Method for enhancing an immune response

Abstract

A vaccine composition for combating Pox viridae viral infections in living organisms such as mammals (including humans) comprises TAP-1 and/or TAP-2 to augment the antigen processing capability of infected cells and hence their immunogenicity. The composition may be used alone or, preferably, as an immunogenicity-enhancing adjuvant with a pox antigen-based vaccine, especially in the treatment or prophylaxis of viral infections such as smallpox.

1 . A pharmaceutical composition for administration to a living organism for the treatment or prophylaxis of Pox viridae infections, the composition consisting essentially of
 a Pox viridae viral antigen, and   a naked DNA plasmid encoding TAP-1 and/or TAP-2.   
     
     
         2 - 5 . (canceled) 
     
     
         6 . The composition of  claim 1  wherein the Pox viridae antigen is a smallpox antigen. 
     
     
         7 . The composition of  claim 6  wherein the smallpox antigen is a Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) antigen. 
     
     
         8 . (canceled) 
     
     
         9 . A method of treatment or prophylaxis of a patient to combat Pox viridae infections in the patient, which comprises administering to the patient an effective amount of a pharmaceutically acceptable composition comprising the composition of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         10 - 14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 9  wherein the Pox viridae antigen is a smallpox antigen. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the smallpox antigen is a Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) antigen. 
     
     
         17 - 18 . (canceled)