The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Gene H MacDonald

Robert E Johnston

Jenny P-y Ting

Brian K Martin

Jenny P-Y Ting

The present invention provides compositions and methods for delivering a nucleotide sequence to a cell using an alphavirus vector that is complexed with an enhancing antibody that specifically binds to the alphavirus vector. Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis vectors are preferred. The cell may be a cell in vitro or in vivo. Alternatively, the cell may be removed from a subject, administered the alphavirus vector ex vivo and then administered to a subject. Antigen-presenting cells are preferred, with dendritic cells being more preferred. Also provided are methods of producing an immune response in a subject, e.g., for producing an immune response against an antigen associated with a pathogen or for immunotherapy of cancer of tumors.

Antibody dependent enhancement of Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis vector infection

The present invention provides methods of preventing and/or treating cancers (including tumors). In one preferred embodiment, the invention is practiced to induce regression of an existing cancer or tumor and/or to prevent metastasis and/or to prevent growth of metastatic nodules. In other preferred embodiments, the invention may be used as a prophylaxis to prevent the development of primary cancers through a childhood or adult vaccination program against specific tumor antigens for cancers with high incidences. In an alternate preferred embodiment, the present invention provides methods of establishing an immune response against a universal artificial tumor antigen through a childhood or adult vaccine program, thus providing a long-term immune response that can be utilized at any point to treat any cancer which develops later in life. The present invention also provides cancer and tumor cells stably expressing an artificial antigen, preferably an artificial cell-surface antigen.

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Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America

Gene H MacDonald