305 results about "B-Cell Epitopes" patented technology

Framework (FR)-patching is a novel approach to modify immunoglobulin for reducing potential immunogenicity without significant alterations in specificity and affinity. Unlike previous described methods of humanization, which graft CDRs from a donor onto the frameworks of a single acceptor immunoglobulin, we patch segments of framework (FR1, FR2, FR3, and FR4), or FRs, to replace the corresponding FRs of the parent immunoglobulin. Free assortment of these FRs from different immunoglobulins and from different species can be mixed and matched into forming the final immunoglobulin chain. A set of criteria in the choice of these FRs to minimize or eliminate the need to reintroduce framework amino acids from the parent immunoglobulin for patching is described. The approach gives greater flexibility in the choice of framework sequences, minimizes the need to include parent framework amino acids, and, most importantly, reduces the chances of creating new T- and B-cell epitopes in the resultant immunoglobulin.

Multivalent immunogenic molecules comprise a carrier molecule containing at least one functional T-cell epitope and multiple different carbonhydrate fragments each linked to the carrier molecule and each containing at least one functional B-cell epitope. The carrier molecule inparts enhanced immunogenicity to the multiple carbohydrate fragments. The carbohydrate fragments may be capsular oligosaccharide fragments from Streptococcus pneumoniae which may be serotypes (1, 4, 5, 6B, 9V, 14, 18C, 19F or 23F), or Neisseria meningitidis, which may be serotype (A, B, C) W-135 or Y. Such oligosaccharide fragments may be sized from about 2 to about 5 kDa. Alternatively, the carbohydrate fragments may be fragments of carbohydrate-based tumor antigens, such as Globo H, Le<Y >or STn. The multivalent molecules may be produced by random conjugation or site-directed conjugation of the carbohydrate fragments to the carrier molecule. The multivalent molecules may be employed in vaccines or in the generation of antibodies for diagnostic applications.

The present invention provides synthetic immunogenic lipopeptide molecules comprising co-linear T-helper and B cell epitopes, and methods for their production and use in the generation of primary and secondary immune responses, and for the vaccination of animal subjects against particular antigens. More particularly, the present invention provides highly soluble lipopeptides wherein the lipid moiety is attached to the terminal side-chain group of an internal lysine or lysine analog, preferably to the terminal side-chain group of an internal diamino acid residue. Preferably the internal lysine or lysine analog is positioned between the T-helper epitope and the B cell epitope or within the T-helper epitope.