Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Limited

Erwin Schultz

Pierre Van Der Bruggen

Pascal Chaux

Vincent Stroobant

Thierry R Boon-Falleur

Christophe Lurquin

Guy R Cornelis

Nathalie Demotte

Rosalie Luiten

Marie-Therese Duffour

Catie Traversari

Guy Warnier

Janine M Bilsborough

Jacques Van Snick

Thierry Boon

Bernard Lethe

Kris Thielemans

Pierre Van Der Bruggan

Carlo Heirman

Christophe Panichelli

Thierry Boon-Fallaur

Jurgen Corthals

The present invention relates to isolation of cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) clones. In particular, the present invention relates to isolated CTL clones that are specific for proteins of the MAGE family. The CTL clones of the present invention have been isolated by successive steps of stimulation and testing of lymphocytes with antigen presenting cells which present antigens derived from different expression systems, e.g., from recombinant, recombinant, or recombinant viruses. The present invention further relates to antigenic peptides as well as the peptide/HLA complexes which are recognized by the isolated CTL clones.

Tumor antigens and CTL clones isolated by a novel procedure

A peptide, previously identified as a binding partner of HLA-B44, has now been found to bind to HLA-B18 forming a T cell epitope. The therapeutic and diagnostic ramifications of this are the subject of this invention, as are various products obtained in the course of the development of the invention.

Isolated peptides which bind to HLA-B18 molecules and uses thereof

The invention describes HLA class II binding peptides encoded by the MAGE-A3 tumor associated gene, as well as nucleic acids encoding such peptides and antibodies relating thereto. The peptides stimulate the activity and proliferation of CD4 T lymphocytes. Methods and products also are provided for diagnosing and treating conditions characterized by expression of the MAGE-A3 gene.

Mage-A3 peptides presented by HLA class molecules

The present invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding antigenic peptides from MAGE molecules that bind to HLA. An example of the nucleic acid molecules of the present invention is a nucleic acid molecule coding for the peptide GVYDGREHTV (SEQ ID NO: 44), which peptide binds to HLA-A2. The nucleic acid molecules and the encoded antigenic peptides are useful for diagnosing and treating various pathological conditions.

Growing community of inventors

Marburg, Germany

Erwin Schultz