Non-hemolytic LLO fusion proteins and uses thereof

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention provides compositions comprising recombinant proteins comprising a mutated listeriolysin O (LLO) protein, comprising a substitution mutation of specific amino acids within the cholesterol-binding domain, and antigenic HPV peptides and vaccine compositions thereof. The present invention also provides the medical use of these compositions and vaccines.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Stimulation of an immune response is dependent upon the presence of antigens recognized as foreign by the host immune system. Bacterial antigens such as Salmonella enterica and Mycobacterium bovis BCG remain in the phagosome and stimulate CD4 +< T-cells via antigen presentation through major histocompatibility class II molecules. In contrast, bacterial antigens such as Listeria monocytogenes exit the phagosome into the cytoplasm. The phagolysosomal escape of L. monocytogenes is a unique mechanism, which facilitates major histocompatibility class I antigen presentation of Listerial antigens. This escape is dependent upon the pore-forming sulfhydryl-activated cytolysin, listeriolysin O (LLO).

[0003] WO 2008 / 008311 discloses methods of inducing an immune response in a subject against a protein of interest and treating and suppressing a formation of a tumor comprising a tumor-associated protein by sequential administration of fragments of the protein.

[0004] Michel et al. discloses attenuated mutants of the intracellular bacterium Listeria monocytogenes obtained by single amino acid substitutions in listeriolysin O (Molecular Microbiology, 1990, vol. 4, no. 12, pages 2167-2178, Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd., GB. XP001007254, ISSN: 0950-382X, DOI: 10.1111 / J.1365-2958.1990.TB00578.X).

[0005] WO 2007 / 130455 discloses recombinant peptides comprising a B cell receptor (BCR) or a fragment thereof, nucleotide molecules encoding the recombinant peptides, vaccines and vectors comprising the recombinant peptides; and methods of treating, inducing an immune response against, inducing a regression of, and suppressing a formation of a lymphoma, by administering the recombinant peptides. WO 2007 / 130455 also discloses methods of inducing a humoral immune response in an animal against an antigen by administering a fusion peptide comprising an LLO protein or fragment thereof fused or conjugated to the antigen.

[0006] There exists a long-felt need to develop compositions for enhancing the immunogenicity of antigens, especially antigens useful in the prevention and treatment of tumors and intracellular pathogens.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention provides a composition comprising a mixture of (a) recombinant protein comprising a listeriolysin O (LLO) protein, wherein the LLO protein comprises a mutation within the cholesterol-binding domain (CBD) thereof (SEQ ID NO: 18), wherein said mutation consists of the substitution of all the amino acid residues at positions 2, 9 and 10 of SEQ ID NO: 18, and wherein the recombinant protein exhibits a greater than 100-fold reduction in hemolytic activity relative to a wild-type LLO protein; and (b) a Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) E7 protein.

[0008] In an embodiment, the LLO protein sequence is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 37.

[0009] In an embodiment, the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) E7 protein is an HPV-16-E7 antigen or an HPV-18-E7 antigen.

[0010] In one embodiment, the mutated LLO protein further comprises a deletion of the signal peptide sequence thereof. In another embodiment, the mutated LLO protein comprises the signal peptide sequence thereof.

[0011] The present invention also provides a vaccine composition comprising the recombinant protein of the present invention and an adjuvant, wherein the adjuvant comprises a granulocyte / macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) protein, a nucleotide molecule encoding a GM-CSF protein, saponin QS21, monophosphoryl lipid A, or an unmethylated CpG-containing oligonucleotide.

[0012] In an embodiment, the composition or the vaccine of the present invention is for use as a medicament. In another embodiment, the composition or the vaccine is for use in preventing or treating HPV infection in a subject. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a composition for use or a vaccine for use in treating, inhibiting, suppressing, inducing the regression of, reducing the incidence of, or protecting against an HPV E7-expressing tumor in a subject. In an embodiment, the HPV E7-expressing tumor is a cervical tumor or a head-and-neck tumor.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1A-B. SOE mutagenesis strategy. Decreasing / lowering the virulence of LLO was achieved by mutating the 4th domain of LLO. This domain contains a cholesterol binding site allowing it to bind to membranes where it oligomerizes to form pores. Figure 2. Expression of mutant LLO proteins by Coomassie staining (A) and Western blot (B). Figure 3. Hemolytic activity of mutant LLO (mutLLO and ctLLO) proteins at pH 5.5 (A) and 7.4 (B). Figure 4. The ability of detox rLLO+rE7 chemically conjugated and rLLO + rE7 mixed together to impact on TC-1 growth. Figure 5. The ability of rE7 and rLLO protein to impact on TC-1 growth. Figure 6. The ability of recombinant detoxified LLOE7 (rDTLLO-E7; whole sequence) and rDTLLO-E7 (chimera) to impact on TC-1 growth. Figure 7. TC-1 tumor regression after immunization with rE7, rLLO, rLLO+E7 and rDTLLO-E7. Figure 8. TC-1 tumor regression after immunization with rDTLLO-chimera. Figure 9. TC-1 tumor regression after immunization with rE7, rDTLLO, rDTLLO+rE7, and rDTLLO-E7. Figure 10. TC-1 tumor regression immunized with ActA-E7 and E7 protein. Figure 11. TC-1 tumor regression immunized with ActA+E7 and E7 protein. Figure 12. TC-1 tumor regression immunized with ActA and E7 protein. Figure 13. DetoxLLO Induces Cytokine mRNA expression by Bone Marrow (BM) Macrophages. 8e5 Day 7 BMDCs were thawed overnight at 37°C in RF10 media. Next, BMDCs were centrifugated and resuspended in 1mL of fresh RF10 at 37°C for 1hr. BMDCs were treated w / 40mcg / mL of LLOE7 and molar equivalents of E7 and LLO (or with PBS as negative control or 1mcg / mL LPS as positive control). After 2 and 24hrs, cells were collected by centrifugation and media saved for ELISA. RNA was extracted from cells and converted to cDNA. cDNA was then subjected to qPCR analysis with primers for various cytokines. Figure 14. Detox LLO Induces Cytokine Secretion by BM Macrophages. Same treatment protocol as described for Figure 13, except media was subjected to ELISA analysis after treatments. Figure 15. Detox LLO Upregulates DC Maturation Markers CD86, CD40, and MHCII in the LLO, LLO+E7 and LLOE7 groups. Figure 16. Nuclear translocation of NFkappaB after stimulation with Dt-LLO. J774 macrophage cell line used as model system for antigen presenting cells (APCs). 5 x 10^ 5 cells per well (6 well dish) were plated in a total volume 1ml. Cells were stained with anti-NF-KB (P65) - FITC (green fluorescence) and DAPI for nucleus (blue fluorescence). In B, D, and F, cells were also stained after 24 hours with anti-CD11B-PE (M1 / 170, eBioscence). The fluorescent micrograph is shown at 40X magnification. NF-kappaB is located in the cytoplasm after treatment of cells with media alone (no activation) (A). Media-treated cells demonstrate weak Cd11b staining (B). After overnight (24hr) stimulation with Dt-LLO (30mcg), NFkappaB moved out of the cytoplasm into the nucleus (C) and there is an increase in CD11b staining (D). Similarly, after overnight stimulation (24 hr) with LPS (10mcg / ml, positive control), NFkappaB was translocated to the nucleus (E), which is more discernible with the halo made by the increased CD11b+ staining of the plasma membrane (F). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present invention provides a composition comprising a mixture of (a) recombinant protein comprising a listeriolysin O (LLO) protein, wherein the LLO protein comprises a mutation within the cholesterol-binding domain (CBD) thereof (SEQ ID NO: 18), wherein said mutation consists of the substitution of all the amino acid residues at positions 2, 9 and 10 of SEQ ID NO: 18, and wherein the recombinant protein exhibits a greater than 100-fold reduction in hemolytic activity relative to a wild-type LLO protein; and (b) a Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) E7 protein.

[0015] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a recombinant protein or polypeptide comprising a listeriolysin O (LLO) protein, wherein said LLO protein comprises a substitution mutation of residues C484, W491 and W492 of the cholesterol-binding domain (CBD) of said LLO protein. In one embodiment, said C484, W491, and W492 residues are residues C484, W491, and W492 of SEQ ID NO: 37, while in another embodiment, they are corresponding residues as can be deduced using sequence alignments.

[0016] In one embodiment, the LLO protein in the compositions of the present invention is an N-terminal LLO fragment, which is at least 492 amino acids (AA) long. In another embodiment, the LLO fragment is 492-528 AA long.

[0017] In one embodiment, the non-LLO polypeptide is the same length as the mutated region. In another embodiment, the non-LLO polypeptide is shorter, or in another embodiment, longer, than the mutated region.

[0018] In one embodiment, the substitution in the LLO protein is an inactivating mutation with respect to hemolytic activity.

[0019] A recombinant LLO peptide for use in the compositions of the present invention exhibits a greater than 100-fold reduction in hemolytic activity relative to wild-type LLO protein. In another embodiment, the recombinant LLO peptide is non-hemolytic.

[0020] As disclosed herein, a mutant LLO protein was created wherein residues C484, W491, and W492 of LLO were substituted with alanine residues (Example 1). The mutated LLO protein, mutLLO, could be expressed and purified in an E. coli expression system (Example 3) and exhibited substantially reduced hemolytic activity relative to wild-type LLO (Example 4).

[0021] In another embodiment, the recombinant LLO protein is not covalently bound to the HPV E7 protein.

[0022] As described herein, residues C484, W491, and W492, each of which is a fragment of the CBD, were mutated to alanine residues (Example 1). Further, as disclosed herein, a fragment of the CBD, residues 484-492, was replaced with a heterologous sequence from NY-ESO-1 (Example 2).

[0023] When referring to the length of an LLO fragment herein, the signal sequence is included. Thus, the numbering of the first cysteine in the CBD is 484, and the total number of AA residues is 529.

[0024] As disclosed herein, a mutant LLO protein was created wherein residues C484, W491, and W492 of LLO were substituted with a CTL epitope from the antigen NY-ESO-1 (Example 2). The mutated LLO protein, mutLLO, could be expressed and purified in an E. coli expression system (Example 3) and exhibited substantially reduced hemolytic activity relative to wild-type LLO (Example 4).

[0025] "Hemolytic" refers, in another embodiment, to ability to lyse a eukaryotic cell. In another embodiment, the eukaryotic cell is a red blood cell. In another embodiment, the eukaryotic cell is any other type of eukaryotic cell known in the art. In another embodiment, hemolytic activity is measured at an acidic pH. In another embodiment, hemolytic activity is measured at physiologic pH. In another embodiment, hemolytic activity is measured at pH 5.5. In another embodiment, hemolytic activity is measured at pH 7.4. In another embodiment, hemolytic activity is measured at any other pH known in the art.

[0026] In the present invention, the recombinant LLO protein exhibits a greater than 100-fold reduction in hemolytic activity relative to wild-type LLO. In another embodiment, the reduction is greater than 120-fold. In another embodiment, the reduction is greater than 150-fold. In another embodiment, the reduction is greater than 200-fold. In another embodiment, the reduction is greater than 250-fold. In another embodiment, the reduction is greater than 300-fold. In another embodiment, the reduction is greater than 400-fold. In another embodiment, the reduction is greater than 500-fold. In another embodiment, the reduction is greater than 600-fold. In another embodiment, the reduction is greater than 800-fold. In another embodiment, the reduction is greater than 1000-fold. In another embodiment, the reduction is greater than 1200-fold. In another embodiment, the reduction is greater than 1500-fold. In another embodiment, the reduction is greater than 2000-fold. In another embodiment, the reduction is greater than 3000-fold. In another embodiment, the reduction is greater than 5000-fold.

[0027] In another embodiment, the reduction in hemolytic activity relative to wild-type LLO is at least 120-fold. In another embodiment, the reduction is at least 150-fold. In another embodiment, the reduction is at least 200-fold. In another embodiment, the reduction is at least 250-fold. In another embodiment, the reduction is at least 300-fold. In another embodiment, the reduction is at least 400-fold. In another embodiment, the reduction is at least 500-fold. In another embodiment, the reduction is at least 600-fold. In another embodiment, the reduction is at least 800-fold. In another embodiment, the reduction is at least 1000-fold. In another embodiment, the reduction is at least 1200-fold. In another embodiment, the reduction is at least 1500-fold. In another embodiment, the reduction is at least 2000-fold. In another embodiment, the reduction is at least 3000-fold. In another embodiment, the reduction is at least 5000-fold.

