Agents and methods based on the use of the eda domain of fibronectin

Abstract

This invention relates to the use of a polypeptide in the production of an immunostimulatory agent, said polypeptide comprising a sequence corresponding to the EDA domain of fibronectin, a fragment of the EDA domain which can bind to TLR4 or a variant of said EDA domain or a fragment which can bind to TLR4 and which has a homology of more than 70% with any form or natural fragment of the EDA domain. The invention also relates to the production methods and applications of said agent.

1 - 40 . (canceled) 
     
     
         41 . A proteinaceous vector characterized in that it comprises a polypeptide whose amino acid sequence is selected from:
 a) fibronectin EDA domain (EDA),   b) a fragment of said EDA domain capable of binding TLR4, or   c) a variant of said EDA domain or a fragment thereof capable of binding TLR4 and with more than 70% homology with any natural form or fragment of said EDA domain;   bound to a molecule of interest selected from: an antigen, an epitope, an allergen.   
     
     
         42 . A proteinaceous vector according to  claim 41 , characterized in that said molecule of interest is selected from a viral antigen, a bacterial antigen, and a parasitic antigen. 
     
     
         43 . A proteinaceous vector according to  claim 41 , characterized in that said molecule of interest is selected from a tumoral antigen and a tumoral antigenic determinant.