Antibody-Cytokine Fusion Proteins for the Therapy of Breast Cancer
Abstract
In the present grant we propose to explore the use of genetically engineered antibodies as therapeutic agents specifically attempting to augment and potentiate the host immune defense systems against breast cancer. We will use antibodies specific for HER2/neu, a molecule present on the surface of many breast cancers; its increased expression is associated with poor prognosis. To this antibody we will join the cytokines IL-2, IL-i 2, and GM-CSF. Expression of these cytokines by cancer cells has been shown to render them immunogenic. The anti-HER2/neu will be used to localize the cytokine at the tumor where it is expected to elicit an immune response. The resulting immune response would be expected to be specific not only for the targeting antigen, but also for other tumor associated antigens resulting in the destruction of both the tumor cells which express the targeting antigen as well as those that do not. Simultaneous targeting of more than one cytokine to the tumor would be expected to lead to synergism in immune activation and an even more potent immune response.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA396693
Entities
People
- Sherie Morrison
Organizations
- California State University, Los Angeles