title: DNA fusion vaccines against B-cell tumors.
abstract: DNA vaccination is currently being explored as a potential strategy for combatting cancer. However, tumor antigens are often weak and the immune system of patients may be compromised. For B-cell tumors, immunoglobulin idiotypic antigens provide defined targets but are poorly immunogenic. Fusion of a sequence derived from tetanus toxin to the genes encoding idiotypic determinants has proved highly effective in activating protective anti-tumor immunity. DNA fusion vaccines containing immuno-enhancing sequences can augment and direct immune attack on a range of target antigens. Gene-based fusion vaccines offer ease of manipulation and flexible design to activate effective attack on cancer.
authors.affiliation: Molecular Immunology Group, Tenovus Laboratory, Southampton University Hospitals Trust, Southampton, UK SO16 6YD. dz1@soton.ac.uk
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Zhu
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rice
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Savelyeva
authors.forename: F K
authors.initials: FK
authors.lastname: Stevenson
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm / Q000276:immunology; D019496:Cancer Vaccines / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007130:Immunoglobulin Idiotypes / Q000276:immunology; D007167:Immunotherapy / Q000379:methods; D016393:Lymphoma, B-Cell / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D013744:Tetanus Toxin / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D019444:Vaccines, DNA / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D019496:Cancer Vaccines; D007130:Immunoglobulin Idiotypes; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins; D013744:Tetanus Toxin; D019444:Vaccines, DNA