Replikins and methods of identifying replikin-containing sequences

Abstract

The present invention provides methods for identifying a class of peptides referred to as replikins and methods of using replikins to stimulate the immune system of a subject. The method of identifying replikin peptides is based on identifying amino acid sequences comprising 7 to about 50 amino acids that contain (1) at least one lysine residue located six to ten residues from a second lysine residue; (2) at least one histidine residue; and (3) at least 6% lysine residues.

1 - 14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . An antibody that specifically binds to a non-viral peptide sequence comprising from 7 to about 50 amino acid residues with at least one lysine residue on one end of the peptide sequence and at least one lysine residue or at least one histidine residue on the other end of the peptide sequence, wherein said peptide sequence comprises: (1) at least one lysine residue located six to ten residues from a second lysine residue; (2) at least one histidine residue; and (3) at least 6% lysine residues. 
     
     
         16 . An antibody cocktail comprising a plurality of antibodies, wherein each of the antibodies specifically binds to a peptide sequence comprising from 7 to 50 amino acids and including (1) at least one lysine residue located six to ten residues from a second lysine residue; (2) at least one histidine residue; and (3) at least 6% lysine residues. 
     
     
         17 - 108 . (canceled) 
     
     
         109 . The antibody cocktail of  claim 16  wherein at least one antibody of said plurality of antibodies specifically binds to a peptide sequence having at least one lysine residue on one end of the peptide sequence and at least one lysine residue or at least one histidine residue on the other end of the peptide sequence. 
     
     
         110 . The antibody cocktail of  claim 16 , wherein the peptide sequence is a non-viral peptide sequence. 
     
     
         111 . The antibody cocktail of  claim 109 , wherein the peptide sequence is a non-viral peptide sequence. 
     
     
         112 . The antibody of  claim 15 , wherein said non-viral peptide sequence is an algal peptide sequence. 
     
     
         113 . The antibody of  claim 15 , wherein said non-viral peptide sequence is a yeast peptide sequence. 
     
     
         114 . The antibody of  claim 15 , wherein said non-viral peptide sequence is an amoeba peptide sequence. 
     
     
         115 . The antibody of  claim 15 , wherein said non-viral peptide sequence is a plant peptide sequence. 
     
     
         116 . The antibody of  claim 15 , wherein said non-viral peptide sequence is a replication-associated peptide sequence. 
     
     
         117 . The antibody of  claim 15 , wherein said non-viral peptide sequence is a bacterial peptide sequence. 
     
     
         118 . The antibody of  claim 15 , wherein said non-viral peptide sequence is a transforming-associated peptide sequence. 
     
     
         119 . The antibody of  claim 15 , wherein said non-viral peptide sequence is a cancer peptide sequence. 
     
     
         120 . The antibody of  claim 119 , wherein said cancer peptide sequence is a glioma peptide sequence. 
     
     
         121 . The antibody of  claim 15  wherein said peptide sequence comprises at least one peptide sequence of SEQ ID NO(s): 1-2, 34-46, 50, 52-53, 59, 65-72, or 74-90. 
     
     
         122 . The antibody of  claim 15 , wherein said peptide sequence consists of one peptide sequence of SEQ ID NO(s): 1-2, 34-46, 50, 52-53, 59, 65-72, or 74-90. 
     
     
         123 . An antibody that specifically binds to a peptide sequence of 7 to 50 amino acid residues comprising at least one of SEQ ID NO(s): 3-18, 47-49, 51, 54-58, 60-64, or 73. 
     
     
         124 . The antibody of  claim 123 , wherein said peptide sequence consists of one peptide sequence of SEQ ID NO(s): 3-18, 47-49, 51, 54-58, 60-64, or 73.