the identification of a subunit vaccine to prevent or treat infection of Epstein Barr Virus. In particular, EBNA-1 was identified as a vaccine antigen. In a specific embodiment, a purified protein corresponding to EBNA-1 elicited a strong CD4+ T cell response. The responsive CD4+ T cell are primarily T¿H?1 in function. EBNA-1 is an attractive candidate for a protective vaccine against EBV, and for immunotherapy of EBV infection and neoplasms, particularly with dendritic cells charged with EBNA-1.
Abstract:
A method for producing proliferating cultures of dendritic cell precursors is provided. Also provided is a method for producing mature dendritic cells in culture from the proliferating dendritic cell precursors. The cultures of mature dendritic cells provide an effective means of producing novel T cell dependent antigens comprised of dendritic cell modified antigens or dendritic cells pulsed with antigen, including particulates, which antigen is processed and expressed on the antigen-activated dendritic cell. The novel antigens of the invention may be used as immunogens for vaccines or for the treatment of disease. These antigens may also be used to treat autoimmune diseases such as juvenile diabetes and multiple sclerosis.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to the identification and characterization of a receptor associated with antigen presentation in immune responses, endocytosis, and transepithelial transport. Identification of the receptor, its characterization as having ten lectin-binding domains, and evidence of its role in the uptake and processing of oligosaccharides and oligosaccharide-decorated molecules, e.g. glycoproteins, has important ramifications for modifying immune response, and for trans-epithelial transport of molecules. The receptor, or integral membrane protein, termed herein "DEC", is found primarily on dendritic cells, but also found on B cells, brain capillaries, bone marrow stroma, epithelia of intestinal villi and pulmonary airways, as well as cortical epithelium of the thymus and the dendritic cells in the T cell areas of peripheral lymphoid organs. The murine and human counterparts of DEC have an apparent molecular mass of 205 kDa, the murine counterpart has an isoelectric point at pH 7.5, and carbohydrates comprise about 7 kDa of the total mass of murine DEC. The present invention is directed to identification of additional ligands of DEC, which can be advantageously targeted to dendritic cells and other cells that bear DEC. Targeting antigens for presentation by dendritic cells can provide for tolerance when the dendritic cells are quiescent, or for immune stimulation (i.e., vaccination) when the dendritic cells are activated, e.g., by stimulation with a cytokine or lymphokine, such as colony stimulating factor (CSF).
Abstract:
This invention relates to immunogenic compounds which may serve as ligands for NKT (natural killer T) cells and to methods of use thereof in modulating immune responses.
Abstract:
This invention relates to immunogenic compounds which may serve as ligands for NKT (natural killer T) cells and to methods of use thereof in modulating immune responses.
Abstract:
This invention relates to compositions comprising an agent, which inhibits signaling via the Fc?RIIB receptor and an agent which stimulates or enhances signaling via an Fc?RI receptor, an Fc?RIIa receptor, an Fc?RIII receptor, or a combination thereof. The invention also provides for the use of such compositions in stimulating or enhancing an immune response, and in treating, suppressing, or preventing cancer in a subject.
Abstract:
This invention relates to compositions comprising an agent, which inhibits signaling via the FcγRIIB receptor and an agent which stimulates or enhances signaling via an FcγRI receptor, an FcγRIIa receptor, an FcγRIII receptor, or a combination thereof. The invention also provides for the use of such compositions in stimulating or enhancing an immune response, and in treating, suppressing, or preventing cancer in a subject.