Low Antigen-dose Immunization for Maximizing T-helper Cell 1 (Th1) Immunity Against a Pathogen

Abstract

Disclosed are compositions, kits, and methods for inducing an immune response against disease. The dosage of antigen contained or utilized in the presently disclosed compositions, kits, and methods is substantially lower than dosages conventionally used in the field. The compositions, kits, and methods may be utilized to induce a cell-mediated response, such as a T-helper cell response, and/or a humoral response against a pathogen or a disease. In some embodiments, the compositions, kits, and methods may be utilized to induce preferentially a Th1 response versus other types of immune responses such as a Th2 response.

1 .- 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A method for inducing in a subject in need thereof a protective T-cell immune response against a disease, the method comprising administering a vaccine comprising a panel of peptides to the subject, wherein each peptide of the panel of peptides is administered at a dose that delivers no more than 2 pg of peptide per 1 g body weight of the subject. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein each peptide of the panel of peptides has an amino acid length of 5-200 amino acids. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein each peptide of the panel of peptides has an amino acid length of 5-20 amino acids. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the vaccine is administered at a dose that delivers no more than 1 pg of peptide per 1 g body weight of the subject. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the vaccine is administered at a dose that delivers no more than 0.5 pg of peptide per 1 g body weight of the subject. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the vaccine is administered at a dose that delivers no more than 0.1 pg of peptide per 1 g body weight of the subject. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the vaccine is administered at a dose that delivers no more than 0.05 pg of peptide per 1 g body weight of the subject. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the vaccine is administered at a dose that delivers no more than 0.01 pg of peptide per 1 g body weight of the subject. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the method comprises administering the vaccine, waiting for at least about 4 weeks, and then administering the vaccine again. 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the method induces an immune response against a pathogen. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein the pathogen is a bacteria or a virus. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the subject is a human. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the subject is a bovine, a porcine, a canine, or a feline. 
     
     
         34 . A method for inducing in a subject in need thereof a protective T-cell immune response against a disease, the method comprising administering a vaccine comprising a panel of peptides to the subject, wherein each peptide of the panel of peptides is administered at a dose that delivers no more than 0.1 pg of peptide per 1 g body weight of the subject, and each peptide of the panel of peptides has an amino acid length of 5-200 ammo acids. 
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 34 , wherein the method induces an immune response against a pathogen. 
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 34 , wherein the vaccine further comprises a pharmaceutical solution comprising, a carrier, diluent, excipient, or adjuvant. 
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 34 , wherein the vaccine is administered at a dose that delivers no more than 0.05 pg of peptide per 1 g body weight of the subject. 
     
     
         38 . A method for inducing in a subject in need thereof a protective T-cell immune response against, a disease, the method comprising administering a vaccine comprising a panel of peptides to the subject, wherein each peptide of the panel of peptides is administered at a dose that delivers no more than 0.1 pg of peptide per 1 g body weight of the subject, and each peptide of the panel of peptides has an amino acid length of 5-20 amino acids. 
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein the method induces an immune response against a pathogen. 
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein the vaccine is administered at a dose that delivers no more than 0.05 pg of peptide per 1 g body weight of the subject.