DF/HCC Program Affiliation

Gynecologic Cancer
Cancer Immunology

Research Abstract

We have developed a novel approach for targeting (tumor) antigens whose sequence may not be known or structure even identified. We have linked scFV's to MycobacteriumTb HeatShockProtein 70, thus developing a novel fusion protein vaccine for presenting antigen to APCs in order to generate both a CD-4 and CD -8 response. The scFV’s can be selected for their binding to an uncharacterized antigen or to a characterized antigen by binding studies, and the appropriate V-genes can then be selected. The scFV genes are fused to the gene for MTb HSP 70, and the new fusion gene is expressed as the fusion protein in E. coli. We have succeeded in generating a fusion vaccine targeting Folate Receptor-alpha, hyper-expressed in ovarian and many breast tumors.

Publications

• Eichhorn JH, Brauns TA, Gelfand JA, Crothers BA, Wilbur DC.A novel automated screening and interpretation process for cervical cytology using the internet transmission of low-resolution images: a feasibility study.Cancer 2005 Aug 25;105(4):199-206.
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• Ryan CM, Atkins MB, Mier JW, Gelfand JA, Tompkins RG.Effects of malignancy and interleukin-2 infusion on gut macromolecular permeability.Crit Care Med 1995 Nov;23(11):1801-6.
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