Patent attributes
Novel methods are disclosed for treating oncological disorders in an individual or animal using a superantigen expressed in tumor cells. A gene encoding a superantigen, such as an M-like protein of group A streptococci, can be introduced into a tumor cell in order to make the tumor cell more immunogenic in the host. Also contemplated are methods wherein a cell expresses a superantigen or superantigens, and immunogenic or immunostimulatory proteins, such as foreign MHC, cytokines, porcine-derived hyperacute rejection antigen, Mycobacterium-derived antigens, and the like. The subject invention also pertains to cells transformed with polynucleotides encoding a superantigen and foreign MHC antigen, cytokines, and other immunogenic or immunostimulatory proteins. Transformed cells according to the subject invention are then provided to an individual or animal in need of treatment for an oncological disorder. The immune response to tumor cells transformed according to the present invention inhibits in vivo tumor growth and results in subsequent tumor regression. The subject invention also pertains to cell lines transformed with genes encoding a superantigen and, optionally, a foreign Class II MHC antigen and/or a cytokine.
