Polypeptide

Abstract

The present invention provides 5T4 tumour-associated antigen (TAA) for use in a method of immunotherapy of tumours. The invention also relates to a recombinant poxvirus vector from which at least one immune evasion gene has been deleted, which comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding a 5T4 TAA and the use thereof in vaccinating against and in treating tumours.

1 - 3 . (canceled) 
     
     
         4 . A vector comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding 5T4 antigen, wherein said 5T4 antigen is capable of inducing an anti-tumor immunotherapeutic response in a subject having a 5T4 antigen-expressing tumor. 
     
     
         5 . The vector of  claim 4 , wherein said vector is a viral vector. 
     
     
         6 . A composition comprising the vector according to  claim 4 , and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 
     
     
         7 . The composition of  claim 6 , wherein said vector is a viral vector. 
     
     
         8 . The composition of  claim 6 , further comprising one or more adjuvants. 
     
     
         9 . The vector of  claim 4 , wherein said 5T4 antigen is capable of inducing a 5T4-specific Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte (CTL) response. 
     
     
         10 . A vector comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding 5T4 antigen, wherein said 5T4 antigen is capable of inducing a 5T4-specific CTL response. 
     
     
         11 . The vector of  claim 10 , wherein said 5T4 antigen is capable of inducing an anti-tumor immunotherapeutic response in a subject having a 5T4 antigen-expressing tumor. 
     
     
         12 . The vector of  claim 11 , wherein said vector is a viral vector. 
     
     
         13 . A composition comprising the vector according to  claim 11 , and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 
     
     
         14 . The composition of  claim 13 , further comprising one or more adjuvants.