[0028] Methods of determining hemolytic activity are well known in the art, and are described, for example, in the Examples herein, and in Portnoy DA et al, (J Exp Med Vol 167:1459-1471, 1988) and Dancz CE et al (J Bacteriol. 184: 5935-5945, 2002).

[0029] "Inactivating mutation" with respect to hemolytic activity refers, in another embodiment, to a mutation that abolishes detectable hemolytic activity. In another embodiment, the term refers to a mutation that abolishes hemolytic activity at pH 5.5. In another embodiment, the term refers to a mutation that abolishes hemolytic activity at pH 7.4. In another embodiment, the term refers to a mutation that significantly reduces hemolytic activity at pH 5.5. In another embodiment, the term refers to a mutation that significantly reduces hemolytic activity at pH 7.4. In another embodiment, the term refers to a mutation that significantly reduces hemolytic activity at pH 5.5. In another embodiment, the term refers to any other type of inactivating mutation with respect to hemolytic activity.

[0030] The sequence of the cholesterol-binding domain of LLO is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 18.

[0031] In an embodiment, the mutated LLO protein comprises the signal peptide thereof. In another embodiment, the mutated LLO protein or fragment thereof comprises a signal peptide of a wild-type LLO protein. In another embodiment, the signal peptide is a short (3-60 amino acid long) peptide chain that directs the post-translational transport of a protein. In another embodiment, signal peptides are also targeting signals, signal sequences, transit peptides, or localization signals. In another embodiment, the amino acid sequences of signal peptides direct proteins to certain organelles such as the nucleus, mitochondrial matrix, endoplasmic reticulum, chloroplast, apoplast or peroxisome. In another embodiment, the mutated LLO protein contains a signal sequence of a wild-type LLO protein. In another embodiment, the mutated LLO protein lacks a signal peptide. In another embodiment, the mutated LLO protein lacks a signal sequence. In another embodiment, the signal peptide is unaltered with respect to the wild-type LLO protein from which the mutated LLO protein or fragment thereof was derived. In another embodiment, the signal peptide is on N-terminal end of recombinant protein or polypeptide.

[0032] In another embodiment, the mutated LLO protein comprises a PEST-like peptide sequence. In another embodiment, the PEST-like peptide sequence is an LLO PEST-like peptide sequence. In another embodiment, the amino acid sequence of the PEST-like peptide sequence is forth in SEQ ID NO: 63.

[0033] PEST sequences are sequences that are rich in prolines (P), glutamic acids (E), serines (S) and threonines (T), generally, but not always, flanked by clusters containing several positively charged amino acids, have rapid intracellular half-lives (Rogers et al., 1986, Science 234:364-369). PEST sequences target the protein to the ubiquitin-proteosome pathway for degradation (Rechsteiner and Rogers TIBS 1996 21:267-271), which is a pathway also used by eukaryotic cells to generate immunogenic peptides that bind to MHC class I. PEST sequences are abundant among eukaryotic proteins that give rise to immunogenic peptides (Realini et al. FEBS Lett. 1994 348:109-113). Although PEST sequences are usually found in eukaryotic proteins, a PEST-like sequence rich in the amino acids proline (P), glutamic acid (E), serine (S) and threonine (T) was identified at the amino terminus of the prokaryotic Listeria LLO protein and demonstrated to be essential for L. monocytogenes pathogenicity (Decatur, A. L. and Portnoy, D. A. Science 2000 290:992-995). The presence of this PEST-like sequence in LLO targets the protein for destruction by proteolytic machinery of the host cell so that once the LLO has served its function and facilitated the escape of L. monocytogenes from the phagolysosomal vacuole, it is destroyed before it damages the cells.

[0034] Identification of PEST-like sequences is well known in the art, and is described, for example in Rogers S et al (Amino acid sequences common to rapidly degraded proteins: the PEST hypothesis. Science 1986; 234(4774):364-8) and Rechsteiner M et al (PEST sequences and regulation by proteolysis. Trends Biochem Sci 1996; 21(7):267-71). "PEST-like sequence" refers, in another embodiment, to a region rich in proline (P), glutamic acid (E), serine (S), and threonine (T) residues. In another embodiment, the PEST-like sequence is flanked by one or more clusters containing several positively charged amino acids. In another embodiment, the PEST-like sequence mediates rapid intracellular degradation of proteins containing it. In another embodiment, the PEST-like sequence fits an algorithm disclosed in Rogers et al. In another embodiment, the PEST-like sequence fits an algorithm disclosed in Rechsteiner et al. In another embodiment, the PEST-like sequence contains one or more internal phosphorylation sites, and phosphorylation at these sites precedes protein degradation.

[0035] In one embodiment, PEST-like sequences of prokaryotic organisms are identified in accordance with methods such as described by, for example Rechsteiner and Rogers (1996, Trends Biochem. Sci. 21:267-271) for LM and in Rogers S et al (Science 1986; 234(4774):364-8). Alternatively, PEST-like AA sequences from other prokaryotic organisms can also be identified based on this method. Other prokaryotic organisms wherein PEST-like AA sequences would be expected to include, other Listeria species. In one embodiment, the PEST-like sequence fits an algorithm disclosed in Rogers et al. In another embodiment, the PEST-like sequence fits an algorithm disclosed in Rechsteiner et al. In another embodiment, the PEST-like sequence is identified using the PEST-find program.

[0036] In another embodiment, identification of PEST motifs is achieved by an initial scan for positively charged AA R, H, and K within the specified protein sequence. All AA between the positively charged flanks are counted and only those motifs are considered further, which contain a number of AA equal to or higher than the window-size parameter. In another embodiment, a PEST-like sequence must contain at least 1 P, 1 D or E, and at least 1 S or T.

[0037] In another embodiment, the quality of a PEST motif is refined by means of a scoring parameter based on the local enrichment of critical AA as well as the motif's hydrophobicity. Enrichment of D, E, P, S and T is expressed in mass percent (w / w) and corrected for 1 equivalent of D or E, 1 of P and 1 of S or T. In another embodiment, calculation of hydrophobicity follows in principle the method of J. Kyte and R.F. Doolittle (Kyte, J and Doolittle, RF. J. Mol. Biol. 157, 105 (1982). For simplified calculations, Kyte-Doolittle hydropathy indices, which originally ranged from -4.5 for arginine to +4.5 for isoleucine, are converted to positive integers, using the following linear transformation, which yielded values from 0 for arginine to 90 for isoleucine.

[0038] Hydropathy index = 10 * Kyte - Doolittle hydropathy index + 45 .

[0039] In another embodiment, a potential PEST motif's hydrophobicity is calculated as the sum over the products of mole percent and hydrophobicity index for each AA species. The desired PEST score is obtained as combination of local enrichment term and hydrophobicity term as expressed by the following equation: PEST score = 0.55 * DEPST − 0.5 * hydrophobicity index .

[0040] In another embodiment, "PEST sequence," "PEST-like sequence" or "PEST-like sequence peptide" refers to a peptide having a score of at least +5, using the above algorithm. In another embodiment, the term refers to a peptide having a score of at least 6. In another embodiment, the peptide has a score of at least 7. In another embodiment, the score is at least 8. In another embodiment, the score is at least 9. In another embodiment, the score is at least 10. In another embodiment, the score is at least 11. In another embodiment, the score is at least 12. In another embodiment, the score is at least 13. In another embodiment, the score is at least 14. In another embodiment, the score is at least 15. In another embodiment, the score is at least 16. In another embodiment, the score is at least 17. In another embodiment, the score is at least 18. In another embodiment, the score is at least 19. In another embodiment, the score is at least 20. In another embodiment, the score is at least 21. In another embodiment, the score is at least 22. In another embodiment, the score is at least 22. In another embodiment, the score is at least 24. In another embodiment, the score is at least 24. In another embodiment, the score is at least 25. In another embodiment, the score is at least 26. In another embodiment, the score is at least 27. In another embodiment, the score is at least 28. In another embodiment, the score is at least 29. In another embodiment, the score is at least 30. In another embodiment, the score is at least 32. In another embodiment, the score is at least 35. In another embodiment, the score is at least 38. In another embodiment, the score is at least 40. In another embodiment, the score is at least 45.

[0041] In another embodiment, the PEST-like sequence is identified using any other method or algorithm known in the art, e.g the CaSPredictor (Garay-Malpartida HM, Occhiucci JM, Alves J, Belizario JE. Bioinformatics. 2005 Jun;21 Suppl 1:i169-76). In another embodiment, the following method is used:

[0042] A PEST index is calculated for each stretch of appropriate length (e.g. a 30-35 AA stretch) by assigning a value of 1 to the AA Ser, Thr, Pro, Glu, Asp, Asn, or Gln. The coefficient value (CV) for each of the PEST residue is 1 and for each of the other AA (non-PEST) is 0.

[0043] The observed enhanced cell mediated immunity and anti-tumor immunity of the fusion protein results from the PEST-like sequence present in LLO which targets the antigen for processing.

[0044] The present invention provides a vaccine composition comprising the composition of the present invention and an adjuvant, wherein the adjuvant comprises a granulocyte / macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) protein, a nucleotide molecule encoding a GM-CSF protein, saponin QS21, monophosphoryl lipid A, or an unmethylated CpG-containing oligonucleotide.

[0045] Also disclosed is a recombinant Listeria strain comprising, encoding and expressing a recombinant protein of the present invention. In another embodiment, the recombinant Listeria strain comprises a recombinant nucleotide encoding a recombinant polypeptide of the present invention. In another embodiment, the Listeria vaccine strain is the species Listeria monocytogenes (LM).

[0046] The adjuvant utilized in vaccine compositions of the present invention is, in another embodiment, a granulocyte / macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) protein. In another embodiment, the adjuvant comprises a GM-CSF protein. In another embodiment, the adjuvant is saponin QS21. In another embodiment, the adjuvant comprises saponin QS21. In another embodiment, the adjuvant is monophosphoryl lipid A. In another embodiment, the adjuvant comprises monophosphoryl lipid A. In another embodiment, the adjuvant is an unmethylated CpG-containing oligonucleotide. In another embodiment, the adjuvant comprises an unmethylated CpG-containing oligonucleotide.

[0047] The compositions of the present invention may be administered to a subject having a lymphoma, cancer cell, or infectious disease expressing HPV E7. In another embodiment, the compositions may be administered ex vivo to cells of a subject. In another embodiment, the compositions may be administered to a lymphocyte donor; lymphocytes from the donor are then administered, in another embodiment, to a subject. In another embodiment, the compositions may be administered to an antibody or lymphocyte donor; antiserum or lymphocytes from the donor is then administered, in another embodiment, to a subject.

[0048] Also disclosed herein is a method of producing a recombinant protein of the present invention comprising the step of chemically conjugating a peptide comprising said mutated LLO protein or mutated N-terminal LLO fragment to a peptide comprising said HPV E7 heterologous peptide of interest. Also disclosed herein is a method of producing a recombinant protein of the present invention comprising the step of translating said recombinant protein from a nucleotide molecule encoding the same.

[0049] The antigenic peptide used in the present invention is a Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) E7 protein. In an embodiment, the antigenic peptide is a whole E7 protein. In another embodiment, the antigenic peptide is a fragment of an E7 protein.

[0050] Proteins E6 and E7 are two of seven early non-structural proteins, some of which play a role in virus replication (E1, E2, E4) and / or in virus maturation (E4). Proteins E6 and E7 are oncoproteins that are critical for viral replication, as well as for host cell immortalization and transformation. Proteins E6 and E7 viral proteins are not expressed in normal cervical squamous epithelia. The expression of the E6 and E7 genes in epithelial stem cells of the mucosa is required to initiate and maintain cervical carcinogenesis. Further, the progression of pre-neoplastic lesions to invasive cervical cancers is associated with a continuous enhanced expression of the E6 and E7 oncoprotein. Thus, E6 and E7 are expressed in cervical cancers. The oncogenic potential of E6 and E7 may arise from their binding properties to host cell proteins. For example, E6 binds to the tumor-suppressor protein p53 leading to ubiquitin-dependent degradation of the protein, and E7 binds and promotes degradation of the tumor-suppressor retinoblastoma protein (pRb). Therefore, the compositions of the present invention comprising HPV-E7 are particularly useful in the prevention or treatment of the above-mentioned cancers.

[0051] As disclosed herein, administering the recombinant protein to a subject induces an immune response against an HPV E7 epitope in the subject.

