Molecular chaperones, both endoplasmic reticulum and cytosol derived, have been identified as tumor rejection antigens; in animal models, they can elicit prophylactic and therapeutic immune responses against their tumor of origin. Chaperone immunogenic activity derives from three principal characteristics: they bind an array of immunogenic (poly)peptides, they can be efficiently internalized by...

BACKGROUND NK cells are able to kill tumor and virus-infected cells without the need of prior antigen stimulation. The killing of these target cells is regulated by inhibitory, lysis and co-stimulatory receptors that are expressed on the surface of NK cells. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS CD100 (Semaphorin 4D), a 150kD transmembrane protein, is expressed on the surface of activated NK cells as a homodime...

Selection of particular antigen-derived peptides by class II MHC molecules determines the population of complexes represented on the antigen-presenting cell surface and available for T cell receptor engagement. This discriminating selection process results from unique interactions between the spectrum of peptides generated during antigen processing and the MHC molecules. Here, we examined the s...

A method for cloning soluble antigen-specific proliferating human T lymphocytes directly from peripheral blood cells of individuals recently primed with the antigen is described. The soluble antigen was keyhole limpet hemocyanin. After expansion in liquid culture, these cells were shown to be antigen specific and to require HLA-DR-histocompatible presenting cells. Recloning of small numbers of ...

• Increased T-cell responses after targeting antigen to antigen-presenting cells. Antibody:T-cell epitope fusion mode affects the strength of response. integration supports induction CD4 and CD8 responses. Targeted delivery cells (APCs) enhances presentation thus, is a potent strategy for making more efficacious vaccines. This can be achieved by use antibodies with specificity endocytic surface...

Nanoparticle-based delivery systems for cancer immunotherapies aim to improve the safety and efficacy of these treatments through local specialized antigen-presenting cells (APCs). Multifunctional mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs), with their large surface areas, tunable particle pore sizes, spatially controlled functionalization, represent a safe versatile carrier system. In this study, w...

Shikimic acid can be transformed into monovalent and multivalent glycomimetics that target different members of the C-type lectin class, including DC-SIGN, a dendritic cell lectin that facilitates HIV transmission.