CELL-MEDIATED IMMUNE-RESPONSES TO MUC1 FUSION PROTEIN-COUPLED TO MANNAN

The immunotherapy of cancer requires the definition of a suitable targ et for and the induction of a CD8(+) cytoxic lymphocyte reaction. In b reast cancer, particularly mucins (MUCl) of the variable number of tan dem repeat sequence may be a suitable target but there has been a prob lem in inducing a cytotoxic response. MUCl peptides, conjugated to car riers (keyhole-limpet hemocyanin or diphtheria toxoid) induce a humora l response and give poor tumor protection in mice and there is little cellular immunity. However, when MUCl fusion protein is conjugated to mannan under oxidizing conditions, a cellular immune response in induc ed, with significant tumor protection, cytotoxic T lymphocytes and lit tle antibody. The procedure may also be useful for other antigens. Cop yright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd.