Molecular Vaccine Linking an Endoplasmic Reticulum Chaperone Polypeptide to an Antigen

Abstract

This invention provides compositions and methods for inducing and enhancing immune responses, such as antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses, using chimeric molecules comprising endoplasmic reticulum chaperone polypeptides and antigenic peptides. In particular, the invention provides compositions and methods for enhancing immune responses induced by polypeptides made in vivo by administered nucleic acid, such as naked DNA or expression vectors, encoding the chimeric molecules. The invention provides a method of inhibiting the growth of a tumor in an individual. The invention also provides novel self-replicating RNA virus constructs for enhancing immune responses induced by chimeric polypeptides made in vivo.

1 - 34 . (canceled) 
     
     
         35 . A fusion or chimeric polypeptide comprising
 (a) a first polypeptide comprising an endoplasmic reticulum chaperone polypeptide; and   (b) a second polypeptide comprising an antigenic peptide or polypeptide.   
     
     
         36 - 67 . (canceled)