[0052] In one embodiment, an HPV E7 epitope for use in the compositions of the present invention is TLHEYMLDL: 7-15 (B8), YMLDLQPETT: 11-20 (A2), LLMGTLGIV: 82-90 (A2), TLGIVCPI: 86-93 (A2), or another HPV E7 epitope known in the art.

[0053] The present invention may be useful for inducing an immune response in a subject against an HPV E7 antigen by administering to the subject an HPV-E7 containing recombinant protein of the present invention, thereby inducing an immune response against an HPV E7 antigen.

[0054] The present invention may be useful for inducing an immune response in a subject against an HPV E7-expressing target cell by administering to the subject an HPV-E7 containing recombinant protein of the present invention, thereby inducing an immune response against an HPV E7-expressing target cell.

[0055] The present invention may be useful for inducing an immune response in a subject against an HPV E7-expressing target cell by administering to the subject a vaccine vector encoding an HPV E7-containing recombinant protein of the present invention, thereby inducing an immune response against an HPV E7-expressing target cell.

[0056] In one embodiment, the target cell is a cervical cancer cell. In another embodiment, the target cell is a head-and-neck cancer cell. In another embodiment, the target cell is any other type of HPV E7-expressing cell known in the art.

[0057] The present invention provides the composition or a vaccine of the present invention for use as a medicament. The present invention also provides the composition or a vaccine for use in preventing or treating HPV infection in a subject. The present invention provides the composition or a vaccine for use in treating, inhibiting, suppressing, inducing the regression of, reducing the incidence of, or protecting against an HPV-E7 expressing tumor in a subject. In an embodiment, the HPV E7-expressing tumor is a cervical tumor or a head-and-neck tumor.

[0058] In one embodiment, the tumor is a cervical tumor. In another embodiment, the tumor is a head-and-neck tumor. In another embodiment, the tumor is any other type of HPV E7-expressing tumor known in the art.

[0059] The cervical tumor targeted by the compositions of the present invention is, in another embodiment, a squamous cell carcinoma. In another embodiment, the cervical tumor is an adenocarcinoma. In another embodiment, the cervical tumor is an adenosquamous carcinoma. In another embodiment, the cervical tumor is a small cell carcinoma. In another embodiment, the cervical tumor is any other type of cervical tumor known in the art.

[0060] In one embodiment, the tumor targeted by the compositions of the present invention is a head and neck carcinoma. In another embodiment, the tumor is an anal carcinoma. In another embodiment, the tumor is a vulvar carcinoma. In another embodiment, the tumor is a vaginal carcinoma.

[0061] In one embodiment, the compositions provided herein may be used in conjunction with other routes of treating, inhibiting, or suppressing cervical cancer, including, inter alia, surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surveillance, adjuvant (additional), or a combination of these treatments.

[0062] The E7 protein that is utilized (either whole or as the source of the fragments) in the present invention has, in another embodiment, the sequence: MHGDTPTLHEYMLDLQPETTDLYCYEQLNDSSEEEDEIDGPAGQAEPDRAH YNIVTFCCKCDSTLRLCVQSTHVDIRTLEDLLMGTLGIVCPICSQKP (SEQ ID NO: 17). In another embodiment, the E7 protein is a homologue of SEQ ID NO: 17. In another embodiment, the E7 protein is a variant of SEQ ID NO: 17. In another embodiment, the E7 protein is an isomer of SEQ ID NO: 17. In another embodiment, the E7 protein is a fragment of SEQ ID NO: 17. In another embodiment, the E7 protein is a fragment of a homologue of SEQ ID NO: 17. In another embodiment, the E7 protein is a fragment of a variant of SEQ ID NO: 17. In another embodiment, the E7 protein is a fragment of an isomer of SEQ ID NO: 17.

[0063] In one embodiment, the cholesterol binding domain of LLO (ECTGLAWEWWR; SEQ ID NO: 18) is substituted with an E7 epitope (RAHYNIVTF; SEQ ID NO: 19).

[0064] In another embodiment, the sequence of the E7 protein is: MHGPKATLQDIVLHLEPQNEIPVDLLCHEQLSDSEEENDEIDGVNHQHLPARRAE PQRHTMLCMCCKCEARIELVVESSADDLRAFQQLFLNTLSFVCPWCASQQ (SEQ ID NO: 20). In another embodiment, the E7 protein is a homologue of SEQ ID NO: 20. In another embodiment, the E7 protein is a variant of SEQ ID NO: 20. In another embodiment, the E7 protein is an isomer of SEQ ID NO: 20. In another embodiment, the E7 protein is a fragment of SEQ ID NO: 20. In another embodiment, the E7 protein is a fragment of a homologue of SEQ ID NO: 20. In another embodiment, the E7 protein is a fragment of a variant of SEQ ID NO: 20. In another embodiment, the E7 protein is a fragment of an isomer of SEQ ID NO: 20.

[0065] In another embodiment, the E7 protein has a sequence set forth in one of the following GenBank entries: M24215, NC_004500, V01116, X62843, or M14119. In another embodiment, the E7 protein is a homologue of a sequence from one of the above GenBank entries. In another embodiment, the E7 protein is a variant of a sequence from one of the above GenBank entries. In another embodiment, the E7 protein is an isomer of a sequence from one of the above GenBank entries. In another embodiment, the E7 protein is a fragment of a sequence from one of the above GenBank entries. In another embodiment, the E7 protein is a fragment of a homologue of a sequence from one of the above GenBank entries. In another embodiment, the E7 protein is a fragment of a variant of a sequence from one of the above GenBank entries. In another embodiment, the E7 protein is a fragment of an isomer of a sequence from one of the above GenBank entries.

[0066] In one embodiment, the HPV16 E7 antigen is a peptide having the sequence: TLGIVCPI (SEQ ID NO: 21). In another embodiment, the HPV16 E7 antigen is a peptide having the sequence: LLMGTLGIV (SEQ ID NO: 22). In another embodiment, the HPV16 E7 antigen is a peptide having the sequence: YMLDLQPETT (SEQ ID NO: 23). In one embodiment, the HPV16 E7 antigen is a peptide comprising positions 86-93 of the wild-type HPV16 E7 antigen. In one embodiment, the HPV16 E7 antigen is a peptide comprising positions 82-90 of the wild-type HPV16 E7 antigen. In one embodiment, the HPV16 E7 antigen is a peptide comprising positions 11-20 of the wild-type HPV16 E7 antigen. In another embodiment, the HPV16 E7 antigen is a peptide consisting of positions 86-93, 82-90, or 11-20 of the wild-type HPV16 E7 antigen. In another embodiment, the HPV16 E7 antigen is a variant of a wild-type HPV16 E7 peptide. In another embodiment, the HPV16 E7 antigen is any HPV16 E7 antigen described in Ressing at al., J Immunol 1995 154(11):5934-43.

[0067] The HPV that is the source of the heterologous antigen of the present invention may be an HPV 16. In another embodiment, the HPV is an HPV-18. In another embodiment, the HPV is selected from HPV-16 and HPV-18. In another embodiment, the HPV is an HPV-31. In another embodiment, the HPV is an HPV-35. In another embodiment, the HPV is an HPV-39. In another embodiment, the HPV is an HPV-45. In another embodiment, the HPV is an HPV-51. In another embodiment, the HPV is an HPV-52. In another embodiment, the HPV is an HPV-58. In another embodiment, the HPV is a high-risk HPV type. In another embodiment, the HPV is a mucosal HPV type.

[0068] A major etiological factor in the genesis of cervical carcinoma is the infection by human papillomaviruses (HPVs), which are small DNA viruses that infect epithelial cells of either the skin or mucosa. HPV related malignancies include oral, cervical, anogenital, and cervical cancers as well as respiratory papillomatosis. HPV expresses six or seven non-structural proteins and two structural proteins, each of which may serve as a target in the immunoprophylactic or immunotherapeutic approaches described herein. The viral capsid proteins L1 and L2 are late structural proteins. L1 is the major capsid protein, the amino acid sequence of which is highly conserved among different HPV types.

[0069] As disclosed in the Experimental Details section herein, fusion of LLO to an antigen increases its immunogenicity. In addition, administration of such fusion proteins results in protection against tumor challenge.

[0070] Moreover, as disclosed herein, the present application describes a conformationally intact fusion protein comprising an LLO protein and a BCR idiotype, describes accurate and effective methodologies for testing anti-lymphoma vaccines in mouse and animal models, and has shown the efficacy of the vaccines in protecting against lymphoma and their superiority over currently accepted anti-lymphoma vaccines (Experimental Details section).

[0071] In one embodiment, a vaccine composition of the present invention is a composition that upon administration stimulates antibody production or cellular immunity against an HPV E7 antigen.

[0072] In one embodiment, vaccines comprise natural or genetically engineered antigens. In one embodiment, effective vaccines stimulate the immune system to promote the development of antibodies that can quickly and effectively attack cells, microorganisms or viruses that produce the antigen against which the subject was vaccination, when they are produced in the subject, thereby preventing disease development.

[0073] In one embodiment, a vaccine composition of the present invention is prophylactic, while in another embodiment, a vaccine composition of the present invention is therapeutic. In one embodiment, a prophylactic vaccine composition is administered to a population that is susceptible to developing or contracting a particular disease or condition, whether via environmental exposure or genetic predisposition. Such susceptibility factors are disease-dependent and are well-known to those of skill in the art. For example, the population comprising smokers (in one embodiment, cigarette, cigar, pipe, etc) is known in the art to be susceptible to developing lung cancer. The population comprising a mutation in BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 is known in the art to be susceptible to breast and / or ovarian cancer. The population comprising particular single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in chromosome 15 inside a region that contains genes for the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor alpha subunits 3 and 5 is known in the art to be susceptible to lung cancer. Other similar susceptibility factors are known in the art, and such susceptible populations are envisioned in one embodiment, to be a population for which a prophylactic vaccine of the instant invention would be most useful.

[0074] "Tolerance" refers, in another embodiment, to a lack of responsiveness of the host to an antigen. In another embodiment, the term refers to a lack of detectable responsiveness of the host to an antigen. In another embodiment, the term refers to a lack of immunogenicity of an antigen in a host. In another embodiment, tolerance is measured by lack of responsiveness in an in vitro CTL killing assay. In another embodiment, tolerance is measured by lack of responsiveness in a delayed-type hypersensitivity assay. In another embodiment, tolerance is measured by lack of responsiveness in any other suitable assay known in the art. In another embodiment, tolerance is determined or measured as depicted in the Examples herein.

[0075] "Overcome" refers, in another embodiment, to a reversal of tolerance by a vaccine. In another embodiment, the term refers to conferment of detectable immune response by a vaccine. In another embodiment, overcoming of immune tolerance is determined or measured as depicted in the Examples herein.

[0076] The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) E7 protein utilized in the present invention is, in another embodiment, an antigenic protein. In another embodiment, the E7 protein is a fragment of an antigenic protein. In another embodiment, the E7 protein is an immunogenic peptide derived from a tumor. In another embodiment, the E7 protein is an immunogenic peptide derived from a metastasis. In another embodiment, the E7 protein is an immunogenic peptide derived from cancerous cells. In another embodiment, the E7 protein is a pro-angiogenesis immunogenic peptide.

[0077] In one embodiment, the Human Papilloma Virus-E7 (HPV-E7) antigen, is from HPV16 (in one embodiment, GenBank Accession No. AAD33253) and in another embodiment, from HPV18 (in one embodiment, GenBank Accession No. P06788).

[0078] The HPV E7 antigen may be one of the following tumor antigens: HPV 16 / 18 and E7 antigens associated with cervical cancers.. Thus, the compositions of the present invention can be used as immunotherapeutics for cancers including cervical, breast, colorectal, prostate, lung cancers, and for melanomas.

[0079] Methods of evaluating the production of an immune response by a subject to an antigen are known in the art, and in one embodiment, are described hereinbelow in the Examples section.

