Stress proteins and uses therefor

Abstract

The present invention relates to stress proteins and methods of modulating an individual's immune response. In particular, it relates to the use of such stress proteins in immune therapy and prophylaxis, which results in an induction or enhancement of an individual's immune response and as an immunotherapeutic agent which results in a decrease of an individual's immune response to his or her own cells. The present invention also relates to compositions comprising a stress protein joined to another component, such as a fusion protein in which a stress protein is fused to an antigen. Further, the present invention relates to a method of generating antibodies to a substance using a conjugate comprised of a stress protein joined to the substance.

1 - 29 . (canceled)  
     
     
         30 . A composition for use as an agent to induce an immune response in an individual to whom it is administered, comprising all or a portion of a stress protein or all or a portion of a protein having an amino acid sequence sufficiently homologous to the amino acid sequence of the stress protein conjugated to a substance against which an immune response is desired or to a portion of the substance sufficient to induce an immune response in the individual.  
     
     
         31 - 42 . (canceled)