Targeted identification of immunogenic peptides

#1. Field of the Invention

#This invention, in the field of immunology/immunotherapy, vaccine discovery and development, relates generally to the identification of immunogenic peptides from regions of proteins and molecules that are involved in the binding interactions with polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies and other specific binding peptides/molecules. The present invention is directed to methods for identification and use of the peptides for preventing, suppressing and treating immune-related diseases. Specifically, the invention provides therapy that result in clinical improvement in cancer patients.

#2. Description of the Background

#FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment of the invention in which a unique immunogenic region of the HER-2/neu is identified.

#FIG. 2 shows the Her2/neu sequence (SEQ ID NO: 1) and highlights the antibody-binding site of Herceptin to the Her2/new protein. Also shown is the E75 vaccine sequence (SEQ ID NO: 2) and the Her2 loops binding to Herceptin (SEQ ID NO: 3).

#FIG. 3 shows HLA peptide motif search results and scoring results for SEQ ID NOs: 4-11.

#The invention overcomes the problems and disadvantages associated with current methods and provides tools and methods of generating an immune response in a patient in need thereof.

#One embodiment of the invention is directed to a method for synthesizing an immunogenic peptide from a self-protein comprising the steps of identifying one or more peptide sequences of a self protein that are directly or indirectly involved with antibody-binding, subjecting the one or more peptide sequences to an algorithm that identifies sequences suspected of being immunogenic, screening all peptide fragments from the one or more peptide sequences, and identifying an immunogenic peptide of the protein fragment wherein the antibody-binding interaction is polyclonal or monoclonal. Further, a patient is treated with the immunogenic peptide to generate an immune response.

#Another embodiment of the invention is directed to immunogenic peptides identified by the method described above.