[0080] The LLO protein utilized to construct vaccine compositions of the present invention has, in another embodiment, the sequence: MKKIMLVFITLILVSLPIAQQTEAKDASAFNKENSISSMAPPASPPASPKTPIEKKH ADEIDKYIQGLDYNKNNVLVYHGDAVTNVPPRKGYKDGNEYIVVEKKKKSINQNNADI QVVNAISSLTYPGALVKANSELVENQPDVLPVKRDSLTLSIDLPGMTNQDNKIVVKNAT KSNVNNAVNTLVERWNEKYAQAYPNVSAKIDYDDEMAYSESQLIAKFGTAFKAVNNS LNVNFGAISEGKMQEEVISFKQIYYNVNVNEPTRPSRFFGKAVTKEQLQALGVNAENPP AYISSVAYGRQVYLKLSTNSHSTKVKAAFDAAVSGKSVSGDVELTNIIKNSSFKAVIYGG SAKDEVQIIDGNLGDLRDILKKGATFNRETPGVPIAYTTNFLKDNELAVIKNNSEYIETTS KAYTDGKINIDHSGGYVAQFNISWDEVNYDPEGNEIVQHKNWSENNKSKLAHFTSSIYL PGNARNINVYAKECTGLAWEWWRTVIDDRNLPLVKNRNISIWGTTLYPKYSNKVDNPIE (GenBank Accession No. P13128; SEQ ID NO: 37; nucleic acid sequence is set forth in GenBank Accession No. X15127). The first 25 AA of the proprotein corresponding to this sequence are the signal sequence and are cleaved from LLO when it is secreted by the bacterium. Thus, in this embodiment, the full-length active LLO protein is 504 residues long. In another embodiment, the LLO protein is a homologue, variant, or fragment of SEQ ID NO: 37, a fragment of a homologue of SEQ ID NO: 37 or a fragment of a variant of SEQ ID NO: 37. In another embodiment, the LLO protein utilized to construct vaccines and compositions of the present invention has the sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 46 (Example 1 hereinbelow). In another embodiment, the LLO protein is a variant or fragment of SEQ ID NO: 46, or a fragment of a homologue of SEQ ID NO: 46 or of a variant of SEQ ID NO: 46.

[0081] In another embodiment, the LLO protein utilized to construct vaccine compositions and compositions as provided herein is a detoxified LLO (DTLLO). In another embodiment, the DTLLO is a fragment of the full protein thereof. In an embodiment, LLO is detoxified by deleting the signal sequence portion of LLO.

[0082] The cholesterol binding region or cholesterol binding domain is known as for LLO or may be deduced using methods known in the Art (reviewed in Alouf, Int J Med Microbiol. 2000 Oct;290(4-5):351-6), including site-directed mutagenesis followed by a cholesterol binding assay or sequence conservation of proteins with similar cholesterol-binding functions.

[0083] As used herein, ctLLO is full length LLO in which the CBD has been replaced by an antigen peptide or epitope thereof. As used herein, mutLLO is one in which the CBD has been mutated, for example the mutLLO is one in which the amino acids in the CBD have been mutated, e.g. by a point mutation, a deletion, an inversion, a substitution, or a combination thereof. The mutated LLO protein may comprise any combination of deletions, substitutions, or point mutations in the CBD and / or deletions of the signal sequence of LLO. In another embodiment, mutating the CBD reduces the hemolytic activity of LLO. In another embodiment, the CBD is replaced by known HLA class I restricted epitopes to be used as a vaccine. In another embodiment, the mutated LLO is expressed and purified from E. coli expression systems.

[0084] As used herein, "detox LLO" or "DTLLO" refer to an LLO as described herein with point mutations in the cholesterol binding domain.

[0085] As used herein, "LLO fragment" or "ΔLLO" refers to a fragment of LLO that comprises the PEST-like domain thereof. In another embodiment, the terms refer to an LLO fragment that comprises a PEST sequence.

[0086] In another embodiment, the recombinant protein further comprises a detectable tag polypeptide. In another embodiment, a detectable tag polypeptide is not included. In other embodiments, the tag polypeptide is green fluorescent protein (GFP), myc, myc-pyruvate kinase (myc-PK), His 6 , maltose binding protein (MBP), an influenza virus hemagglutinin tag polypeptide, a flag tag polypeptide (FLAG), and a glutathione-S-transferase (GST) tag polypeptide. However, the invention should in no way be construed to be limited to the nucleic acids encoding the above-listed tag polypeptides. In another embodiment, the present invention utilizes any nucleic acid sequence encoding a polypeptide which functions in a manner substantially similar to these tag polypeptides.

[0087] As disclosed herein, the present application provides a method for enhancing the immunogenicity of an antigen, comprising fusing an LLO protein or fragment thereof to the antigen. As demonstrated by the data disclosed herein, fusing a mutated LLO protein to an antigen enhances the immunogenicity of the antigen.

[0088] In another disclosed embodiment, a PEST-like AA sequence is contained in an LLO fusion protein. As disclosed herein, enhanced cell mediated immunity was demonstrated for fusion proteins comprising an antigen and LLO containing the PEST-like AA sequence KENSISSMAPPASPPASPKTPIEKKHADEIDK (SEQ ID NO: 63). As disclosed herein, fusion of an antigen to a non-hemolytic LLO including the PEST-like AA sequence, SEQ ID NO: 1, can enhance cell mediated and anti-tumor immunity of the antigen.

[0089] A non-hemolytic LLO protein or fragment thereof need not be that which is set forth exactly in the sequences set forth herein, but rather that other alterations, modifications, or changes can be made that retain the functional characteristics of an LLO fused to an antigen as set forth elsewhere herein. In another embodiment, the present invention utilizes an analog of an LLO protein or fragment thereof. Analogs differ, in another embodiment, from naturally occurring proteins or peptides by conservative AA sequence differences or by modifications that do not affect sequence, or by both.

[0090] The present application discloses a composition or method in which cytokine expression is increased (see for e.g., Example 9). In one option, the cytokine is TNF-alpha, while in another option, the cytokine is IL-12, while in another option, the cytokine is ISG15, while in another option, the cytokine is a different cytokine known in the art. In one option, the increase may be in cytokine mRNA expression, while in another option, it may be in cytokine secretion, while in another option, the increase may be in both mRNA expression and secretion of cytokines. In another option, compositions and methods disclosed herein may increase dendritic cell maturation markers, which in one option, is CD86, in another option, CD40, and in another option MHCII, in another option, another dendritic cell maturation marker known in the art, or, in another option, a combination thereof (see for e.g., Example 10). In another option, compositions and methods disclosed herein may cause nuclear translocation of transcription factors, which in one option, is NF-kappa-B (see for e.g. Example 11), or in another option, is a different transcription factor known in the art. In another option, compositions and methods disclosed herein may cause upregulation of cell surface markers, which in one option, may be CD11b, which in one option is Integrin-alpha M (ITGAM); cluster of differentiation molecule 11B; complement receptor 3A (CR3A); or macrophage 1 antigen (MAC-1)A. In another option, a different cell surface marker expressed by immune cells, may be upregulated as would be understood by a skilled artisan.

[0091] It is to be understood that, in one embodiment, a component of the compositions of the present invention, such as in one embodiment, an LLO sequence, a cholesterol binding domain sequence, or an E7 sequence, may have homology to a specific sequence described herein. In one embodiment, "homology" refers to an identity of greater than 70%. In another embodiment, "homology" refers to an identity of greater than 72%. In another embodiment, "homology" refers to an identity of greater than 75%. In another embodiment, "homology" refers to an identity of greater than 78%. In another embodiment, "homology" refers to an identity of greater than 80%. In another embodiment, "homology" refers to an identity of greater than 82%. In another embodiment, "homology" refers to an identity of greater than 83%. In another embodiment, "homology" refers to an identity of greater than 85%. In another embodiment, "homology" refers to an identity of greater than 87%. In another embodiment, "homology" refers to an identity of greater than 88%. In another embodiment, "homology" refers to an identity of greater than 90%. In another embodiment, "homology" refers to an identity of greater than 92%. In another embodiment, "homology" refers to an identity of greater than 93%. In another embodiment, "homology" refers to an identity of greater than 95%. In another embodiment, "homology" refers to an identity of greater than 96%. In another embodiment, "homology" refers to an identity of greater than 97%. In another embodiment, "homology" refers to an identity of greater than 98%. In another embodiment, "homology" refers to an identity of greater than 99%. In another embodiment, "homology" refers to an identity of 100%.

[0092] As used herein, "nucleic acids" or "nucleotide" refers to a string of at least two base-sugar-phosphate combinations. The term includes, in one embodiment, DNA and RNA. "Nucleotides" refers, in one embodiment, to the monomeric units of nucleic acid polymers. RNA is, in one embodiment, in the form of a tRNA (transfer RNA), snRNA (small nuclear RNA), rRNA (ribosomal RNA), mRNA (messenger RNA), anti-sense RNA, small inhibitory RNA (siRNA), micro RNA (miRNA) and ribozymes. The use of siRNA and miRNA has been described (Caudy AA et al, Genes & Devel 16: 2491-96 and references cited therein). In other embodiments, DNA can be in form of plasmid DNA, viral DNA, linear DNA, or chromosomal DNA or derivatives of these groups. In addition, these forms of DNA and RNA can be single, double, triple, or quadruple stranded. The term also includes, in another embodiment, artificial nucleic acids that contain other types of backbones but the same bases. In one embodiment, the artificial nucleic acid is a PNA (peptide nucleic acid). PNA contain peptide backbones and nucleotide bases and are able to bind, in one embodiment, to both DNA and RNA molecules. In another embodiment, the nucleotide is oxetane modified. In another embodiment, the nucleotide is modified by replacement of one or more phosphodiester bonds with a phosphorothioate bond. In another embodiment, the artificial nucleic acid contains any other variant of the phosphate backbone of native nucleic acids known in the art. The use of phosphothiorate nucleic acids and PNA are known to those skilled in the art, and are described in, for example, Neilsen PE, Curr Opin Struct Biol 9:353-57; and Raz NK et al Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 297:1075-84. The production and use of nucleic acids is known to those skilled in art and is described, for example, in Molecular Cloning, (2001), Sambrook and Russell, eds. and Methods in Enzymology: Methods for molecular cloning in eukaryotic cells (2003) Purchio and G. C. Fareed.

[0093] Protein and / or peptide homology for any AA sequence listed herein is determined, in one embodiment, by methods well described in the art, including immunoblot analysis, or via computer algorithm analysis of AA sequences, utilizing any of a number of software packages available, via established methods. Some of these packages include the FASTA, BLAST, MPsrch or Scanps packages, and employ, in other embodiments, the use of the Smith and Waterman algorithms, and / or global / local or BLOCKS alignments for analysis, for example.

[0094] A recombinant protein may be made by a process that comprises the step of chemically conjugating a peptide comprising the LLO protein or fragment thereof to a peptide comprising the E7 antigen. Alternatively, an LLO protein or fragment thereof is chemically conjugated to a peptide comprising the antigen. Alternatively, a peptide comprising the LLO protein or fragment thereof is chemically conjugated to the antigen. Alternatively, the LLO protein or fragment thereof is chemically conjugated to the antigen.

[0095] "Peptide" as used herein refers to a chain of AA connected with peptide bonds. In one embodiment, a peptide is a short chain of AAs. In another embodiment, the term refers to a variant peptide molecule, containing any modification disclosed or enumerated herein. In another embodiment, the term refers to a molecule containing one or more moieties introduced by a chemical cross-linker. In another embodiment, the term refers to a peptide mimetic molecule. In another embodiment, the term refers to any other type of variant of a peptide molecule known in the art.

[0096] The term "protein" or "polypeptide" is an amino acid chain comprising multiple peptide subunits, including a full-length protein, oligopeptides, and fragments thereof, wherein the amino acid residues are linked by covalent peptide bonds. In one embodiment, a protein described in the present invention may alternatively be a polypeptide of the present invention.

[0097] As used herein in the specification and in the examples section which follows, the term "peptide" includes native peptides (either degradation products, synthetically synthesized peptides or recombinant peptides) and peptidomimetics (typically, synthetically synthesized peptides), such as peptoids and semipeptoids which are peptide analogs, which may have, for example, modifications rendering the peptides more stable while in a body or more capable of penetrating into bacterial cells. Such modifications include, but are not limited to N terminus modification, C terminus modification, peptide bond modification, including, but not limited to, CH2-NH, CH2-S, CH2-S=O, O=C-NH, CH2-O, CH2-CH2, S=C-NH, CH=CH or CF=CH, backbone modifications, and residue modification. Methods for preparing peptidomimetic compounds are well known in the art and are specified, for example, in Quantitative Drug Design, C.A. Ramsden Gd., Chapter 17.2, F. Choplin Pergamon Press (1992). Further details in this respect are provided hereinunder.

