Method for identifying immunoreactive peptides

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for identifying immunoreactive peptides. According to said method, a sample of tumorous and corresponding healthy tissue is first provided, the tumor-specific expression profile is subsequently determined and antigenic peptides are isolated from the tumorous tissue and analyzed. The respective data that has been obtained is then matched and peptides are identified on the basis of said data.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This is a continuation application of International Patent Application PCT / EP 03 / 05038, filed May 14, 2003, designating the United States and published in German as WO 03 / 100432 A2, which claims priority to German Application Number 102 25 139.8, filed May 29, 2002.TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] The invention relates to a method for identifying and to a method for preparing immunoreactive peptides and to the immunoreactive peptides identified / prepared thereby. [0003] Such peptides are being used—for example—in immunotherapy of tumor-associated diseases. When tumor cells are eliminated by the immune system the identification of tumor-associated antigens (TAA) by components of the immune system plays a pivotal role. This mechanism is based upon the fact that there exist qualitative or quantitative differences between tumor cells and normal cells. To induce an anti-tumor response, the tumor cells have to express antigens which induce an immune res...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new method for selective and simple identification of immunoreactive peptides.

[0023] For example, industrial laboratories—after having received patient samples—can systematically and efficiently perform this method, and can—after having identified suitable immunoreactive peptides—provide clinics in charge with the peptide sequences; the clinics can then synthesize and administer the peptides. Nevertheless, it is also possible that a laboratory is carrying out identification as well as production of the peptides suitable for the respective patient.

[0037] By detecting □-Interferon- or cytokin-mRNA it is possible to precisely prove the specific reactivity of leukocytes, preferably of T-lymphocytes against antigenic peptides. Both substances are secreted by activated T-lymphocytes after their activation by corresponding antigenic peptides.

Problems solved by technology

Drawbacks of patients-derived T-cell-based approaches are the extensive culture techniques and their restriction to the frequency of pre-existing T-cells.

However, a disadvantage is that epitope prediction even for only a few target genes results in the identification of a vast number of candidate peptides, the majority of which are actually not presented by MHC molecules and thus do not induce a CTL-response.

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