Methods and compositions to generate immunity in humans against self tumor antigens by immunization with homologous foreign proteins

Abstract

Methods and compositions to elicit or enhance immunity in humans against self tumor antigens are disclosed. Such immunity is generated by immunization with homologous foreign proteins. Self tumor antigens include protein expression products of overexpressed human oncogenes, such as human HER- 2 /neu protein, and organ-specific or tissue-specific differentiation antigens, such as PAP or PSA, associated with tumor cells.

1 - 12 . (canceled)  
     
     
         13 . A method of eliciting or enhancing a T cell response to human HER-2/neu protein, comprising immunizing a human being with a composition comprising a protein or portion thereof having at least 80% amino acid sequence homology to HER-2/neu protein but not identical in amino acid sequence to human HER-2/neu protein.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13  wherein the composition further includes a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.  
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13  wherein the composition further includes an adjuvant.  
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 13  wherein the composition further includes an adjuvant and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.