[0098] Peptide bonds (-CO-NH-) within the peptide may be substituted, for example, by N-methylated bonds (-N(CH3)-CO-), ester bonds (-C(R)H-C-O-O-C(R)-N-), ketomethylen bonds (-CO-CH2-), α-aza bonds (-NH-N(R)-CO-), wherein R is any alkyl, e.g., methyl, carba bonds (-CH2-NH-), hydroxyethylene bonds (-CH(OH)-CH2-), thioamide bonds (-CS-NH-), olefinic double bonds (-CH=CH-), retro amide bonds (-NH-CO-), peptide derivatives (-N(R)-CH2-CO-), wherein R is the "normal" side chain, naturally presented on the carbon atom.

[0099] These modifications can occur at any of the bonds along the peptide chain and even at several (2-3) at the same time.

[0100] Natural aromatic amino acids, Trp, Tyr and Phe, may be substituted for synthetic non-natural acid such as TIC, naphthylelanine (Nol), ring-methylated derivatives of Phe, halogenated derivatives of Phe or o-methyl-Tyr.

[0101] In addition to the above, the peptides may also include one or more modified amino acids or one or more non-amino acid monomers (e.g. fatty acids, complex carbohydrates etc).

[0102] As used herein in the specification and in the claims section below the term "amino acid" or "amino acids" is understood to include the 20 naturally occurring amino acids; those amino acids often modified post-translationally in vivo, including, for example, hydroxyproline, phosphoserine and phosphothreonine; and other unusual amino acids including, but not limited to, 2-aminoadipic acid, hydroxylysine, isodesmosine, nor-valine, nor-leucine and ornithine. Furthermore, the term "amino acid" includes both D- and L-amino acids.

[0103] In one embodiment, an amino acid in the compositions and for use in the present invention may be naturally occurring amino acids or non-conventional or modified amino acids, which are known in the art.

[0104] A method used for conjugating the non-hemolytic LLO protein or fragment thereof to the antigen is described in Example 11. Methods for chemical conjugation of peptides to one another are well known in the art, and are described for, example, in (Biragyn, A and Kwak, LW (2001) Mouse models for lymphoma in "Current Protocols in Immunology" 20.6.1-20.6.30) and (Collawn, J. F. and Paterson, Y. (1989) Preparation of Anti-peptide antibodies. In Current Protocols in Molecular Biology. Supplement 6. Ed. F.M. Ausubel et.al. Greene Publishing / Wiley 11.14.1 - 11.15.3).

[0105] In another embodiment, the non-hemolytic LLO protein is attached to the E7 antigen or fragment thereof by chemical conjugation. In another embodiment, glutaraldehyde is used for the conjugation. In another embodiment, the conjugation is performed using any suitable method known in the art.

[0106] In another embodiment, fusion proteins are prepared by any suitable method, including, for example, cloning and restriction of appropriate sequences or direct chemical synthesis by methods discussed below. In another embodiment, subsequences are cloned and the appropriate subsequences cleaved using appropriate restriction enzymes. The fragments are then ligated, in another embodiment, to produce the desired DNA sequence. In another embodiment, DNA encoding the fusion protein is produced using DNA amplification methods, for example polymerase chain reaction (PCR). First, the segments of the native DNA on either side of the new terminus are amplified separately. The 5' end of the one amplified sequence encodes the peptide linker, while the 3' end of the other amplified sequence also encodes the peptide linker. Since the 5' end of the first fragment is complementary to the 3' end of the second fragment, the two fragments (after partial purification, e.g. on LMP agarose) can be used as an overlapping template in a third PCR reaction. The amplified sequence will contain codons, the segment on the carboxy side of the opening site (now forming the amino sequence), the linker, and the sequence on the amino side of the opening site (now forming the carboxyl sequence). The insert is then ligated into a plasmid.

[0107] In another embodiment, a recombinant protein of the present invention is synthesized using standard chemical peptide synthesis techniques. In another embodiment, the chimeric molecule is synthesized as a single contiguous polypeptide. In another embodiment, the non-hemolytic LLO protein or fragment thereof; and the antigen are synthesized separately, then fused by condensation of the amino terminus of one molecule with the carboxyl terminus of the other molecule, thereby forming a peptide bond. In another embodiment, the LLO protein and antigen are each condensed with one end of a peptide spacer molecule, thereby forming a contiguous fusion protein.

[0108] In another embodiment, the proteins of the present invention are prepared by solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) as described by Stewart et al. in Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis, 2nd Edition, 1984, Pierce Chemical Company, Rockford, Ill.; or as described by Bodanszky and Bodanszky (The Practice of Peptide Synthesis, 1984, Springer-Verlag, New York). In another embodiment, a suitably protected AA residue is attached through its carboxyl group to a derivatized, insoluble polymeric support, such as cross-linked polystyrene or polyamide resin. "Suitably protected" refers to the presence of protecting groups on both the alpha-amino group of the amino acid, and on any side chain functional groups. Side chain protecting groups are generally stable to the solvents, reagents and reaction conditions used throughout the synthesis, and are removable under conditions which will not affect the final peptide product. Stepwise synthesis of the oligopeptide is carried out by the removal of the N-protecting group from the initial AA, and couple thereto of the carboxyl end of the next AA in the sequence of the desired peptide. This AA is also suitably protected. The carboxyl of the incoming AA can be activated to react with the N-terminus of the support-bound AA by formation into a reactive group such as formation into a carbodiimide, a symmetric acid anhydride or an "active ester" group such as hydroxybenzotriazole or pentafluorophenyl esters.

[0109] Examples of solid phase peptide synthesis methods include the BOC method which utilized tert-butyloxcarbonyl as the alpha-amino protecting group, and the FMOC method which utilizes 9-fluorenylmethyloxcarbonyl to protect the alpha-amino of the AA residues, both methods of which are well-known by those of skill in the art.

[0110] In another embodiment, incorporation of N- and / or C-blocking groups is achieved using protocols conventional to solid phase peptide synthesis methods. For incorporation of C-terminal blocking groups, for example, synthesis of the desired peptide is typically performed using, as solid phase, a supporting resin that has been chemically modified so that cleavage from the resin results in a peptide having the desired C-terminal blocking group. To provide peptides in which the C-terminus bears a primary amino blocking group, for instance, synthesis is performed using a p-methylbenzhydrylamine (MBHA) resin so that, when peptide synthesis is completed, treatment with hydrofluoric acid releases the desired C-terminally amidated peptide. Similarly, incorporation of an N-methylamine blocking group at the C-terminus is achieved using N-methylaminoethyl-derivatized DVB, resin, which upon HF treatment releases a peptide bearing an N-methylamidated C-terminus. Blockage of the C-terminus by esterification can also be achieved using conventional procedures. This entails use of resin / blocking group combination that permits release of side-chain peptide from the resin, to allow for subsequent reaction with the desired alcohol, to form the ester function. FMOC protecting group, in combination with DVB resin derivatized with methoxyalkoxybenzyl alcohol or equivalent linker, can be used for this purpose, with cleavage from the support being effected by TFA in dichloromethane. Esterification of the suitably activated carboxyl function e.g. with DCC, can then proceed by addition of the desired alcohol, followed by deprotection and isolation of the esterified peptide product.

[0111] Incorporation of N-terminal blocking groups can be achieved while the synthesized peptide is still attached to the resin, for instance by treatment with a suitable anhydride and nitrile. To incorporate an acetyl blocking group at the N-terminus, for instance, the resin coupled peptide can be treated with 20% acetic anhydride in acetonitrile. The N-blocked peptide product can then be cleaved from the resin, deprotected and subsequently isolated.

[0112] Analysis of the peptide composition may be conducted to verify the identity of the produced peptide. In another embodiment, AA composition analysis is conducted using high-resolution mass spectrometry to determine the molecular weight of the peptide. Alternatively, or additionally, the AA content of the peptide is confirmed by hydrolyzing the peptide in aqueous acid, and separating, identifying and quantifying the components of the mixture using HPLC, or an AA analyzer. Protein sequencers, which sequentially degrade the peptide and identify the AA in order, can also be used to determine definitely the sequence of the peptide.

[0113] Prior to its use, the peptide may be purified to remove contaminants. The peptide may be purified so as to meet the standards set out by the appropriate regulatory agencies and guidelines. Any one of a number of a conventional purification procedures can be used to attain the required level of purity, including, for example, reversed-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) using an alkylated silica column such as C 4 -,C 8 - or C 18 -silica. A gradient mobile phase of increasing organic content is generally used to achieve purification, for example, acetonitrile in an aqueous buffer, usually containing a small amount of trifluoroacetic acid. Ion-exchange chromatography can be also used to separate peptides based on their charge.

[0114] Solid phase synthesis in which the C-terminal AA of the sequence is attached to an insoluble support followed by sequential addition of the remaining AA in the sequence is used, in another embodiment, for the chemical synthesis of the peptides. Techniques for solid phase synthesis are described by Barany and Merrifield in Solid-Phase Peptide Synthesis; pp. 3-284 in The Peptides: Analysis, Synthesis, Biology. Vol. 2: Special Methods in Peptide Synthesis, Part A., Merrifield, et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc., 85: 2149-2156 (1963), and Stewart et al., Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis, 2nd ed. Pierce Chem. Co., Rockford, Ill. (1984).

[0115] In another embodiment, fusion proteins are synthesized using recombinant DNA methodology. In another embodiment, DNA encoding the fusion protein is prepared by any suitable method, including, for example, cloning and restriction of appropriate sequences or direct chemical synthesis by methods such as the phosphotriester method of Narang et al. (1979, Meth. Enzymol. 68: 90-99); the phosphodiester method of Brown et al. (1979, Meth. Enzymol 68: 109-151); the diethylphosphoramidite method of Beaucage et al. (1981, Tetra. Lett., 22: 1859-1862); and the solid support method of U.S. Pat. No. 4,458,066.

[0116] In another embodiment, peptides incorporate AA residues that are modified without affecting activity. In another embodiment, the termini are derivatized to include blocking groups, i.e. chemical substituents suitable to protect and / or stabilize the N- and C-termini from "undesirable degradation", a term meant to encompass any type of enzymatic, chemical or biochemical breakdown of the compound at its termini which is likely to affect the function of the compound, i.e. sequential degradation of the compound at a terminal end thereof.

[0117] In another embodiment, blocking groups include protecting groups conventionally used in the art of peptide chemistry that will not adversely affect the in vivo activities of the peptide. For example, suitable N-terminal blocking groups can be introduced by alkylation or acylation of the N-terminus. Examples of suitable N-terminal blocking groups include C 1 -C 5 branched or unbranched alkyl groups, acyl groups such as formyl and acetyl groups, as well as substituted forms thereof, such as the acetamidomethyl (Acm) group. Deamino AA analogs are also useful N-terminal blocking groups, and can either be coupled to the N-terminus of the peptide or used in place of the N-terminal residue. Suitable C-terminal blocking groups, in which the carboxyl group of the C-terminus is either incorporated or not, include esters, ketones or amides. Ester or ketone-forming alkyl groups, particularly lower alkyl groups such as methyl, ethyl and propyl, and amide-forming amino groups such as primary amines (--NH 2 ), and mono- and di-alkyl amino groups such as methyl amino, ethylamino, dimethylamino, diethylamino, methylethylamino and the like are examples of C-terminal blocking groups. Decarboxylated AA analogs such as agmatine are also useful C-terminal blocking groups and can be either coupled to the peptide's C-terminal residue or used in place of it. In another embodiment, the free amino and carboxyl groups at the termini are removed altogether from the peptide to yield deamino and decarboxylated forms thereof without effect on peptide activity.

[0118] Other modifications may also be incorporated without adversely affecting the activity. Such modifications include substitution of one or more of the AA in the natural L-isomeric form with D-isomeric AA. In another embodiment, the peptide includes one or more D-amino acid residues, or comprises AA that are all in the D-form. Retro-inverso forms of peptides are also contemplated, for example, inverted peptides in which all amino acids are substituted with D-amino acid forms.

[0119] In another embodiment, acid addition salts of the peptides are utilized as functional equivalents thereof. In another embodiment, a peptide is treated with an inorganic acid such as hydrochloric, hydrobromic, sulfuric, nitric, phosphoric, and the like, or an organic acid such as an acetic, propionic, glycolic, pyruvic, oxalic, malic, malonic, succinic, maleic, fumaric, tartaric, citric, benzoic, cinnamic, mandelic, methanesulfonic, ethanesulfonic, p-toluenesulfonic, salicyclic and the like, to provide a water soluble salt of the peptide.

