Cd40 agonist antibody /type 1 interferon synergistic adjuvant combination, conjugates containing and use thereof as a therapeutic to enhance cellular immunity

Abstract

A synergistic adjuvant is provided comprising synergistically effective amounts of at least one type 1 interferon and at least one CD40 agonist, wherein these moieties may be in the same or separate compositions. In addition, fusion proteins and DNA conjugates which contain a type 1 interferon/CD40 agonist/antigen combination are provided. The use of these compositions, protein and DNA conjugates as immune adjuvants for treatment of various chronic diseases such as HIV infection and for enhancing the efficacy of vaccines (prophylactic and therapeutic) is also provided.

1 . A nucleic acid construct comprising:
 at least one nucleic acid sequence encoding an agonist of CD40;   (ii) optionally a nucleic acid sequence encoding a desired antigen; and   (iii) a nucleic acid sequence encoding a type 1 interferon;   wherein said sequences (i), (ii) (if present) and (iii) are operably linked to the same or different transcription regulatory sequences and further wherein said sequences (i), (ii) and (iii) are optionally separated by linker sequence and/or an IRES.   
     
     
         2 - 79 . (canceled)