Herv-k antigens, antibodies, and methods

Abstract

Methods and compositions for cancer diagnostics and therapy are provided. More particular, methods and compositions for detecting, preventing, and treating HERV-K + cancers are provided. One example of a method may involve a method for preventing or inhibiting cancer cell proliferation by administering to a subject a cancer cell proliferation blocking or reducing amount of a HERV-K env protein binding antibody.

1 . An anti-HERV-K positive antibody. 
     
     
         2 . The antibody of  claim 1  wherein the antibody binds to HERV-K env protein. 
     
     
         3 . The antibody of  claim 1  wherein the antibody is a chimeric antibody. 
     
     
         4 . The antibody of  claim 1  wherein the antibody is a single chain antibody (scFv). 
     
     
         5 . An isolated antibody that prevents HERV-K positive cancer cell proliferation. 
     
     
         6 . An isolated antibody that induces HERV-K positive cancer cells to undergo apoptosis. 
     
     
         7 . A humanized antibody that binds to the HERV-K env proteins expressed from HERV-K positive cancer cells. 
     
     
         8 . An isolated antibody which binds to HERV-K env protein consisting of an amino acid sequence at least 80 percent homologous to SEQ ID. NOS. 12, 14, 32, 50 or 68 
     
     
         9 . A method for preventing or inhibiting cancer cell proliferation in a subject in need thereof, said method comprising administering to said subject a therapeutically effective amount of anti-HERV K positive antibody wherein the cancer cell proliferation is blocked or reduced. 
     
     
         10 . A method of treating cancer in a subject in need thereof comprising the step of administering to said subject a therapeutically effective amount of anti-HERV K positive antibody wherein said cancer includes breast cancer, ovarian cancer, or melanoma.