[0120] In another embodiment, modifications (which do not normally alter primary sequence) include in vivo, or in vitro chemical derivatization of polypeptides, e.g., acetylation, or carboxylation. Also included are modifications of glycosylation, e.g., those made by modifying the glycosylation patterns of a polypeptide during its synthesis and processing or in further processing steps; e.g., by exposing the polypeptide to enzymes which affect glycosylation, e.g., mammalian glycosylating or deglycosylating enzymes. Also embraced are sequences which have phosphorylated AA residues, e.g., phosphotyrosine, phosphoserine, or phosphothreonine.

[0121] Polypeptides may be modified using ordinary molecular biological techniques so as to improve their resistance to proteolytic degradation or to optimize solubility properties or to render them more suitable as a therapeutic agent. Analogs of such polypeptides include those containing residues other than naturally occurring L-amino acids, e.g., D-amino acids or non-naturally occurring synthetic amino acids.

[0122] Also disclosed in this application is a kit comprising a non-hemolytic LLO protein or fragment thereof, as described herein, fused to an E7 antigen, an applicator, and instructional material that describes their use . Although model kits are described below, the contents of other useful kits will be apparent to the skilled artisan in light of the present disclosure.

[0123] In one embodiment, compositions and uses as described herein, comprise particular elements or steps, as described herein, while in other embodiment, they consist essentially of said elements or steps, while in another embodiment, they consist of said elements or steps. In some embodiments, the term "comprise" refers to the inclusion of the indicated active agent, as well as inclusion of other active agents, and pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, excipients, emollients, stabilizers, etc., as are known in the pharmaceutical industry. In some embodiments, the term "consisting essentially of" refers to a composition, whose only active ingredient is the indicated active ingredient, however, other compounds may be included which are for stabilizing, preserving, etc. the formulation, but are not involved directly in the therapeutic effect of the indicated active ingredient. In some embodiments, the term "consisting essentially of" may refer to components which facilitate the release of the active ingredient. In some embodiments, the term "consisting" refers to a composition, which contains the active ingredient and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient.

[0124] In one embodiment, "treating" refers to either therapeutic treatment or prophylactic or preventative measures, wherein the object is to prevent or lessen the targeted pathologic condition or disorder as described hereinabove. Thus, in one embodiment, treating may include directly affecting or curing, suppressing, inhibiting, preventing, reducing the severity of, delaying the onset of, reducing symptoms associated with the disease, disorder or condition, or a combination thereof. Thus, in one embodiment, "treating" refers inter alia to delaying progression, expediting remission, inducing remission, augmenting remission, speeding recovery, increasing efficacy of or decreasing resistance to alternative therapeutics, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, "preventing" refers, inter alia, to delaying the onset of symptoms, preventing relapse to a disease, decreasing the number or frequency of relapse episodes, increasing latency between symptomatic episodes, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, "suppressing" or "inhibiting", refers inter alia to reducing the severity of symptoms, reducing the severity of an acute episode, reducing the number of symptoms, reducing the incidence of disease-related symptoms, reducing the latency of symptoms, ameliorating symptoms, reducing secondary symptoms, reducing secondary infections, prolonging patient survival, or a combination thereof.

[0125] In one embodiment, "functional" within the meaning of the invention, is used herein to refer to the innate ability of a protein, peptide, nucleic acid, fragment or a variant thereof to exhibit a biological activity or function. In one embodiment, such a biological function is its binding property to an interaction partner, e.g., a membrane-associated receptor, and in another embodiment, its trimerization property. In the case of functional fragments and the functional variants of the invention, these biological functions may in fact be changed, e.g., with respect to their specificity or selectivity, but with retention of the basic biological function.

[0126] In one embodiment, "genetically fused" as provided herein is meant to result in a chimeric DNA containing, each in its own discrete embodiment, a promoter and a coding sequence that are not associated in nature.EXPERIMENTAL DETAILS SECTION MATERIALS AND EXPERIMENTAL METHODS Cell lines

[0127] The C57BL / 6 syngeneic TC-1 tumor was immortalized with HPV-16 E6 and E7 and transformed with the c-Ha-ras oncogene. TC-1 expresses low levels of E6 and E7 and is highly tumorigenic. TC-1 was grown in RPMI 1640, 10% FCS, 2 mM L-glutamine, 100 U / ml penicillin, 100 µg / ml streptomycin, 100 µM nonessential amino acids, 1 mM sodium pyruvate, 50 micromolar (mcM) 2-ME, 400 microgram (mcg) / ml G418, and 10% National Collection Type Culture-109 medium at 37° with 10% CO 2 . C3 is a mouse embryo cell from C57BL / 6 mice immortalized with the complete genome of HPV 16 and transformed with pEJ-ras. EL-4 / E7 is the thymoma EL-4 retrovirally transduced with E7.L. monocytogenes strains and propagation

[0128] Listeria strains used were Lm-LLO-E7 (hly-E7 fusion gene in an episomal expression system; Figure 1), Lm-E7 (single-copy E7 gene cassette integrated into Listeria genome), Lm-LLO-NP ("DP-L2028"; hly-NP fusion gene in an episomal expression system), and Lm-Gag ("ZY-18"; single-copy HIV-1 Gag gene cassette integrated into the chromosome). E7 was amplified by PCR using the primers 5'-GGCTCGAGCATGGAGATACACC-3' (SEQ ID NO: 38; XhoI site is underlined) and 5'-GGGGACTAGTTTATGGTTTCTGAGAACA-3' (SEQ ID NO: 39; SpeI site is underlined) and ligated into pCR2.1 (Invitrogen, San Diego, CA). E7 was excised from pCR2.1 by XhoI / SpeI digestion and ligated into pGG-55. The hly-E7 fusion gene and the pluripotential transcription factor prfA were cloned into pAM401, a multicopy shuttle plasmid (Wirth R et al, J Bacteriol, 165: 831, 1986), generating pGG-55. The hly promoter drives the expression of the first 441 AA of the hly gene product, (lacking the hemolytic C-terminus, referred to below as "ΔLLO," and having the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 17), which is joined by the XhoI site to the E7 gene, yielding a hly-E7 fusion gene that is transcribed and secreted as LLO-E7. Transformation of a prfA negative strain of Listeria, XFL-7 (provided by Dr. Hao Shen, University of Pennsylvania), with pGG-55 selected for the retention of the plasmid in vivo (Figures 1A-B). The hly promoter and gene fragment were generated using primers 5'-GGGGGCTAGCCCTCCTTTGATTAGTATATTC-3' (SEQ ID NO: 40; NheI site is underlined) and 5'-CTCCCTCGAGATCATAATTTACTTCATC-3' (SEQ ID NO: 41; XhoI site is underlined). The prfA gene was PCR amplified using primers 5'-GACTACAAGGACGATGACCGACAAGTGATAACCCGGGATCTAAATAAATCCGTTT-3' (SEQ ID NO: 42; XbaI site is underlined) and 5'-CCCGTCGACCAGCTCTTCTTGGTGAAG-3' (SEQ ID NO: 43; SalI site is underlined). Lm-E7 was generated by introducing an expression cassette containing the hly promoter and signal sequence driving the expression and secretion of E7 into the orfZ domain of the LM genome. E7 was amplified by PCR using the primers 5'-GCGGATCCCATGGAGATACACCTAC-3' (SEQ ID NO: 44; BamHI site is underlined) and 5'-GCTCTAGATTATGGTTTCTGAG-3' (SEQ ID NO: 45; XbaI site is underlined). E7 was then ligated into the pZY-21 shuttle vector. LM strain 10403S was transformed with the resulting plasmid, pZY-21-E7, which includes an expression cassette inserted in the middle of a 1.6-kb sequence that corresponds to the orfX, Y, Z domain of the LM genome. The homology domain allows for insertion of the E7 gene cassette into the orfZ domain by homologous recombination. Clones were screened for integration of the E7 gene cassette into the orfZ domain. Bacteria were grown in brain heart infusion medium with (Lm-LLO-E7 and Lm-LLO-NP) or without (Lm-E7 and ZY-18) chloramphenicol (20 µg / ml). Bacteria were frozen in aliquots at -80°C. Expression was verified by Western blotting (Figure 2).Western blotting

[0129] Listeria strains were grown in Luria-Bertoni medium at 37°C and were harvested at the same optical density measured at 600 nm. The supernatants were TCA precipitated and resuspended in 1x sample buffer supplemented with 0.1 N NaOH. Identical amounts of each cell pellet or each TCA-precipitated supernatant were loaded on 4-20% Tris-glycine SDS-PAGE gels (NOVEX, San Diego, CA). The gels were transferred to polyvinylidene difluoride and probed with an anti-E7 monoclonal antibody (mAb) (Zymed Laboratories, South San Francisco, CA), then incubated with HRP-conjugated anti-mouse secondary Ab (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech, Little Chalfont, U.K.), developed with Amersham ECL detection reagents, and exposed to Hyperfilm (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech).Measurement of tumor growth

[0130] Tumors were measured every other day with calipers spanning the shortest and longest surface diameters. The mean of these two measurements was plotted as the mean tumor diameter in millimeters against various time points. Mice were sacrificed when the tumor diameter reached 20 mm. Tumor measurements for each time point are shown only for surviving mice.Effects of Listeria recombinants on established tumor growth

[0131] Six- to 8-wk-old C57BL / 6 mice (Charles River) received 2 x 10 5< TC-1 cells s.c. on the left flank. One week following tumor inoculation, the tumors had reached a palpable size of 4-5 mm in diameter. Groups of eight mice were then treated with 0.1 LD 50 i.p. Lm-LLO-E7 (10 7< CFU), Lm- E7 (10 6< CFU), Lm-LLO-NP (10 7< CFU), or Lm-Gag (5 x 10 5< CFU) on days 7 and 14. 51< Cr release assay

[0132] C57BL / 6 mice, 6-8 wk old, were immunized i.p. with 0.1LD 50 Lm-LLO-E7, Lm-E7, Lm-LLO-NP, or Lm-Gag. Ten days post-immunization, spleens were harvested. Splenocytes were established in culture with irradiated TC-1 cells (100:1, splenocytes:TC-1) as feeder cells; stimulated in vitro for 5 days, then used in a standard 51< Cr release assay, using the following targets: EL-4, EL-4 / E7, or EL-4 pulsed with E7 H-2b peptide (RAHYNIVTF; SEQ ID NO: 19). E:T cell ratios, performed in triplicate, were 80:1, 40:1, 20:1, 10:1, 5:1, and 2.5:1. Following a 4-h incubation at 37°C, cells were pelleted, and 50 µl supernatant was removed from each well. Samples were assayed with a Wallac 1450 scintillation counter (Gaithersburg, MD). The percent specific lysis was determined as [(experimental counts per minute - spontaneous counts per minute) / (total counts per minute - spontaneous counts per minute)] x 100.TC-1-specific proliferation

[0133] C57BL / 6 mice were immunized with 0.1 LD 50 and boosted by i.p. injection 20 days later with 1 LD 50 Lm-LLO-E7, Lm-E7, Lm-LLO-NP, or Lm-Gag. Six days after boosting, spleens were harvested from immunized and naive mice. Splenocytes were established in culture at 5 x 10 5< / well in flat-bottom 96-well plates with 2.5 x 10 4< , 1.25 x 10 4< , 6 x 10 3< , or 3 x 10 3< irradiated TC-1 cells / well as a source of E7 Ag, or without TC-1 cells or with 10 µg / ml Con A. Cells were pulsed 45 h later with 0.5 µCi [ 3< H]thymidine / well. Plates were harvested 18 h later using a Tomtec harvester 96 (Orange, CT), and proliferation was assessed with a Wallac 1450 scintillation counter. The change in counts per minute was calculated as experimental counts per minute - no Ag counts per minute.Flow cytometric analysis

[0134] C57BL / 6 mice were immunized intravenously (i.v.) with 0.1 LD 50 Lm-LLO-E7 or Lm-E7 and boosted 30 days later. Three-color flow cytometry for CD8 (53-6.7, PE conjugated), CD62 ligand (CD62L; MEL-14, APC conjugated), and E7 H-2Db tetramer was performed using a FACSCalibur ®< flow cytometer with CellQuest ®< software (Becton Dickinson, Mountain View, CA). Splenocytes harvested 5 days after the boost were stained at room temperature (rt) with H-2Db tetramers loaded with the E7 peptide (RAHYNIVTF; SEQ ID NO: 19) or a control (HIV-Gag) peptide. Tetramers were used at a 1 / 200 dilution and were provided by Dr. Larry R. Pease (Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN) and by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Tetramer Core Facility and the National Institutes of Health AIDS Research and Reference Reagent Program. Tetramer +< , CD8 +< , CD62L low< cells were analyzed.Depletion of specific immune components

