The Use of Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Replicons Encoding the HER-2/neu Tumor Associated Antigen for the Prevention and Treatment of Breast Cancer
Abstract
Overexpression and amplification of the Her-2/neu proto-oncogene has been implicated in the development of aggressive human breast cancer. Consequently, Her-2/neu provides a potential target for immunotherapy. Indeed, Her-2/neu specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) can be detected in patients with breast and ovarian cancer. Nevertheless, the observed response to Her-2/neu is inadequate to prevent tumor progression. Our overall goal is to determine whether genetic vaccination is a feasible strategy to enhance Her-2/neu specific T cell activity, and in turn prevent and/or treat breast cancer. Using Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis virus replicons encoding Her-2/neu we have' been able to generate neu specific cytotoxicity in vaccinated mice. Further, we have demonstrated in vivo efficacy in mice challenged with neu expressing tumor cells, and have noted a delay in the onset of spontaneous adenocarcinoma in vaccinated' neu transgenic mice.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA428256
Entities
People
- Brian R. Long
- Roland M. Tisch
Organizations
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill