Method for enhancing an immune response

US6514948B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• The Regents of the University of California · US

Inventors

• Eyal Raz · Del Mar, US
• Hiroko Kobayashi · Fukushima, JP

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 2, 1999
• Grant date: Feb 4, 2003
• Expiry date: Jul 2, 2019

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61K2039/57
• WIPO field: Pharmaceuticals
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Disclosed is a method for enhancing an immune response to a substance, such as an antigen or microbial pathogen. The immune response can be, for example, production of IgG2 antibodies. The method comprises administering an immunostimulatory nucleotide sequence (ISS) to a subject at least one hour prior to exposure to the substance by the subject. The subject may be exposed to the substance either naturally, as with an environmental pathogen, or by administration, as with a known antigen. The method can be used for protecting or immunizing a subject against an antigen or pathogen, providing more effective immunization than if the ISS were co-administered with the substance. The method can be used prophylactically or therapeutically. In preferred embodiments, the ISS comprises a CG, p(GC) or p(IC) DNA or RNA nucleotide sequence. Of these, a CG containing nucleotide sequence is preferred. The ISS can further comprise a pG nucleotide sequence. Examples of an ISS include sequences comprising 5′-rrcgyy-3′, 5′-rycgyy-3′, 5′-rrcgyycg-3′ or 5′-rycgyycg-3′. The ISS is preferably administered between about 6 hours and about 6 weeks prior to expo…