[0135] CD8 +< cells, CD4 +< cells and IFN were depleted in TC-1-bearing mice by injecting the mice with 0.5 mg per mouse of mAb: 2.43, GK1.5, or xmg1.2, respectively, on days 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, and 14 post-tumor challenge. CD4 +< and CD8 +< cell populations were reduced by 99% (flow cytometric analysis). CD25 +< cells were depleted by i.p. injection of 0.5 mg / mouse anti-CD25 mAb (PC61, provided by Andrew J. Caton) on days 4 and 6. TGF was depleted by i.p. injection of the anti-TGF- mAb (2G7, provided by H. I. Levitsky), into TC-1-bearing mice on days 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20. Mice were treated with 10 7< Lm-LLO-E7 or Lm-E7 on day 7 following tumor challenge.Adoptive transfer

[0136] Donor C57BL / 6 mice were immunized and boosted 7 days later with 0.1 LD 50 Lm-E7 or Lm-Gag. The donor splenocytes were harvested and passed over nylon wool columns to enrich for T cells. CD8 +< T cells were depleted in vitro by incubating with 0.1 µg 2.43 anti-CD8 mAb for 30 min at rt. The labeled cells were then treated with rabbit complement. The donor splenocytes were >60% CD4 +< T cells (flow cytometric analysis). TC-1 tumor-bearing recipient mice were immunized with 0.1 LD 50 7 days post-tumor challenge. CD4 +< -enriched donor splenocytes (10 7< ) were transferred 9 days after tumor challenge to recipient mice by i.v. injection.B16F0-Ova experiment

[0137] 24 C57BL / 6 mice were inoculated with 5 x 10 5< B16F0-Ova cells. On days 3, 10 and 17, groups of 8 mice were immunized with 0.1 LD 50 Lm-OVA (10 6< cfu), Lm-LLO-OVA (10 8< cfu) and eight animals were left untreated.Statistics

[0138] For comparisons of tumor diameters, mean and SD of tumor size for each group were determined, and statistical significance was determined by Student's t test. p ≤ 0.05 was considered significant.EXAMPLE 1: SITE-DIRECTED MUTAGENESIS OF THE LLO CHOLESTEROL-BINDING DOMAIN

[0139] Site-directed mutagenesis was performed on LLO to introduce inactivating point mutations in the CBD, using the following strategy. The resulting protein is termed "mutLLO":Subcloning of LLO into pET29b

[0140] The amino acid sequence of wild-type LLO is: and the cholesterol-binding domain (CBD) are underlined, with 3 critical residues in the CBD (C484, W491, and W492) in bold-italics.

[0141] A 6xHis tag (HHHHHH) was added to the C-terminal region of LLO. The amino acid sequence of His-tagged LLO is:

[0142] A gene encoding a His-tagged LLO protein was digested with NdeI / BamHI, and the NdeI / BamHI was subcloned into the expression vector pET29b, between the NdeI and BamHI sites. The sequence of the gene encoding the LLO protein is: underlined sequences are, starting from the beginning of the sequence, the NdeI site, the NheI site, the CBG-encoding region, the 6x His tag, and the BamHI site. The CBD residues to be mutated in the next step are in bold-italics.Splicing by Overlap Extension (SOE) PCR

[0143] Step 1: PCR reactions #1 and #2 were performed on the pET29b-LLO template. PCR reaction #1, utilizing primers #1 and #2, amplified the fragment between the NheI site and the CBD, inclusive, introducing a mutation into the CBD. PCR reaction #2, utilizing primers #3 and #4, amplified the fragment between the CBD and the BamHI site, inclusive, introducing the same mutation into the CBD (Figure 1A). PCR reaction #1 cycle: A) 94°C 2min30sec, B) 94°C 30sec, C) 55°C 30sec, D) 72°C 1min, Repeat steps B to D 29 times (30 cycles total), E) 72°C 10min. PCR reaction #2 cycle: A) 94°C 2min30sec, B) 94°C 30sec, C) 60°C 30sec, D) 72°C 1min, Repeat steps B to D 29 times (30 cycles total), E) 72°C 10min. Step 2: The products of PCR reactions #1 and #2 were mixed, allowed to anneal (at the mutated CBD-encoding region), and PCR was performed with primers #1 and #4 for 25 more cycles (Figure 1B). PCR reaction cycle: A) 94°C 2min30sec, B) 94°C 30sec, C) 72°C 1min, Repeat steps B to C 9 times (10 cycles total), Add primers #1 and #4, D) 94°C 30sec, E) 55°C 30sec, F) 72°C 1min, Repeat steps D to F 24 times (25 cycles total), G) 72°C 10min. Primer sequences:

[0144] Primer 1: GCTAGCTCATTTCACATCGT (SEQ ID NO: 49; NheI sequence is underlined). Primer 2: TCTTGCAGC TTCCCAAGCTAAACCAGTCGC TTCTTTAGCGTAAACATTAATATT (SEQ ID NO: 50; CBD-encoding sequence is underlined; mutated codons are in bold-italics). Primer 3: GAAGCG ACTGGTTTAGCTTGGGAAGCTGCA AGAACGGTAATTGATGACCGGA AC (SEQ ID NO: 51; CBD-encoding sequence is underlined; mutated codons are in bold-italics). Primer 4: GGATCCTTATTAGTGGTGGTGGTGGTGGTGTTCGATTGG (SEQ ID NO: 52; BamHI sequence is underlined).

[0145] The wild-type CBD sequence is ECTGLAWEWWR (SEQ ID NO: 18).

[0146] The mutated CBD sequence is EATGLAWEAAR (SEQ ID NO: 53).

[0147] The sequence of the mutated NheI-BamHI fragment is: REFERENCE EXAMPLE 2: REPLACEMENT OF PART OF THE LLO CBD WITH A CTL EPITOPE

[0148] Site-directed mutagenesis was performed on LLO to replace 9 amino acids (AA) of the CBD with a CTL epitope from the antigen NY-ESO-1. The sequence of the CBD (SEQ ID NO: 18) was replaced with the sequence ESLLMWITQCR (SEQ ID NO: 55; mutated residues underlined), which contains the HLA-A2 restricted epitope 157-165 from NY-ESO-1, termed "ctLLO."

[0149] The subcloning strategy used was similar to the previous Example.

[0150] The primers used were as follows: Primer 1: GCTAGCTCATTTCACATCGT (SEQ ID NO: 56; NheI sequence is underlined). Primer 2: TCTGCACTGGGTGATCCACATCAGCAGGCT TTCTTTAGCGTAAACATTAATATT (SEQ ID NO: 57; CBD-encoding sequence is underlined; mutated (NY-ESO-1) codons are in bold-italics). Primer 3: GAAAGCCTGCTGATGTGGATCACCCAGTGC AGAACGGTAATTGATGACCGGAAC (SEQ ID NO: 58; CBD-encoding sequence is underlined; mutated (NY-ESO-1) codons are in bold-italics). Primer 4: GGATCCTTATTAGTGGTGGTGGTGGTGGTGTTCGATTGG (SEQ ID NO: 59; BamHI sequence is underlined).

[0151] The sequence of the resulting NheI / BamHI fragment is as follows: EXAMPLE 3: mutLLO AND ctLLO ARE ABLE TO BE EXPRESSED AND PURIFIED IN E. coli EXPRESSION SYSTEMS

[0152] To show that mutLLO and ctLLO could be expressed in E. coli, E. coli were transformed with pET29b and induced with 0.5 mM IPTG, then cell lysates were harvested 4 hours later and the total proteins were separated in an SDS-PAGE gel and subject to Coomassie staining (Figure 2A) and anti-LLO Western blot, using monoclonal antibody B3-19 (Figure 2B). Thus, LLO proteins containing point mutations or substitutions in the CBD can be expressed and purified in E. coli expression systems.EXAMPLE 4: mutLLO AND ctLLO EXHIBIT SIGNIFICANT REDUCTION IN HEMOLYTIC ACTIVITY MATERIALS AND EXPERIMENTAL METHODS Hemolysis assay

[0153] 1. Wild-type and mutated LLO were diluted to the dilutions indicated in Figures 3A-B in 900µl of 1x PBS-cysteine (PBS adjusted to pH 5.5 with 0.5 M Cysteine hydrochloride or was adjusted to 7.4). 2. LLO was activated by incubating at 37°C for 30 minutes. 3. Sheep red blood cells (200 µl / sample) were washed twice in PBS-cysteine and 3 to 5 times in 1x PBS until the supernatant was relatively clear. 4. The final pellet of sheep red blood cells was resuspended in PBS-cysteine and 100 µl of the cell suspension was added to the 900 µl of the LLO solution (10% final solution). 5. 50 µl of sheep red blood cells was added to 950 µl of water + 10% Tween 20 (Positive control for lysis, will contain 50% the amount of lysed cells as the total amount of cells add to the other tubes; "50% control.") 6. All tubes were mixed gently and incubated at 37°C for 45 minutes. 7. Red blood cells were centrifuged in a microcentrifuge for 10 minutes at 1500 rpm. 8. A 200 µl aliquot of the supernatant was transferred to 96-well ELISA plate and read at 570 nm to measure the concentration of released hemoglobin after hemolysis, and samples were titered according to the 50% control.RESULTS

[0154] The hemolytic activity of mutLLO and ctLLO was determined using a sheep red blood cell assay. mutLLO exhibited significantly reduced (between 100-fold and 1000-fold) hemolytic titer at pH 5.5 (Figure 3A), and undetectable hemolytic activity at pH 7.4 (Figure 3B). ctLLO exhibited undetectable hemolytic activity at either pH (Figures 3A-B).

[0155] Thus, point (mutLLO) or substitution (ctLLO) mutation of LLO CBD residues, including C484, W491, and W492, abolishes or severely reduces hemolytic activity. Further, replacement of the CBD with a heterologous antigenic peptide is an effective means of creating an immunogenic carrier of a heterologous epitope, with significantly reduced hemolytic activity relative to wild-type LLO.REFERENCE EXAMPLE 5: CONSTRUCTION AND TESTING OF mutLLO-38C13 BCR AND ctLLO-38C13 BCR VACCINES

[0156] mutLLO-38C13 BCR and ctLLO-38C13 BCR vaccines are constructed from mutLLO-, ctLLO-, and 38C13-encoding DNA as described in US Patent Publication 2006-0269561. The vaccines are tested as described in US Patent Publication 2006-0269561, and are found to exhibit protective anti-lymphoma activity.EXAMPLE 6: CONSTRUCTION AND TESTING OF mutLLO-E7 AND ctLLO-E7 VACCINES

[0157] mutLLO-E7 and ctLLO-E7 vaccines are constructed from mutLLO-, ctLLO-, and E7-encoding DNA as described in US Patent Publication 2006-0269561. The vaccines are tested as described in US Patent Publication 2006-0269561, and exhibit protective anti-tumor activity.EXAMPLE 7: THE IMPACT OF IMMUNIZATION WITH DETOX LLO-E7 COMPARED TO CONTROLS ON TC-1 GROWTH Vaccine Preparation.

[0158] Recombinant E7 and Detox LLO comprising mutations or deletions in CBD were purified on a nickel column and LPS was removed on a Norgen Proteospin column according to the manufacturer's directions. E7 was conjugated chemically to LLO by mixing 2mg of Detox LLO with 500µg of E7 and adding paraformaldehyde to a final concentration of 1%. The mixture was shaken on a rotator for 40 minutes at room temperature and then dialysed at 4°C overnight in PBS.Tumor regression

[0159] 1 x 10 5< TC-1 were established on the flank of each mouse, and on days 3 and 10, mice were immunized subcutaneously along the back with 250µl of PBS containing E7 50µg, Detox LLO 200µg mixed with 50µg of E7, DetoxLLO-E7 conjugate 250µg or PBS only (naive).THE IMPACT OF IMMUNIZATION WITH DETOX LLO CHEMICALLY CONJUGATED TO E7 AND DETOX LLO + E7 ON TC-1 GROWTH

[0160] Mice were immunized subcutaneously along the back with 250µl of PBS containing: E7 (50ug), DetoxLLO (200µg) mixed with E7 (50µg), DetoxLLO-E7 conjugate (250 µg), or PBS only (naive).

