Compositions and methods for the therapy and diagnosis of breast cancer

Abstract

Compositions and methods for the therapy and diagnosis of cancer, particularly breast cancer, are disclosed. Illustrative compositions comprise one or more breast tumor polypeptides, immunogenic portions thereof, polynucleotides that encode such polypeptides, antigen presenting cell that expresses such polypeptides, and T cells that are specific for cells expressing such polypeptides. The disclosed compositions are useful, for example, in the diagnosis, prevention and/or treatment of diseases, particularly breast cancer.

1 . An isolated polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of: 
 (d) sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO:594-627;    (e) sequences having at least 70% identity to a sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:594-627; and    (f) sequences having at least 90% identity to a sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:594-627.    
     
     
         2 . An expression vector comprising a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide of  claim 1  operably linked to an expression control sequence.  
     
     
         3 . A host cell transformed or transfected with an expression vector according to  claim 2 .  
     
     
         4 . An isolated antibody, or antigen-binding fragment thereof, that specifically binds to a polypeptide of  claim 1 .  
     
     
         5 . A method for detecting the presence of a cancer in a patient, comprising the steps of: 
 (a) obtaining a biological sample from the patient;    (b) contacting the biological sample with a binding agent that binds to a polypeptide of  claim 1;     (c) detecting in the sample an amount of polypeptide that binds to the binding agent; and    (d) comparing the amount of polypeptide to a predetermined cut-off value and therefrom determining the presence of a cancer in the patient.    
     
     
         6 . A fusion protein comprising at least one polypeptide according to  claim 1 .  
     
     
         7 . A composition comprising a first component selected from the group consisting of physiologically acceptable carriers and immunostimulants, and a second component selected from the group consisting of: 
 (a) polypeptides according to  claim 1;     (b) polynucleotides encoding a polypeptide according to  claim 1;     (c) antibodies according to  claim 4;     (d) fusion proteins according to  claim 6;     (e) antigen presenting cells that express a polypeptide according to  claim 1 .    
     
     
         8 . A method for stimulating an immune response in a patient, comprising administering to the patient a composition of  claim 7 .  
     
     
         9 . A method for the treatment of a cancer in a patient, comprising administering to the patient a composition of  claim 7 .  
     
     
         10 . A diagnostic kit comprising at least one antibody according to  claim 4  and a detection reagent, wherein the detection reagent comprises a reporter group.