[0161] Mice administered conjugated LLO-E7 demonstrated an attenuated increase of tumor size compared to naive controls. Mice administered LLO+E7 mixed also demonstrated an attenuated increase in tumor size (Figure 4). While all naive animals had tumors by day 7, 2 / 8 mice were tumor free following administration of DetoxLLO-E7 conjugate and 4 / 8 mice were tumor free following administration of DetoxLLO mixed with E7 on day 49 (Figure 4, Table 1).THE IMPACT OF IMMUNIZATION WITH E7 OR LLO PROTEIN ON TC-1 GROWTH

[0162] Mice were immunized subcutaneously along the back with 250µl of PBS containing: E7 (50µg), detox LLO (250µg) or PBS only (naive).

[0163] Tumor regression was not noted in mice that were immunized with either detox LLO or E7 alone where in each respective case, 0 / 8 and 1 / 8 mice were tumor free on day 45 from the LLO and E7 groups, respectively. Immunization with detox LLO, and to a greater extent with E7 delayed the time to tumor onset (Figure 5).THE IMPACT OF IMMUNIZATION WITH DTLLO GENETICALLY FUSED TO THE WHOLE E7 SEQUENCE AND LLO DETOXIFIED BY REPLACING THE CHOLESTEROL BINDING REGION WITH THE E7 EPITOPE ON TC-1 GROWTH

[0164] Mice were immunized subcutaneously along the back with 250µl of PBS containing: recombinant DTLLO-E7 whole (whole E7 sequence genetically fused to DTLLO; 250 µg), DTLLO-E7 chimera (LLO detoxified by substitution of CBD with E7 epitope; 250 µg) or PBS only (naive).

[0165] DTLLO-E7 whole and DTLLO-E7 chimera delayed the appearance of tumors compared to naive controls (Figure 6). DTLLO-E7 chimera demonstrated a stronger inhibition of tumor growth (8 / 8 tumor free at day 49 post-tumor inoculation) compared to DTLLO-E7 whole (5 / 8 tumor free at day 49 post tumor inoculation; Figure 6 and Table 1). Comparable results were obtained in repeated experiments (Figures 7-9). 2x10^5 TC-1 tumor cells were established s.c in 8 mice per vaccine group. Mice were immunized s.c. with 50µg of E7, 200µg of DTLLO, 250µg of DTLLOE7, or 50µg of E7 plus 200µg of DTLLO on Days 3 and 10 (Figure 9). Mice administered conjugated DTLLO-E7 demonstrated an attenuated increase of tumor size compared to naive controls. Mice administered DTLLO alone or DTLLO+E7 mixed also demonstrated an attenuated increase in tumor size (Figure 9). While all naive animals had tumors by day 75, 5 / 8 mice treated with DTLLO+E7 and 7 / 8 mice treated with DTLLOE7 were tumor free on day 75 (Figure 9).EXAMPLE 8: TC-1 TUMOR REGRESSION AFTER IMMUNIZATION WITH ACTA, E7, OR ACTA + E7 MIXED OR GENETICALLY FUSED ACTA-E7 Vaccine Preparation.

[0166] Recombinant E7 and Recombinant ActA or ActA-E7 fusion protein were purified on a nickel column and LPS was removed on a Norgen Proteospin column according to the manufacturer's directions.Tumor regression

[0167] 1 x 10 5< TC-1 were established on the flank of each mouse, and on days 6 and 13, the mice were immunized subcutaneously along the back with 250µl of PBS containing E7 (50µg), ActA (200µg) mixed with E7 (50µg), genetically fused ActA-E7 (250 µg), or PBS only (naive).RESULTS

[0168] Mice immunized with ActA alone, E7 alone, ActA-E7, or ActA+E7 demonstrated an increased latency to onset of tumors compared to controls (Figures 10-12). Mice immunized with ActA-E7 (genetically fused) demonstrated strong tumor regression, with 7 / 8 mice tumor free on day 55 following immunization (Figure 10, Table 1). Mice immunized with ActA+E7 demonstrated superior tumor regression compared to E7 and naive controls, with 7 / 8 mice tumor free on day 55 following tumor inoculation (Figure 11, Table 1). Mice immunized with ActA alone demonstrated superior tumor regression compared to mice immunized with E7 or PBS-injected controls (3 / 8 mice tumor free following immunization compared to none of the mice in the E7 or naive groups; Figure 12, Table 1). Table 1. Summary of rates of tumor-free mice: Examples 7-8 Vaccine Figure # mice tumor free Comments LLO-E764 / 8Chemically conjugatedLLO + E762 / 8MixedE771 / 8LLO70 / 8LLO-E785 / 8Genetically fusedLLO-E7-chimera87 / 8Genetically replacedE790 / 8LLO90 / 8LLO-E796 / 8Genetically fusedLLO + E792 / 8MixedLLO-E7-chimera108 / 8Genetically replacedE7110 / 8Day 33LLO110 / 8Day 33LLO-E7118 / 8Day 33LLO + E7116 / 8Day 33LLO-E7-chimera118 / 8Day 33ActA-E7n / a7 / 8Old expression systemActA + E7n / a4 / 8E7n / a0 / 8ActAn / a3 / 8 EXAMPLE 9: DETOXLLO INDUCES CYTOKINE mRNA EXPRESSION AND CYTOKINE SECRETION BY BONE MARROW (BM) MACROPHAGES

[0169] 8e5 Day 7 BMDCs were thawed overnight at 37°C in RF10 media. Next, BMDCs were centrifuged and resuspended in 1mL of fresh RF10 at 37°C for 1hr. BMDCs were treated w / 40mcg / mL of LLOE7 and molar equivalents of E7 and LLO (or with PBS as negative control or 1mcg / mL LPS as positive control). After 2 and 24hrs, cells were collected by centrifugation and media saved for ELISA and analyzed for cytokine secretion. RNA was extracted from cells and converted to cDNA. cDNA was then subjected to qPCR analysis with primers for various cytokines, and cytokine mRNA expression levels were assessed.RESULTS

[0170] DetoxLLO, administered alone, with E7, or fused to E7, induced TNF-α (Figures 13A-B), IL-12 (Figures 13C-D), and ISG15 (Figure 13E) mRNA expression by BM Macrophages after 2 (Figures 13A and 13C) and 24 hours (Figures 13B, 13D, and 13E) compared to controls. Similarly, detoxLLO induced secretion of TNF-α (Figure 14A) and IL-12 (Figure 14B) by BM Macrophages after 2 and 24 hours.EXAMPLE 10: DETOX LLO UPREGULATES DENDRITIC CELL MATURATION MARKERS

[0171] Bone marrow was collected from the femurs of C57BL / 6 mice at 6-8 wk of age. Bone marrow cells from four mice were pooled, and cells were cultured in RPMI 1640 medium containing 10% FCS and 100 U / ml penicillin / streptomycin in 100 x 15-mm petri dishes. After 2-h incubation at 37°C in 10% CO 2 , nonadherent cells were removed by washing with warm medium. The remaining adherent cells were collected by scraping with a sterile cell scraper. After washing, the cells were adjusted to 0.5 x 10^6 / ml, and were placed in a 24-well plate with 20 ng / ml recombinant murine GM-CSF (R&D Systems, Minneapolis, MN). The medium was changed every 2-3 days. After 7 days of culture, nonadherent cells were collected, washed, and used in the experiments.

[0172] These bone marrow derived dendritic cells (day 7) were plated at 2x10^6 / ml and then pulsed with either E7 (10mcg / ml), LLO (40mcg / ml), or LLOE7 (50mcg / ml) plus LLO (40mcg / ml) for 16hr in 37°C, 5%CO 2 . The phenotype of the DCs obtained using this protocol were analyzed by FACS analysis. DCs were harvested after 16 h as described above. Cells were stained with APC-labeled mAbs specific for mouse CD11c, or FITC-labeled mAb specific for mouse CD86, MHC class II, CD40. Isotype-matched mouse IgG was used as a negative control and subtracted from the background. Cells were incubated with mAbs for 30 min at 4°C in the dark. Following two washes with PBS, 10 µl of 7AAD (Beckman Coulter, Marseille, France) was added 10 min before cells were analyzed on a FACS flow cytometer.RESULTS

[0173] Bone marrow was collected from the femurs of C57BL / 6 mice at 6-8 wk of age. After 7 days of culture, nonadherent cells were collected, washed, and plated at 2x10^6 / ml and then pulsed with either E7 (10mcg / ml), LLO (40mcg / ml), or LLOE7 (50mcg / ml) plus LLO (40mcg / ml) for 16hr in 37°C, 5%CO 2 . Cells were stained with APC-labeled mAbs specific for mouse CD11c, or FITC-labeled mAb specific for mouse CD86, MHC class II, CD40. Isotype-matched mouse IgG was used as a negative control and subtracted from the background. Cells were incubated with mAbs for 30 min at 4°C in the dark. Following two washes with PBS, 10 µl of 7AAD (Beckman Coulter, Marseille, France) was added 10 min before cells were analyzed on a FACS flow cytometer. The live cell population is shown as percentage of CD11c positive cells. Administration of detoxLLO (in the LLO, LLO+E7 and LLOE7 groups) upregulated (Figures 15A-C) compared to controls.REFERENCE EXAMPLE 11: NUCLEAR TRANSLOCATION OF NF-KAPPA-B AFTER STIMULATION WITH DT-LLO

[0174] J774 macrophage cell line used as model system for antigen presenting cells (APCs). 5 x 10^ 5 cells per well (6 well dish) were plated in a total volume 1ml. Cells were stained with anti-NF-κB (P65) - FITC (green fluorescence) and DAPI for nucleus (blue fluorescence). In Figures 17B, D, and F, cells were also stained after 24 hours with anti-CD11B-PE (M1 / 170, eBioscence), which is expressed on the cell surface of macrophage cells and is involved in adhesive cell interactions.RESULTS

[0175] NF-kappaB is located in the cytoplasm after treatment of cells with media alone (no activation) (Figure 16A). Media-treated cells demonstrate weak Cd11b staining (Figure 16B). After overnight (24hr) stimulation with Dt-LLO (30mcg), NFkappaB moved out of the cytoplasm into the nucleus (Figure 16C) and there was an increase in CD11b staining (Figure 16D). Similarly, after overnight stimulation (24 hr) with LPS (10mcg / ml, positive control), NFkappaB was translocated to the nucleus (Figure 16E), which is emphasized by the increased CD11b+ staining of the plasma membrane (Figure 16F).

[0176] Thus, in one embodiment, the data demonstrate the ability of detox LLO to stimulate innate immunity via macrophages and DCs.

Claims

1. A composition comprising a mixture of: (a) recombinant protein comprising a listeriolysin O (LLO) protein, wherein the LLO protein comprises a mutation within the cholesterol-binding domain (CBD) thereof (SEQ ID NO: 18), wherein said mutation consists of the substitution of all the amino acid residues at positions 2, 9 and 10 of SEQ ID NO: 18, and wherein the recombinant protein exhibits a greater than 100-fold reduction in hemolytic activity relative to a wild-type LLO protein; and (b) a Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) E7 protein.

2. The composition according to claim 1, wherein said LLO protein sequence is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 37.

3. The composition according to any of claims 1-2, wherein said E7 protein is a Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)-16-E7 antigen or an HPV-18-E7 antigen.

4. The composition according to any of claims 1-3, wherein the LLO protein further comprises a deletion of the signal peptide sequence thereof, or wherein the LLO protein comprises the signal peptide sequence thereof.

5. A vaccine composition comprising the composition of any of claims 1-4, wherein the composition further comprises an adjuvant, wherein the adjuvant comprises a granulocyte / macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) protein, a nucleotide molecule encoding a GM-CSF protein, saponin QS21, monophosphoryl lipid A, or an unmethylated CpG-containing oligonucleotide.

6. The composition of any of claims 1-4 or the vaccine of claim 5, for use as a medicament.

7. The composition of any of claims 1-4 or the vaccine of claim 5, for use in preventing or treating HPV infection in a subject.

8. The composition of any of claims 1-4 or the vaccine of claim 5, for use in treating, inhibiting, suppressing, inducing the regression of, reducing the incidence of, or protecting against an HPV-E7 expressing tumor in a subject.

9. The composition for use or the vaccine for use according to claim 8, wherein the HPV E7-expressing tumor is a cervical tumor or a head-and-neck tumor.